Hi,
My wife and I are going to Prague in May staying there for 5 nights and on the 6day in the evening were planning on taking a night train to Krakow arriving in the morning on the next day. I was planning on spending the day in the town and then early in the morning on the next day go to Aushwitz returning by 3pm into the city to catch a flight out of Krakow at 5:50pm.
Does this seem reasonable? Would anybody recommend adding an extra day in Krakow taking it from Prague?
In Prague if time permits we may take a day trip to Karlovy Vari? The reason for the train trip at night is not to waist day traveling as well as do it in cost effective way, sleeping on the train vs night in a hotel + airfare.
Any thoughts suggestions?

I spent two months studying abroad in Prague two years ago and it was amazing. That said, I also visited Krakow for several days and it is too precious not to devote at least a day to the city (even at the expense of Prague). We did tours all over the CR and Karlovy Vary was lovely, although completely touristed, it depends more on what you want, I personally preferred our trips to the Pilsner factory and Becherovka factory but I was a college student

Thanks for reply. In case it is was not clear we are definetely spending one full day in Krakow. The other half day is spent on a trip to Aushwitz. Only half because we will be flying out on the second day at 5:50pm so I am thinking I will need to be back in town by 3pm to have time to get to the airport.
Tx

I would take a night from Prague - I found Prague horribly crowded (admittedly August, but I was told it's bad from Easter to October), and Krakow charming. Also, I would allocate a whole day for Auschwitz as including Birkenau it's a big site and should be taken slowly. I also found it thoroughly depressing - I'd recommend spending the evening in Krakow recovering over a good drink rather than hassling to get on a plane.

I'm planning on going to Krakow this summer. To my knowledge the tour I'm taking is a half day tour switch means that I would get back to krakow passed 3:00pm. I guess it depends on if you are just going to Auschwitz or the other two surrounding camps too. I’m just saying you might not have enough time to get to the airport and pass all of the security. Auschwitz is supposed to be very moving and I don’t want you to change your mind.

Visited Prague and Krakow last March. As mentioned earlier, Prague was JAMMED with people. This was the week before Easter. Took the day train to Krakow. Though it was a 8 hour trip I met some great people both locals and tourist and the trip went by fast. Scenery from Prague to Krakow is nothing to write home about.

A word of caution. Be prepared to see homeless and drunks and druggies in the Prague station. Pretty depressing and a bit scary though no one bothered me. I understand they are building a new station . They REALLY need it as the present one is old and dirty.
I would definetly take a day from Prague to spend in Krakow. Auschwitz should be given a full day. VERY moving!!
Have a great trip. You'll love both cities.

2 years ago we did the opposite night train from Krakow to Prague. PRague was very crowded as opposed to Krakow. THe salt mines at Wieliczka was very interesting about a half day trip, but the castle and cathederal in Krakow should not be missed. Just hire a guide on the path up to the church. We ate every night on the Rynek square, reasonable and quite tasty. THere is a Ukranian restaurant just opposite the Grunwald monument that has the best fish soup only on Friday and saturday nights rest of the menu is excellent. If you need the address my wife may remember.

Hi,
I did a Prague/Krakow trip two years ago, and liked Prague but loved Krakow. Like others said, Prague was overrun with tourists. Krakow was wonderfully tourist free (almost). I'd spend at least two full days in Krakow, in addition to the day you visit Auschwitz/Birkenau. You should see both camps but I wouldn't do it on the day you leave for the airport - you'll be much too rushed. Also be sure to see the salt mines. They're amazing.

I took the night train RT between the two cities. I'd recommend a private sleeper for the two of you. You can get your tickets when you arrive in Prague. You'll be awakened for passport control around 3 a.m.