- Must visit
Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory
Flagship museum in Oskar Schindler’s former factory, presenting Kraków under Nazi occupation through immersive historical displays.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Budapest to Kraków
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 08
Cheapest price on Sep 08
$67
Average ticket price on Sep 08
$77
Fastest journey on Sep 08
9 h 46 m
Average journey duration on Sep 08
10 h 8 m
Trains on Sep 08
3
Distance
292 km
Cheap tickets
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 $77 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $67.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Budapest to Kraków without transferring at least once.
R 4910 · R 9420+
REX 62+
EC 2063:17 AM10h19Budapest-Kelenfoeld1:36 PMKraków Główny$671One-way3 transfers- R 4910+
ER 62+EC 2063:17 AM10h19Budapest-Kelenfoeld1:36 PMKraków Główny$671One-way2 transfers 
RJ 1032 (Budapest -> Prague)+EC 2047:58 AM9h46Budapest-Kelenfoeld5:44 PMKraków Główny$981One-way1 transfer
- RJ 1032 (Budapest -> Prague)+EC 2047:58 AM9h46Budapest-Kelenfoeld5:44 PMKraków Główny$981One-way1 transfer
- R 4910 · R 9420+REX 62+EC 2063:17 AM10h19Budapest-Kelenfoeld1:36 PMKraków Główny$671One-way3 transfers
- R 4910+ER 62+EC 2063:17 AM10h19Budapest-Kelenfoeld1:36 PMKraków Główny$671One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Budapest to Kraków
Omio 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 train, with an average ticket price of $36 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 54m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $36, while a flight costs an average of $382.
Distance: 181 miles (292 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$36 Average price Cheapest | $41 Average price | $382 Average price | $107 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 43m Average total duration 8h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 17m Average total duration 7h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 54m Average total duration Fastest 2h 54m Onboard + 2h 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Budapest to Kraków is a train with an average price of $36.
This is compared to other travel options from Budapest to Kraków:
A train is $5 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Budapest to Kraków costing on average $41.
A train is $346 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Budapest to Kraków costing on average $382.
The fastest way to travel from Budapest to Kraków is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 54m.
Other travel options to Kraków take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 47m.
Train takes on average 8h 13m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Budapest and Kraków including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Budapest to Kraków among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around $36 compared to roughly $107 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $71. The journey takes 8h 13m 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.
Live departures
Budapest to Kraków train times
The table below shows live departures for Budapest to Kraków trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, September 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| R 4910+ER 62+EC 206 | 3:17 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 10h19 | 1:36 PM Kraków Główny | 2 transfers | |
| R 4910 · R 9420+REX 62+EC 206 | 3:17 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 10h19 | 1:36 PM Kraków Główny | 3 transfers | |
| RJ 1032 (Budapest -> Prague)+EC 204 | 7:58 AM Budapest-Kelenfoeld | 9h46 | 5:44 PM Kraków Główny | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Budapest to Kraków by train, bus, or flight
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.
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Why should you book Budapest to Kraków trains with Omio?
ÖBB | Euro City (EC) as well as ÖBB | InterCity, RegioJet a.s., EuroNight and more offer trains services from Budapest to Kraków.
Omio is the only official third party seller for ÖBB | Euro City (EC) tickets.
Why book with Omio vs ÖBB | Euro City (EC)?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for ÖBB | Euro City (EC), but also compare tickets for the likes of ÖBB | InterCity, RegioJet a.s. or EuroNight to find the best option for your trip from Budapest to Kraków.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare ÖBB | Euro City (EC) with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Budapest to Kraków.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Budapest to Kraków?
The best time to book your train from Budapest to Kraków is 1 day before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Budapest to Kraków route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Budapest to Kraków per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Budapest to Kraków.
Trains
from $23Buses
from $25Flights
from $106Journey information
Overview: Train from Budapest to Kraków
Hungary
Poland
Trains from Budapest to Kraków run on average 3 times per day, taking around 8h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $11 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 01:25, the last at 23:30. The fastest train covers the 181 miles (292 km) distance in 7h 40m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 181 miles (292 km) |
Average train duration 8h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $11 |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 7h 40m |
First train 1:25 AM |
Last train 11:30 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 2 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Train companies: ÖBB | Euro City (EC), EuroNight, ÖBB | InterCity from Budapest to Kraków trainsÖBB | Euro City (EC), EuroNight, ÖBB | InterCity trains will get you between Budapest and Kraków from $15. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
ÖBB | Euro City (EC)
About
The ÖBB Euro City is a high-speed train service operated by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB). It is one of the most popular train services in Austria, connecting major cities across the country. The Euro City trains are modern and comfortable, with air-conditioned coaches and plenty of legroom. There are two types of Euro City trains: the EC (Euro City) and the IC (InterCity). The EC trains are the fastest, with speeds of up to 200 km/h, while the IC trains are slightly slower, with speeds of up to 160 km/h. The ÖBB Euro City offers a variety of ticket types, including single tickets, return tickets, and group tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and a restaurant car. The most popular routes for the ÖBB Euro City include Vienna to Salzburg, Vienna to Innsbruck, and Vienna to Graz. These routes offer stunning views of the Austrian countryside and provide a convenient way to travel between major cities.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average ÖBB | Euro City (EC) Duration
7h 40m
Cheapest ÖBB | Euro City (EC) Price
$15
ÖBB | Euro City (EC) frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage and 1 piece of larger luggage included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at carriage ends
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket conditions
Refund
Full refund provided for canceled trains
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car or bistro available on most routes serving hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages
Seat reservation
Seat reservations optional in 2nd class for additional fee, included in 1st class tickets
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and boarding assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs require ticket (50% of 2nd class fare). Guide dogs free.
Quiet zone
ÖBB | InterCity
About
ÖBB Intercity is a domestic high-speed rail service operated by the Austrian Federal Railways (ÖBB) in Austria. They are addition to the Eurocity and the Railjet for long-distance travels and also include first class cars, the trains are air-conditioned, hve power sockets a minibar service and are comfortable. ÖBB Intercity trains mostly run on the inner alpine lines to cities like Graz, Linz and Salzburg and Inssbruck.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average ÖBB | InterCity Duration
9h 26m
Cheapest ÖBB | InterCity Price
$11
ÖBB | InterCity frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage and 1 piece of larger luggage
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated storage areas at ends of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to ticket type conditions
Refund
Full refund if train is cancelled by ÖBB
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car (on most routes) and at-seat service in first class. Snacks and drinks available
Seat reservation
Optional seat reservation for €3 in second class, included in first class ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and boarding assistance available
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free. Large dogs need ticket (50% of regular fare). Guide dogs free
Quiet zone
EuroNight
About
EuroNight is an international night train service operated by ÖBB, the Austrian Federal Railways. It runs from Austria to many countries in Europe, including Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Hungary, Croatia, Slovenia, and the Czech Republic. The EuroNight trains offer a variety of services, including comfortable sleeping compartments, couchettes, and reclining seats. The ticket types available are Standard, Comfort, and Business Class. Onboard facilities include a restaurant car, a bar, and a bistro. The most popular routes for EuroNight are Vienna to Munich, Vienna to Zurich, and Vienna to Venice.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average EuroNight Duration
9h 26m
Cheapest EuroNight Price
$11
EuroNight frequency
4 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of hand luggage included in ticket price
Luggage storage
Luggage racks above seats and at end of carriages
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation possible according to fare conditions
Refund
Full refund for canceled services
Amenities on board the train
Food sold onboard
Restaurant car or at-seat dining service depending on route
Seat reservation
Seat reservations mandatory and included in ticket price
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces available, staff assistance for boarding/disembarking
Pets
Small pets in carriers travel free, larger dogs require ticket
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Kraków
Things to do in Kraków
Discover the best of Kraków — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Kraków trip today.
- Must visit
The Czartoryski Museum
Branch of the Czartoryski Museum famed for Leonardo da Vinci’s Lady with an Ermine and important European decorative arts.
- Recommended
Rynek Underground Museum
Underground archaeological museum beneath the Main Square, revealing medieval streets, artifacts, and the city’s early trade history.
- Must visit
Kazimierz
Historic district south of the Old Town, known for synagogues, courtyards, layered history, and one of Kraków’s best walking atmospheres.
- Must visit
Old Town
Medieval core of Kraków packed with churches, squares, lanes, and landmarks; the city’s essential area for first-time visitors.
- Recommended
Planty Park
Leafy park ring replacing the old city walls, ideal for a relaxed walk around the Old Town between major sights.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Obwarzanek Krakowski
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
Maczanka Krakowska is a traditional Kraków sandwich of slow-cooked pork in a soft roll, often called a local ancestor of pulled pork sandwiches.
- Vegetarian
Pierogi
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.
Pod Wawelem Kompania Kuflowa
Popular traditional venue near the center serving hearty Polish specialties in a rustic cellar atmosphere with strong local character.
Milkbar Tomasza
Well-known milk bar for budget-friendly Polish comfort food such as pierogi, soups, and pancakes in a simple local canteen setting.
Wierzynek
Historic restaurant on the Main Square known for classic Polish dishes, elegant interiors, and traditional service in a landmark setting.
Polish złoty (zł)
More affordable than many Western European city breaks. Dining and transit are low-cost, while central hotels can rise in peak season.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- 25-40 zł for street food or a simple lunch.
- Mid-range
- 50-90 zł per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- 150 zł+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- 12-18 zł for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
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.
iMKA
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 6,00 zł
- Day pass
- 17,00 zł
To the city center
Kraków Główny -> Rynek Główny, Kraków
- Distance
- 1.5 km
- Travel time
- 20 min
- Use contactless card payment in many MPK Kraków ticket machines on trams and buses, but not every vehicle has one. Validate or buy your ticket before inspection.
- A 24-hour ticket is usually better value than single rides if you make several trips. Keep your ticket until the end of the journey.
FAQs: Trains from Budapest to 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.
Train ticket prices from Budapest to Kraków can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $11, while the average price is around $36.
The train from Budapest to Kraków takes 7h 40m and runs 3 per day.
The first train from Budapest to Kraków leaves at 1:25 AM.
The distance by train from Budapest to Kraków is 181 miles (292 km).
The last train from Budapest to Kraków leaves at 11:30 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Budapest to Kraków.
There is no direct train service currently available from Budapest to Kraków.
Yes, there is a night train from Budapest to Kraków.
The cheapest way to get from Budapest to Kraków is by bus, with a cost of around $15.
The train journey from Budapest to Kraków offers scenic views, including the picturesque landscapes of northern Hungary and southern Poland, featuring rolling hills, quaint villages, and lush forests.
In Kraków, visitors can explore the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum, a poignant reminder of the Holocaust, and the Wieliczka Salt Mine, a fascinating underground maze with intricate salt sculptures. The city's vibrant street art scene is particularly lively in the Kazimierz district, which is also known for its rich Jewish history and nightlife. Stroll along the Vistula River for scenic views, or visit the historic Kraków Cloth Hall in the Main Market Square for local crafts. Key sights include the Wawel Castle, St. Mary's Basilica, and the Schindler's Factory museum, each offering a glimpse into Kraków's rich heritage and history.
Three to four days are generally sufficient to explore Kraków's main attractions, including the historic Old Town, Wawel Castle, and a trip to the Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum.
Yes, you can take the train from Budapest to Kraków.
Since both Budapest and Kraków are in the Schengen Area, a passport is not required for European Union (EU) or Schengen-associated country citizens. A national ID card is sufficient.
Popular day trips by train from Kraków include Oswiecim, Katowice, Rzeszów, Kielce, Gliwice.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Budapest to Kraków among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in Poland is the Polish złoty (PLN). For travelers, both cash and card payments are widely accepted, but using cards is often more convenient and secure, especially in cities. However, carrying some cash is recommended for small purchases or in rural areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Kraków, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas like the Main Market Square and public transportation. Watch out for unofficial taxi drivers who may overcharge; always use licensed taxis or reputable ride apps. Be aware of scams involving fake ticket sellers for attractions and public transport. Travelers should also avoid unmarked currency exchange booths to prevent unfavorable rates or fraud.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
More options for your journey from Budapest to Kraków
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Kraków and Budapest
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