I am wondering if it's really far from Prague to go to Poland to see Auschwitz? I really want to go there, I'm wondering if traveling there in a day or two is feasible, and if it would be difficult to try and travel in Poland.
Thanks!
Posted by
WPB, FL & Firenze
3112 posts
Auschwitz is about 500 kilometers (300 miles) from Prague. Trains go the town - Oswiecim in Polish, as well as to the larger nearby towns of Katowice and Krakow. You can check schedules on the Deutsche Bahn website and see whether the train times fit your itinerary. Another option would be to fly from Prague to Katowice and go to Auschwitz from there. I have visited Poland, but haven't used the trains. If you search past postings using the box at upper right of this page, you'll find feedback about train travel in Poland.
Posted by
Danville, VT
12040 posts
If you're thinking of seeing Auschwitz, why not just add Krakow to your trip? Use that as a base and take the bus on a day trip.
As for Polish rail- it's much cheaper than DB or SNCF, but the quality varies. I've ridden on fast, clean modern trains, and on dirty, slow trains from the communist era that reek of diesel exhaust.
Posted by
Bonne Terre, Missouri, USA
29 posts
I agree with Tom. If you want to see Auschwitz, stay in Krakow for a day or two. It really is a fantastic city to visit. Auschwitz was one of the best places I visited. No textbook or movie can beat a personal visit there, and if you have the chance to visit, I would definitely go.
I took a night train into Krakow, spent two nights there, and then took a night train out of town. This was my first trip to Europe, and I was concerned about traveling in Poland/eastern Europe. After going on my trip, I really didn't have any problems (tip: buy the RS book on Eastern Europe).
Posted by
maplewood, new jersey, usa
818 posts
Hey there. We (2 adults and 10 year old) are visiting Prague and Krakow (and one night in Warsaw) this summer. Initially we planned to take an overnight train from Prague to Krakow and then take a day trip to Auschwitz. So - that is one possibility BUT the night train is LONGGG - 9 hours and we decided to hire a driver or drive. Hiring a driver is what we are doing - I have booked Mike's Limousine's to pick us up in Prague at 7:00 am and we'll drive to Auschwitz and then on to Krakow. The price ended up the same as a one day car rental (BIG drop off fees in Krakow). We travel in June - I'll let everyone know how it goes!