Budapest to Krakow overnight train

I have no experience with this train, but the reliable railway planner of the Deutsche Bahn (www.bahn.com/en/view/index.shtml) indicates it is a direct connection without changes.

I tend to start with the Web site of the train company in the originating country. In this case

http://elvira.mav-start.hu/elvira.dll/x/uf?iehack=%3F&ed=588B539E&mikor=-1&isz=0&language=2&k=&ref=&retur=&nyit=&_charset_=UTF-8&vparam=&i=BUDAPEST*&e=KRAKOW*&v=&u=1156&d=17.01.30&go=Timetable

It's a through carriage meaning you will be hooked and unhooked to a couple of trains along the way, but you never have to leave your comfy bed. Good luck.

It is exactly as James says. They will be hooking and unhooking your carriage I think in Breclav and Bohumin but you will stay in your bed and hope you could sleep through all that racket.

I'm a light sleeper, so that wouldn't be my choice. For a few dollars, you can take a scenic 7.5 hour bus ride through Slovakia during the day. That's what I'm planning. Last year, when I checked, there were 3 bus companies offering the route, all about the same price, but at different times of the day.

Thanks everybody, I appreciate the help. It's definitely put my mind at ease!

Also I'll have a think about the bus trip too. It seems like a long time but if it's very scenic it might not be such a bad idea!

I haven't taken that particular bus, but I've been on my fair share of all-day European bus rides, and I don't mind them. The buses take rest breaks every 2 to 2-1/2 hours and the seats are comfortable for me (I admit to being short). Inter-city buses are air-conditioned (and I've been on some local trains that were not).

It has occurred to me that the reason I don't need to build in a down (break) day even on a long trip is that I get intermittent breaks all along, sitting on buses. Some folks would go stir-crazy, I'm sure.

Have you thought of breaking up the trip. Krakow to the High Tatras of Slovakia for a night or two; then on to Budapest. Just for the views and the photos: https://www.google.com/search?q=slovakia+high+tatras&safe=off&biw=1920&bih=1028&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ved=0ahUKEwiluKr5nO3RAhUL_mMKHVrsDJoQ_AUIBigB The Kempinski High Tatras is affordable off season (summer). They will even send a car to pick you up in Krakow. From there you can train to Bratislava and then to Budapest. OR, the hotel will drive you to Budapest. (you didn't identify a budget).

The Budapest to Krakow overnight train is direct. There are no changes en-route. You board in Budapest and get off in Krakow.

There is also the option to travel by day on this route, changing at Katowice.

Only overnight train is direct. There are several options to travel by train during a day but you have to change trains in Katowice and Breclav. The first train after you change in Katowice is Warsaw - Wien, the second Prague - Budapest, and of course your very first train would be Krakow - Katowice. If you are a good sleeper take a night train if you like scenery take a bus through Slovakia. Connection by train during a day is not very convenient.

Hi,

The advantage of a night train , obviously depending on the time of departure, is that usually you can get a direct connection in contrast to day routes should that make any difference to you. I would take the night connection but, in this case, changing in Katowice would be interesting too. I went through Katowice in 2001...interesting. I take night trains on every trip (since 2009) but never have had to change "during the night." That can be avoided.