My partner and I are currently planning a trip to Prague for the end of May 2019, for about 10-12 days, and would like to include a couple of other stops since it will be our first time in Europe.
His main focus is Prague, we will be there for 3-4 days; I would like to have the chance to see Berlin, maybe Dresden, and hopefully tour Auschwitz (Munich was lightly thrown into our discussions, as was Vienna and Budapest...however I know we wouldn't be able to fit those into less than a two week trip).
Realizing that these three destinations are approximately 5-6 hours driving distance apart, when should we, and in what order, include them in our itinerary? My initial idea was to fly into Berlin, drive through Dresden to Prague, on to Krakow and then back to Berlin, so that we are flying in and out of the same airport... (not sure if that matters). If the price difference allows I'm sure we could fly in and out of a different city. Once in Europe, we are definitely not opposed to taking a train; driving is fine with us as well. Are we able to rent a car in one city and then leave it in another if we were to travel by train for part of the trip? Or can we travel by train for the majority of the trip?
Like I said above, this will be our first time in Europe and I'd like to keep the confusion associated with travelling to a minimum...if at all possible =)
Any advice is definitely appreciated!
Posted by
Reading, PA, USA
1637 posts
The drop off charge for renting a car in one country and returning it to another would be very steep. This alone says you should use a train or a low cost airline (they may be less costly than trains) to go between cities. To get the lowest cost train fares you should start looking now.
Posted by
Seattle
4637 posts
For your itinerary of big cities take a train. Berlin -> Dresden -> Prague -> Krakow. Fly so called open jaw. To Berlin and back from Krakow. For your itinerary train would be cheaper, probably faster and more comfortable plus no hassle with rental car like driving in traffic jams of big European cities, getting lost, getting fines (speeding, parking, etc.), looking and paying for parking.
Posted by
Fort Myers, FL
1882 posts
You really need to first check airfare to these cities and go from there. Keep in mind you will lose 2 days for jet lag and your return flight home, plus 2 travel days to Krakow and then to Berlin. That only leaves you 6-8 days on the ground to see what you choose. I would suggest Prague and Krakow or Prague, Dresden and Berlin. Have a good trip.
Posted by
Washington DC
28090 posts
You'll need every day you can possibly scrounge to do even part of what you are thinking of. How many nights can you manage in Europe--not counting the overnight flight?
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
20237 posts
Prague to Krakow on the train is 7.5 to 8 hours. Ryanair does the flight nonstop in an hour and for under $100.
I would fly into Budapest, then a $125 flight to Prague, then a $100 flight to Krakow, then home. Cheap and time efficient; and 3 totally different experiences.
Posted by
Tel Aviv
15788 posts
Fly open-jaw Berlin/Krakow. Berlin to Dresden to Prague is easy (about 2-3 hour trips each) by bus or train. I would probably skip Dresden because you don't have a lot of time, but you could spend a few hours on an overnight stay if its a high priority. Then fly from Prague to Krakow. The train takes at least 7 hours.
Count nights in Europe and subract one. That's how many days you have on the ground. Now subtract 1/2 day for each hotel change. That's how much time you have to get oriented to each new place and sightsee. You are going to 3 countries, that means 3 different languages, 3 different city transportation systems, different signage, and different currencies and exchange rates. Do not minimize the mental and emotional toll that takes when you are in unfamiliar surroundings. 4 cities in 12 nights is fast-paced. I wouldn't go to Berlin without 3 full days there. Consider going to Terezin as a day trip from Prague instead of going all the way to Poland for Auschwitz. It's a completely different experience but it may compensate for skipping a death/extermination camp visit.