How to get from Budapest to Krakow
Budapest to Kraków is an easy Central European hop. Your main choices are the comfortable cross-border train (often with a simple change), frequent overnight/day buses, a quick flight (nonstop when available; otherwise 1 stop), or a flexible self-drive/charter. Pick based on time, budget, and luggage—details and step-by-steps below.
At A Glance (Budapest to Krakow)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚆 Intercity/EuroCity Train (via Katowice/Žilina) | ~6.5–8.5h (usually 1 change) | Comfort, city-center to city-center |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~€25–€55 one-way (tier/date) » compare tickets | ||
| 🚌 Direct Coach (Overnight/Day) | ~7.5–9.5h direct | Lowest cost, simple point-to-point |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~€18–€40 one-way » check buses | ||
| ✈️ Flight (BUD → KRK) | ~1h10 nonstop (when available) or ~3–5h with 1 stop | Fastest air time, light luggage |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~€60–€180 one-way (seasonal) » search flights | Trip.com fares | ||
| 🚘 Self-Drive (via Slovakia/CZ) | ~6–7.5h (traffic/route) | Flex stops, groups, luggage |
| 🏷️ Cost: Car ~€35–€70/day + fuel/vignettes » compare rentals | ||
| 🚐 Private Transfer / Chauffeured Van | ~6.5–8h door-to-door | Families, door-to-door ease |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~€350–€650 per vehicle (size/time) » get quotes | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Most comfortable & central: Train Budapest Keleti → Kraków Główny (often 1 easy change in Katowice/Žilina).
- Cheapest: Direct coach (overnight saves a hotel night; day buses are scenic).
- Fastest in the air: Flight when nonstops run; otherwise consider total time vs. train.
- Max flexibility/door-to-door: Self-drive or private transfer with breaks in the Tatras or at Ojcowski NP.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Buy early for weekends/holidays: Compare train/bus/flight on Trip.com or Booking.com Flights.
- Local rides: In Budapest/Kraków, Bolt and Uber (Kraków) work well; prebooked meet-&-greet is possible via Welcome Pickups or fixed quotes on GetTransfer.
- Luggage storage: Sightseeing before departure? Use station lockers or Radical Storage Budapest / Radical Storage Kraków.
- Documents & vignettes: Schengen internal border—carry ID. Drivers: check Slovakia/Czech vignettes if your route uses motorways.
🚆 Option #1 — Intercity/EuroCity Train (Comfortable & Central)
City-center Relax & work Fixed schedule
- Overview: Frequent daytime combos connect Budapest Keleti to Kraków Główny, usually with one change (e.g., Katowice or Žilina). Reserved seating recommended; 1st class offers more space.
- How to book (with price): ~€25–€55 one-way depending on advance and class. Compare on Trip.com Trains. Official sites: MÁV-Start (Hungary), PKP Intercity (Poland).
- Pros: No airport transfers, café car on many services. Cons: Some departures require a platform change; occasional engineering works.
Step-by-step: Train Budapest → Kraków
- Reach Budapest Keleti by metro M2/M4, tram, or Bolt. If you have time before departure, store extra bags via Radical Storage.
- Buy/reserve seats on Trip.com Trains or the official sites above; arrive ~20–30 minutes early to find your coach.
- Board to your first leg (e.g., to Katowice/Žilina). Keep ticket/ID handy for checks; many trains have power sockets and Wi-Fi.
- Change trains at the connection station (follow “peron”/“nástupiště” signs) and continue to Kraków Główny.
Getting to the main embarking points (Keleti / Kraków Główny)
- Keleti pályaudvar: Metro M2/M4 stop “Keleti pályaudvar”; plenty of taxis/Bolt at the piazza.
- Kraków Główny: Integrated with Galeria Krakowska mall; trams/taxis/Uber/Bolt outside.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #2 — Direct Coach (Budget & Simple)
Low cost Overnight or day Border traffic
- Overview: Direct coaches run between Budapest Népliget (bus terminal) and Kraków MDA (Main Bus Station, next to Główny). Overnight options save a hotel night; daytime trips are scenic across Slovakia.
- How to book (with price): ~€18–€40 one-way. Compare departures on Trip.com Bus. Official terminal pages list bay info.
- Pros: Usually the cheapest; frequent. Cons: Seat space varies; rest-stop timing is fixed.
Step-by-step: Coach Budapest → Kraków
- Get to Népliget Bus Station (metro M3 “Népliget”); follow signs to intercity bays.
- Buy/confirm your e-ticket on Trip.com Bus; arrive ~20–30 minutes early.
- Board your bus; keep passport/ID accessible for random checks within Schengen.
- Arrive at Kraków MDA; walk indoors to the train concourse or take tram/taxi/Bolt to your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (Népliget / Kraków MDA)
- Népliget: Direct metro access (M3) and trams; convenience stores in the concourse.
- Kraków MDA: Under/next to Galeria Krakowska; trams/Uber/Bolt right outside.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
✈️ Option #3 — Flight (Fastest Airtime)
Quick in air Carry-on friendly Airport transfers
- Overview: When nonstops operate BUD→KRK they take ~1h10; otherwise expect a 1-stop (~3–5h total). From KRK Airport, trains run to Kraków Główny in ~20 minutes; taxis/Uber/Bolt are outside arrivals.
- How to book (with price): ~€60–€180 one-way. Compare on Booking.com Flights or Trip.com. Official airport info: Budapest Airport, Kraków Airport.
- Pros: Fastest gate-to-gate. Cons: Added time for airport access/security; baggage fees on low-cost carriers.
Step-by-step: Flight Budapest → Kraków
- Ride bus 100E, taxi, or Welcome Pickups to Budapest Airport (BUD); arrive 2–3 hours early.
- Fly BUD→KRK (or 1-stop via a hub) booked through Booking.com Flights / Trip.com.
- At KRK, take the airport train to Kraków Główny (~20m) or taxi/Uber/Bolt directly to your hotel.
Getting to the main embarking points (BUD / KRK)
- BUD access: Bus 100E from Deák Ferenc tér; taxis and ride-hailing widely available.
- KRK access: Train station attached to the terminal; rideshares outside arrivals.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚘 Option #4 — Self-Drive (Most Flexible Route & Stops)
Door-to-door Scenic Tatras Vignettes/tolls
- Overview: Drive via Slovakia (e.g., M3/M30→R2/D1→E77) or via CZ/PL motorways depending on traffic and weather. Allow rest stops; winter tires/chains may be required in season.
- How to book (with price): Rentals from ~€35–€70/day. Compare downtown/airport pickup on Booking.com Car Rental or Trip.com Car Hire.
- Pros: Freedom to stop (Banská Bystrica, High Tatras, Ojcowski NP). Cons: Vignettes/fuel costs; fatigue on long drives.
Step-by-step: Self-Drive Budapest → Kraków
- Pick up your rental (airport or city). Confirm cross-border permission, insurance, and highway vignettes.
- Set GPS for Kraków with optional waypoints (e.g., Žilina, Katowice) depending on route and roadworks.
- Plan 2–3 rest/fuel stops; arrive before dark if possible, especially in winter conditions.
Getting to the main embarking points (Rental Depots & Ring Roads)
- Budapest pickup: Airport/city depots (longer hours at airport).
- Kraków arrival: Many hotels have limited parking—check in advance.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚐 Option #5 — Private Transfer / Chauffeured Van (Door-to-Door, Stress-Free)
Meet & greet Group-friendly Higher cost
- Overview: A driver picks you up at your Budapest address and drops you at your Kraków hotel—with rest stops on request.
- How to book (with price): From ~€350–€650 per vehicle depending on size/season. Compare fixed quotes and vehicle types on GetTransfer or request airport-style meet-&-greet through Welcome Pickups (city transfers on request).
- Pros: Zero transfers; ideal with kids/elderly or lots of luggage. Cons: More expensive than coach/train.
Step-by-step: Private Transfer Budapest → Kraków
- Enter pickup/drop addresses and party size; request child seats if needed when booking on GetTransfer.
- Confirm inclusions (border crossing, waiting time, vignettes) and share your live location on the day.
- Enjoy door-to-door travel with planned rest/meal stops en route.
Getting to the main embarking points (Door-to-Door)
- Budapest pickup: Any hotel/apartment; drivers message on arrival.
- Kraków drop: Old Town hotels often require perimeter drop—drivers advise the closest access point.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Budapest to Krakow)
Is there a direct train?
Often you’ll have one easy change (Katowice/Žilina). Check your date—timetables vary with seasonal works.
Bus or train—what’s better?
Bus is usually cheaper and can be faster point-to-point; train is roomier, smoother, and arrives center-city.
How far is the airport from Kraków center?
KRK airport rail gets you to Kraków Główny in ~20 minutes; taxis/Uber/Bolt are 25–35 minutes depending on traffic.
Do I need any border checks?
Hungary/Slovakia/Poland are in Schengen; carry a passport/ID. Random checks are possible.
Can I add a stop in the mountains?
Yes—self-drive or private transfer can detour via the High Tatras (Štrbské Pleso) or Pieniny/Ojcowski National Park.
Where to stay near arrival?
Old Town and Kazimierz are popular; compare options on Booking.com Kraków.