Cheap weekend trips from Cracow - train journeys | PolishTrains
Planning weekend trips from Cracow by train and want to know where to go, how long the journey will take and how to organise it all well? In this article, you will find tried and tested ideas for trips in Poland and abroad - from Gdynia and Poznań to Budapest. We also suggest where best to check timetables, buy tickets and plan your accommodation to make the most of your 2-3 days out of Cracow.
At a glance
At a glance
- Krakow to Gdynia by train takes around 6 hours; sample EIP fare from 244 PLN
- Direct trains from Krakow to Prague take approximately 5.5-7.5 hours
- Krakow to Vienna is around 5 hours by train, including a change in some services
- Deferred payment available on PolishTrains - pay up to 30 days after booking
- SMS reminder with ticket link sent 30 minutes before departure
- Polish statutory rail concessions do not apply on international connections
Tip:
Planning to organise a cheap weekend trip from Cracow? Use the PolishTrains website, which will help you organise your trip from A to Z. In one place you can check the current train timetable, buy a ticket for your chosen route and even find out about the available accommodation options in your destination.
Weekend trips from Cracow by train in Poland - where to go for 2-3 days?
Cracow is a great starting point for train trips all over Poland, including those planned for a longer weekend. With just a few hours on the train, you will find yourself in cities full of history, culture and attractions, which you will discover in two or three days with no rush.
Gdynia - a modern city of the sea and open space
Gdynia is a great choice for a weekend if you want to combine an urban atmosphere with proximity to the Baltic Sea. Skwer Kościuszki, the seaside boulevard and Kamienna Góra are conducive to long walks, and the compact centre allows you to explore without rushing and long commutes.
How to get from Cracow to Gdynia? Sample connections:
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EIP train 3508 at 07:52; journey time: 5 hours 35 minutes. Price: from 244 PLN.
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Train IC 3560 at 09:20. Travel time: 8 hours 13 minutes. Price: from 109 PLN
You may be interested in: Gdynia - a ready-made recipe for train travel
Warsaw - a diverse capital city for an intensive 2-3 days
The capital city offers a huge number of attractions. If you like a lot going on, a weekend in Warsaw is a great idea! The Old Town, the Vistula boulevards, the museums and the green parks make up a schedule that is easy to adapt to your own pace.
How to get from Cracow to Warsaw? Sample connections:
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EIP train 3506 at 09:41; journey time: 2 hours 39 minutes. Price: from 188 PLN
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Train IC 3530 at 13:28. Travel time: 3 hours 37 minutes. Price: from 82 PLN
Jelenia Góra - a mountain base with a spa atmosphere
Jelenia Góra is an excellent weekend destination especially for nature lovers. It makes a good base for excursions into the Krkonoše Mountains. Additional advantages? The atmospheric old town and the spa district of Cieplice.
How to get from Cracow to Jelenia Góra? Sample connections:
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Train IC 36106 at 06:55, journey time: 6 hours 49 minutes. Price: from 85 PLN.
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Train IC 6508 at 15:04. Travel time: 7 hours 4 minutes Price: from 87 zł
Poznań - history, urban energy and fine cuisine
Poznań works perfectly for a weekend away. The package includes a large number of attractions within walking distance, including the Old Market Square, Ostrów Tumski, the National Museum and the Warta River walking area.
How to get from Cracow to Poznań? Sample connections:
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Train IC 37102 at 07:11; journey time: 5 hours 11 minutes. Price: from 88 PLN.
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TLK train 38106 at 14:13 Travel time: 5 hours 9 minutes. Price: from 87 PLN
See also: Attractions in Poznań - discover the most interesting places and monuments
Olsztyn - a green city of lakes and a peaceful pace
This is a weekend option for people who want to relax without giving up sightseeing. The Old Town, the castle of the Warmian Chapter and the lakes and parks within Olsztyn's boundaries create a natural balance between culture and relaxation.
How to get from Cracow to Olsztyn? Sample connections:
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Train IC 3526 at 09:34; journey time: 6 hours 47 minutes. Price: from 98 PLN.
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Train IC 3530 at 13:28 Travel time: 6 hours 53 minutes. Price: from 98 PLN
Be inspired also by our ideas for a city break from Wrocław by train
Weekend trips abroad from Cracow - destinations easily accessible by rail
Direct connections and convenient transfers mean that a weekend abroad can start ... right in the train car! From Cracow you can easily reach European cities where you can indulge in your favourite pastimes: intense sightseeing, fine cuisine, sports or cultural activities. It's a great idea for a short but eventful trip.
Ostrava - industrial atmosphere and urban energy close to the border
Ostrava is a good destination for a weekend trip from Cracow if you like cities with character and a modern cultural offering. Former industrial sites, now turned into event centres and museums, go hand in hand here with excellent restaurants.
How to get from Cracow to Ostrava? Sample connections:
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IC 205 train at 10:21 a.m. Travel time: 2 hours 20 minutes. Price: from 42 PLN
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IC 212 train at 3:39 p.m. Travel time: 2 hours 34 minutes. Price: from 42 PLN
Check: Attractions in Ostrava - the best places and sights to visit
Vienna - Europe's classics for two days full of art and walks
Vienna impresses with its elegance, world-class museums and parks perfect for a leisurely stroll. Great for relatively cheap weekend trips from Cracow! Two or three days are enough to see the most important sights, pop into cafés with tradition and feel the unique rhythm of the city.
How to get from Cracow to Vienna? Sample connections:
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IC 205 train at 10:21 a.m. Travel time: 2 hours 20 minutes. Price: from 85 PLN
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IC 212 train at 15:39. Travel time: 2 hours 34 minutes. Price: from 85 PLN
You may be interested in: Attractions and sights of Vienna. What to see and how to get there?
Bratislava - an intimate capital city ideal for a short getaway
Bratislava is compact and sightseeing-friendly, so it's perfect as a destination for a weekend trip from Cracow. The Old Town, the castle on the Danube and the proximity to nature - treat it as a plan that you can easily fit into your spare 2-3 days.
How to get from Cracow to Bratislava? Sample connections:
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IC 205 train at 10:21 a.m. Travel time: 6 hours 46 minutes. Price: from 85 PLN.
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Train IC 417 at 20:57 - Travel time: 9 hours 15 minutes. Price: from 85 PLN
See: Attractions in Bratislava - the best places and sights to visit
Berlin - metropolitan diversity and culture without borders
A weekend is enough to see Berlin's most important symbols and experience plenty of interesting things. Monuments, museums, street art and districts with a different character make every day here look different.
How to get from Cracow to Berlin? Sample connections:
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Train IC 56 at 07:54 Travel time: 7 hours 17 minutes. Price: from 150 PLN
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IC 430 train at 21:37 Travel time: 8 hours 37 minutes. Price: from 150 PLN
Prague - scenic walks and timeless charm
Prague is one of the most popular weekend destinations from Cracow. What to see on site? E.g. Charles Bridge, Hradcany, Prague Castle, the Alfons Mucha Museum.
How to get from Cracow to Prague? Sample connections:
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Train IC 114 at 11:04 a.m. Travel time: 6 hours 48 minutes. Price: from 85 PLN
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Train IC 212 at 15:39 - Travel time: 6 hours 13 minutes. Price: from 85 PLN
Discover: Attractions in Prague - the best places and sights to visit
Budapest - city of thermal baths, bridges and evening panoramas
This city is a delight both during the day and after dark. A weekend in Budapest is a good time to see the Parliament and the castle hill, walk along the Danube and relax in one of the historic thermal baths. Such a weekend trip from Cracow is definitely one you won't regret!
How to get from Cracow to Budapest? Sample connections:
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IC 205 train at 10:21 a.m. Travel time: 9 hours 28 minutes. Price: from 110 PLN.
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IC train 417 at 20:57 Travel time: 11 hours 32 minutes. Price: from 110 PLN
See also: Attractions in Budapest - the best places and sights to visit
Vilnius - a green capital with an artistic soul
Prefer a quieter rhythm and a wide variety of architecture? Then head to Vilnius. The Old Town, the Užupis artists' quarter and numerous viewpoints will make your weekend stay inspiring and very comfortable!
How to get from Cracow to Vilnius? Sample connections:
- Train IC 142 at 05:49 - Travel time: 10 hours 36 minutes. Price: from 85 PLN
Check our recipe for travelling to Vilnius
Frequently asked questions
The most convenient way is to use the PolishTrains service. Here you can check the current timetable, compare available connections and buy tickets. It is also a good solution for planning cheap weekend trips from Cracow to Polish cities!
International trains run from Cracow's main railway station to the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Lithuania and Ukraine, among others. Planning to organise weekend trips from Cracow? Check out the available direct connections and convenient alternatives with a change of train.
For PKP Intercity trains, tickets can be purchased up to 30 days in advance for domestic IC connections, up to 180 days in advance for domestic EIC and EIP connections, as well as connections to Germany, Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Lithuania, up to 20 days in advance for connections to Ukraine.
Using the statutory discounts you are entitled to, you can organise many really cheap weekend trips from Cracow. All you need to do is select the appropriate option when buying your ticket on the PolishTrains website , such as a statutory discount for students, pupils, seniors or carers of people with disabilities. Remember to bring your proof of entitlement to the discount when travelling!
The most convenient way is to use the PolishTrains service. Here you can check the current timetable, compare available connections and buy tickets. It is also a good solution for planning cheap weekend trips from Cracow to Polish cities!
International trains run from Cracow's main railway station to the Czech Republic, Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Lithuania and Ukraine, among others. Planning to organise weekend trips from Cracow? Check out the available direct connections and convenient alternatives with a change of train.
For PKP Intercity trains, tickets can be purchased up to 30 days in advance for domestic IC connections, up to 180 days in advance for domestic EIC and EIP connections, as well as connections to Germany, Austria, Hungary, the Czech Republic, Slovakia and Lithuania, up to 20 days in advance for connections to Ukraine.
Using the statutory discounts you are entitled to, you can organise many really cheap weekend trips from Cracow. All you need to do is select the appropriate option when buying your ticket on the PolishTrains website , such as a statutory discount for students, pupils, seniors or carers of people with disabilities. Remember to bring your proof of entitlement to the discount when travelling!
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