Prague to Krakow, EuroNight Sleeper Train
Interrailing across Europe is one of life’s greatest pleasures, being able to jump from exciting city to the next so comfortably and easily. One of those trains is the safe and the cosy EuroNight sleeper Prague to Krakow train, connecting the Czech Republic capital Prague with Poland’s art capital Krakow. Affectionately known as the Chopin link, the PKP-operated train comes with safe and premium sleeper compartments, free wi-fi and perks like breakfast and on-board showers. The full train line runs from Prague to Warsaw, stopping at Krakow along the way.
Prices from: €29
Departing from: Prague
Journey length: 1 night
Prague to Krakow train route
The journey between Prague and Krakow takes an average of eight hours, departing Prague at 22:15 and arriving in Krakow at 06:22. The train runs daily and actually runs all the way to Warsaw, stopping at Ostrava and Krakow along the way. Despite running to Warsaw, Krakow is a great place to disembark, known as Poland’s art and culture capital and near to sites like Auschwitz. It’s not the fastest train connecting the two cities, but it’s certainly the most comfortable and the most enjoyable journey.
Prague to Krakow train
Running solely as an overnight train the EuroNight is made up just of sleeper cars, and there is no restaurant or lounge car. Sleeper cars are all carpeted, comfortable, clean and safe and come with facilities like showers or washrooms and toilets. The train is air-conditioned throughout and wi-fi is available. As there is no luggage compartment luggage is stored with passengers in their compartments.
Cabins on EurNight’s Prague to Krakow train
Three categories of sleeper ticket are available on the EuroNight train – deluxe sleeper, standard sleeper and couchette – all houses in Comfortline sleeping cars. Sleeper cars are carpeted, air-conditioned and peaceful, housing nine standard sleeper compartments and three deluxe compartments.
Standard sleepers are sold as either one, two or three berth, and have an in-room washbasin, crisp bed linen, soap, a towel, bottled water, a hotel-style key card, free wi-fi and a power socket. Deluxe compartments are pretty much identical, with the added benefit of a private en-suite shower room with toilet. A light breakfast with tea or coffee is also included for sleeper passengers and shared toliets and showers are located in each sleeper carriage. Tickets are sold individually, so unless you book the whole compartment, you’ll end up sharing with another passengers of the same gender.
A more economical option is the couchette carriage, with nine compartments all used as either a four or six berth. Clean bedding is provided and toliets and washrooms are available at the end of each carriage. Note, couchette compartments are not segregated by gender and you could end up sharing with a mixed group.
Food and drink
As the train departs late at night for Krakow it’s worth grabbing in dinner in Prague before boarding, with plenty of eateries found near the station. Once on board most passengers settle in for the night, so the train has no dedicated restaurant car. However, snacks and drinks can be purchased from your cabin attendant (or you can bring your own on board). For deluxe and sleeper passengers breakfast is included in the fare; a light meals of rolls, preserves, yoghurt, juice and tea or coffee.
Dress code
As the train runs purely overnight there is no dress code, but do remember to bring pyjamas or comfortable clothes to sleep in. Be mindful of modesty in the shared compartments, especially in couchette where compartments are mixed gender.
What’s included
Bed linen, mineral water, tea and coffee and a light breakfast are all included for sleeper passengers. Free wi-fi is also available in the train’s sleeper carriages (not couchette).
Pros and cons
The train is a safe, clean, comfortable and economical way to travel between two of the Czech Republic and Poland’s most exciting cities and offers a wide range of accommodation to suit every passenger. Luggage is unlimited (stored in-compartment) and necessities like bed linen, towels, soap and plug sockets are all taken catered for. Those with a Eurail or InterRail pass also only need to pay the sleeper or couchette supplement. The only con is wi-fi isn’t available throughout the whole train (only in sleeper), but the mobile phone signal should be fine the whole journey.