car rental from Krakow to Budapest

Hi Sherilyn, I've taken a bus from Krakow to Zakopane (just north of the High Tatras), and then another bus from Zakopane to Poprad; all together it only took about five or six hours. The High Tatras are absolutely breathtaking and well worth a visit, but there's nothing much to see in Poprad. It is on the high plains below the mountains and has a beautiful view, but the town itself is kind of depressing (and I can usually find something positive about any destination). There are some little resort towns like Stary Smokevic in the mountains above Poprad that are cute, but those areas were greatly damaged in a tremendous storm a few years ago; trees were flattened for mile upon mile though the buildings survived. I was there right after the storm, so I don't know how well it has recovered since, but on Google Earth it still looks a little bare on those hills. So the upshot is, I'd suggest doing a little side trip to Zakopane. It's a fun little town with access to hiking- the hike up to Morskie Oko (an Alpine lake) is spectacular and not at all taxing. There are also tours from Zakopane that take you through the Tatras to some castles and spa towns in Slovakia(I didn't do that, but wish I had) Or you could just take the regular bus to Stary Smokevic and back to see the spectacular mountain views. I never rented a car in Poland, but I've read and heard that it can be difficult because of insurance or something. I've also never been to Eger (wish I had:)), but I took the overnight train from Krakow to Budapest and back. It took about eleven hours each way. It wasn't exactly the Orient Express as far as luxury and comfort, but not bad. Anyway, Krakow, Budapest, and the Tatras Mountains are all amazing; have a great trip!