Best Weekend Trips from Warsaw, Krakow & Wroclaw

Q: What is the cheapest way to travel between Polish cities?

FlixBus and PolskiBus offer the cheapest fares, starting from 9-19 PLN when booked in advance. BlaBlaCar ride-sharing is also very affordable at 20-70 PLN depending on distance. PKP Intercity trains are slightly more expensive but faster and more comfortable.

Q: Is it safe to travel around Poland?

Yes, Poland is one of the safest countries in Europe for travelers. Petty crime exists in tourist areas but violent crime is rare. Mountain hiking requires standard precautions: check weather forecasts, stick to marked trails, and carry appropriate gear. Rural areas are extremely safe.

Q: Do I need a car for weekend trips in Poland?

For most destinations, no. Poland's bus and train network covers the main tourist destinations well. A car is helpful for remote areas like Bieszczady or parts of Masuria, and for group travel where splitting fuel costs makes sense. Car rentals start at about 120 PLN per day.

Q: What are the best weekend trips in winter?

Zakopane for skiing and mountain atmosphere, Torun for its cozy old town and gingerbread, and any spa town (Kudowa-Zdroj, Krynica-Zdroj, Cieplice) for thermal baths. Christmas markets in Gdansk, Wroclaw, and Krakow are also worth a winter weekend trip.

Q: How far in advance should I book transport?

For the best prices, book FlixBus 2-3 weeks ahead and PKP Intercity trains 1-2 weeks ahead. Peak weekends (long weekends, holidays) should be booked even earlier. BlaBlaCar and regional buses can usually be booked 1-3 days in advance.

Q: Can I take a weekend trip to another country from Poland?

Absolutely. From Wroclaw, Prague and Berlin are both under 4 hours by bus. From Krakow, Budapest and Vienna are 5-6 hours by bus or train. From Warsaw, Vilnius and Berlin are popular weekend destinations. Budget airlines from Polish airports also connect to dozens of European cities.

Q: What should I pack for a weekend trip in Poland?

Always pack layers regardless of season, as Polish weather changes quickly. For mountain trips: sturdy shoes, rain jacket, water, and snacks. For city trips: comfortable walking shoes, a portable charger, and a reusable water bottle. In winter, thermal layers and a warm hat are essential.

Domkaspot Editorial

Mar 5, 2026•13 min read

Best Weekend Trips from Warsaw, Krakow & Wroclaw

Introduction

One of the best things about living in Poland is how easy and affordable it is to explore. Whether you are based in Warsaw, Krakow, or Wroclaw, stunning destinations are just a short train or bus ride away. Mountains, medieval towns, national parks, and thermal spas are all within weekend-trip distance.

Poland's transport network is excellent and cheap compared to Western Europe. A FlixBus ticket can cost as little as 19 PLN, and the PKP Intercity trains are comfortable, reliable, and well-priced. This guide covers the best weekend trips and day trips from each city, complete with transport options, approximate costs, and what makes each destination special.

Already living in Poland? Make sure you have a great home base to return to. Browse apartments on Domkaspot or find flatmates to share the adventure with.

Weekend Trips from Warsaw

Warsaw's central location makes it a natural hub for exploring both northern and southern Poland. The city's two main train stations, Warszawa Centralna and Warszawa Zachodnia, connect to virtually every corner of the country.

Kazimierz Dolny

This picturesque Renaissance town on the Vistula River is Warsaw's most popular weekend escape. Located about 150 km southeast, it is reachable by bus in 2.5 hours. The town is famous for its art galleries, hilltop castle ruins, and charming market square. Wander the narrow streets, hike to the Three Crosses viewpoint, and try the iconic rooster-shaped bread (kogut kazimierski). Best visited April through October.

Transport: PKS bus from Warszawa Zachodnia, around 30-40 PLN one way. No direct train. Budget: 200-400 PLN for a weekend including accommodation.

Torun

Torun is the birthplace of Copernicus and a UNESCO World Heritage city with one of the best-preserved medieval old towns in Europe. It is 2.5-3 hours by train from Warsaw. Do not miss the Gingerbread Museum (make your own gingerbread), the Gothic cathedral, and the leaning tower. Torun's gingerbread (pierniki) is legendary.

Transport: PKP Intercity train from Warszawa Centralna, 50-80 PLN. Budget: 250-450 PLN for a weekend.

Masurian Lakes

The Masurian Lake District, known as the Land of a Thousand Lakes, is Poland's premier summer destination. Located 3-4 hours northeast of Warsaw, the region is perfect for sailing, kayaking, cycling, and nature walks. The town of Mikolajki is the main tourist hub. Visit between June and September for the best weather.

Transport: PKP train to Elk or Gizycko (3.5 hours, 60-100 PLN), then local bus. Budget: 400-700 PLN for a weekend including water activities.

Bialowieza Forest

Europe's last primeval forest and a UNESCO World Heritage site. Located on the Belarus border, 4 hours east of Warsaw, Bialowieza is home to the European bison. Guided tours of the strict reserve are mandatory and cost around 40-60 PLN per person. The surrounding village has charming wooden architecture and traditional Podlasie cuisine.

Transport: PKS bus from Warsaw (4 hours, 40-60 PLN). Limited departures, plan ahead. Budget: 300-500 PLN for a weekend.

Zakopane (by Train)

While Zakopane is closer to Krakow, it is very doable from Warsaw. The scenic train ride takes about 4.5-5 hours and passes through beautiful Polish countryside. Zakopane is the gateway to the Tatra Mountains, with excellent hiking in summer and skiing in winter. Krupowki street is lined with restaurants serving regional highland cuisine.

Transport: PKP Intercity from Warszawa Centralna, 70-120 PLN. Budget: 400-600 PLN for a weekend.

Weekend Trips from Krakow

Krakow is perfectly positioned for mountain escapes, historic sites, and cross-border trips. Southern Poland's landscape is dramatically different from the flatlands around Warsaw, with foothills, valleys, and the Tatra Mountains within easy reach. Living in Krakow? Find flatmates in Krakow to share your travel adventures.

Zakopane and the Tatras

Just 2 hours south by bus, Zakopane is Krakow's natural weekend playground. In summer, hike to Morskie Oko (arguably Poland's most beautiful lake), take the cable car up Kasprowy Wierch, or explore the Koscieliska Valley. In winter, hit the ski slopes at Bystre, Szymoszkowa, or Kasprowy Wierch. The town itself has a unique highland culture with distinctive wooden architecture and cuisine.

Transport: FlixBus or PKS bus, 15-30 PLN one way (2 hours). Budget: 300-500 PLN for a weekend.

Wieliczka Salt Mine

A day trip classic. The Wieliczka Salt Mine, just 30 minutes from Krakow by train, is a UNESCO World Heritage site with underground chambers, chapels, and sculptures carved entirely from salt. The Tourist Route takes about 3 hours and costs 120 PLN for adults. The Miners' Route (220 PLN) lets you dig salt yourself.

Transport: S1 commuter train from Krakow Glowny, 5 PLN. Budget: 150-250 PLN for a day trip.

Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial

A sobering but essential visit. The Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Museum is about 1.5 hours west of Krakow by bus. Admission is free, but guided tours (90 PLN) are recommended. Book well in advance online, especially in summer. This is a day trip that requires emotional preparation.

Transport: PKS bus from Krakow MDA station, 15-20 PLN. Budget: 100-200 PLN for a day trip.

Ojcow National Park

Poland's smallest national park is just 30 minutes north of Krakow and is perfect for a nature day trip. Highlights include the Pieskowa Skala castle perched on a limestone cliff, the Hercules' Club rock formation, and the Ciemna Cave. The park has well-marked hiking trails of varying difficulty. Entry is 10 PLN.

Transport: Bus 106 from Krakow (40 min, 5 PLN) or car. Budget: 50-100 PLN for a day trip.

Muszyna and Krynica-Zdroj

These charming spa towns in the Beskid Sadecki mountains, about 2-3 hours south of Krakow, are perfect for a relaxing weekend. Thermal baths, mountain hiking, and fresh air make them ideal for recharging. Muszyna's enchanted gardens are a unique attraction. Krynica-Zdroj is known as the Pearl of Polish Spas.

Transport: PKP train from Krakow, 30-50 PLN (2.5 hours). Budget: 300-500 PLN for a weekend.

Weekend Trips from Wroclaw

Wroclaw's location in Lower Silesia puts you within easy reach of the Sudeten Mountains, historic German-influenced towns, and cross-border trips to the Czech Republic and Germany.

Kudowa-Zdroj and Table Mountains

Kudowa-Zdroj is a spa town near the Czech border, about 3 hours south of Wroclaw. The nearby Table Mountains (Gory Stolowe) national park features surreal rock formations including the famous Bledne Skaly labyrinth and Szczeliniec Wielki, the highest table mountain in Europe. Great hiking and the Skull Chapel (Kaplica Czaszek) make this a memorable weekend.

Transport: PKS bus or FlixBus from Wroclaw, 30-50 PLN (3 hours). Budget: 300-500 PLN for a weekend.

Ksiaz Castle

The third-largest castle in Poland, Ksiaz Castle near Walbrzych is a stunning baroque and Gothic structure surrounded by forests. It is about 1.5 hours from Wroclaw. Underground tunnels from the WWII Project Riese add a mysterious element. Tours cost 30-50 PLN.

Transport: PKP train to Walbrzych (1.5 hours, 20-30 PLN), then local bus. Budget: 100-200 PLN for a day trip.

Szklarska Poreba and Karkonosze Mountains

Szklarska Poreba is a mountain resort town at the foot of the Karkonosze Mountains, about 2.5 hours from Wroclaw. In summer, hike to the Szklarki Waterfall or ride the chairlift up Szrenica. In winter, the town transforms into a ski resort. The Glass Museum reflects the town's glassmaking heritage.

Transport: PKP train from Wroclaw (2.5 hours, 30-50 PLN). Budget: 300-500 PLN for a weekend.

Swidnica Peace Church

A UNESCO World Heritage site just 1 hour from Wroclaw, the Church of Peace in Swidnica is the largest timber-framed religious building in Europe. Its richly decorated baroque interior is breathtaking. Combine with a visit to the town's charming old square. An easy half-day trip.

Transport: PKP train from Wroclaw (1 hour, 15-25 PLN). Budget: 50-100 PLN for a half-day trip.

Transport Options Compared

Getting around Poland is affordable and straightforward. Here is a comparison of the main transport options for weekend trips.

Transport	Cost Range	Best For	Booking
FlixBus	19-60 PLN	Budget long-distance, advance booking	flixbus.pl or app
PKP Intercity (train)	30-120 PLN	Comfort, scenic routes, city centers	intercity.pl or app
PKS Regional Bus	15-50 PLN	Smaller towns not on train lines	e-podroznik.pl
BlaBlaCar	20-70 PLN	Flexibility, social travel	blablacar.pl or app
Rental Car	120-200 PLN/day	Remote areas, group travel, freedom	rentalcars.com, odkryj.pl
PolskiBus (FlixBus)	9-39 PLN	Ultra-budget if booked early	flixbus.pl

Budget Trip Planning Tips

Weekend trips in Poland can be remarkably cheap with the right approach.

Book FlixBus and train tickets 2-3 weeks in advance for the best prices. Early-bird fares can be 50-70% cheaper
Travel on weekdays if possible. Friday evening and Sunday trains are the most expensive and crowded
Use the PKP Intercity app for ticket discounts and loyalty points
Hostels in smaller towns cost 50-80 PLN per night. Agritourism (agroturystyka) farms offer rooms for 80-150 PLN with homemade breakfast
Pack food and water for day trips. Mountain hut (schronisko) meals are affordable but limited
Student and youth discounts (up to 50%) are available on PKP trains with a valid student ID
Consider a BlaBlaCar for destinations not well-connected by bus or train. Splitting fuel costs makes car trips very affordable
The PKP Intercity app offers a 30% discount for travelers under 26 with the legitimate ISIC card

Estimated Costs Per Trip

Here is a budget breakdown for weekend trips from each city. Costs are per person and assume shared accommodation.

Destination	From City	Transport (round trip)	Accommodation (1 night)	Food & Activities	Total Weekend
Kazimierz Dolny	Warsaw	60-80 PLN	100-200 PLN	80-150 PLN	240-430 PLN
Torun	Warsaw	100-160 PLN	100-200 PLN	80-120 PLN	280-480 PLN
Zakopane	Krakow	30-60 PLN	80-180 PLN	100-200 PLN	210-440 PLN
Wieliczka	Krakow	10 PLN	Day trip	130-230 PLN	140-240 PLN
Table Mountains	Wroclaw	60-100 PLN	100-200 PLN	80-150 PLN	240-450 PLN
Szklarska Poreba	Wroclaw	60-100 PLN	100-200 PLN	80-150 PLN	240-450 PLN
Bialowieza	Warsaw	80-120 PLN	120-200 PLN	80-150 PLN	280-470 PLN

Travel with Your Flatmates

Weekend trips are infinitely better when shared. Splitting a rental car or Airbnb with flatmates can cut costs by 50-70 percent, and having travel companions makes exploring new places more fun and safer.

Many expats in Poland find that weekend trips with flatmates become the highlight of their time in the country. It is these shared experiences, getting lost in a forest, discovering a tiny mountain village, laughing at failed hiking attempts, that turn acquaintances into lifelong friends.

If you do not have flatmates yet, Domkaspot's personality matching can help you find people who share your travel enthusiasm and adventure spirit.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way to travel between Polish cities?

Is it safe to travel around Poland?

Do I need a car for weekend trips in Poland?

What are the best weekend trips in winter?

How far in advance should I book transport?

Can I take a weekend trip to another country from Poland?

What should I pack for a weekend trip in Poland?

Your Polish Adventure Starts at Home

The best weekend trips start with a great home base. Whether you want to split travel costs with adventurous flatmates or just have someone to swap trip recommendations with, your living situation matters.

Find like-minded flatmates on Domkaspot and start planning your next Polish weekend getaway together.

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