- 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
$98
Average price
$163
Fastest journey
15 h 47 m
Average duration
16 h 25 m
Trains per day
9
Distance
886 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Zurich to Kraków is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Zurich to Kraków will cost around $163 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $98.
It's difficult to get from Zurich to Kraków without transferring at least 2 times.
IC 782 · ICE 100 · ICE 590 · 16501
IC 1180 · RE 52384 · 88617 · ICE 1508
ICE 200 · ICE 690 · S42 · 33775
IC 184 · ICE 590 · 16501 · IC 7318
EC 95 · ICE 508 · EC 133
ICE 200 · ICE 690 · S42 · 33775
IC 1180 · RE 52384 · 88617 · ICE 1508
IC 558 · ICE 74 · ICE 1134 · S3
EC 95 · ICE 508 · EC 133
EC 193 · IC 406 · EC 431Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Zurich to Kraków among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $62. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 18m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the bus is your best bet as it emits only 0.9 - 2.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $62, and a train costs an average of $87.
Distance: 550 miles (886 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$173 Average price | $144 Average price | $97 Average price Cheapest | $332 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 25m Average total duration 13h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 18m Average total duration Fastest 2h 18m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 18h 36m Average total duration 18h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 45m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
- CO2 emissions | 2.7 - 5.3kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 2.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | 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 Zurich to Kraków:
A bus is $47 (€38) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zurich to Kraków costing on average $144 (€116).
A bus is $75 (€60) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zurich to Kraków costing on average $173 (€139).
Other travel options to Kraków take longer:
Train takes on average 13h 55m.
Bus takes on average 18h 6m.
Tickets start at around $173 (€139) compared to roughly $332 (€267) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $159 (€128). The journey takes 13h 55m versus 11h 45m 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 Zurich to Kraków trains for tomorrow, Monday, August 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
EC 95 · ICE 508 · EC 133 | On time 5:35 AM Zurich HB | 16h54 | 10:29 PM Kraków Główny | 2 transfers | |
IC 558 · ICE 74 · ICE 1134 · S3 | On time 7:34 AM Zurich HB | 16h12 | 11:46 PM Kraków Główny | 5 transfers | |
IC 1180 · RE 52384 · 88617 · ICE 1508 | On time 7:37 AM Zurich HB | 16h09 | 11:46 PM Kraków Główny | 6 transfers | |
ICE 200 · ICE 690 · S42 · 33775 | On time 7:59 AM Zurich HB | 15h47 | 11:46 PM Kraków Główny | 4 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 Zurich to Kraków run on average 2 times per day, taking around 13h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $87 (€70) but you can travel from only $42 (€33) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 00:07, the last at 23:50. The fastest train covers the 550 miles (886 km) distance in 15h 30m.
Distance 550 miles (886 km) |
Average train duration 13h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $87 (€70) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 15h 30m |
First train 12:07 AM |
Last train 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 63 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 Zurich 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.

Most Zurich to Kraków trains use the Zürich HB to Kraków Główny station pair. Use this guide to compare Zurich and Kraków train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Zürich HB is 1 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Zürich HB has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Au Premier, Brasserie Federal
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Zürich HB. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Zürich HB. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Zürich HB: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Zürich HB: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich HB: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Schweizerhof Zürich, Hotel St. Gotthard, Central Plaza Hotel.
Zürich Stadelhofen has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Outback Lodge, Tibits
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Zürich Stadelhofen. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Zürich Stadelhofen. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich Stadelhofen: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Opera Zurich, Small Luxury Hotel Ambassador Zurich, Hotel Seehof.
Zürich Hardbrücke is 3 km from Zurich city centre. Public transport options include:
Zürich Hardbrücke has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Brisket Southern BBQ & Bar, Les Halles
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Zürich Hardbrücke. Information desks are located on the main concourse.
Available at Zürich Hardbrücke: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Zürich Hardbrücke: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Zürich Hardbrücke: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include 25hours Hotel Zürich West, Sheraton Zürich Hotel, Novotel Zurich City West.
Kraków Główny is 1 km from Kraków city centre. Public transport options include:
Kraków Główny has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restauracja Browar Lubicz, Bistro Bene by Tomasz Leśniak
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Kraków Główny. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Kraków Główny. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Kraków Główny: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Kraków Główny: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Kraków Główny: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Mercure Krakow Stare Miasto, PURO Kraków Stare Miasto, Vienna House Andel's Cracow.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need