Krakow Transportation Tips by LoriPori

KRAKOW>LVIV>KRAKOW Train Review

May 31, 2010
Night Train to Lviv:
Matt (Matcrazy01) reserved and booked train tickets to Lviv and back to Krakow for us. Hans and I requested 2nd class in sleeping compartment for 3 people. It was 249.80 zl each for Hans and I - so altogether 500 zl or about $160.00 CDN.
We were scheduled to depart at 10:32 p.m. About ten of us boarded the night train. Our passports and group tickets were checked before we were allowed onto the train. We were allocated a sleeping compartment for three. Ove (OH_DK) shared the compartment with Hans and I. It was already late so we made up our beds (sheets & pillows provided) and tried to get some sleep, even with "party central" next door to us. At the end of the Polish border, we were awakened as we had to produce our passports and then again at the Ukraine border (it was now about 4:00 a.m. We finally arrived in Lviv about 6:15 a.m.

Day Train back to Krakow:
Departure 7:19 a.m. Lviv Train Station
The Day Train was fun, as we were all awake, walking around and visiting each other. We enjoyed looking out the windows, taking in the countryside and little towns.
Also actually got to see how they changed the wheels on the train - fascinating and time consuming - two hours.

Mode: TO

Type: Train

GETTING AROUND KRAKOW

Krakow is a fascinating place to visit and so much to see and do. Most of what Krakow has to offer is within walking distance of the Main Market Square - Rynek Glowny. Exploring and GETTING AROUND KRAKOW on foot is by far the best way to see the historical sites. Hans and I sure did a lot of walking. I just don't want to miss anything and you are usually more observant while on foot - therefore my camera is always with me.
OK so you're tired of walking and want to be driven around town. I thought those little golf cart thingies (photos # 1 2 & 3) driving all over the place giving tours was a great idea. Folks usually waved when I was taking their picture. They looked nice and comfortable.
How about a nice horse and carriage ride (photo #4) around town. The horses are always beautifully decorated and look so regal. I love the sound of the clip clop on the stone side streets.
Another great idea, which beats walking, is renting a bicycle. I saw a bicycle stand (photo #5) while walking around town.
Just so many ways to enjoy Krakow!

Mode: AROUND

Type: Other

BALICE EXPRESS Train Review

Getting to and from Krakow Airport is easy with the BALICE EXPRESS.
Balice to Krakow Glowny.
Krakow Glowny to Balice.

At the Balice Train Stop, I bought a ticket on the train at the ticket machine and paid 7 zl each. Fortunately I had a 20 zl note and the machine made change. Some folks on the train only had 50 zl notes, so they had to buy from the conductor. The conductor charges 8 zl if you buy it from him.
On our return journey to the Airport, I bought tickets at the ticket counter and paid 8 zl each.
The journey takes about 20 minutes and there is plenty of room for your luggage.
For Krakow train information, check the website below.

Mode: TO

Type: Train

Website: http://www.krakow.gr/index_trains.htm

LOT -- POLISH AIRLINES Airplane Review

When Hans and I were checking out flights for the VT Meet in Krakow, we checked Expedia.ca rates and ended up booking with them. We went with LOT -- POLISH AIRLINES Or POLSKIE UNIE LOTNICZE.
We flew a Boeing 767 from Toronto (YYZ) Pearson International Airport Terminal 1 (brand new terminal by the way) and flew directly to Warsaw (WAW) Terminal 1.
We then got our connection to Krakow (KRK) and arrived at Terminal D - Domestic - John Paul II International Airport - Balice.
Two roundtrip tickets were $570. + $570. + $698.02 Taxes = $1838.02 CDN
Krakow - Balice - is a suburban district 11 km ( 6 miles) west of Krakow.
After picking up our luggage, we headed outside where we took the free BLUE SHUTTLE BUS, (which departs from both terminals) The pick-up Stop at the Domestic Airport is marked for the Bus (located in the Parking area ). The Shuttle takes you to the Train Stop. The BALICE EXPRESS train takes you to Krakow Main Train Station. The "BALICE EXPRESS" costs 7 zl when you buy from the machine located on the train. If you buy a ticket from the train conductor (or from the Krakow Ticket Office) the cost is 8 zl.

Mode: TO

Type: Airplane

Website: http://www.lot.com

KRAKOW TRAMS By tram Review

Public transport in Krakow is well developed, punctual and convenient, as most of the buses or TRAMS stop at or around the Station Square. When sightseeing in the center, you're better off walking, as it's not really served by buses or trams.
When you do take a Tram or Bus, make sure you validate your ticket by immediately punching in your ticket in the ticket machine. Fines can be laid by inspectors, who randomly check tickets.
Tram tickets are available from Kiosks. From drivers, you can only purchase a single trip ticket.
There are many types of tickets. A 24-hour ticket is probably best for full day touring Krakow.

Single Trip --- 2.50 zl
One hour ticket --- 3.10 zl
Full day ticket --- 10.40 zl

Mode: AROUND

Type: Other

TAKING A TAXI Taxi, taxi Review

Hans and I used a TAXI twice while in Krakow. The first was when we arrived at Krakow Train Station and it was pouring rain. We had to get to the B & B Unikat and we were too tired to walk. At the street were a bunch of Taxis, waiting outside the Train Station. We approached the first taxi driver, told him where we wanted to go and negotiated a price BEFORE we got into the cab. He first asked for 25 zl but we said we would pay no more than 20 zl.
The second time was when a bunch of us at the Unikat had to get to the Train Station. The receptionist phoned CITY TAXI which was recommended to us by Matt. Three cabs were arranged. We paid 20 zl for our taxi and split the cost of it.
Always use official taxi operators with official fares. Official taxi corporations have their logo and phone number on the top of the taxi and the tariff on the passenger window. An official license must be visible inside the taxi. If you have any doubts always ask how much it will cost, before you get in.

Mode: AROUND

Type: Other

BLUE AIRPORT SHUTTLE BUS By bus Review

After collecting our luggage, (we arrived at the Domestic Airport Terminal D - Balice), we walked through the doors to the parking area, where there was a STOP for the FREE BLUE AIRPORT SHUTTLE BUS. There was plenty of room for our luggage. The Shuttle took us to the Train Stop where we would get the "BALICE EXPRESS" train, which would take us to Krakow Main Train Station. It's a great service, as it's quite a walk to the Train Stop esp. lugging your luggage around.

Mode: TO

Type: Bus