sega61

What is the best way to get from Warsaw to Krakow? Train, bus, rental car? We don't have a long trip to Poland so the faster the better. And then we have to get from Krakow to the airport in Warsaw. Any suggestions and tips are really appreciated. This is my first trip to Poland. Thanks!

Wayne

I always enjoy driving wherever I go in Europe, but to go and rent a car just for the fairly short trip between these two cities isn't very sensible. Trains and buses run frequently enough that you shouldn't have any problem with either. Good luck.

Kasia

You should absolutely NOT rent a car for this trip -- there are plenty of trains that travel between Krakow and Warsaw. Be sure and get what I believe is called an "Intercity" express train, splurge on a 1st class ticket (it's not much of a splurge!). The journey takes about 3 hours.

Check out the Polish railways website, www.pkp.pl -- there's an English version. Also, when searching for trains, be sure and specify that you want a train from "Warszawa Centralna" to "Krakow Glowny." Those are the two main rail stations in each town.

Good luck and enjoy Poland -- you should try the Chlopskie Jadlo restaurant in Krakow, there are several locations. It's sturdy Polish fare, exquisitely prepared. Hey, where else can you get homemade lard to spread on your bread? Also, be sure and check out the bars in the old Jewish quarter, Kazimierz. For Warsaw, I like the Restauracja Polska -- let me know if you want directions; it's downtown, but a little tricky to find.

PeterB

I agree with Kasia on 1. do not rent - Krakow Old City is closed to traffic - so you be just paying for guarded parking as well as daily rental for a car just sitting there. Not to mention it will probably take you longer then a train trip ... 2. Restauracja Polska in Warsaw - a very good choice ...

swissradpoon

Hi - Does anyone know if I can take a train to Krakow directly from the airport at Warsaw? If so, what is the name of the station at the airport? Thanks.

ben_haines_london

The reference library of a city near you may have the Thomas Cook European Rail Timetable. Table 1065 shows that InterCity trains with restaurant cars leave Warsaw Central at 0605, 0705 (not Sundays), 0805, 0905 (not Suns), 1005 (Suns), 1205, 1405, 1505 (Mon to Fri), 1605 (not Sat) 1705, 1805, and 2005 and take three hours to Krakow main station. This main station has pickpockets in groups of three, so you should put money for a meal into a deep pocket, and all other valuables into a packet deep inside a big piece of baggage, to come out only at reception in your Krakow hotel.

The same table shows that trains with restaurant cars leave Krakow main station at 0600, 0700 (Mon to Fri), 0800, 0900 (Tues to Fri), 1000, 1200, 1400, 1500 (not Satts), 1600, 1800, 1900, and 2000, and take three hours to Warsaw Central. Table 5 shows that busses run from Warsaw Central station in 30 minutes to the airport, every 20 minutes Mon to Fri, and every 30 minutes Sat and Sun. If your plane leaves Warsaw airport early you can leave Krakow main station until 1 October in a couchette at 0148 and reach Warsaw Central at 0630, which lets you reach the airport by 0730 and take a plane at 0930 or later.

I am afraid there is no train to Warsaw airport. I know no reason to go first class, as second is fine on these superior trains. To foil the pickpockets I carry only my railway ticket and some money, and put all other valuables in a packet deep inside a big bag, to come out only at the hotel reception or at the airport. To leave Krakow I ask an Orbis office which platform my train leaves from and ask my hotel staff to book me a reputable taxi from my hotel to the roof of the station, which is a taxi park. There I drive to the lift for my platform, hold my ticket, and go straight down to my train, where station staff look at my ticket and show me my seat or berth. It is one of the fastest departures in Europe.

Ben Haines, London
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delor

We're planning a trip by train. It is only 3 hours-direct. Unfortunately, Krakow to Prague is a pain (see my earlier thread)
and I guess we have to hire a driver as the only train under 7 hours for a 300 mile trip (? has a 6 minute connection (yeah , right and with luggage!) or the flites go from Krakow to Warsaw to whatever and cost over $500 starting at 6 AM. At least a driver is the same (for 3 people) and we see the sights and leave when we want. Drive? No thanks...don't speak or read Polish or Czeck (a big problem if there is an issue like accident or tic) and price wise it's a draw... but you see the local sites in a car...
Any other suggestions are welcome!

bumble

I AM GOING TO WARSAW FOR THANKSGIVING. WE WOULD LIKE TO STAY IN THE BRISTOL OR THE REGINA HOTELS. WHICH WOULD BE BETTER? ANY SUGGETSIONS ON A NICE ROOM ? ALSO, CAN YOU BIKE IN OR AROUND WARSAW. WHAT ARE THE TRAINS LIKE TO KRAKOW?
THANKS [email protected]

delor

We stayed at the Bristol and loved it.
Old Europe at it's best and great food.
The rooms are traditional turn of the century high ceiling style. We got a room over the center court, which is quieter.
The trains are a cinch! We had the concierge reserve our seats (an excellent idea, as no smoking and reserved seats in 1st class are a must-even if you are on a budget) I can't begin to describe the smoke in other cabins. They do have snack carts and a restaurant car, but it is easier carrying your own snacks and water.
Just a little health hint. If you ever get slightly allergic to the air, pack an antihisimine. Something in the air in Warsaw drove my husband and me nuts.
It seems to be a common problem with travelers there. The locals call it "pollution"! Achoo! Oh, and visit the National Art Museum. The Polish Artist exhibit is one of the most dazzling and surprising exhibits I've ever seen anywhere in the world. Basically unknown works to most art lovers, but ones that can rival any European artists from the 1600's to the early 20th century.