To and From Poland

Check the D Bahn website for all the detailed train schedules at bahn.com

Hi,

I took that ride but it was from Krakow to Berlin several years back...in 2001 during the day as to avoid doing it at night. It was a straight shot taking about 9.5 hrs. Very interesting since you go through Upper Silesia at Kattowitz all the way to Wroclaw (Breslau), the one-time capital of Silesia. Then you head towards the Oder.

Took the night train from Amsterdam to Poznan this past May, and there were no problems--2 attendants per car, both Poles.
The train had several of us going to different cities in Eastern Europe, and what happened was all the car changes occurred in Berlin.
Night trains are NOT for lite sleepers or the claustrophobic. Our double was just that, maybe wall to wall 2 meters wide. You'd better be prepared to get on and off quickly, as Krakow will probably be a quick stop for a train going to somewhere else.

Thanks for the tips, guys!
The bahn website wasn't very helpful. I found some info on seat61.com and I looked up the route on eurail.
Totally a first-timer when it comes to trains in Europe (or anything in Europe for that matter) but Eurail isn't the only train company, am I right?

Yes, the train from Krakow to Vienna is a direct shot as a night train...never did it. If you're going from Krakow-Vienna by day, you'll have to transfer at least once at Katowice (Kattowitz) in Upper Silesia. After that it's a direct shot to Vienna.

Are you going from Berlin-Krakow by day or night?

Not particular to taking the train during the day or night! A bit nervous to take the train at night after some of the theft stories I've heard!

I wouldn't either. My suggestion is that you take the Berlin-Krakow day train since it's a straight shot (I'm adverse to changing trains, if I can help it), and you get to see the countryside of Silesia and Wroclaw (Breslau) station. Geographically, it is an interesting ten hour ride.

It sounds like an excellent trip to make during the day. Maybe have a little snooze and take in some sights. I will have been traveling for a week or two at this point and could probably use the trip to mellow out.
The day train from Berlin to Krakow, is it fairly safe? Should I be on the alert for thieves and the like? Also, what is the storage like for luggage? Should I guard my backpack with my life?

Of course, you'll be dozing off...everyone else does.

Based on my single experience of taking the Krakow-Berlin during the day in July 2001, I would say no problems, just exercise common sense. Your day train is most likely an EC (Euro-City), meaning you would be sitting probably in a 6 passenger compartment. You put your luggage on the above racks.

I don't carry a day pack, just a fanny/waist belt, and I put both pieces of my luggage on the above the seat racks. Never had any problems in all trips to Europe. Putting a piece underneath your seat is also good because it's more cumbersome for the thief to access the piece of luggage with your feet in the way.

Took the night train from Paris-Vienna with a change of trains in Frankfurt at 2315 on 20 May 2010, sat in a compartment with 4 "strangers," 3 of whom were 1/3 my age; from Frankfurt until one got off at Passau, at which time I was asleep, no problems at all, and actually very nice, and the other 3 and I got off at Wien Westbahnhof, the terminous.

We met up with friends in Krakow. They came in on the overnight train from Berlin without any safety issues. Hang on to your stuff while asleep and it should be okay. Good luck.