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How to get from Krakow to Warsaw
PKP Intercity express trains, including the Pendolino (EIP), link Kraków Główny and Warszawa Centralna in about 2 h 20 to 3 h, many times a day. Driving takes about 3 h 30 to 4 h, and flights about 50 minutes, but neither beats the train city centre to city centre.
Best option: Train. Fast, frequent trains run from central Kraków to central Warsaw, beating both the car and the plane.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train PKP Intercity Express InterCity Premium (Pendolino), EIC and IC trains from Kraków Główny to Warszawa Centralna | about 2 h 20 to 3 h | roughly every 30–60 minutes | about PLN 60–200 | Seat reservation is included and required on Intercity trains; book early for the cheapest Pendolino fares. |
| car S7 expressway north via Kielce and Radom to Warsaw (about 300 km) | about 3 h 30 to 4 h | fuel only on the S7; tolls apply if you use the A1/A2 motorway route | Parking in central Warsaw is paid on weekdays. | |
| bus Long-distance coaches from Kraków MDA bus station to Warsaw (several companies, including FlixBus) | about 4 h 30 to 5 h | many a day | about PLN 30–70 | Cheaper but slower than the train. |
| flight Flights from Kraków Balice to Warsaw Chopin (LOT) | about 50 min in the air | several a day | about PLN 200–600 | Mainly useful for onward international connections in Warsaw. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Buy tickets on the PKP Intercity app or website; early purchase gives large discounts.
- Warszawa Centralna is right in the city centre, next to the Palace of Culture and Science.
- Avoid Friday and Sunday afternoons, when trains are busiest.
- Kraków Główny is next to the Galeria Krakowska shopping centre, a short walk from the Old Town.
Common questions
How long is the train from Kraków to Warsaw?
About 2 h 20 to 3 h on PKP Intercity express trains, with the fastest Pendolino services taking about 2 h 20 to 2 h 30. Trains run roughly every 30–60 minutes. Reservations are included in the ticket. Buy in advance for the best prices and seat choice.
Should I fly from Kraków to Warsaw?
Only if you are connecting to an international flight at Warsaw Chopin. The flight is about 50 minutes, but with airport transfers and security it takes longer than the train, and costs more. For most travellers, the train is the better choice.
What is the cheapest way from Kraków to Warsaw?
Long-distance coaches are usually cheapest, from about PLN 30, but take about 4 h 30 to 5 h. Early-booked train tickets can be almost as cheap and are much faster. Check the PKP Intercity website for promotional fares on the Pendolino.
Can I do Warsaw as a day trip from Kraków?
Yes. With trains of about 2 h 30 each way, you can spend six to eight hours in Warsaw, enough for the Old Town, the Royal Route and a museum. Trains run until late evening. Book both legs in advance to secure good times.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.