zoebert

We will be driving from Prague to Krakow. We would like to take a day trip to Zakopane. However, a friend who lives in Krakow has told us the road to Zakopane is very dangerous and we should not consider driving it. Has anyone experienced this drive?

Borealis

I have experienced this drive (wasn't doing the driving, a family member in Poland did that) and have lived to tell the tale.
The problem isn't so much the road, but the drivers, which as far as I'm concerned are all crazy.
On narrow two lane roads they constantly pass each other at high speed while there is a lot of oncoming traffic. Made me turn prematurely grey (. . . well, not really , but close to it!!).

joegri

zoebert: It isn't that bad. It will be slower than the distance might indicate (takes about two and a half hours). The third "lane" the drivers use is all right once you get the hang of it. The road is essentially two lane, but drivers go to the right as far as they can unless they are passing. This leaves another "lane" available in the center which is used for passing. You occupy this middle lane by turning on your head lights as you signal and enter the lane. Make sure the lane isn't already occupied by an oncoming car. By procedure, the lane is yours as long as you keep your lights on and your passing. Procedure requires you to go back into the shoulder "lane" when you have finished passinf so someone else can use the passing lane. This procedure is used in some countries where two lanes are the norm. Again, it isn't that bad and it does work.
If you decide to take public transportation, the buses are faster than the train. Have a great trip.

PeterB

From Krakow you would need to follow signs for Chyzne then in Rabka you will see signs for Zakopane ... To Rabka road is fine but then after half way from Rabka to Zakopane in narrows down... iz it dangerous - well that depends if it's winter driving you be doing or going when there is no snow. At winter yes it can be... I would also avoid late night driving esspecailly if you like to step on it... Any major Polish holidays or long weekends this road gets packed...
Driving this road more then few times - only problem area is getting stuck behind a very slow truck and then trying to pass it on a a hilly road with many turns... Zakopane is worth a trip so definitly don't miss it - just allow at least double time for this trip... When in Zakopane min. to do is to go up Gubalowka just follow all the street stands and people selling some really nice stuff cheap ... (do shopping on way back from Gubalowka ...Driving follow signs for Gazda or Giewont Hotel which right on Krupowki Str (main street) which takes you to Gubalowka Lift. Right before you have 2 secure parking areas
http://www.orbis.pl/indexH.php4?h=35&j=1
Enjoy.

higher

If it's only a day trip then how about taking the bus instead of driving?

There are at least three different bus operator on the Krakow to Zakopane route. All busses leave from stops located right at the exit from the Krakow Glowny train station. The journey usually takes about an hour and a half and the cost of a one-way ticket is about 15 zloty (4 euros).

I wouldn't say driving the route is dangerous but it will make you tired as it is rather difficult and sometimes (especially on weekends) there is a lot of traffic.

dcdee

Maybe we were just lucky but we found the drive to be totally unremarkable as to danger or drivers when we went to Zakopane in late Sept., 2003.

We followed the same directions that PeterB gave you. On your return to Krakow, you might consider returning to Krakow by traveling west from Zakopane on Rte. 958 which then turns north and passes through Chocholow (a small village of old style wooden houses with connecting barns and a pretty wooden church) and passing some beautiful vistas of the Tatra Mts. At Rabka the road will connect with your original route from Krakow to Zakopane.