- Must visit
Oskar Schindler's Enamel Factory
One of Kraków's most visited museums, focusing on everyday life and the German occupation during World War II in Kraków.
Cheapest price
$121
Average price
$170
Fastest journey
17 h 1 m
Average duration
18 h 21 m
Trains per day
4
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 $170 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $121.
It's difficult to get from Zurich to Kraków without transferring at least once.
ICE 200 · ICE 690 · EC 249 · TLK 53170
IC 282 · IC 2069 · ICE 1006 · EC 249
EC 193 · IC 406 · EC 431
EC 193 · IC 416
EC 193 · IC 406 · EC 431
EC 193 · IC 416
IC 282 · IC 2069 · ICE 1006 · EC 249
ICE 200 · ICE 690 · EC 249 · TLK 53170Omio 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 $66. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 20m. 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 $66, and a train costs an average of $82.
Distance: 550 miles (886 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$203 Average price | $193 Average price | $99 Average price Cheapest | $321 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 29m Average total duration 13h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 20m Average total duration Fastest 2h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 18h 46m Average total duration 18h 16m 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 $94 (€78) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Zurich to Kraków costing on average $193 (€159).
A bus is $104 (€86) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Zurich to Kraków costing on average $203 (€167).
Other travel options to Kraków take longer:
Train takes on average 13h 59m.
Bus takes on average 18h 16m.
Tickets start at around $203 (€167) compared to roughly $321 (€264) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $118 (€97). The journey takes 13h 59m 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, Thursday, July 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
ICE 200 · ICE 690 · EC 249 · TLK 53170 | On time 7:59 AM Zurich HB | 19h36 | 3:35 AM Kraków Główny | 3 transfers | |
IC 282 · IC 2069 · ICE 1006 · EC 249 | On time 8:37 AM Zurich HB | 18h58 | 3:35 AM Kraków Główny | 4 transfers | |
EC 193 · IC 406 · EC 431 | On time 1:32 PM Zurich HB | 17h01 | 6:33 AM Kraków Główny | 2 transfers | |
EC 193 · IC 416 | On time 1:32 PM Zurich HB | 17h50 | 7:22 AM Kraków Główny | 1 transfer | |
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 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $82 (€67) but you can travel from only $29 (€24) 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 22m.
Distance 550 miles (886 km) |
Average train duration 13h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $82 (€67) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 15h 22m |
First train 12:07 AM |
Last train 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
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.
One of Kraków's most visited museums, focusing on everyday life and the German occupation during World War II in Kraków.
A leading art museum housing important European masterpieces, including Leonardo da Vinci's 'Lady with an Ermine'.
An archaeological museum beneath the Main Market Square, presenting medieval Kraków through excavations, multimedia displays, and original artifacts.
The historic heart of Kraków and one of Europe's great medieval squares, surrounded by monuments and lively street activity.
The former Jewish quarter, now one of Kraków's most atmospheric districts, known for heritage sites, courtyards, and street life.
A green ring of parkland encircling the Old Town, ideal for relaxed walks between major sights.
A ring-shaped, chewy bread sprinkled with salt, poppy or sesame seeds. It is a protected traditional street snack strongly associated with Kraków.
A Kraków specialty of slow-cooked pork served in a bread roll, often described as an old local precursor to pulled pork sandwiches.
Classic Polish dumplings filled with potato, twaróg cheese and onion. They are widely eaten in Kraków and are a staple of traditional local dining.
A well-known Kazimierz restaurant serving polished traditional Polish cuisine, house infusions and hearty classics in a warm, elegant setting.
An established Old Town restaurant in historic cellars, known for grilled meats, Old Polish recipes and a classic atmospheric interior.
A refined market square restaurant offering modern Polish cooking, seasonal ingredients and a stylish upscale atmosphere.
Cheaper than many Western European cities. Food, transit, and attractions are good value, though Old Town hotels and tourist restaurants cost more.
Service is not always included. Tip 10% in restaurants for good service, round up in cafés and taxis, and tip hotel staff only for extra help.
Official public transport app
Kraków Główny, Kraków -> 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.

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