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Praha / Prague / Prag to Kraków / Krakow / Cracow by train
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Routes
Option 1: travelling by day
Journey Summary
6hr 43min - 7hr 4mins
Daily
Travel Information
Final Destination: Krakow-Glowny or Przemysl
Taking the IC/ EC trains:
There now two daily EC trains from Praha to Krakow.
The first departure of the day is named the 'Galicja' and it is typically scheduled to depart at 06:15 and arrive in Krakow at 13:11
On departure from Praha this train heading to Krakow, will be joined to another train which is heading to Warszawa.
So if you only see a train heading to Warszawa on the departure screens at that time, the info will also apply to the train heading to Krakow.
The second departure of the day is named the 'Cracovia' and it is typically scheduled to depart at 10:15 and arrive in Krakow at 17:07, the final destination of this train is Przemysl.
The summary of the on-board experience on the EC train is available by clicking the 'Train details'
Taking the Leo Express train:
This train only departs on Fridays and Sundays at 16:09 and is due into Krakow at 23:32.
More info about the on board facilities on the Leo Express train is available here.
2 x EC trains per day
1 x Leo Express train on Friday and Sunday
Tickets
Booking the EC train:
Book early and save: Yes
Online bookings usually open: 8 weeks ahead - see our guide to booking tickets on the CD website.
Something to look out for is that CD won't automatically include a reservation for these trains when booking tickets, but it will give you an option to add a reservation.
You'll need to be proactive and add the reservation, because reservations are required on this train for the part of the journey in Poland.
Rail Pass users will also need to reserve prior to boarding, these can be booked online on the CD website or from the International ticket desk in Praha hl.n. station.
Booking the Leo Express train:
Book early and save: Yes
Online bookings usually open: 12 - 14 weeks ahead of the travel date
When booking tickets for the Leo Express trains you choose your seats on a seating plan.
If the timings suit, it's particularly worth comparing prices with the EC train if you're considering booking 1st class tickets, as Leo Express also offers a Business Class
Where to book
| Ticket Provider | Approximate Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| CD | 524 CZK | |
| Leo Express | from €14 |
On this journey
Travelling On
Journey Features
Good to Know
If the departure time of the EC train doesn't suit, it's usually possible to depart Praha daily at 14:24 (on a train heading to Warszawa) - and then make a 40 min connection at Katowice into a train heading on to Krakow.
It is not a scenic or particularly interesting journey, so having something to watch or read with you, is recommended.
So you won't miss out on particularly memorable travel experience, if you opt to travel by the overnight train.
Option 2: travelling overnight
Journey Summary
8hrs
Nightly
Tickets
Book early and save: Yes*
Online bookings open: 2 months ahead of the travel date
*It's worth making the effort to book ahead if you want a bed in a sleeping cabin, but you'll save less than €10 compared to booking at the station if you want to travel in a seat or couchette.
A plus of booking online is that you will have ensured your place on the train. Your first choice of accommodation MAY be sold out if you don't book in advance.
There's much to be admired regarding the CD website, the online booking service of the Czech national rail operator, České dráhy, but how to book a berth in a couchette, or a bed in a sleeping cabin isn't particularly obvious.
Hence our step-by-step guide to booking overnight accommodation on the CD website, which you can find HERE.
Polish Railways (PKP) provides this train and it conveys:
- Compartment Seats
- Couchettes; 4 berths AND 6 berths
- Standard sleeping cars with 3 bed, 2 bed and 1 cabins
(Deluxe sleeping cabins are not available for the Praha to Krakow journey)
The first price you will see on the CD ticketing site will be for the compartment seats.
Click the train button above for more info including the rail pass reservation fees*:
Rail pass users must reserve before boarding these trains, and reservations CAN be booked online - follow the same steps as for booking tickets, except when initially looking up the journey, select, 'I want a reservation' instead of 'Buy'
OR eservations can be arranged and paid for at the CZ Travel desk at Praha hl.n station - ideally do this when you first arrive in Prague/Praha Hbf on the preceding train on your itinerary.
The reservation desk does not remain open until late into the evening, so it will be closed if you attempt to reserve just prior to boarding.
Where to book
| Ticket Provider | Approximate Cost | |
|---|---|---|
| CD | * |
On this journey
Journey Features
Good to Know
The train is usually scheduled to depart from Praha hl.n at 22:15 and arrive in Kraków Główny station at 06:15.
Final Destination: Warszawa*
For the part of the journey between Praha/Prague and Bohumin, these coaches heading to Krakow - and on to Warszawa, will be joined to another train that will be heading to Hummene in Slovakia.
If on the departure screens, you only see a train heading to Hummene departing at 22:15, then the departure details, will also apply to this train
You won't miss out on a beautiful journey if you opt to take this overnight train instead of the daytime trains.
Our general guide to taking European overnight trains is available HERE.
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