Private car transfer
from Budapest to Krakow

The further north you travel, the higher the jagged terrain soars into the heavens. Whether it's summer or winter, the Tatra Mountains' white peaks plant themselves between colorful medieval towns, castles, and cathedrals, making for a surreal yet contrasting experience. Once you arrive at your hotel's front door in Krakow, you have a fascinating city blessed with historical and cultural treasures to uncover.

On a stunning voyage that could take over six hours, you need a comfortable and reliable service to ensure an unforgettable experience. That's why we created this extensive guide on getting from Budapest to Krakow in 2024!

Historic Krakow

Krakow's first permanent settlement dates back to the 4th century. Legend has it that the then-ruler Krakus established a town on Wawel Hill, home to a fire-breathing dragon called Smok Wawelski.

After finally defeating the beast, the city was free to flourish along a significant trade route from Western Europe to the Arabic world. It grew so rapidly that it became the capital of the Kingdom of Poland by the 1000s.

The Renaissance brought even more financial and cultural wealth by constructing the Wawel Castle and St. Mary's Basilica. But it wasn't long before the nation suffered many years of bloodshed and violent events. Prussia, Russia, Austria, and Nazi Germany all conquered the region until it was free from communism after the fall of the Soviet Union in 1991.

Modern Krakow

Despite its location in the eye of centuries of turbulence, Krakow is one of the best-preserved cities from World War II. It was one of the Nazi headquarters, so they didn't destroy buildings like in other Polish cities, such as Gdansk and Warsaw. As a result, you can see many original buildings still standing, unlike the previously rebuilt and redecorated old towns of other cities.

Today, the city blends its historic buildings and cobbled lanes with a youthful and lively energy. There's a thriving food and drink scene, covering anything from lavish cocktail bars and Michelin-star restaurants in the Old Town to rustic pub ruins and on-the-go street food stalls in the Jewish District!

• Language: Polish
• Currency: Zloty
• Climate: temperate-ocean
• Time zone: GMT+1
• Plug types: C and E
• Peak tourist season: mid-June to early September

Do your homework

Due to Poland's stormy past, residents are extremely proud of their traditions and ways of life. Learning some basic phrases, the tipping cultures, and even how to behave in public will go a long way toward receiving a warmer welcome.

If you reserve a seat with Daytrip, you can chat with your English-speaking driver to uncover the secrets. Although they're not official tour guides, they're passionate and have in-depth local knowledge you won't find in a travel blog. You can also bring a travel guide to help you unwind in silence.

Plan in advance

It's easy to be like the thousands of visitors who book transportation at the last minute. But they often sit in regret for the entire road trip from Budapest to Krakow.

First, plan your stops. There are endless sightseeing opportunities en route, including the entirely preserved medieval town of Banska Stiavnica and Oravsky Hrad, the original home of Nosferatu.

Next, book your tickets more than 30 days in advance. Krakow and Budapest are sought-after tourist destinations for locals and foreigners, so companies over-inflate the price of a ticket at the last minute.

Train from Budapest to Krakow

Due to the mountainous terrain wedged between Budapest and Krakow, the train is the slowest mode of transportation. The service is primarily used by those traveling with an Interrail Pass. So, seats in the second-class carriage are often crowded in the summer.

OBB, PKP Intercity, and Polregio are all train providers that operate on this route. So, the duration, number of stops, and cost can drastically vary. But booking your train ride from Budapest Nyugati Station to Krakow Main Station as early as possible will help you get the best fares.

• Shortest journey: 7 hours, 53 minutes
• Average journey: 9 hours, 13 minutes
• Lowest ticket price: €29.99
• Average ticket price: €77
• Earliest direct departure: 5:30 AM
• Latest direct departure: 7:30 PM

Daytrip private car service from Budapest to Krakow

Daytrip's private door-to-door service is the fastest, most convenient, and most comfortable way to travel from Budapest to Krakow. In six hours, your professional driver will sweep you through the rolling hills of Slovakia and escort you to your new accommodation in Poland. Don't worry about trekking across town to reach departure points or dragging suitcases over bricked lanes because your driver will meet you at your front door and help with any luggage.

But the best has yet to come. Daytrip's party piece is the ability to stop and visit some extraordinary landmarks along the 200-mile road trip. You can seek a blast from the past at the ancient village of Vlkolinec or enjoy the historic buildings in Kosice, the largest city in eastern Slovakia!

• Seats from: €86
• Sanitized vehicle
• English-speaking driver
• Prepared for pets, children, or those with limited mobility
• 24/7 customer support
• Free cancellation 24 hours before departure!

Walk the Royal Route

The Krakow Royal Route may be the most fascinating of all of Europe's grand walking trails. The 1.2-mile strip through the heart of Krakow's UNESCO-listed historic center is a tour of the city's highlights, from its starting point in Matejko Square to its final destination in Wawel Castle. You'll also discover other historical gems, including St. Florian’s Gate, Market Square, and Kanonicza Street.

You can stroll the entire length while stopping to appreciate the stunning landmarks and architecture in around an hour. Or, if you want to remain in the vacation spirit, take a horse-drawn carriage for a romantic voyage.

Explore Wawel Castle

Conveniently located at the end of the Royal Route is Wawel Castle. This mesmerizing structure combines stylish baroque buildings with robust red brick walls. From the top, you can admire views overlooking the Vistula River, and if lucky enough to be here in December, marvel at the winter wonderland concealed under a blanket of thick white snow.

Although some attractions, like its art collections and cathedral, require a fee, you can enter the castle grounds for nothing. And if you want to discover a hidden gem, have a little adventure and uncover the Dragon's Den!

Soak up the atmosphere in the Jewish District

The Jewish District, or Kazimierz, is the pulse of the city's vibrant nightlife scene. However, it was once a separate town outside Krakow's city limits until it conjoined with its neighbor in the 1800s.

The eerie walkways have transformed into a melting pot of cultural activity. During the day, you can visit world-renowned synagogues or notable Jewish showrooms, including Oskar Schindler's Factory and the Galicia Jewish Museum. When the sun goes down, head to a restaurant to sample the mouthwatering local cuisine of pork knuckle, soups, and dumplings before heading to a hip bar for a traditional-flavored shot of vodka or an ice-cold local beer!

Visit the Wieliczka Salt Mines

Though technically in another city on the outskirts of Krakow, the Wieliczka Salt Mine will be one of the first things to appear when you search for Krakow online.

This UNESCO World Heritage Site is a fascinating underground labyrinth of tunnels, chambers, and chapels carved entirely of salt. You can get a guided tour to explore this unique attraction, marveling at the intricate salt sculptures and learning about the history of salt mining in the region.

You can hire a 30-minute taxi from the bus station or take the local train for as little as €1.20 each way!

However, spring is the best time to appreciate all of the city's offerings. The average daily high temperatures reach 70° Fahrenheit by May, allowing you to enjoy a coffee on the terrace and walking tours without sweltering under the beating summer sunshine.

The city parks also come alive as plants bloom, giving the greenery a pop of color. You can appreciate the tranquil settings as fewer tourists are in town compared to the peak period from mid-June to the beginning of September.