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Krakow, Lesser Poland to Budapest, Budapest from $26: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Krakow, Poland
to
Budapest, Hungary

How to Get from Krakow to Budapest: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$26 by trainBest price
294.1 kmDistance
3h 52m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Krakow to Budapest with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
6h  35m
Estimated price
$30-50
Recommended
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
8h  33m
Estimated price
$26-36
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 294.1 km
Duration: 3h 52m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
Eurobusways
Bus
Drive
Average Duration
7h  14m
Estimated price
$61-88
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
5h  48m
Estimated price
$65-100
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  52m
Estimated price
$76-278

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 06/01Tu 07/01We 08/01Th 09/01Fr 10/01Sa 11/01Su 12/01
Bus $25 $21 $20 $18 $21 $19 $27
Fly $144 $143 $145 $143 $144 $152 $154
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Krakow to Budapest

The journey from Krakow to Budapest offers a delightful contrast between Krakow's charming medieval streets and Budapest's stunning architecture and vibrant nightlife.

Best Neighbourhoods in Budapest

Budapest boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences for visitors.

District VII (Jewish Quarter)
• Home to the famous ruin bars.
• Rich in history and culture.
District V (Belváros)
• Hosts iconic landmarks like the Chain Bridge.
• Bustling with shops and cafes.
District I (Buda Castle)
• Offers stunning views of the Danube.
• Historic sites and charming streets.

Best Times To Visit Budapest's Attractions

Timing your visits to Budapest's attractions can enhance your experience immensely.

Buda Castle
Early mornings on weekdays provide a serene atmosphere and fewer tourists.
Heroes' Square
Visit during late afternoons for stunning light and fewer crowds.
Fisherman's Bastion
Go at sunrise for breathtaking views and tranquility.

Budapest Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Budapest experiences a continental climate with hot summers and chilly winters, making spring and fall the most pleasant times to visit. Weather plays a significant role in your travel experience, influencing outdoor activities and local events.

Dining Recommendation in Budapest

For a truly memorable experience, try the traditional Hungarian dish goulash at the iconic restaurant Karpatia, where a hearty blend of paprika and local ingredients creates rich flavors distinct from the hearty pierogi of Krakow. The vibrant atmosphere and lively music at Karpatia add a unique touch to your dining experience, showcasing Hungary's rich culinary heritage.

Krakow - Budapest operators

Explore transport companies operating between Krakow and Budapest, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+49 30 300 137 300
Website
https://www.flixbus.co.uk

Bus from Kraków, Dworzec Autobusowy MDA to Budapest Mexikói út

Average Duration
6h 35m
Estimated price
$30-50
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
703 200 200
Website
https://www.intercity.pl/en/

Train from Krakow Glowny to Budapest-Kelenfoeld via Wien Hbf

Average Duration
8h 33m
Estimated price
$26-40
Contact phone
+420 222 222 221
Website
https://regiojet.com/

Train from Wien Hbf to Budapest-Kelenfoeld

Average Duration
2h 31m
Estimated price
$11-40
Contact phone
+43 (0)5 1717
Website
http://fahrplan.oebb.at/bin/query.exe/en?revia=yes&existOptimizePrice=1&country=overseas&initialAvail=ON&S={fromName}&Z={toName}&start=1

Train from Wien Hbf to Budapest-Kelenfoeld

Average Duration
2h 20m
Estimated price
$35-55
Plane Show flights
Website
https://www.austrian.com

Plane from Krakow (KRK) to Budapest (BUD) via Vienna

Average Duration
3h 10m
Estimated price
$130-470
Website
https://www.ryanair.com

Plane from Krakow (KRK) to Budapest (BUD) via Berlin Brandenburg

Average Duration
4h 5m
Estimated price
$45-360
all-pages.other Show other routes
Contact phone
+36 70 282 1827
Website
https://www.eurobusways.com

Other from Zakopane to Budapest

Average Duration
4h 35m
Estimated price
$55-80

Krakow to Budapest: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Krakow and Budapest offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Krakow to Budapest covering 244 miles in under 6 hours. Enjoy the changing landscapes as you make your way through the charming cities of Poland and Hungary. 💰 Traveling by car offers flexibility and the prices range between €60 to €92 for the journey from Krakow to Budapest. Experience the freedom to stop at your leisure and explore hidden gems along the route.
Average price
€60 - €92
🚆 Traveling from Krakow to Budapest by train involves taking a route that includes transfers, with a total journey time of approximately 8 hours and 33 minutes. The train services are operated by PKP Intercity and RegioJet. 🛤️ There is no direct train from Kraków to Budapest, requiring passengers to make a transfer in Wien Hbf. The prices for the train tickets can vary from €24 to €33 for this route of 568 km.
Departure Point
Krakow Glowny station
Arrival Point
Budapest-Kelenfoeld station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard services vary by operator, but most trains on the Krakow to Budapest route provide catering services including a dining car or food trolley service. These may offer local Polish and Hungarian dishes, snacks, and beverages. Be sure to check if the train you're on serves meals or if it’s advisable to bring your own snacks.
• When choosing your seating option, there are typically three classes available: First Class, Business Class, and Economy. First Class provides wider seats and a quieter environment, while Business Class offers additional amenities like complimentary refreshments. Economy seats are more budget-friendly but can be slightly cramped. For a comfortable journey, consider opting for First Class if you don’t mind the extra cost. Operators such as PKP Intercity and MAV-START operate this route.
• The main operators for the Krakow to Budapest train route are PKP Intercity (intercity.pl) and MAV-START (mavcsoport.hu). Check their websites for detailed schedules, ticket bookings, and travel updates. Additionally, local transport schedules within Budapest can be found at (bkk.hu) For station maps and dining options in Budapest, visit (budapestinfo.hu) Upon arrival at Keleti Railway Station, remember that there are luggage storage options available, as well as clean restrooms. Showers are not typically available.
🛫 Traveling from Krakow to Budapest by plane typically involves a one-stop flight lasting about 3 hours and 10 minutes. Passengers can choose from various airlines such as Air Dolomiti, Austrian Airlines, Ryanair, and others for this route. 🌍 The journey from Krakow Airport to Budapest Airport takes approximately 3 hours and 52 minutes. Despite no direct flights being available, travelers can enjoy a relatively convenient and efficient transit with the available stopover options. 💸 Prices for flights between Budapest and Krakow can range from €70 to €256, offering travelers flexibility in choosing a fare that fits their budget and travel preferences. Overall, this trip by air provides a convenient way to reach Budapest from Krakow with reasonable travel times and options.
Departure Point
Krakow Airport
Arrival Point
Budapest Airport. The quickest flight takes 3h 10m and has one stopover
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Book your flight with a reputable airline like Austrian Airlines or Air Dolomiti, as they usually provide better service and may include complimentary snacks or meals during layovers.
• Upon arrival at Budapest Airport (BUD), be prepared for potential long queues at immigration, particularly during peak travel times; consider using the automated gates if you have an EU passport for a faster experience.
• Expect to pay approximately 25-35 EUR for a taxi ride from Budapest Airport to the city center; for a more budget-friendly option, consider using the public shuttle bus service (100E) which costs just 900 HUF (~2.5 EUR) and connects directly to major metro stations in the heart of the city.
🚌 Embark on a scenic bus journey from Kraków to Budapest with FlixBus. Services run four times a day, promising a comfortable ride that takes approximately 6 hours and 35 minutes. 🌍 Enjoy the diverse landscapes as you cover the 562 km distance on Route 1 in 8 hours and 51 minutes. Make your way through Warsaw, Poprad, and finally arrive at Budapest Népliget station, operated by FlixBus. 🛤️ For a longer but equally scenic route, opt for Route 6, which covers 637 km in 11 hours. Transfer in Vienna for a total travel time of 11 hours, with breathtaking views along the way before reaching Budapest Népliget station.
Departure Point
Kraków, Dworzec Autobusowy MDA station
Arrival Point
Budapest Mexikói út station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Take advantage of FlixBus's free Wi-Fi and charging ports during your 6h 35m journey from Kraków to Budapest to stay connected and plan your itinerary.
• Arrive at Kraków's Dworzec Autobusowy MDA at least 30 minutes before departure to ensure you have ample time to navigate the bus station and find your bus platform, as it can be quite busy.
• Upon arriving at Budapest Mexikói út station, be prepared for your next steps by checking the official Budapest public transport website for schedules (bkk.hu), as the easiest way to get to the city center will be to hop on the nearby metro or bus service.