- 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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Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Manchester to Kraków
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Manchester to Kraków among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $28. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 49m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 1.6 - 3.9kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $28, and a train costs an average of $653.
Distance: 973 miles (1566 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$675 Average price | $128 Average price Cheapest | $178 Average price | $120 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
30h 0m Average total duration 29h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 49m Average total duration Fastest 2h 49m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 35h 59m Average total duration 35h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 21h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 4.7 - 9.4kg CO2 emissions | 1.6 - 3.9kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
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 Manchester to Kraków is a flight with an average price of $128 (€105).
This is compared to other travel options from Manchester to Kraków:
A flight is $51 (€42) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Manchester to Kraków costing on average $178 (€146).
A flight is $548 (€450) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Manchester to Kraków costing on average $675 (€554).
The fastest way to travel from Manchester to Kraków is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 49m.
Other travel options to Kraków take longer:
Train takes on average 29h 30m.
Bus takes on average 35h 29m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Manchester and Kraków including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester 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 $675 (€554) compared to roughly $120 (€98) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-555.95 (€-456.34). The journey takes 29h 30m versus 21h 6m 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
Manchester to Kraków train times
The table below shows live departures for Manchester to Kraków trains for today, Friday, July 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 12:35 PM Manchester | 27h33 | 4:08 PM Kraków | 7 transfers | |
| 12:35 PM Manchester | 27h33 | 4:08 PM Kraków | 6 transfers | |
| 2:35 PM Manchester | 27h33 | 6:08 PM Kraków | 7 transfers | |
| 2:35 PM Manchester | 27h33 | 6:08 PM Kraków | 6 transfers | |
| 5:15 PM Manchester | 29h06 | 10:21 PM Kraków | 7 transfers | |
| 5:15 PM Manchester | 29h06 | 10:21 PM Kraków | 6 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Manchester 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 Manchester to Kraków trains with Omio?
Avanti West Coast operates all trains services from Manchester to Kraków.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Manchester to Kraków.
Why book with Omio vs Avanti West Coast?
- 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 Avanti West Coast with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Manchester to Kraków.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Raileurope?
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Manchester to Kraków.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Manchester to Kraków
United Kingdom
Poland
Trains from Manchester to Kraków run on average 5 times per day, taking around 29h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $653 (€536) but you can travel from only $28 (€23) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 08:35, the last at 22:15. The fastest train covers the 973 miles (1566 km) distance in 25h 33m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $28 (€23)
Distance 973 miles (1566 km) |
Average train duration 29h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $653 (€536) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 25h 33m |
First train 8:35 AM |
Last train 10:15 PM |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $28 (€23)
Train companies: Avanti West Coast from Manchester to Kraków trainsAvanti West Coast trains will get you between Manchester and Kraków from $28 (€23). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Avanti West Coast
About
Avanti West Coast is a train company based in the United Kingdom. It operates high-speed trains between London and major cities in the UK, including Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool, Glasgow and Edinburgh. The company offers a range of ticket types, including Standard, First Class and Advance tickets. Onboard facilities include free Wi-Fi, power sockets, comfortable seating and a range of food and drinks. The most popular routes for Avanti West Coast are London to Birmingham, London to Manchester and London to Glasgow. The company operates a fleet of Pendolino and Super Voyager trains, which offer a smooth and comfortable journey.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
25h 33m
Cheapest Price
$653 (€536)
Avanti West Coast frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 pieces of luggage and 1 small item included
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, luggage areas at the end of carriages, and under seats
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type
Refund
Full refund if train cancelled
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
First Class: Complimentary meals and drinks. Standard Class: Onboard shop with drinks and snacks
Seat reservation
First Class: Included in ticket price. Standard Class: Optional reservation for £8-12
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible toilets, and assistance for boarding/alighting available
Pets
Small pets free in carriers. Dogs £30 per single journey. Guide dogs free
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 Manchester to Kraków
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Manchester 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 Manchester to Kraków can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $653 (€536), while the average price is around $675 (€554).
The train from Manchester to Kraków takes 25h 33m and runs 5 per day.
The first train from Manchester to Kraków leaves at 8:35 AM.
The distance by train from Manchester to Kraków is 973 miles (1566 km).
The last train from Manchester to Kraków leaves at 10:15 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Manchester to Kraków.
There is no direct train service currently available from Manchester to Kraków.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Manchester to Kraków.
The cheapest way to get from Manchester to Kraków is by flight, with a cost of around $28 (€23).
The train journey from Manchester to Kraków, which involves transfers as there's no direct service, offers varied scenery including the picturesque English countryside, the rolling hills and charming towns of the UK, and parts of the scenic landscapes of mainland Europe. However, the overall scenic experience may be interrupted by urban and industrial areas along the route.
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 Manchester to Kraków.
Kraków is within the Schengen Area. Passport and visa requirements depend on your nationality. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Kraków include Oswiecim, Katowice, Rzeszów, Kielce, Gliwice.
We recommend using the flight as it is the most popular way to get from Manchester to Kraków among Omio's users.
Currently, UK citizens do not need a visa for short stays (up to 90 days in a 180-day period) for tourism or business in the Schengen Area. However, the new ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) is scheduled to launch in late 2026. Once active, this digital travel authorization will be a mandatory pre-travel requirement for all UK passport holders.
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.
Most popular train connections from Manchester
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Most popular trains to and from Kraków and Manchester
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