Best Way To Travel From Krakow To Warsaw
Krakow and Warsaw are two of the most popular tourist destinations in Poland. Krakow, the former capital of Poland, is known for its historic landmarks, including the Wawel Castle and the Main Market Square, while Warsaw, the current capital of Poland, is famous for its modern architecture and vibrant atmosphere.
If you are planning to travel from Krakow to Warsaw, you have several options to choose from. In this article, we will discuss the best ways to travel from Krakow to Warsaw, taking into consideration the price, comfort, and accessibility of each method.
Train
The train is one of the most popular ways to travel from Krakow to Warsaw. There are several trains that run daily between the two cities, and the journey takes around 2.5-3 hours. The train is a comfortable and convenient option, as the trains are equipped with air conditioning, comfortable seating, and a dining car where you can buy food and drinks. The cost of a one-way ticket starts from around 69 PLN (around $18 USD).
One of the most popular train operators is PKP Intercity, which offers several trains a day from Krakow to Warsaw. You can check the timetable and buy tickets online on their website. It is recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist season, as the trains can get fully booked.
Bus
The bus is another popular option to travel from Krakow to Warsaw. There are several bus companies that offer daily services between the two cities, including Flixbus, PolskiBus, and Ecolines. The journey takes around 3.5-4 hours, and the buses are equipped with air conditioning, comfortable seating, and toilets. The cost of a one-way ticket starts from around 25 PLN (around $6.5 USD).
Buses depart from several locations in Krakow, including the main bus station, and arrive at several locations in Warsaw, including the Warszawa Zachodnia bus station. It is recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist season, as the buses can also get fully booked.
Car
If you prefer to travel by car, you can rent a car in Krakow and drive to Warsaw. The journey takes around 3-4 hours, depending on traffic conditions. There are several car rental companies in Krakow, including Hertz, Avis, and Europcar. The cost of renting a car for a day starts from around 150 PLN (around $40 USD).
Driving in Poland can be challenging for tourists, especially if you are not used to driving on the right side of the road. Make sure to check the traffic rules and regulations in Poland before driving, and make sure to have a valid driving license and insurance.
Flight
If you are short on time, you can also travel from Krakow to Warsaw by plane. There are several airlines that operate daily flights between the two cities, including LOT Polish Airlines, Ryanair, and Wizz Air. The flight takes around 1 hour, and the cost of a one-way ticket starts from around 100 PLN (around $26 USD).
Flights depart from the Krakow Airport and arrive at the Warsaw Chopin Airport, which is located around 10 km from the city center. Make sure to check the flight schedule and book your tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist season.
Conclusion
There are several ways to travel from Krakow to Warsaw, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The train is a comfortable and convenient option, while the bus is a more budget-friendly option. If you prefer to drive, you can rent a car and enjoy the scenic drive. If you are short on time, you can also travel by plane. Whatever method you choose, make sure to plan your trip in advance and book your tickets in advance, especially during peak tourist season.