Berlin to Krakow from $25: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

• Onboard Services: The train service from Berlin to Krakow is primarily operated by Deutsche Bahn (DB) and PKP Intercity. DB offers a catering service where you can purchase snacks, drinks, and meals directly from the onboard restaurant bar, which provides light meals including sandwiches and seasonal dishes. PKP Intercity also has a catering service, providing food and beverages through their dining car, which often features traditional Polish dishes, for a taste of local cuisine during your journey.

• Seating Options: The primary train operators, Deutsche Bahn and PKP Intercity, provide several seating options. In DB, you can choose from First Class, Business Class, and Economy Class, with First Class offering more spacious seating and additional amenities. PKP Intercity offers First Class rooms and open seating options, which provide comfortable chairs with power outlets and free Wi-Fi. For a balance of cost and comfort, Business Class in both operators is a good choice, particularly for solo travelers wanting a quieter atmosphere.

• Arrival Station Tip: Upon arrival at Krakow Główny station, you can easily navigate the station, which is well-signposted in both Polish and English. There are facilities for luggage storage available, and restrooms are located throughout the station. Unfortunately, there are no shower facilities directly at the station. To get quickly oriented, grab a map from the information desk as soon as you arrive.

• Fastest Way to City Center: From Krakow Główny station, the fastest way to the city center (Main Market Square) is to take the tram line 1 (direction to Salwator) or line 3 (direction to Nowa Huta). Both will take you directly to the city center in approximately 15 minutes as trams run frequently. You can also catch bus number 292 which connects to various central locations. Trams leave regularly, so you won’t have to wait long.

• Check in early with airlines like Ryanair, LOT, or Lufthansa for your flight from Berlin to Krakow, as some budget carriers have strict check-in deadlines and baggage allowances that can greatly affect your travel experience.

• Upon arriving at Krakow Airport (KRK), be prepared to navigate through a relatively compact terminal; follow the signs for 'Taxis' and look for the airport’s official taxi stand where prices range from about 80 to 100 PLN (approximately €18–€23) to reach the city center.

• If you're considering public transport instead of a taxi, check for the latest bus schedules on the official Krakow airport website (Krakow Airport Transport) as the bus number 208 will take you directly to the city center in around 30-40 minutes.