Getting to Krakow by Road
Travel to Krakow By Bus
24 hours on a bus, not everyone's idea of luxury travel but it's cheap, just £60 return from London to Krakow and you get to see the countryside as a bonus.
Seriously, it's not too bad. If you are on a budget, we recommend it.
Within Poland, coach travel is not that much cheaper than going by train. However, it is much more awkward, and not recommended for traveling between cities. During the Summer, there are often services without air conditioning. Take plenty of water.
Rail connections from the Baltic countries into Poland are non-existent, making bus travel a more serious alternative for travelers arriving from the north.
Travel to Krakow By Car
Non-stop from Calais to Krakow will take even the seasoned driver a minimum of 22 hours and this is not recommended. What is recommended is taking a break and spreading the journey over 2 days with a good night's sleep to break the journey up.
The Polish government has completed the Autostrada A4 [10] from the German border (Where it meets the Autobahn A4) to Kraków. This makes travel from the west fairly easy. The speed limit is generally 130 km/h, and there is a 8 PLN toll each way between Katowice and Kraków. Driving to or from Warsaw (300 km) is more difficult as the A1 has not yet been completed. The easiest route is the S7 express road, which should take about five hours.
Don't be too alarmed if you are stopped by the Police, Spot checks on vehicles are common, so make sure that you always have your driving licence, insurance documents and passport with you at all times.
Traveling by car can be very dangerous and arduous due to very poor quality of roads and the way they are signed as well as due to the number of cars in Poland. Generally, Polish drivers like to exceed speed limits and policemen like to give tickets. The permitted level of alcohol in blood is pretty low: 0,2% is the maximum blood alcohol level allowed, so forget about having even a single beer.
Regulations: The speed limit is 50km/h in cities, 90km/h outside urban areas, 110km/h on dual carriageways and 130km/h on motorways. Trams have the right of way. All vehicles should have their lights switched on at any time during the whole year.
Documentation: Tourists traveling in their own cars should have car registration cards, their national driving license and valid Green Card motor insurance. An International Driving Permit is also required.
Car hire: Self-drive cars are available at the airport or in various car rental offices in the town centre. The minimum age enabling to car rental is 21. Charges are usually based on a daily rate plus a kilometer charge.
Petrol Stations: Petrol stations are open 24 hours and have small grocery stores inside.
Love Warsaw Tip: Ditch the car as soon as possible once you get to Krakow and use Public Transport.
Moley says, "Get a Sat Nav"
Further information about driving in Poland