Prague to Krakow

Prague to Krakow

Complete transport guide covering buses, trains, and flights with prices, journey times, and booking tips for this classic Central European route

Prague to Krakow is one of Central Europe's most popular travel routes, connecting the Czech Republic's fairy-tale capital with Poland's historic cultural heart. Whether you choose the comfortable and affordable bus, the scenic train route through Moravia and Silesia, or a quick seasonal flight, here is everything you need to know to choose the right option and book your journey.

Quick Comparison

TransportTimeCostComfortBest For
Bus7-8 hours80-150 zlMedium-HighMost travelers
Train7-9 hours150-300 zlHighScenic route lovers
Flight1.5h (+transfers)200-500 zlHighTime-sensitive

3 Ways to Get from Prague to Krakow

🚌

Bus

7-8 hours80-150 zl

FlixBus, RegioJet, Eurolines

The bus is the most popular and best-value way to travel from Prague to Krakow. FlixBus and RegioJet operate multiple daily departures on this route. Buses depart from Prague Florenc or Prague UAN stations and arrive at Krakow MDA bus station, which is adjacent to Krakow Glowny train station and a 10-minute walk from the Old Town. RegioJet is particularly popular for its superior comfort and complimentary onboard refreshments.

Pros

  • +Most affordable option starting from just 80 zl (450 CZK) when booked early
  • +Multiple daily departures with flexible timing options
  • +RegioJet offers exceptional comfort with entertainment screens, hot drinks, and snacks
  • +Direct service with no changes — settle in and relax for the journey

Cons

  • -Long journey at 7-8 hours — plan entertainment and snacks
  • -Border crossing can occasionally add 15-30 minutes to the journey
  • -Limited stops mean fewer chances to stretch your legs
  • -Overnight buses available but sleeping upright for 7+ hours is not ideal
Booking Tip: Book on flixbus.pl or regiojet.com 2-4 weeks ahead for the best fares. RegioJet tends to be slightly more expensive but the comfort upgrade is worth it for this longer journey. FlixBus fares start from 80 zl while RegioJet starts from about 100 zl. Compare both before booking.
🚃

Train

7-9 hours150-300 zl

Czech Railways (CD), PKP Intercity, via Katowice or Wroclaw

There is no direct train between Prague and Krakow — all routes require at least one change, typically at Katowice, Bohumin, or Wroclaw. The most common route goes via Katowice with a change to a PKP Intercity train. While the journey is longer and more complex than the bus, train travel offers more space, the ability to walk around, and scenic views through the Moravian and Silesian countryside.

Pros

  • +More spacious and comfortable than the bus for long journeys
  • +Scenic route through Moravia and Silesia with beautiful countryside views
  • +Freedom to walk around, visit the dining car, and stretch your legs
  • +Reliable timetables and connections at interchange stations

Cons

  • -No direct service — requires at least one change (usually at Katowice or Bohumin)
  • -More expensive than the bus at 150-300 zl depending on route and class
  • -Total journey time of 7-9 hours including connections
  • -Risk of missing connections if the first train is delayed
Booking Tip: Book the Czech segment on cd.cz (Czech Railways) and the Polish segment on intercity.pl (PKP Intercity). Alternatively, use omio.com to book the full journey in one transaction. The route via Bohumin/Katowice tends to have the best connections. Allow at least 30 minutes for changes.
✈️

Flight

1.5 hours200-500 zl

Ryanair, Wizz Air (seasonal routes)

Direct flights between Prague (PRG) and Krakow (KRK) are seasonal and not always available. When they operate, the flight time is approximately 1 hour 15 minutes. However, including airport transfers, check-in, and security, the total door-to-door time is 4-5 hours. Budget airlines Ryanair and Wizz Air offer the most competitive fares when routes are active.

Pros

  • +Fastest actual travel time at just 1 hour 15 minutes in the air
  • +Good option when promotional fares of 200-250 zl are available
  • +Krakow Balice airport is well-connected to the city centre (20 min by train)
  • +Best choice if you want to minimize fatigue from a long surface journey

Cons

  • -Routes are seasonal — not always available year-round
  • -Door-to-door time of 4-5 hours is barely faster than the bus
  • -Full fares of 400-500 zl make it the most expensive option
  • -Checked baggage adds 50-150 zl on top of the base fare
Booking Tip: Check ryanair.com and wizzair.com for seasonal route availability. Google Flights is useful for spotting when direct routes are operating. If no direct flights exist for your dates, flying via Warsaw adds 3-4 hours and rarely makes financial sense versus the bus. Book 4-6 weeks ahead for the best prices.

Travel Tips

Currency & Money

Prague uses Czech Koruna (CZK) while Krakow uses Polish Zloty (PLN/zl). Withdraw zloty from ATMs when you arrive in Krakow rather than exchanging at the border or bus station, which gives poor rates. Card payments are widely accepted in both cities. Avoid currency exchange booths at stations.

Border Crossing

Both Czech Republic and Poland are in the Schengen Area, so there are no passport checks at the border. The bus or train simply crosses without stopping. However, carry your passport or EU ID card as random checks can occur. Non-EU travelers should ensure their Schengen visa covers both countries.

What to Bring for the Journey

For a 7-8 hour bus or train journey, pack snacks, water, entertainment (downloaded shows, podcasts, books), a phone charger, headphones, and a neck pillow. Wi-Fi on buses can be unreliable, so do not rely on it entirely. Pack a light jacket as air conditioning on buses can be aggressive.

Combining with Other Cities

Many travelers combine Prague, Krakow, and Budapest into a Central European triangle. From Krakow, Budapest is 5-6 hours by bus or a scenic overnight train. Another popular add-on is Vienna, which is 4 hours from Prague by train. Plan 3-4 days in each city for a comprehensive multi-city adventure.

What to Do First in Krakow

Just arrived from Prague? Here is how to make the most of your first hours in Krakow.

First Stop

Drop Bags & Explore the Square

Check into your hotel or drop your bags at the station's luggage storage (12 zl for 24 hours). Walk 5 minutes to Rynek Glowny — Europe's largest medieval market square. Get a coffee, admire St. Mary's Basilica, and browse the Cloth Hall. This is your "welcome to Krakow" moment.

Afternoon

Wawel Castle or Kazimierz

If you arrive before 3 PM, head to Wawel Royal Castle for the State Rooms and Cathedral. If you arrive later, explore Kazimierz, the historic Jewish quarter now filled with atmospheric restaurants, vintage shops, and street art. Both are within easy walking distance of the Main Market Square.

Evening

Pierogi & Cellar Bars

Welcome yourself to Poland with a proper pierogi dinner — try Przystanek Pierogarnia or Starka for excellent traditional fare. After dinner, dive into Krakow's legendary cellar bar scene. Start at Plac Nowy in Kazimierz or explore the underground bars on Florianska Street. A pint of craft beer is just 10-14 zl.

Our Recommendation

Best Overall

RegioJet Bus

For most travelers, the RegioJet bus is the best choice. Direct service in 7-8 hours with excellent comfort, free refreshments, and entertainment screens. Fares from 100-150 zl. Book on regiojet.com 2-3 weeks ahead. The best balance of comfort, convenience, and value for this route.

Best for Budget

FlixBus

At 80-120 zl, FlixBus is the cheapest way to make this journey. Comfort is good but a step below RegioJet. Best for budget travelers who want to maximize their spending money for Krakow's incredible food and nightlife rather than the journey itself.

Best for Scenery

Train via Katowice

If you enjoy train travel and want scenic Moravian countryside views, the train route via Katowice or Bohumin is a lovely journey. More spacious than the bus with a dining car. At 150-300 zl, it costs more and takes longer, but the experience is part of the adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

The bus is the best option for most travelers. FlixBus and RegioJet offer direct services in 7-8 hours for 80-150 zl. RegioJet is particularly recommended for its comfort and onboard refreshments. The bus is cheaper, simpler (no changes), and comparable in journey time to the train. If a direct flight is available for under 250 zl, that can also be a good choice.
No, there is no direct train. All train routes require at least one change, typically at Katowice, Bohumin, or Wroclaw. The journey takes 7-9 hours including connections and costs 150-300 zl. For most travelers, the direct bus is a better option — it takes a similar time, costs less, and does not require changes.
Budget bus fares start from 80 zl (approximately 450 CZK or 18 EUR) when booked 2-4 weeks ahead. Train fares range from 150-300 zl depending on route and class. Flights, when available, cost 200-500 zl. The bus offers the best value, with RegioJet providing the best comfort-to-price ratio on this route.
FlixBus offers some overnight departures on this route, arriving in Krakow early morning. While you save a night of accommodation, sleeping upright for 7-8 hours is not the most comfortable experience. If you opt for overnight, bring a neck pillow, eye mask, and earplugs. There are no sleeper train options on this route.
The distance between Prague and Krakow is approximately 535 km (332 miles) by road. By bus, the journey takes 7-8 hours. By train (via Katowice), it takes 7-9 hours. By air, the flight time is just 1 hour 15 minutes. The two cities are in different countries (Czech Republic and Poland) but there is no passport check for EU/Schengen travelers.

Get Your Free Travel Guide

PDF download + weekly travel tips

Join our community and get a comprehensive travel guide with maps, budgets, and insider tips delivered to your inbox.

Unsubscribe anytime. No spam, we promise.