Hi there, I'm taking an overnight train from Budapest to Krakow but am overwhelmed of how many different railways there are. What would be the most recommended overnight train for a single sleeper. Anyone care to share their experience? Dec. 10th would be my travel date.
There is only one night train on this route, operated by the national railways of the two countries. I would buy tickets in Europe a few days ahead. You can also buy it on the Hungarian site using notes at http://www.seat61.com/international-trains/trains-from-Budapest.htm#Budapest-Krakow. US agents are likely to charge more for this route.
This question comes up frequently in the Travel Forum and a daytime Polskibus is a popular option.
Can't help you with the train, but one alternative is Polski Bus. It's incredibly inexpensive (between 18 and 30 zloty one-way for your date if you buy in advance) and I saw that one option is an overnight one if you would prefer traveling overnight.
Agnes is right - this is one of the few routes better done by bus. Polski bus is amazingly inexpensive.
Well, that narrows down my search quite a bit, doesn't it. Thank you for all your input, it is much appreciated. Although bus is cheaper, my old back prefers a bed to lay in for sleep. Thanks again.
If you want some sort of sleeping accommodation, I wouldn't wait till arrival in Europe to book it; I'd buy right away if my travel date was certain. I don't know about couchettes (padded ledges), but beds in sleeping compartments definitely do sell out on some trains. (I don't know anything at all about the train in question.)
I took this exact route in reverse (Krakow to Budapest) about 16 months ago.
Be aware of something. There was major construction on the rail line between Krakow and Katowice when I was there. In fact, the trains weren't running on that leg of the journey. I had to take the bus, but it was delayed because of traffic and weather. As a result, when I got to Katowice, I was late and missed my train connection. Try to find if the rail construction is over between Krakow and Katowice.