I am planning a trip to Eastern Europe this spring for my wife and I which would include overnight trains from Prague to Krakow and Krakow to Budapest. Can I make the reservations individually myself at the national rail websites or should I go through Raileurope to be certain since my travel plans are fixed that I get the reservations? How far in advance can I make reservations?
Posted by
Magyarország / Rep of Texas
19651 posts
I throw out a few comments to bump you to the top. We actually have some good rail people on this forum, but i'm not one of them. What I do know is that Rail Europe is essentially a reseller and the tickets will most likely cost you more. I would go to the rail sites at each country or origin and book the trains that way. Every country is different but in this part of the world it wouldn't surprise me if you couldn't buy tickets until 60 days prior.
Krakow is tough to get to. You can fly from Prague in about 4.5 hours with one change. In my world, but the time I got on the train, got situated and then was sure that I woke up on time I might get 5 hours of sleep. Then I get off the train at 6 in the morning desperate for a shower which I am not going to get until at least 2pm.
From Krakow to Budapest you might also look at Orangeways Buss.
Posted by
Vienna, Austria
5475 posts
Raileurope, nooo, make it stop!!!! Only deal with national rail companies unless you want to waste $$$$.
Advice here:
http://www.seat61.com/Railpass-and-Eurail-pass-guide.htm#.UuNGbX-kqSM