- Must visit
Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory
Flagship museum in Oskar Schindler’s former factory, presenting Kraków under Nazi occupation through immersive historical displays.
Cheapest price
$64
Average price
$64
Fastest journey
10 h 14 m
Average duration
10 h 14 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
292 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Budapest to Kraków is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Budapest to Kraków will cost around $64 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $64.
It's difficult to get from Budapest to Kraków without transferring at least 2 times.
R 4910 · R 9420+
REX 62+
EC 206
R 4910+
ER 62+
EC 206
R 4910 · R 9420+
REX 62+
EC 206
R 4910+
ER 62+
EC 206Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Budapest to Kraków among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $20. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 55m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $20, and a flight costs an average of $25.
Distance: 181 miles (292 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$105 Average price | $31 Average price Cheapest | $276 Average price | $86 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 20m Average total duration 8h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 28m Average total duration 5h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 55m Average total duration Fastest 2h 55m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Budapest to Kraków:
A bus is $74 (€74) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Budapest to Kraków costing on average $105 (€105).
A bus is $245 (€245) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Budapest to Kraków costing on average $276 (€276).
Other travel options to Kraków take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 58m.
Train takes on average 8h 50m.
Tickets start at around $105 (€105) compared to roughly $86 (€86) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-18.95 (€-18.95). The journey takes 8h 50m versus 6h 11m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Budapest to Kraków trains for tomorrow, Thursday, July 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ER 62+ EC 206+ R 4910 | 3:17 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 10h14 | 1:31 PM Kraków Główny | 2 transfers | |
R 4910 · R 9420+ EC 206+ REX 62 | 3:17 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 10h14 | 1:31 PM Kraków Główny | 3 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Budapest to Kraków run on average 2 times per day, taking around 8h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $105 (€105) but you can travel from only $20 (€20) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 01:25, the last at 23:30. The fastest train covers the 181 miles (292 km) distance in 9h 32m.
Distance 181 miles (292 km) |
Average train duration 8h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $105 (€105) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 9h 32m |
First train 1:25 AM |
Last train 11:30 PM |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 70 days |
Discover the best of Kraków — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kraków trip today.
Flagship museum in Oskar Schindler’s former factory, presenting Kraków under Nazi occupation through immersive historical displays.
Branch of the Czartoryski Museum famed for Leonardo da Vinci’s Lady with an Ermine and important European decorative arts.
Underground archaeological museum beneath the Main Square, revealing medieval streets, artifacts, and the city’s early trade history.
Historic district south of the Old Town, known for synagogues, courtyards, layered history, and one of Kraków’s best walking atmospheres.
Medieval core of Kraków packed with churches, squares, lanes, and landmarks; the city’s essential area for first-time visitors.
Leafy park ring replacing the old city walls, ideal for a relaxed walk around the Old Town between major sights.
Obwarzanek Krakowski is Kraków’s iconic ring-shaped bread, chewy and topped with salt, poppy or sesame. It has protected status and is sold from blue street stalls.
Maczanka Krakowska is a traditional Kraków sandwich of slow-cooked pork in a soft roll, often called a local ancestor of pulled pork sandwiches.
Pierogi are dumplings common in Kraków, often filled with meat, potato and cheese, or seasonal fruit. They are a staple of Polish home cooking and milk bars.
Popular traditional venue near the center serving hearty Polish specialties in a rustic cellar atmosphere with strong local character.
Well-known milk bar for budget-friendly Polish comfort food such as pierogi, soups, and pancakes in a simple local canteen setting.
Historic restaurant on the Main Square known for classic Polish dishes, elegant interiors, and traditional service in a landmark setting.
More affordable than many Western European city breaks. Dining and transit are low-cost, while central hotels can rise in peak season.
Tipping is appreciated, not mandatory. In restaurants, round up or leave 10%. Tip taxis by rounding up. In cafes, small change or rounding up is common.
Official public transport app
Kraków Główny -> Rynek Główny, Kraków
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Budapest to Kraków by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Kraków, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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