Published: July 16 2023
People often ask how to travel between Budapest, Hungary, and Krakow, Poland. The quickest and easiest way is by flight, with several airlines offering direct routes. However, for those who prefer the scenic route, both train and bus options are available.
Flying from Budapest to Krakow
Direct flights from Budapest to Krakow are available daily. Major airlines, including Lot Polish Airlines, Ryanair, and Wizz Air, provide services between these two cities. The airport in Budapest is Budapest Ferenc Liszt International Airport, while in Krakow, it is John Paul II Krakow-Balice International Airport.
On average, the flight duration is one hour and 15 minutes, making it the quickest way to travel between the two cities. Ensure to check the departures and arrivals for better planning.
Booking Your Flight
It's recommended to book your flights in advance to secure the best price and ensure availability. Most major travel websites, including Skyscanner, Expedia, and Kayak, offer the ability to compare prices across different airlines.
Airport Transfer
On arrival in Krakow, you can get into the city center by taxi, Uber, or the dedicated train service that runs every 30 minutes.
Traveling by Train
Those who prefer a scenic route may opt to travel by train from Budapest to Krakow. The main operator of this route is the Hungarian Railways (MÁV), offering overnight trains between these two cities. This train journey covers a distance of approximately 394 Km, taking around 10-11 hours.
How to book a Train Ticket
Tickets for this journey can be booked online via the MÁV website or in person at the Budapest train station. Online booking is usually more timely and convenient.
Travel by Bus
Flixbus, EuroLines, Lux Express, and Regiojet are some of the popular passenger bus operators providing regular services between Budapest and Krakow. The bus journey takes approximately 7-8 hours, depending on the traffic and the specific route taken.
How to Book a Bus Ticket
Bus tickets can be booked directly from the websites of these bus operators or ticket booking platforms like Omio or GetByBus.
Whether you prefer a scenic journey or a quick flight, you have multiple options for traveling between Budapest and Krakow. Remember to book your tickets in advance, consider your comfort, and enjoy the journey!