I want to visit Munich, then Frankfurt and end our 7 day trip in Krakow...HELP...I have spent weeks on the internet...not sure where to fly into and out of...would love to take an overnight train ride to Krakow. Suggestions appreciated.
Posted by
Vernon, Canada
32353 posts
Connie,
Given some of the distances involved, that's going to be a challenging trip for a time frame of only seven days. Keep in mind that you'll lose the first day in time zone changes and the last day will be spent on the trip home, leaving only five days for travel.
You didn't specify which airport you'll be using, so that will have a bearing on which flights are available. Using open-jaw flights would be the best option for such a short trip. For example, there are flights from Minneapolis to Munich, with changes in Amsterdam, Paris or other hubs. On the return trip, there are flights from Krakow to Minneapolis, again with changes in Munich, Frankfurt or other locations. Which flights to choose will depend on your budget and the time frame you're working with.
As you only have about five days, I'd suggest starting in Munich, dropping Frankfurt and using a budget flight from Munich to Krakow (I believe Air Berlin and GermanWings fly that route). An overnight train might be a possibility, but I haven't checked the schedules to see what's available.
If this is your first trip to Europe, I'd highly recommend pre-reading the Guidebook Europe Through The Back Door, as it's got lots of information to help with planning and trouble free travel.
Posted by
BR, United States
44 posts
You could also look into flying from Germany to Poland.. that might save you some travel time. There are many low cost carriers in Europe. Just gotta be careful of luggage weight.
Posted by
San Francisco
14980 posts
Hi Connie,
If I were to do this trip to Krakow and had ruled out flying, it would depend upon the time of day I want to arrive in Krakow, which I have visited once in 2001. Two places I recommend staying at in Krakow, both of which are 2-3 mins. once you exit the train station...Europejski Hotel (I stayed there) or the Greg Tom hostel, can't miss them.
Presumably, you're going by train from Frankfurt? Not a lot of good choices since you have to transfer twice; for me I rather transfer in Germany at Fulda or Dresden Neustadt than at Warsaw, which is not at the main station. If you want a day train, I suggest the departure from Frankfurt at 0822 and with two transfers you'll be in Krakow at 2223. Or, if you want a night train that doesn't get in at some ungodly hour, take the one departing at 2230 from Frankfurt and with two transfers you'll arrive at 1337 in Krakow. To leave I took the morning train (direct) from Krakow to Berlin Zoo back then...took about ten hours. But, it was very interesting, seeing Upper and Lower Silesia from Kattowitz to Breslau (Wroclaw today).
The overnight train at 2230 is doable if you don't mind being interrupted by one of the transfers, and it's still in Germany.