Please sign in to post.

Overnight train from Krakow to Prague

I made reservations for my family of four on the overnight train from Krakow to Prague for June 22, 2014. I just received word that the sleeper cars are sold out! They offered the regular seats. Has anyone been on that train? Can you tell me how comfortable it would be to overnight in regular seats? Three of the four family members are over 6 feet. My husband is 6' 5" and 70 years old, he is concerned that it won't be a comfortable night. I am having difficulty finding alternative travel options. Thank you for any feedback you can offer.

Posted by
792 posts

My family of four hired a private car to drive us from Krakow to Prague. It took about 4 1/2 hours and the price was comparable to 4 train tickets. I think train seats are comfortable enough for the day (they are bigger/more leg room than airline seats). But it would definitely be difficult to get a good nights sleep. I can let you know the name of the company we used if you want to go that route. Just send me a message. Have a good trip!

Posted by
3 posts

Kristen, I would be very interested in the private car company. Thanks for your quick response. Nancy

Posted by
16893 posts

If they offered a couchette, in a compartment with either 4 or 6 people, then that does give you a flat bed, same as the more private sleepers. I would be surprised if beds are sold out a month in advance. But if they only have regular seats, then that is not a comfortable sleeping option.

Posted by
3 posts

I contacted Rail Europe and they do have an opening for us on Monday, June 23 so I think we will spend an extra day in Krakow and take the night train Monday night. Many thanks to those that responded. Nancy

Posted by
2 posts

I just got back from Europe last Wednesday, and my wife and I took that train the the prior Sunday night, but from Prague to Krakow. If you are traveling in the four-person sleeper on that Czech train, be prepared for a very primitive experience. Noisy, poor ventilation, dirty old lavatories, etc. If I were doing it over I would have had Andrew Durnam pick me up and drive me to Krakow. Cost is comparable but it is a FAR BETTER experience! See other post on here about Andrew.

Posted by
41 posts

I'm planning a trip to Poland next year, and I figure after my time in Krakow I want to spend time in Prague again. As of now I'm thinking of either taking the day train from Krakow to Prague (the one with many stops and where you have to change trains twice) or spending money on an overnight train. I'm not sure if I'll spend money on hiring a private driver, though I'll think about it a bit more.

Posted by
2026 posts

We were put off by the connections between Prague and Krakow a couple of years ago and opted for an overnight in Olomoucs. Easy tram/bus from station to town and back. We arrived in the early afternoon, and took the train on to Prague the next afternoon. Olomoucs was a pretty town, and we were happy with our decision. Our last overnight train ride was 40 years ago...that chapter is closed for good.

Posted by
41 posts

Thanks for sharing your experience Denny, and I think breaking up the train journey from Krakow with a stop in Olomoucs is an excellent idea. I'm thinking spending a night or two in Olomoucs would be great, and then I figure the train journey is very straightforward from Olomoucs to Prague.

Posted by
3816 posts

I agree with Denny, 35 years ago we took cheap buses and ferries, but now we go the private driver route. Always more comfortable, flexible time wise and most time quicker. We put Andrew I my notes for our trip to Poland.