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Kraków is well-connected by rail. Warsaw is 2.5 hours away with trains running every hour. There are direct international trains to Berlin, Prague, and Vienna, plus a nightly service to Munich. From the airport, the train to the city centre takes 17 minutes and costs 20 PLN.
Kraków Główny is the main station, on Pawia Street near the Old Town. It is around 10-15 minutes’ walk from Rynek Główny (the main market square).
Before you travel:
- Warsaw: Trains run hourly. Advance Promo fares start from around 29 PLN; standard fares are typically 79-149 PLN. The fastest EIP Pendolino takes under 2 hours 20 minutes.
- International trains: Direct to Berlin, Prague (Leo Express or Czech Railways), and Vienna (day and overnight). No direct train to Budapest – go via Vienna or Bratislava.
- Airport: Koleje Małopolskie train to Kraków Główny, 20 PLN, 17 minutes, covered footbridge from the terminal.
- Booking: Reservations are compulsory on EIP, EIC, IC, and TLK trains and are sold with your ticket. Book up to 6 months ahead; advance fares sell out on popular departures.
- Rail passes: Interrail and Eurail are valid in Poland. You still need a compulsory seat reservation on EIP and EIC trains, which carries a fee even with a pass.
Kraków Główny station
Kraków Główny has five island platforms and 10 tracks. The western end connects to Galeria Krakowska shopping mall; the bus station is to the east.
The ticket hall and facilities
The ticket hall is under the platforms. There are 20 staffed ticket windows, a PKP Intercity customer service desk, and an information office. Automated machines run 24/7.
Check portalpasazera.pl before you go to the platform. It shows live departures with platform (peron) numbers – the boards at the station often don’t post these far in advance.
Wi-Fi throughout the station runs on the PKP_WIFI network. Luggage storage includes coin-operated lockers and two staffed left luggage offices, both accepting card payment. There are paid showers and paid toilets (contactless payment accepted). A Biedronka supermarket is in the main passageway.
Avoid Euronet ATMs at the station. They apply poor exchange rates. Use a standard bank machine instead.
Taxis, trams, and walking to the Old Town
The taxi rank is on the open deck above the platforms. Go up, not down. Taking the escalator or lift down to street level brings you out near the bus stops and access roads, not the taxis. Uber and Bolt also pick up from the deck above the platforms.
Trams run through a tunnel under the station, with stops at Galeria Krakowska Zachód. They are good for getting further into the city, but they do not take you directly to the Old Town. For the Rynek Główny, walk. The route through Planty Park takes around 10-15 minutes and is easy to follow.
Other stations in Kraków
Kraków Grzegórzki (near the Kazimierz district) and Kraków Zabłocie (near the Oskar Schindler Museum) serve the outer neighbourhoods. For almost every journey in and out of the city, Kraków Główny is the one you want.
Reduced mobility access
Kraków Główny and Kraków Bronowice have ramps, lifts, and clearly marked accessible routes. Most PKP Intercity and RegioJet trains have designated spaces for wheelchair users. Contact the operator in advance if you need platform or on-board help – station staff can assist, but advance notice makes the process easier.
Train companies and routes
PKP Intercity
PKP Intercity runs all the main long-distance trains to and from Kraków.
| Train type | Features | Primary routes |
|---|---|---|
| EIP (Express InterCity Premium) | Pendolino sets; bar and bistro car; compulsory reservation; business class | Gdynia - Warsaw - Kraków |
| EIC (Express InterCity) | Air-conditioned; restaurant car on some services; compulsory reservation | Major Polish cities |
| IC (InterCity) | Standard express; air-conditioned; compulsory reservation | Nationwide |
| TLK (Twoje Linie Kolejowe) | Lowest fares; older carriages; compulsory reservation | Extended domestic network |
Reservations are compulsory on all four types. They are sold with the ticket – you cannot board on a pass alone.
Local and regional operators
Koleje Małopolskie runs local routes in the Małopolska region, including the airport train and services to Wieliczka. Polregio connects Kraków to neighbouring provinces, including the Oświęcim route for Auschwitz.
Cross-border services
Leo Express and RegioJet both operate direct trains between Kraków and Prague. Check portalpasazera.pl for live departure platforms, and use the Polish spelling “Kraków” when searching on international booking sites.
EIP Pendolino trains
EIP sets run at up to 200 km/h, making the Warsaw-Kraków trip the fastest domestic rail journey in Poland. They have power outlets at every seat and a restaurant car. They are also the most expensive option unless you book well ahead.
Train routes to Kraków
International routes
| Route | Journey time | Advance fares from | Booking |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vienna - Kraków (day) | Around 5 hours | EUR 25 | nightjet.com, obb.eu |
| Vienna - Kraków (overnight) | Around 7-8 hours | EUR 29 seat / EUR 49 couchette / EUR 69 sleeper | nightjet.com |
| Berlin - Kraków | Around 8-9 hours | EUR 29 (2nd class advance) | int.bahn.de |
| Prague - Kraków | Around 7 hours | EUR 15 (advance) | leoexpress.com, regiojet.com |
Fares change with demand and how early you book. Booking at the operator’s own site is usually the most direct route.
There is no direct train between Kraków and Budapest. Connections run via Vienna or Bratislava – check int.bahn.de or Omio for current options.
The Munich overnight train
A nightly EuroNight service, marketed by PKP as the Chopin, runs from Kraków to Munich via Vienna. It leaves Kraków in the late evening and arrives in Munich the following morning. You can book a seat, a 6-berth couchette, a 4-berth couchette, or a private sleeping compartment. Book early if you want a couchette or sleeper – they sell out before seats. Check the timetable and book at nightjet.com or rozklad.pkp.pl.
Kraków to Lviv
Direct train connections to Lviv exist. Services and schedules have changed in recent years, so check current options at rozklad.pkp.pl or via UA: Railways before booking.
Domestic routes
| Destination | Journey time | Service type |
|---|---|---|
| Warsaw | Around 2.5 hours (fastest EIP: under 2h 20m) | Direct |
| Gdańsk | Around 5.5 hours | Direct |
| Wrocław | Around 3.5 hours | Direct |
| Poznań | Around 5.5 hours | Direct |
| Łódź | Around 2.5 hours | Direct |
| Czestochowa | Around 1.5 hours | Direct |
Ticket booking
Online
Book PKP Intercity tickets at pkpintercity.pl or through the PKP Intercity app. Tickets go to your email or phone. Prices are shown in PLN.
For Berlin, int.bahn.de covers through tickets from Germany to Kraków. For Prague, book at leoexpress.com or regiojet.com. Polrail Service is a Polish booking site for domestic and international tickets. Rail Europe, Trainline, and Omio also cover Kraków routes from across Europe.
At the station
The ticket hall at Kraków Główny has 20 staffed windows for domestic and international bookings (credit cards accepted). Automated machines are available around the clock.
| Point | Payment | Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Ticket windows | Cash, cards | Station hours |
| Ticket machines | Cards, cash | 24/7 |
| Left luggage | Cards, PLN | Station hours |
Booking windows open up to 6 months ahead. Tickets are available in digital, print-at-home, or machine pickup formats.
Train tickets and classes
Classes
EIP Pendolino is at the top of the PKP Intercity range. EIC and IC trains are air-conditioned and comfortable. TLK trains are older and more basic, but cheaper. Reservations are compulsory on all four and booked with the ticket.
Regional trains such as the Oświęcim service can be bought on the day at the station without advance reservation.
Fares
Domestic advance Promo fares on PKP Intercity start from around 29 PLN. Standard 2nd class fares booked closer to travel are typically 79-149 PLN. First class is available on EIP and EIC trains.
For international routes, advance 2nd class fares start from around EUR 29 to Berlin, EUR 15 to Prague, and EUR 25 to Vienna. Overnight fares start from around EUR 29 for a seat, EUR 49 for a couchette, EUR 69 for a sleeping compartment. Couchettes and sleepers sell out faster than seats, so book early if overnight comfort matters to you.
Regional tickets such as Kraków to Oświęcim are valid same-day and can usually be bought at the station.
Getting to your hotel
Walking
Kraków Główny is around 10-15 minutes’ walk from Rynek Główny through Planty Park. For most hotels in the Old Town, walking is the fastest option.
Trams
Trams run through a tunnel under the station, with stops at Galeria Krakowska Zachód. The Jakdojade app gives routes and timetables in English. Buy tickets from station machines, newsagents, kiosks, or drivers (cash only from drivers). Validate immediately on the yellow machines on board.
Taxis
The taxi rank is on the open deck above the platforms. Take the escalator or lift up from platform level. Uber and Bolt pick up from the same deck. Exiting down to street level does not get you to taxis.
| Service | Approximate fare to city centre |
|---|---|
| Uber / Bolt | 50-80 PLN |
| Traditional metered taxi | Higher; check the rate before boarding |
Airport train
Koleje Małopolskie runs a direct train from Kraków Airport to Kraków Główny. The airport station is connected to the terminal by a covered footbridge. The journey takes around 17 minutes and costs 20 PLN.
The same service continues to Wieliczka, so you can stay on board if you are going straight to the Salt Mine from the airport. Check the timetable at kolejemalopolskie.com.pl or on the Koleo app. Tickets can also be bought from the conductor on board.
Trains have air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and spaces for passengers with reduced mobility.
City transport
MPK (Miejskie Przedsiebiorstwo Komunikacyjne) operates 22 tram lines plus night routes and express connections across Kraków. Trams stop at Galeria Krakowska Zachód, at the tunnel under the station’s west end.
One thing that catches people out on Polish trains and buses: you cannot drink your own alcohol. Drinks from the bar or restaurant car are fine. Bringing something from the station shop onto the train is not permitted.
Kraków uses time-based tickets.
| Ticket type | Full fare | Reduced fare |
|---|---|---|
| 15-minute | 4 PLN | 2 PLN |
| 30-minute | 6 PLN | 3 PLN |
| 60-minute | 8 PLN | 4 PLN |
| 90-minute | 9 PLN | 4.50 PLN |
| Airport Express | 16 PLN | - |
Buy tickets from machines, the SkyCash or Mobilet apps, newsagents, or drivers (cash only from drivers). Validate immediately after boarding. Check mpk.krakow.pl for the current tariff.
The Krakow City Pass covers unlimited public transport plus entry to several attractions and may be worth considering if you plan to visit multiple museums.
Day trips by train
Auschwitz-Birkenau
Take a train from Kraków Główny to Oświęcim station. Polregio and Koleje Małopolskie run several departures daily; some require a transfer. Journey time is around 1.5 hours. Fares are around 15-17 PLN each way. From Oświęcim station, take a local bus or taxi to the memorial site.
Wieliczka Salt Mine
The mine is on the same Koleje Małopolskie line as the airport train, around 20 minutes from Kraków Główny. Get off at Wieliczka Rynek-Kopalnia, which is the stop closest to the mine entrance.
Zakopane
Trains run to Zakopane year-round, with extra services in winter and summer. The journey takes around 2 hours. Check rozklad.pkp.pl for timetables – departures fill quickly during peak season.
Travel by season
Winter
December to February brings cold temperatures and possible snow delays on regional routes. Allow extra time for connections. Timetables change over Christmas and New Year, so check before you travel.
Busy periods
The busiest times are summer (July and August), Easter, the shoulder seasons (May-June and September-October), and December. Book ahead for EIP trains and overnight services during these periods.
Public holidays
Train frequency changes on Polish national holidays. Check with PKP Intercity or the relevant regional operator for updated timetables.
Planning tips
- Book 60 days ahead for international fares. Berlin from around EUR 29, Vienna from around EUR 25, Prague from around EUR 15. Prices rise as the date approaches, especially for overnight trains.
- Reservations are compulsory on EIP, EIC, IC, and TLK trains. The reservation is included when you book through PKP Intercity or an integrated booking site, but check your ticket shows a specific seat.
- Check portalpasazera.pl before you go to the platform. It shows live departure information with platform (peron) numbers, which are not always announced early at the station boards.
- Book overnight berths early. Couchettes and sleeping compartments sell out before seats on the Munich EuroNight. In summer, book weeks rather than days ahead.
- Keep digital copies of tickets. PKP Intercity tickets work on your phone. For international tickets, check whether your booking confirmation is enough or whether you need to collect a printed copy.
- Use vagonweb.cz for train car formations. Useful for positioning yourself on the platform before a long-distance train arrives.
- Check timetables before you travel. Use rozklad.pkp.pl for PKP services, especially around public holidays when schedules change.
- Interrail and Eurail passes are valid in Poland. You still need a compulsory seat reservation on EIP and EIC trains, and the reservation carries a fee even with a pass.
- Avoid Euronet ATMs at the station. Use a standard bank machine for better exchange rates.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to travel to Kraków from major Polish cities by train?
Warsaw to Kraków takes around 2.5 hours on most InterCity services, with the fastest EIP Pendolino trains completing the journey in under 2 hours 20 minutes. Trains from Warsaw depart at least hourly throughout the day. Wrocław is 3.5 hours, Gdańsk 5.5 hours. Advance Promo fares on PKP Intercity start from around 29 PLN; standard 2nd class fares booked closer to travel are typically 79-149 PLN.
Are there direct international trains to Kraków?
Yes. Direct trains run from Berlin, Prague, and Vienna. Vienna to Kraków takes around 5 hours by day train, with advance fares from approximately EUR 25. There is no direct service to Budapest; connections go via Vienna or Bratislava. A nightly EuroNight service connects Kraków to Munich via Vienna - book at nightjet.com or int.bahn.de.
Is there a train from Kraków Airport to the city centre?
Yes. Koleje Małopolskie operates a direct train from Kraków Airport to Kraków Główny in around 17 minutes. A single fare costs 20 PLN. Trains run regularly throughout the day; check the timetable at kolejemalopolskie.com.pl or via the Koleo app.
What facilities does Kraków Główny station offer?
The ticket hall under the platforms has 20 staffed windows, a PKP Intercity service desk, automated machines available 24/7, coin-operated luggage lockers, staffed left luggage offices, free Wi-Fi (network: PKP_WIFI), a Biedronka supermarket, and paid showers. The taxi rank is on the open deck above the platforms - go up from the platforms, not down to street level.
Can I use an Interrail or Eurail Pass on trains to Kraków?
Yes. Interrail and Eurail passes are valid for train travel in Poland, including on PKP Intercity services to Kraków and on international trains connecting to other European countries. However, seat reservations are compulsory on EIP and EIC trains, and pass holders still pay a reservation fee. Book the reservation alongside your pass at pkpintercity.pl or through your booking channel before travel.
