Zakopane Travel Forum

My wife and I will be staying in Krakow, (for the third time) from 8th to 12th April and this time, we hope to visit Zakopane.

It appears that the quickest way is to travel by bus, but I had considered train as it appears to be a scenic route.

Can anyone let me know the frequency of buses and the approximate cost and also give some advice on train travel, as we may consider going one way by bus and the other by train.

Many thanks and best wishes for 2008

Tom Morrice

Bus takes around 2.5 hours, train can take 3-4.

http://www.bahn.de/p/view/international/englisch/international_guests.shtml for train timetable (excellent site!).

Bus timetable here:

http://www.komunikacja.krakow.pl/inni/index.php?strona=szwagropol

Can't help with cost, sorry, but am sure it won't be expensive (public transport in Poland isn't, especially in comparison with the UK!).

Many thanks for your swift response.

We shall probably take the bus from Krakow to Zakopane, but would like to return by train as it seems a remarkable journey, if a bit long. However, when you get to my age, time is not an issue!!

Tom

I'd double-check the bus times when you arrive. The Tourist Info people in the main square office (Rynek Glowny) were very helpful, I found.

Krakow is lovely...enjoy your visit (and do sample some of the flavoured vodkas!).

Hello,

I went on a daytrip from Krakow to Zakopane in January 2005.

As far as I remeber there are plenty of buses of various bus companies serving the Krakow to Zakopane route (110 km). Nevertheless, on busy days it is recommended to buy the ticket in advance to guarantee a seat.

A trip takes between 2 and 2.5 hours. Depending on the bus operator the single fare varies from 8.50 to 11.0 Zloty (2005).

You find some more info on my Krakow page. I hope this helps

HORSCHECK

Is was always faster to take take a bus from Krakow to Zakopane. But now - the popular highway called "Zakopianka" (going from Krakow from Zakopane) is under cinstruction - on many parts of its way. This is way the trip may take longer than you expect. It is ok to travel now as during winter constructions are not in progress but when you wish to travel in April - the beggining of spring and the period of reconstructions it may be more difficult.

Anyway - the bus usually took about 2,5 hours and the price should be around 10 - 15 PLN (3 - 4 Euro). The train may be around 20 PLN (5 Euro) and the trip will take about 4 hours but I think it is more comfortable as you have more space and even more time to observe interesting places. I would sugest to take a bus onw way and come back by train. Would be ideal, in my opinion!