Europe Trains Guide Forum
General discussion => Travel plans, routes and timetables => Topic started by: anitayusof00 on July 25, 2010, 04:40:40 pm
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Hello,
Sorry if this has been asked before. I am going to do the above route in early December 2010. From my reading, I know that there is a train from Poprad to Budapest via Kosice. However, someone told me that the rail connection is out until the end of this year for repairing purpose, due to some floods (anyone has recent infos on this?). So, alternatively, I hv to take a bus from Poprad to Bratislava (am checking for infos on timetable & fares, but no luck so far), and then by bus from Bratislava to Budapest by Studentagency bus http://www.cseh-busz.hu/ (6.5EUR).
Can anyone tell me on how to get a bus from Poprad to Bratislava, how long is the journey, timetable & fare. Or is there any other way to do a Poprad - Budapest leg directly?
Thanks.
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Trains between Kosice and Budapest run without any problems (twice daily - morning and evening), so you can actually use one of those. As far as we know, problems coming from floods effected only Kosice-Krakow line, but not the one to Hungary.
But anyway, here some comments about Poprad-Bratislava route: from Poprad to Bratislava it is much easier and cheaper to use train, because it takes much less time (from 4 to 5 hours by train vs. 7 to 8 hours by bus) and cost less (14-15 euro depending on train vs. 16-17 euro by bus). Best website for checking bus timetable - http://cp.atlas.sk/bus/spojenie/, for train - official website of Slovak railway - http://www.slovakrail.sk/
p.s. even if you decide to go by bus, then it is far not the best choice to go via Bratislava (look at the map). We would recommend to go via Zvolen-Filakovo or Sturovo. Either of the two routes will save your time and money, the only minus here - you will need to make couple changes.
If you could specifically state here your time preferences for the journey, we might give even more suitable advice ;)
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Thanks for the reply TuT. At another train forums, forumers told me that the line Poprad - Kosice - Budapest is running. They gv me the slovakian rail website, and I've checked...and yes, it shows that there are trains. I am a lil bit confused here. You said the Krakow - Kosice line is not running, does it mean the line involved Poprad as well?
If you dont mind, can you plz check trains for these routes (gv me the fares for sleeper and normal as well, the cheaper the better). I am travelling with my 15+ years old son. Thanks for yr help :)
27 Nov: Prague - Cesky Tesin, midnight train (to save one night accomodation)
27 Nov: Cieszyn - Krakow, early morning train (I would like the one that passed Oswiecim so that I can visit Auschwitz on the way...and once finished with Auschwitz, how do I jump on the train again to continue to Krakow? )
3 Dec: Poprad - Kosice - Budapest (morning train fr Poprad)
8 Dec: Sighisoara - Brasov (morning train)
14 Dec: Pecs - Sarajevo (morning train)
17 Dec: Sarajevo - Mostar (morning train)
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You said the Krakow - Kosice line is not running, does it mean the line involved Poprad as well?
No, Poprad is in different direction. Take a look at Slovak rail map (http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/map.php?file=maps/slovakia/slovakia.gif) - problems with bridge(s) are to the north from Plavec/Muszyna(--> already in Poland). Generally this rail line connects Krakow/Tarnow with Kosice, that is why we regarded to problems with trains there.
27 Nov: Prague - Cesky Tesin, midnight train (to save one night accomodation)
Here it is better to do a small trick and buy ticket not till C.Tesin, but to Slovak station (for instance Zilina). It is because there are special discounted SparNight tickets sold in connection Czech Republic-Slovakia, such discounted tickets are cheaper then Czech domestic Praha-C.Tesin.
It can be bought here some time in advance - https://eshop.cd.cz/international/search_int.aspx?tt=2&lang=E (6 berth couchette for 2 passengers only 1034 CZK, 3 bed sleeper - 1241 CZK)
27 Nov: Cieszyn - Krakow, early morning train (I would like the one that passed Oswiecim so that I can visit Auschwitz on the way...and once finished with Auschwitz, how do I jump on the train again to continue to Krakow? )
Here you can't really save anything unless you will substitute train for direct bus Cieszyn-Krakow. If you want to use train, then between Cieszyn, Oświęcim and Krakow you will use regional Osobowy trains. You just buy one through ticket all the way till Krakow, but then you can get off train and get on the next one easily, since ticket is not issued for specific train, but for specific route and it is valid whole day long, thus you can make multiple stops on your way.
3 Dec: Poprad - Kosice - Budapest (morning train fr Poprad)
You will need to start your trip from Poprad really early if you wan to catch 6:13am train from Kosice to Budapest. Unfortunately for you, but discount in Slovakia-Hungary connection is given only for return tickets (60%). As result, return ticket Kosice-Budapest cost less than one way - 22 euro. If you want to save, then buy ticket Kosice-Miskolc for 6 euro, get off train there and board next domestic Hungarian train to Budapest (domestic fare Miskolc-Budapest - 3360 HUF - app. 12 euro)
8 Dec: Sighisoara - Brasov (morning train)
Best thing to do is to buy special discounted ticket for this connection. It is called "Fortuna ticket", purchase it as soon as you get to Budapest at any international ticket counter. Ticket cost from 19 euro.
14 Dec: Pecs - Sarajevo (morning train)
Not very big choice here, the only daily train and it is difficult to save here anything. Regular fare will be around - 35 euro.
17 Dec: Sarajevo - Mostar (morning train)
One train and standard domestic fare - 9.9 BAM
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Thank so much TuT for the detail explanation.
>Here it is better to do a small trick and buy ticket not till C.Tesin, but to Slovak station (for instance Zilina). It is because there are special discounted SparNight tickets sold in connection Czech Republic-Slovakia, such discounted tickets are cheaper then Czech domestic Praha-C.Tesin.
It can be bought here some time in advance - https://eshop.cd.cz/international/search_int.aspx?tt=2&lang=E (6 berth couchette for 2 passengers only 1034 CZK, 3 bed sleeper - 1241 CZK)
You mean, buy the ticket until Zilina, but get down at Cesky Tesin? How smart :)
The link above is only for departing from Czech, rite? It’s easy to udstd. Wish there is similar website for other countries so that I can book online.
As for Cieszyn – Krakow, if I take the bus, I don’t think the bus will pass Oswiecim. So, I nd to tk train as well.
>You just buy one through ticket all the way till Krakow, but then you can get off train and get on the next one easily, since ticket is not issued for specific train, but for specific route and it is valid whole day long, thus you can make multiple stops on your way.
That’s funny…so when I get on the nx one, where do I sit? Isn’t the seat numbered? Or is it free seating?
Poprad – Kosice – Budapest: I came across this forum posting, plz take a look (scroll down to the 2nd last post): http://forum.virtualtourist.com/discussion-509744-1-1-Travel-0-0-Poprad-discussion.html
Check also the imageshack link: http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/1529/screenshot20100321at735.png
If its not too much to ask, would you mind helping me this way for all my routes….so that I can just print out the image and show it to the ticket counter person to save hassles. Frankly speaking, the trick to get a cheaper rate is kinda confusing…HAHAHA…. Of course it is…that’s why we nd ppl like you :)
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You mean, buy the ticket until Zilina, but get down at Cesky Tesin?
Exactly, you just leave the train earlier. Another big plus of buying international ticket is that you can reserve sleeper, while for domestic travel on R 441 till C.Tesin Czech e-Shop seems not to allow to buy sleeper, only tickets.
Wish there is similar website for other countries so that I can book online.
Unfortunately not every railway in Europe sells tickets online, especially international ones. So Czech Railways is good exception here. Neither Hungarian, Slovak or Bosnia railways sell tickets you need online.
That’s funny…so when I get on the nx one, where do I sit? Isn’t the seat numbered? Or is it free seating?
You can seata nywhere. You don't need to reserve seats in regional trains, that's even not possible. But in some countries if passengers "break" their journey (like you in case of one though ticket to Krakow and stop on Oswiecim), then they need to stamp the ticket at service point at the station (it's like special stop stamp, saying that you can continue later). We aren't sure whether it is necessary in Poland or not, so it will be better you just ask at Oswiecim station.
Poprad – Kosice – Budapest: I came across this forum posting...
That is well-known tariff trick (and GyuriFT definitely one of the best specialists on such things), but you need to understand that we aren't the only ones who know such obvious things. If you show this to cashier, they will immediately understand that you are tricking them and obviously force them to issue return ticket with discount instead of more expensive one way. Theoretically it is legal to ask for such ticket, but in practice most of the cashiers will not help you with that - some will say, that they don't not how to issue it, some will openly advise to buy one way etc.
You aren't the only one who wants/wanted try such trick, but we actually never heard about any successful outcomes in practice, everybody just noted that they were not able to purchase such quasireturn ticket. But nobody forbids you to try - why not, but be ready for the opposite.
If its not too much to ask, would you mind helping me this way for all my routes….so that I can just print out the image and show it to the ticket counter person to save hassles.
Well, there is no real need for that, because in all other cases you need either straight forward discounted or regular ticket. With those you can just go to a ticket counter, say "I need one way ticket Pecs-Sarajevo or Cieszyn - Krakow" etc., nothing complicated there. At least, this is what we can say from the info you gave in your last post (from 28.07). Or maybe we incorrectly understood you?
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TQ TQ TQ....so much for yr answers...
>Exactly, you just leave the train earlier. Another big plus of buying international ticket is that you can reserve sleeper, while for domestic travel on R 441 till C.Tesin Czech e-Shop seems not to allow to buy sleeper, only tickets.
Okey then, understood. So after I get down at Cesky Tesin, how & where do I buy ticket for my next leg to Krakow (via Oswiecim)? The Czech e-shop didnt hv the route Cieszyn - Krakow (I suppose reason being is its already outside Czech).
>You can seata nywhere. You don't need to reserve seats in regional trains, that's even not possible. But in some countries if passengers "break" their journey (like you in case of one though ticket to Krakow and stop on Oswiecim), then they need to stamp the ticket at service point at the station (it's like special stop stamp, saying that you can continue later). We aren't sure whether it is necessary in Poland or not, so it will be better you just ask at Oswiecim station.
>(it's like special stop stamp, saying that you can continue later)....You mean I ask this before I get down at Oswiecim, or before I buy the ticket Cieszyn - Krakow (via Oswiecim)? How if my ticket not allow me to continue later?
>You aren't the only one who wants/wanted try such trick, but we actually never heard about any successful outcomes in practice, everybody just noted that they were not able to purchase such quasireturn ticket. But nobody forbids you to try - why not, but be ready for the opposite.
Of course...But at least I need to know beforehand how much is the return ticket fare (to compare with the one way fare), and it seems quite tough to get the fare in english (or may be its just me who dont know how to look for it?) Depending on the route @ country, return ticket can be cheaper than one way....at other times, they only gv discount, making the one way journey is cheaper (since I am not going to take the return journey), example, one way fr A to B = 20EUR, return 30EUR. I'm not taking the return journey, so in this case, its better to buy only one way. So, how do I check the one way & the return fares for all my routes beforehand, or I can only ask at the respective train stations when buying my ticket? If the counter person fall for the trick and let me buy the return ticket, do I nd to prepare with the info of my 'return date'?
>Well, there is no real need for that, because in all other cases you need either straight forward discounted or regular ticket. With those you can just go to a ticket counter, say "I need one way ticket Pecs-Sarajevo or Cieszyn - Krakow" etc., nothing complicated there. At least, this is what we can say from the info you gave in your last post (from 28.07). Or maybe we incorrectly understood you?
Yes, you udstd me well...
14 Dec: Pecs - Sarajevo
17 Dec: Sarajevo - Mostar
Can I buy my 17 Dec journey at Pecs, or its not adviseable?
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So after I get down at Cesky Tesin, how & where do I buy ticket for my next leg to Krakow (via Oswiecim)? The Czech e-shop didnt hv the route Cieszyn - Krakow (I suppose reason being is its already outside Czech).
Town Tesin consists of two parts - one part located in Poland, the other - in Czech Republic (check google maps or better http://wikimapia.org/#lat=49.7465855&lon=18.6317396&z=15&l=0&m=s&v=9&search=tesin - here you can see location of both railway stations). Each part got own railway station, thus since you will arrive to the Czech station you will need to walk from there to Polish part of the town. From station to station it is less than 2km.
You mean I ask this before I get down at Oswiecim, or before I buy the ticket Cieszyn - Krakow (via Oswiecim)? How if my ticket not allow me to continue later?
When you get off train in Oswiecim, ask at the station whether you need to stamp your ticket to Krakow or not, because you want to continue your journey later that day. Alternatively you can just buy two different tickets - one Cieszyn-Oswiecim (13 PLN), other - Oswiecim-Krakow (13 PLN), but in such case you'll pay 5 PLN more, because ticket Cieszyn - Krakow cost 21 PLN. All trains from Cieszyn to Krakow go via Oswiecim. Polish railways timetable here - http://rozklad-pkp.pl
So, how do I check the one way & the return fares for all my routes beforehand, or I can only ask at the respective train stations when buying my ticket?
Well, take a better look at the post from July 28, 2010, 10:59:35 pm, we already quoted all the fares for you ;)
With Poprad-Kosice-Budapest route buy domestic Slovak ticket from Poprad to Kosice (5.1 euro), Kosice-Budapest (22 euro return, one way is more expensive), if you want to save - do the trick with Miskolc (described earlier).
Sighisoara - Brasov by domestic Romanian train - from 13.5 RON up to 33 RON (depending on train type.)
Can I buy my 17 Dec journey at Pecs, or its not adviseable?
You can, but better not to do it. Since in Pecs they will issue such ticket using international tariff, while in Sarajevo you'll pay much less since ticket will be issued with Bosnian domestic tariff.
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HAHAHA....yes, you hv quoted the fare much earlier. I'm sorry for my carelessness...Now, it's all seems much clearer to me. You missed this one ;)
>If the counter person fall for the trick and let me buy the return ticket, do I nd to prepare with the info of my 'return date'?
Thanks Tut....you hv been most helpful....MUAHHHH :)
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If the counter person fall for the trick and let me buy the return ticket, do I nd to prepare with the info of my 'return date'?
No, if you will be lucky enough to use Gyuri's trick, then you don't need to worry about return date at all. Tickets from Slovakia to Hungary issued for a period of validity 1 month and they are sold independently from seat reservations, so you can use your ticket any time and on any train during validity period, as soon as train follows the route ticket was issued for.
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Ahh....ok....But if the trick fail and I still hv to buy one way Kosice - Budapest, how much should it be? (I hv checked the timetable, to get fr Kosice - Miskolc, and Miskolc - Budapest will require much longer time, and I will be arriving quite late in Budapest....so hv to let go the idea).
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But if the trick fail and I still hv to buy one way Kosice - Budapest, how much should it be?
It might sound a little bit strange, but one way ticket actually will cost more than return, because for return tickets in connection Slovakia-Hungary you receive 60% discount.
I hv checked the timetable, to get fr Kosice - Miskolc, and Miskolc - Budapest will require much longer time, and I will be arriving quite late in Budapest.
Hmm... IC 537 Kosice-Budapest arrives to Miskolc at 7:26am (to Budapest 9:27), afterward you have trains from Miskolc to Budapest at 7:34am(10:28am in Budapest), 8:04am(10:57 in Budapest), 8:28am(10:27 in Budapest). So if you choose to make Miskolc trick you will arrive to Budapest only an hour later. But if you are ok with paying 22 euro for Kosice-Budapest direct ticket, then you can forget about Miskolc - with such trick you'll save only around 4-5 euro.
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I'm planning to take a morning train from Poprad, arriving Kosice around 12pm. Get down and see Kosice a little bit. Then continue with Kosice - Budapest, 6pm train. If I take the Kosice - Miskolc, I will hv to buy the Miskolc - Budapest ticket at Miskolc (to get the cheaper price)....In this case, I will hv to wait at Miskolc station for about an hour before the nx train to Budapest arrive. Meaning, I will reach Budapest almost midnight. Hmmm...dont really like the idea of getting to a big new city at such hour....
Anyway TuT, you hv helped me a lot. Thanks so much...
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I'm planning to take a morning train from Poprad, arriving Kosice around 12pm. Get down and see Kosice a little bit.
Ups.. we though you've said that you want to travel in the morning meaning 6am train from Kosice to Budapest. If you want 6pm train, then definitely no need to stop in Miskolc, go straight to Budapest.
p.s. Kosice is rather nice small town, so hope you'll enjoy it, but, imho, 6 hours might be too much for stopover there, thus we would probably recommend to shorten it to around 3-4 hours, so you can sleep longer in the morning. Trains from Poprad to Kosice go almost every hour, thus it won't be a problem. Kosice train station is only 5 minutes walk from the main square.
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Thanks for the advice....I've checked the timetable (Db Bahn)...am going to catch the 10:47am train Poprad - Kosice, and then the 18:06pm train Kosice - Budapest. I know there are many trains to Kosice, but dont forget that I'm going there in early December. Sunset is around 4pm. Thats why I nd to reach Kosice earlier. BTW, when I type Kosice (for departure fr Poprad) at the website, there seems to be an error...so I choose Kosice predmestie...I dont know what it mean...just hope that I got the correct timetable.
TuT, can I leave my backpack at Kosice station? How much should I expect to pay...and is it counted by per hour?
And...at minimum, how long must I be at the train station before departure? Is it difficult to locate the correct platform and coucette?
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when I type Kosice (for departure fr Poprad) at the website, there seems to be an error...so I choose Kosice predmestie...I dont know what it mean...just hope that I got the correct timetable.
"predmestie" means Kosice-suburb, thus not central station, but other minor station within boundaries of Kosice. Better to use http://www.zssk.sk/en (official website of Slovak railways), just type "Kosice" without any additional things.
can I leave my backpack at Kosice station? How much should I expect to pay...and is it counted by per hour?
Yes, there are luggage storage at Kosice train station working from 03.30am till 00.30am. Can't really find the exact fare, but it wouldn't be that high - around couple euro. And it is not done on hourly bases, usually it is 6, 12 or 24 hours.
And...at minimum, how long must I be at the train station before departure? Is it difficult to locate the correct platform and coucette?
Kosice train station isn't that big, so 10-15 minutes before train departure will do it.
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Sorry for the late reply. Hv been very bz with job. Thanks so much again for yr never ending advices. I am more confident now :)
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To Brasov, if you get it very easy, because it is an important hub for Romanian railway. Brasov are many trains per day, almost one every hour, and there are also frequent trains from other Romanian cities, and a daily connection to Budapest, Hungary (via Oradea) and a EuroNight (train night fast) connection to Budapest via Arad. Also, because of its accessibility and comfort, train is the best way to get to Brasov (http://www.inchirierimasini.info/brasov). Even though all Romanian trains are increasingly comfortable, try to take the InterCity (IC) trains. These are very modern and comfortable because they are an initiative of the state railways to reinvigorate the transport sector in Romania.
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OMG!!! I need urgent help here....
I checked all my routes again - the one by bus and by train, and was extremely shock to find out that the bus was less frequent on the day of my journey(supposed bcos it was winter time???) which left me only with train options. I have checked the time table and fares for the list below, but am hoping if someone can help me to get a cheaper rate.
6 Dec : I plan to take bus (Orangeways) fr Budapest to Targu Mures (depart 2300, arv 0940 on Dec 7, fare 5200HUF), and continue by minibus fr Targu Mures to Sighisoara (fare 12LEI). Unfortunately, the earliest minibus on Dec7 is at 1430, arv 1535. That is a long and wasted wait. Another alternative is to take the Orangeways bus fr Budapest till Cluj Napoca only (arv 0745 on Dec 7, fare 4900HUF), and continue by train, Cluj - Sighisoara, depart 0950, arv 1334, fare 39LEI (full fare ticket). Is there any way to make this ticket or this trip cheaper?
8 Dec : I'm supposed to board an early morning bus fr Sighisoara to Brasov...at least when I checked the timetable a couple of months back, there are frequent buses plying this route. However, when I checked yesterday, the earliest departure is at 1535, arv Brasov 1815 (fare 20LEI). I have to opt for train, which depart at 0653, arv Brasov 0848, fare 35.9LEI. Any trick to get a cheaper rate for this route?
11 Dec : Is there any very early morning long distance train plying the route from Sibiu to Pecs? Of course I nd to chg train several times, but I dont know how to check for the timetable & fare details. Plz help.
Thanks.
p/s: BTW, at earliest, how long do one need time to see Mostar? Is 4 hrs enough?
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6 Dec : I plan to take bus (Orangeways) fr Budapest to Targu Mures (depart 2300, arv 0940 on Dec 7, fare 5200HUF), and continue by minibus fr Targu Mures to Sighisoara (fare 12LEI). Unfortunately, the earliest minibus on Dec7 is at 1430, arv 1535. That is a long and wasted wait.
The problem is that Targu-Mures and Sighisoara isn't connected by direct rail line (check - http://www.bueker.net/trainspotting/map.php?file=maps/romania/romania.gif, Sighisoara is on the line between Medias and Vanatori if you look downwards from Targu), so in order to make the journey on train you would need to make a heck of a loop(=quite expensive).
But the thing with buses in Romania is that not always all of them are listed, so sites like www.autogari.ro sometimes not the most precise. In case with Targu and Sighisoara it seems quite weird - the number of buses between so closely located not that small towns. So you might want to contact Targu bus station directly - there are might be more buses actually.
Another alternative is to take the Orangeways bus fr Budapest till Cluj Napoca only (arv 0745 on Dec 7, fare 4900HUF), and continue by train, Cluj - Sighisoara, depart 0950, arv 1334, fare 39LEI (full fare ticket). Is there any way to make this ticket or this trip cheaper?
Unfortunately, but no cheaper way. Trains in Romania tend to be expansive, especially faster ones. On this connection those are majority.
8 Dec : I'm supposed to board an early morning bus fr Sighisoara to Brasov...at least when I checked the timetable a couple of months back, there are frequent buses plying this route. However, when I checked yesterday, the earliest departure is at 1535, arv Brasov 1815 (fare 20LEI). I have to opt for train, which depart at 0653, arv Brasov 0848, fare 35.9LEI. Any trick to get a cheaper rate for this route?
Yes, you need to use 'P' (regional) train instead of more expensive 'R' fast one. 'P' trains depart Sighisoara at 7:17am and 11:20am. Ride takes longer, but cost only 14.6 Lei.
11 Dec : Is there any very early morning long distance train plying the route from Sibiu to Pecs? Of course I nd to chg train several times, but I dont know how to check for the timetable & fare details. Plz help.
It is not that easy to travel between Sibiu and Pecs. Most will do it with one change in Budapest, but such journey will take almost the whole day + cost might be high, unless you purchase discounted ticket from Sibiu to Budapest. Other, more complicated, option is to go via Arad-Szeged (without loop north to Budapest), but there you will need a lot of changes and use of buses as well.
Best website to check European timetable - http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en?newrequest=yes&protocol=http:&
p/s: BTW, at earliest, how long do one need time to see Mostar? Is 4 hrs enough?
If you would be fast enough, yes. The interesting part isn't that big.
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Thanks so much tUt for yr explanations....
I think I am over worrying the situation. FYI, someone in tripadvisor told me that the frequency of Romanian buses havent change...but the website layout does...The other buses were actually hiidden, until I clicked a link (which was in Romanian...how am I supposed to know this), then only the list of other buses appeared. So, I will stick to my actual plan taking the bus fr Targu Mures to Sighisoara - Brasov - Sibiu - Arad - Szeged - Pecs. However, its useful also to know about the train options...Who knows I might hv to take train in case bus stop operating due to heavy snow. Someone in thorntree gv me another idea about stooping at Oswiecim to visit Auschwitz. Yr earlier idea is for me to buy the online train ticket using the https://www.cd.cz/eshop/international/search_int.aspx?tt=2, buy until Zilina, but stop at Cesky Tesin, then walked to Cieszyn and board another train to Krakow via Oswiecim. By doing this, I will arrive Oswiecim in the afternoon, which left me very rushed hour in Auschwitz since it closed at 4pm during winter. The person first advised me to take a bus instead (fr Cieszyn to Oswiecim, but I nd to chg buses), but later he said:
But I think you don't need to take the bus at all - after you revealed that you'll be coming to Č. Těšín on the 0:24 am train from Prague I can give you a better advice. Get off the train in Bohumín (2 stations before Český Těšín) and change for the 6:33 local train to Kraków via Oświęcim (arr. 8:12). Re tickets:
in Prague buy an internal ticket Praha - Zebrzydowice hranica (Zebrzydowice Gr.) and get some Polish currency, so that you can buy a Zebrzydowice - Oświęcim ticket from the conductor after crossing the CZ-PL border (for ~15 zł).
What do u think? Can I save money or its the same amount or more to do the journey fr Prague, until Krakow with changing at the above places?
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Get off the train in Bohumín (2 stations before Český Těšín) and change for the 6:33 local train to Kraków via Oświęcim (arr. 8:12). Re tickets:
in Prague buy an internal ticket Praha - Zebrzydowice hranica (Zebrzydowice Gr.) and get some Polish currency, so that you can buy a Zebrzydowice - Oświęcim ticket from the conductor after crossing the CZ-PL border (for ~15 zł).
What do u think? Can I save money or its the same amount or more to do the journey fr Prague, until Krakow with changing at the above places?
Well, but do you understand the time difference between arrival of the train to Bohumin and departure of Krakow train? You will need to wait almost 2 hours in the morning at not very pleasant place.
Still, Praha-Zebrzydowice(Gr) cost 466 CZK, can't buy online. Zebrzydowice-Oświęcim cost 11 PLN, but you will need to pay extra due to purchase of the ticket onboard.
On the contrary, if you get off at C.Tesin (= a bit more time to sleep), walk from Czech to Polish train station (wait there for app. one hour for Cieszyn-Zebrzydowice train), then you'll end up in Oświęcim at the same 8:12 am, the only difference is that you'll catch Bohumin-Krakow train not in Bohumin, but in Zebrzydowice ;)
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Sorry for the late reply. I was outstation for 5 days.
I'm confused here. Okey, lets start fr the beginning:
I buy the online Sparnight ticket until Zilina, but stop at Cesky Tesin, then walked to Cieszyn train station. Then, buy a ticket to Oswiecim at where? Cieszyn? I dont udstd yr statement of me boarding the train at Zebrzydowice. Plz explain again and sorry for the trouble....
Is it safe to walk fr Cesky Tesin train station to Cieszyn train station (the 2kms walk) at 5 something in the morning? Is it still very dark or u hv any idea of sunrise on Nov 27?
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opppsss....
I've made some research. Correct me if I'm wrong.
1. I buy the online Sparnight ticket until Zilina, but stop at Cesky Tesin. Fare is 502Kc.
2. Walk to Cieszyn train station. Buy the Cieszyn - Zebrzydowice ticket. Depart Cieszyn 0626, arrive Zebrzy 0655. Fare?
3. Buy Zebry - Oswiecim ticket. Depart Zebrzy 0659, arv Oswiecim 0812. Fare?
But then, if u see, I only hv 4 minutes at Zebrzy to get down fr the train, purchase ticket and get on the train to Oswiecim. I dont think the time is sufficient. Besides, we cant guarantee that the train will arrive on time. So, how?
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2. Walk to Cieszyn train station. Buy the Cieszyn - Zebrzydowice ticket. Depart Cieszyn 0626, arrive Zebrzy 0655. Fare?
3. Buy Zebry - Oswiecim ticket. Depart Zebrzy 0659, arv Oswiecim 0812. Fare?
Ticket for regional trains in Poland are issued for the distance/route, but not for the specific train, so in Cieszyn you purchase one through ticket Cieszyn-Oswiecim via Zebrzydowice, no need for two separate tickets. Cieszyn-Oswiecim via Zebrzydowice will cost 13 PLN.
But then, if u see, I only hv 4 minutes at Zebrzy to get down fr the train, purchase ticket and get on the train to Oswiecim. I dont think the time is sufficient. Besides, we cant guarantee that the train will arrive on time. So, how?
In such case it is connected trains, so one waits for the other in case of late arrival. PKP website would not have recommended such change if it was not possible. As a rule, both arrive at the same platform, so at the end you only need to walk from one train to the other.
But even if something extraordinary happens, then there is next train from Zebrzydowice towards Oswiecim at 7:36am.
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Ohhhh....I felt soooo relieved. Thanks tUt :-* :-* :-*
>>Is it safe to walk fr Cesky Tesin train station to Cieszyn train station (the 2kms walk) at 5 something in the morning? Is it still very dark or u hv any idea of sunrise on Nov 27?
Also....do trains in Czech, Poland & Bosnia charge bagage seperately?
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>>Is it safe to walk fr Cesky Tesin train station to Cieszyn train station (the 2kms walk) at 5 something in the morning? Is it still very dark or u hv any idea of sunrise on Nov 27?
It is small town, so nothing really criminal there. And as usual such towns wake up rather early, so it will be not only you on the streets.
Sunset in late November in Poland is around 7am.
Anyway, it is your choice between three options: via C.Tesin/Cieszyn with discounted ticket till Zilina, via Bohumin and waiting for the morning train to Poland there or Praha-Oswiecim by direct Praha-Krakow train (more expensive but not need to make changes, wait or walk). We just tried to present you those options.
Also....do trains in Czech, Poland & Bosnia charge bagage seperately?
If it is enormous, no. They will not charge you for the standard suitcase.
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>Anyway, it is your choice between three options: via C.Tesin/Cieszyn with discounted ticket till Zilina, via Bohumin and waiting for the morning train to Poland there or Praha-Oswiecim by direct Praha-Krakow train (more expensive but not need to make changes, wait or walk). We just tried to present you those options.
Yes, I udstd that...and I thank you very much for helping me with the options and advices ;)
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sorry....i got questions again...(its 10 days to go before I fly out of my country),
- is the time table for mid December out yet? If yes, can u plz check again the time table & fares for the route that I'm going to take for Pecs - Sarajevo on Dec 14...and is it in Euro or in HUF?
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For most European countries new timetable already available from DB (http://reiseauskunft.bahn.de/bin/query.exe/en?newrequest=yes&protocol=http:&), for the carriages Budapest-Sarajevo via Pecs it is not yet fully available. You can see only Budapest-Beli Manastir part. As you can check on your own, changes are minor - in the new timetable IC 259 still departs Pecs at 13:00am as in previous one, so no need to worry for you. There might be some changes on Croatian and Bosnian legs, but, imho, they won't be radical.
While buying tickets in Hungary you pay in HUF, but tariff is in EUR. Price will the same as before.
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I see....no wonder when I checked myself, I couldnt get it. I thought I hv mistakenly key in the stations name wutsoever :)
I am now planning on how much money to withdraw at ATMs in every country so that I dont hv too much access currency when I change it back to Euro at local money changers (which normally gv poor rates) when I'm leaving the country. In HUF, normally how much is the fare for Pecs - Sarajevo? Thanks.
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I am now planning on how much money to withdraw at ATMs in every country so that I dont hv too much access currency when I change it back to Euro at local money changers (which normally gv poor rates) when I'm leaving the country.
You can always change the rest in the neighboring country. And try not to use exchange offices at the stations, those usually have not very good rates.
In HUF, normally how much is the fare for Pecs - Sarajevo?
Standard international ticket cost 36 euro, counting nowadays MAV exchange rate of 280 HUF=1 EUR we end up with 280*36=10 080 HUF.
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Thx tUt...
[/quote] You can always change the rest in the neighboring country.
But not for Romania currency right?
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But not for Romania currency right?
Why not? In Hungary it is not a problem to exchange HUF to RON or vice versa, same thing in Romania. Both countries have rather strong connections, so currency flow is pretty big, especially with Transylvanian part.
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ohhh....I read in thorntree....the forumers were discussing about RON not accepted out of Romania....however if it is in Hungary, then good for me cos I'll be coming fr Hungary then to Romania, then reenter Hungary again before proceeding to Bosnia :)
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the forumers were discussing about RON not accepted out of Romania...
Well, RON is not accepted as payment in stores, transport etc., but there are plenty of exchange offices where you can always change RON to HUF
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I see.....okey...thanks...
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tUt...frankly speaking, previously I never use ATMs outside of my country. I normally bring enough cash. But since this time my trip is going to be more than a month and bigger expenses, I decided to withdraw money at ATMs at the respective countries. My ATM card can be used at ATMs which display Visa PLUS logo. If you happen to know, is it easy for me to find ATMs with this logo in Prague, Krakow, Budapest, Sighisoara, Sarajevo & Dubrovnik?
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Imho, best thing for you is to check via ATM locator -http://visa.via.infonow.net/locator/global/
As you can see, ATMs which display Visa PLUS logo is not a problem to find at any of your planned locations, so nothing to worry about.
+ you can always pay with the card directly, in Central and Eastern Europa the number of places where you can pay in such way grew dramatically over last years.
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again....many thanks tUt....the link is very useful ;)
Yr last statement...frankly....I nvr knew this before...
May I know where is yr location? You hv been helping me with never ending answers & patience...I must buy you a drink if I got the chance to meet you :)
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May I know where is yr location? You hv been helping me with never ending answers & patience...I must buy you a drink if I got the chance to meet you :)
Unfortunately, at the moment not in the cities which you plan to visit, so best reward from your side will be sharing your travel experience on the pages of this forum. Your info might help other fellow travelers ;)
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OHHH....yea, sure...
Well....there will be other times then, if u dont keep yr location a secret ;)
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Hi tUt,
I did the route Prague - Cesky Tesin - Cieszyn - Krakow last night and today. As u suggested, I purchased online ticket fr Prague to Zilina. That was no prblm. However, things didnt actually go as planned. I get off at Cesky Tesin and by right I should continue fr Cieszyn to Oswiecim via Zebrydowice. But the troubles of finding Cieszyn train station at such an early hour and the frustration bcos no one can speak english, so they gv me wrong directions ended up in I missed the train. I finally found the station which was deserted and looks scary. No one is around and even the ticket counter was closed, I assumed bcos the nx train is at 8 sumthing...so I hv to to use Plan B, and I took the bus fr Cieszyn to Biasko Biela. However another frustration happen when I was confused which bus stop to wait for the bus to Oswiecim, since the bus drivers who passed at the stop told me that I was waiting at the wrong stop. When I get to the so called correct stop, another driver told me that it was a wrong stop. It was snowing heavily and my bag was heavy and I\m tired.... In the end I made up my mind to tk a bus fr BB to Krakow instead. Tmrw I will go to Auschwitz. At least its easier cos there is a direct bus fr Krakow to Auschwitz. Well, we planned...but god decide....