Make sure you bring your passport and any other identification you have. A U.S. passport allows a visitor to cross the Polish border and stay in Poland for up to 90 days.
Choose a route. The Polonia train and the Bathory train connect Budapest, HU, and Warsaw, PL, via Bratislava. The Karpaty train connects Miskolc, HU, and Warsaw, PL,, via Krakow. The Cracovia train connects Budapest, HU and Krakow, PL, via Kosice.
Bring Hungarian currency with you to pay for the ticket. Hungarian train stations typically only accept cash. A first-class train ticket to Poland will range from 9,000 forints to 12,000 forints.
Pick a departure time. Hungarian train timetables can be found at the railway's Web site, Elvira (see Resources). Most routes to Poland leave twice daily.
Plan on registering your stay within 48 hours of your arrival in Poland. Most hotels and/or campsites will do this for you at the reception desk.
Choose between first class and second class. First-class travel is generally considered preferable but may not be available on certain trains. Some travelers prefer second-class, as it is the most popular travel class with locals.
Go to a train station in Budapest or Miskolc and find a ticketing agent. Budapest's central ticket office will better accommodate foreigners.
Be as specific as you can when booking your ticket with the ticketing agent. Miscommunication is a high risk. If you have a Hungarian phrase book, be sure to bring it with you.
