Posted: 2008-05-18 04:02:00
Can anyone give me information on the safest way for two women (mid 60's) to travel from Prague to Krakow. We do not wish to use overnight train. Is train safe at all? Are there coach companies which would be better? We have heard conflicting reports. We also need to then travel Krakow to Budapest and again are looking for suggestions and information.
The safest and the quickest are the flights, but not always the cheapest, although low fares airlines like wizzair.com or skyeurope.com can often work out cheaper than the trains. Definitely worth checking this out!
Trains are safe and comfortable, particularly the overnight hotel and sleeper trains - only passengers with tickets are allowed on the locked carriage (about ten cabins per each carriage, first class cabins sleep two or three, or it is two in the first class and three in the second class - I don't remember exactly), each carriage has a steward, who checks the tickets and wakes passengers up some 20 or 15 minutes before arrival, can offer coffee or tea (some may serve a simple breakfast or a snack). Bedding is provided. Reservations are essential. There are such trains both from Prague to Krakow and from Krakow to Budapest. Schedules can be found on pkp.com.pl Day trains are also available and are also safe, but then one has to lose several hours of daylight on the journey...
There are many coach companies - crossing the Carpathians slows down the trip, though. The mountains have to be crossed in both directions Prague-Krakow and Krakow-Budapest.
