travel from Krakow to Prague

Posted by J&K (US) on 07/29/25 02:45 AM

We are staying near the train stations in Krakow and Prague so thinking taking the train is the easiest way to get to Prague from Krakow. We are going in September. Looking for recommendations on which train to take/book. Railninja came up with a route I think we should take - it's a high speed train. Do I have to book through Railninja? I'd rather book directly with the train company (Czech Railways) www.cd.cz - opinions of which website to use? I don't like to use third party websites like booking.com for hotels - I'm thinking Railninja is like Booking.com, correct? We haven't taken trains very often in Europe - usually fly.

TIA

Posted by Kenko

Citizen of the World

07/29/25 04:44 AM

3337 posts

Do NOT book through RailNinja. They are a predatory third-party reseller of train tix known for gouging customers, in some cases charging $50-$70 and even more above the actual ticket cost,

Go to the website of Ceske Drahy, the Czech national train company, at www.cd.cz/en and book directly with them. You’ll get the best deals for your tickets on that website. They usually have the least expensive tickets for an early morning train.

www.Seat61.com will explain how cd.cz works and that cd.cz has the least expensive tickets for trains running between the Czech Republic and Germany, Austria and Poland.

If the prices are not listed for your date, then request that Ceske Drahy e-mail prices to you when you’re on the website. It may be a bit early to buy the tickets but. If this is the case, they should be available to buy online during August.

Regiojet also has tix available from Krakow to Prague ( Praha hl.n) and it’s a legitimate alternative to Ceske Drahy. www.TheTrainline.com —another reputable reseller —will quickly show you what trains and buses will be running on your date so you can get an idea of what some of your options are.

Have fun in Krakow & Prague!

Posted by Frank II

Freedonia

07/29/25 07:21 AM

17643 posts

Buy direct from the train operator. You will get the best prices and if there is a problem, they will take care of it.

Railninja has been a frequent topic on this forum and not in a positive way.

I always book direct.

Posted by Mr Ë 🇺🇸 🇺🇦

Republic of Texas / U.S.A. / Magyarország / Budapest

07/29/25 01:18 PM

23389 posts

And www.TheTrainline(.)com is "maybe" a less predatory third-party seller, but still a third-party seller. Absolutely no reason to use or recommend them on this route. Check both the Czech and the Polish sites. They may show different trains and even for the same train the prices may be different. There is absolutely nothing easy about booking a train between countries in Europe.

By definition a high speed train is one that goes at least 200 km/hr, that 127mph. So "high speed" is sort of relative. I doubt any of these trains maintain that speed. You are looking at 5.5 hours to 7 hours. Since you are staying near the train station at each end, well you have already compromised for the sake of train travel. But your door to door will be 6.25 to 7.75 hours. There will "probably" be a snack bar car $$$ and a line. As important is what part of the day you travel. Do you loose the entire middle or the day or just the moring or just the evening. Schedule is worth looking at for getting the most out of the day. Looks like the cost is $25 to $35 for 2nd class but for a trip that long I want 1st class so add 50%. Ryan will get you there in about an hour. So figure 4 to 4.5 hours door to door. Depending on how you pack $30 to $75 for most folks. But depending on the day of the week, their schedule may be good for you are lousy.