Prague to Krakow
 

Should have bought the one-way ticket to Krakow when I saw it a few weeks ago for $175; now it's $600. I know everyone talks about the night train to Krakow, but for safety's sake, would I need first class rather than second? A semi-private room? Is the train ride interesting during the day, and would that be the better choice? Thanks!

I took the train from Brno to Krakow and didn't think the trip was terribly scenic. It was long as is the ride from Prague to Krakow.

My train was 15 minutes late getting into Katowice (where you will change as well) and I missed my connection. But this isn't a problem as there are lots of trains from Katowice to Krakow - just hop on the next one leaving for Krakow. There are large schedules posted between the tracks, check when the next train leaves and get on.

I would not want to be sitting at the Katowice station at 5:00 in the morning when it's probably cold and damp so I would advise a day train. I'm not sure if anything is open at the station at that hour.

I've only booked 2nd class couchettes on night trains so can't comment on the safety of 1st or 2nd sleepers but I doubt it would make much difference.

Keep searching for a decent plane fare from Prague.

Some people buy a round trip ticket and cancel the return saying they'll use the second leg at a later date.

The train fare is only 40 euros in 2nd class.

You then pay a (approx) 12 euro supplement fora couchette (berth in shared 6 bunk compartment) or far better, 19 euros for a bed in a 3-bed sleeper. Or 27 euros if you want a bed in a 2-bed sleeper.

If you want sole occupancy of a single-bed sleeper, that requires a 1st class ticket (60 euros) and a 'single' sleeper supplement (approx 60 euros), but that's hardly necessary, it's fine to share with other civilised sleeper passengers of the same sex, travellers just like you.

The sleeping-car has been modernised, is comfortable, safe, with locks and security chains on every door, and an attendant on duty.

It's easy to book when you get there, try the English speaking Wasteels office on the upper level of Prague Hlavni station.

Please forget the misleading terms '1st and 2nd class'. 2nd class could mean a seat (unsafe, the equivalent of a shop doorway), a couchette (a youth hostel on rails) or a sleeper (the hotel on rails).

In the safe and comfortable sleeping-car, 'class' is only relevant to the occupancy, and only a 2nd cla ss ticket or railpass is now necessary for a bed in a 3 bed or 2 bed sleeper.

Man in Seat 61: You certainly are knowledgeable about the train! Would you suggest the night train (as Adrienne suggests, the route isn't very scenic) or not (she mentions the unpleasantness of a 5:00 a.m. stop in Katowice)?

Thanks to both of you!

Any other opinions, anybody?

The later train (11 minutes past midnight) requires a change at 4:30 and the wait is 2 hours. This is worse than the change in Katowice.

You also have to consider how much sleep you'll get on the night train. I can sleep on trains but do wake up every time the train stops at a station because of the lack of motion. Polish trains make frequent stops and the train leaving at 22:00 makes 20 stops. If you're not a good sleeper you'll be awakened 20 times.