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Your driver will meet you at your address in Budapest.
You’ll travel in comfort for 6 hours.
Your driver will drop you off at your address in Krakow.
Western Europe has always dominated the continent's tourism charts. Only two cities, Athens and Prague, feature in Europe's top 10 most visited cities annually. All that means is that you have fewer tourists to contend with on your car trip from Budapest to Krakow!
After cruising along the banks of the Danube and waving goodbye to the Buda Castle District, the sprawling plains of north Hungary's landscape open before you. The quaint villages and unspoiled nature feel like a 19th-century expedition with postcard views to amuse you for the 6-hour adventure.
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!
Poland's medieval capital is the final destination of your breathtaking drive from Budapest to Krakow. Although it's the nation's second-largest city, it's second to none for nightlife and culture. You'll find yourself perpetually entertained by its mix of historical landmarks and pub crawls, such as the Oskar Schindler Museum and the many vodka bars.
Unfortunately, Krakow's location along the Vistula River in Lesser Poland Voivodeship meant it was a hotbed for war and violence throughout its history. But it's also vital in shaping the locals' unique ways of life and the food scene you can see in the 21st century.
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.
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!
No matter how beautiful the trip from Budapest to Krakow is, a 6-7-hour journey can feel tedious. But with our expert travel tips, you'll wish the journey would never end!
Whether you're getting a transfer or public transportation, being uncomfortable for 6 hours can sour the travel experience. If you opt for public transportation, spend a few euros more for a first-class seat or extra legroom when traveling by bus.
Alternatively, you can book Daytrip's private door-to-door car service. Riding in a modern car, you can stretch your legs, recline your seat, and adjust the thermostat to combat the summer heat. Plus, with Daytrip you're not cooped up for the whole ride. You can stop for sightseeing, or just stretch your legs!
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.
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.
Although a distance of 200 miles lies on the road from Budapest to Krakow, there are plenty of transportation methods to choose from. Luckily, each has its advantages, so consider your needs and preferences when deciding how to get from Budapest to Krakow!
The bus is the cheapest way to travel from Budapest to Krakow. It's also the most popular mode of transportation for locals and international visitors touring Europe on a budget.
RegioJet and Flixbus both operate the route from Budapest to Krakow and have multiple bus departures daily. Go online to check the day and night timetables and purchase a ticket from Nepliget Bus Station to MDA Bus Station. You'll need to take a bus or taxi to Nepliget Bus Station, as it's 3.5 miles from downtown Budapest. Once you arrive in Krakow, you'll be conveniently dropped off in the heart of the new town.
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.
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!
Poland's second city is one of the most attractive in Eastern Europe. Over 14 million people flock here for the UNESCO World Heritage Sites and the endless things to see and do. After driving from Budapest, be sure to put these unmissable attractions on your itinerary for when you get to Krakow!
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.
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!
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!
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!
There's never an unpleasant time to travel from Budapest to Krakow. In the summer, you can relax on the riverside with a refreshing beverage, and in the winter, you can enjoy the festive atmosphere mixed with the smell of roasted chestnuts and bright lights from the Christmas markets.
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.
All Daytrip drivers speak English* as well as their native language (and sometimes additional languages too!). They'll be happy to discuss local history and culture with you, as well as answer any questions you may have. And because they speak the language, they're able to provide you with a unique opportunity to connect with local culture. *Drivers for Lite service aren't required to speak English but must meet all other standards.
We screen all our drivers for criminal and traffic records, and personally interview each one. We also inspect their cars for safety, comfort, and reliability. All cars must be less than ten years old, in excellent operating condition, and insured as required by local law. And because our drivers are locals, they're familiar with the rules and customs of the road.
You can cancel your booking up to 24 hours before departure and get a full refund.
If you’re traveling with children, make sure to let us know in the booking so we can get the appropriate child seats ready!
Pets are allowed (and loved)! We just need to know beforehand. You can tell us about them in the next phase of the booking.
Gratuity isn’t included or required, but if you really enjoyed your trip, you can show your driver your appreciation with an optional tip (10% is sufficient).
Each passenger is allowed to have one checked bag and one carry on. If you’re traveling with more bags or oversized luggage, you can adjust this while booking.
Pay by credit card online, or in cash directly to your driver!
If you have any questions, here are the answers.
Every traveler deserves real insight into the cultures of the countries they’re visiting. And every amazing place on Earth deserves to be visited and appreciated. We believe unique local knowledge and real human connection are irreplaceable when it comes to truly comprehending another culture.
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