How to Book Train Travel From Hungary to Poland

The half-day train trip from Hungary to Poland travels across Slovakia and half the length of Eastern Europe. The view out the window alone is worth booking the trip.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Hungarian currency
• Passport
• Internet connection to book your train travel online

Prepare to Travel From Hungary to Poland

1. Make sure you bring your passport and any other identification you have. A U.S. passport allows a visitor to cross the Polish border and stay in Poland for up to 90 days.

2. Choose a route. The Polonia train and the Bathory train connect Budapest, HU, and Warsaw, PL, via Bratislava. The Karpaty train connects Miskolc, HU, and Warsaw, PL,, via Krakow. The Cracovia train connects Budapest, HU and Krakow, PL, via Kosice.

3. Bring Hungarian currency with you to pay for the ticket. Hungarian train stations typically only accept cash. A first-class train ticket to Poland will range from 9,000 forints to 12,000 forints.

4. Pick a departure time. Hungarian train timetables can be found at the railway's Web site, Elvira (see Resources). Most routes to Poland leave twice daily.

5. Plan on registering your stay within 48 hours of your arrival in Poland. Most hotels and/or campsites will do this for you at the reception desk.

Book Your Train Ticket From Hungary to Poland

1. Choose between first class and second class. First-class travel is generally considered preferable but may not be available on certain trains. Some travelers prefer second-class, as it is the most popular travel class with locals.

2. Go to a train station in Budapest or Miskolc and find a ticketing agent. Budapest's central ticket office will better accommodate foreigners.

3. Be as specific as you can when booking your ticket with the ticketing agent. Miscommunication is a high risk. If you have a Hungarian phrase book, be sure to bring it with you.

Tips & Warnings

• Bring some American dollars or euros to exchange just in case you cannot access an ATM in Poland.

• Rail Europe's European East Pass covers Austria, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia. If you plan to travel in more than one of these countries, visit Rail Europe's Web site to learn more about this popular option. But remember: you can only book passes a minimum of 7 days prior to leaving North America.

• Ask about discounts for students, children and seniors.

• As these trips can take 12 or more hours, you might want to pack snacks. Dining cars can have expensive, limited menus.

• Book train travel from Hungary to Poland through Rail Europe by visiting the Web site (see Resources) or by calling a North American agent at (888) 382-RAIL.

• As many cities have more than one train station, make sure you know which station will be used for departure.

• Be prepared for late trains. The Hungarian State Railway system is not known for its consistency.