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Prague and Krakow

We are planning a two week trip to Prague and Krakow. Thinking of one week in each place. Would be flying into Prague. Would like to take the train to Krakow, but it says in the R.S. book that there are better train connections in Olomouc. Does anyone know how long it would take to get to Krakow from there and would have to return to Prague in order to fly home. Suggestions? Also would like suggestions on good places to stay in both places. Candyce, Poulsbo, WA

Posted by
1840 posts

We went from Krakow to Prague last October. The train stops at Katowice going both ways and you change trains. I wouldn't think Olomouc would have better connections than either Krakow or Prague. The train ride from Krakow to Prague was about five hours including getting off and on at Katowice. From Prague we went on to Plzen. It might be a good idea to get a Bradt or Rough guide to see a different perspective.

Posted by
1446 posts

Look into flying into Prague and out of Krakow. Also price the reverse for the same dates. I don't now why, but one scenario is usually cheaper that the other - even though the cities and the dates are the same. Doing an "open-jaw" can save you money and precious time in the long run. Having been to both, I can tell you that you will enjoy a week in each - no problem. You will also be able to schedule in at least a day or two of day-trips from both.

Posted by
811 posts

I, too, would strongly suggest getting a multi-city airline ticket, where you fly into one and out of the other so you don't have to backtrack. If you are stuck with flying into/out of Prague, then I would look into booking a separate round trip flight between Prague and Krakow. Check whichbudget.com and skyscanner.com to see if there are any discount flights available. For trains, schedules can be found at the following website (English option is on the right side of the page about halfway down): http://www.idos.cz Edited to add: Monte, are you sure your train ride was only 5 hours between Krakow and Prague? I don't see any connections that take less than 8h14m?

Posted by
17632 posts

Ryan Air has flights from Budapest to Krakow for something in the neighborhood of $100 each way. Have you checked them or possible Wizzair or one of the other discount carriers to see if they have direct flights from Prague? Or just skip Prague and come visit us in Budapest ;-)

Posted by
1840 posts

Angela, You are right, I made an error. In checking my diary I find we left Krakow at 9:35AM. The train stopped in Katowice, a Czech crew got on at the Czech border, and we stopped at Olomouc about 5:00PM. Then on to Prague on the same train. We had ridden in a first class car. Our stop in the Prague train station resulted in us getting off, wandering around, eating, and getting on another train to Plzen. We got there about 10:00PM

Posted by
1446 posts

Also, be wary of the fact that cheap flights to Krakow tend to actually land in Katowice, and that you have to buy a shuttle transfer to/from Krakow (a long enough van ride). That's definitely the case for Wizzair.

Posted by
2020 posts

We did not want to make the long train journey from Krakow to Prague. We trained from Krakow to Olomoucs arriving early afternoon and boarding a train the next day for Prague. It was very easy to bus from the Olomoucs station into town (perhaps it was a tram?)and back the next morning. Olomoucs is lovely, and small enough that we felt content with our short visit. I seem to think that neither train journey was more than 3 or 4 hours each.

Posted by
215 posts

LOT, Polish national airline, runs flights between Krakow and Prague. Prices vary. I like the early morning one which gives you the whole day in your destination city.

Posted by
956 posts

We took the night train from Prague to Krakow. Left about 9:15pm and got to Krakow about 6:30am. We stayed at Tango House B&B in Krakow. It was right around the corner from the town square. Krakow was the cheapest European we've been to thus far. Surprisingly cheap! Great little city. And of course, Prague is also GREAT! Also, you will probably have plenty of time, so if you enjoy good beer, good food and awesome views, go to the brewery at the monastery up on the hill. It's in Rick's book. I have some wonderful pictures from that little walk up the hill. The food and beer was great!