We are in Krakow the first week of October and wish to travel to Budapest. Has anyone had experience with rail travel in this region? or are we better to fly? We are finding it difficult to find a carrier for this part of our trip.

From one of the post's :
There's one overnight train from Krakow to Budapest. The best way to buy a ticket is when you're in Krakow. It isn't possible for you to book it on line because you would need to have an account in one of Polish banks. However, if you have a friend in Poland they could buy a ticket for you. I've found that Polish Rails had introduced buying tickets for a third person this year. The train goes every day so you may not have problems with getting a ticket. On the other hand, students in Poland have holidays at that time so the train may be crowded. Especially that they get 40% discount on a ticket. No discount for you, I'm afraid, unless you want to buy a return ticket. The journey takes nearly eleven hours.

One more option from previous post's:


Author: SomewhereOutThere
Date: 07/23/2007, 08:47 pm
One more vote for flying! We traveled from Krakow to Budapest in May on Malev Air Flight 847 - Leaves Krakow at 4:05P, arrives Budapest at 4:55P. Very nice flight - Krakow is a small airport - not stressful. We paid $187.90 each with taxes & fees for a May flight. You can't book online for delivery outside Poland...must call their office or go through a travel agent...and must get paper tickets. But, it really is a great option.

Malev's the most expensive way to go. Try SkyEurope, SmartWings or Wizzair.

Don't overlook a bus trip. Check trains to Bratislava from Kraków and then from Bratislava to Budapest.