$19 Cheap Flights from Kraków (KRK) to Budapest (BUD)
Popular airlines from John Paul II - Balice Airport (KRK) to Ferenc Liszt Intl. Airport (BUD)
LufthansaLufthansa
LOT-Polish AirlinesLOT-Polish Airlines
KLMKLM
Swiss International Air LinesSwiss International Air Lines
Austrian AirlinesAustrian Airlines
SASSAS
Wizz AirWizz Air
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Cheap Flights from Kraków to Budapest (KRK-BUD)
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Krakow (KRK) to Budapest (BUD) at a glance
Embark on your journey from Krakow (KRK) to Budapest (BUD) with a selection of airlines catering to this international short-haul route. Whether you prefer full-service or budget-friendly carriers, you can easily compare options to discover the itinerary that suits your budget, schedule, and travel needs. Get ready to explore Budapest's iconic attractions and vibrant neighborhoods while reviewing essential flight details from John Paul II - Balice Airport (KRK) to Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD).
- Fastest flight duration: around 1h 15m non-stop
- Route distance: roughly 200 miles (320 km)
- Flights per week: around 8 departures on average
- Typical fares (one-way): economy tickets often range from $50–$405, depending on seasonality and how far ahead you book
Flights from John Paul II - Balice Airport (KRK) to Ferenc Liszt International Airport (BUD)
According to recent traveler bookings, here are the top airlines favored for flights from Krakow to Budapest, featuring both non-stop and one-stop options. Many passengers opt for connections with layovers at Frederic Chopin Airport (WAW) for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, Nikola Tesla Airport (BEG) for roughly 2 hours and 30 minutes, and Frankfurt International Airport (FRA) for around 1 hour and 30 minutes. This variety allows you to balance price, total travel time, and cabin class to select the ideal itinerary.
- LOT-Polish Airlines: As a full-service airline providing one-stop journeys, LOT-Polish Airlines features one-way ticket prices generally between $135 and $305. It represents about 45% of flights on this route, with an in-flight duration of 2 hours and 15 minutes, leading to a total travel time of approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes, including the layover.
- Air Serbia: This full-service carrier also offers one-stop flights, with one-way fares typically falling between $120 and $230. Air Serbia accounts for roughly 18% of departures on this route, featuring an in-flight time of 2 hours and 15 minutes, resulting in a total journey length of around 3 hours and 30 minutes with layover included.
- Ryanair: Operating as a low-cost airline, Ryanair provides non-stop service with one-way fares generally ranging from $50 to $70. It makes up about 11% of departures on this route, and the total travel time is a concise 1 hour and 15 minutes.
- Lufthansa: This full-service airline offers one-stop flights, with one-way ticket prices usually between $230 and $440. Holding approximately 11% of departures on this route, Lufthansa has an in-flight time of 2 hours and 15 minutes, leading to a total journey time of roughly 3 hours and 30 minutes, factoring in the layover.
How to find the best prices for flights from Krakow (KRK) to Budapest (BUD)
Getting some of the best deals on flights from Krakow to Budapest is all about timing and flexibility. Here are some key tips to help you save:
- Best times to book and fly: cheaper fares are usually found when booking 2-8 weeks in advance, although most travelers tend to book at least 2 months ahead. Afternoon departures from 12 PM to 6 PM often come with lower prices, while morning flights from 5 AM to 12 PM are the most popular. Additionally, flying on Sunday typically offers better prices, even though Friday is the busiest travel day.
- Set up price alerts: stay updated on price changes by using Expedia's Price Tracker. Receive alerts when fares drop for your selected route.
- Bundle and save: bundle your flight and hotel to save on Expedia, or unlock a hotel deal after booking your flight.*
- Compare flight options: use Expedia's search tool to compare airlines, routes, direct vs. non-direct flights, and flight times. You can also sort by price to find the most affordable options.
- Stay flexible with dates: being open to different travel days can sometimes help you find better prices on flights and hotels.
- Think about luggage: nowadays, it's important to check the airline's baggage policies to find the best value. That may be paying for an additional carry-on bag or booking a ticket with checked luggage included. Either way, double-check your allowance before confirming your booking to avoid excess baggage fees at the airport.
*Members only. Savings vary and are not available on all bundles. Select hotels.
Arriving at Ferenc Liszt International Airport from John Paul II - Balice Airport
Budapest welcomes travelers from Krakow with a range of transport options based on price, convenience, and proximity. For departures, John Paul II - Balice Airport is roughly a 15-minute drive (covering about 10 miles) from central Krakow. Budapest city center is approximately a 25-minute drive (covering about 14 miles) from Ferenc Liszt International Airport, depending on traffic. Here's how to reach Budapest efficiently:
- Hotel transfer: Transfers offer a convenient way to reach your hotel in Budapest, with private rides that can be arranged in advance.
- Car rental: Renting a car from Ferenc Liszt International Airport is a great option if you plan to explore and sightsee beyond the city. Browse cheap car rentals at Ferenc Liszt International Airport on Expedia.
- Taxi/ride-hailing: Taxis and ride-hailing services may be available from designated pickup areas outside the terminal, check locally on arrival.
- Public transportation: From Ferenc Liszt International Airport, Béke tér Tram Stop, a metro station, is located about 2.8 miles away by car, while Ferihegy Station, a train station, is situated approximately 3.5 miles away by car, providing convenient access to public transport options for travelers.
Kraków to Budapest Flights
The cheapest times to fly from Krak ów to Budapest
On average, Thursday can be the cheapest time to fly, according to data from the Airlines Reporting Corporation (ARC), one of the world's biggest databases for global airline sales. The data reveals that you could save up to 16% by flying on a Thursday—the cheapest day to travel on average—instead of a Sunday—the most expensive. Some of the most affordable flights from Kraków to Budapest are during the month of November. You can find some of the cheapest flights from Kraków to Budapest with Expedia's search tool and vast selection of airlines.
The best time to book a flight from Kraków to Budapest
Sunday is one of the best days to book for cheap flights from Kraków to Budapest: Tickets reserved on a Sunday cost between 6% and 13% less than those reserved on a Friday, according to ARC data. The data also suggests booking early can also lead to cheaper airfares. You could save 24% by buying your tickets for domestic flights at least a month in advance and 10% by booking international flights 2 months in advance.
How to find cheap round-trip tickets from Kraków to Budapest
Being flexible with your dates and using Expedia's Price Drop Protection and Price Tracking features are some of the best ways of finding a cheap ticket from Kraków to Budapest in 2026. You can also book with separate airlines for your outbound and return journeys, from $19 one-way. Expedia also offers Price Drop Protection, so if the cost of your airfare goes down after booking, you'll receive a credit for the difference*. This is available for a small fee, and is free to One Key Gold and Platinum tier members.
Expedia's Price Tracking feature means you can stay on top of airfares without manually checking every day. It sends you automated price alerts for cheap Kraków to Budapest flights and uses historical data to indicate when the best time to book is. Download Expedia's free app to activate this handy tool in a few easy taps.
You could also save big by booking one of Expedia's vacation packages. Bundling together your Kraków to Budapest airfare with your accommodations and car rental is often cheaper than booking everything separately. There’s also One Key, Expedia's generous rewards program. Join for free and you could earn One Key cash on most bookings to save on future adventures.
*Terms apply.
Disclaimer: ARC The statistics are based on average round-trip ticket prices between January and August 2023. The percentages you see are averages.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a flight from Kraków (KRK-John Paul II - Balice) to Budapest (BUD-Ferenc Liszt Intl.) cost?
You can find cheap one-way flights from $19 and cheap return flights $38 Kraków (KRK-John Paul II - Balice) to Budapest (BUD-Ferenc Liszt Intl.) with Expedia. One-way flights typically cost between $189 and $1440, and return flights often range between $291 and $996. Flight prices vary based on the month and day of the week you want to travel, as well as the airline and how far in advance you book your ticket. Filter your search on Expedia by "Price (lowest to highest)" to see the cheapest fares first, and use the Price Tracking tool to receive alerts when Kraków (KRK-John Paul II - Balice) to Budapest (BUD-Ferenc Liszt Intl.) ticket fares go up or down.
*Typical price ranges based on flights available on Expedia in the last year. Prices include multi-airline options.
What is the cheapest month to fly from Kraków (KRK-John Paul II - Balice) to Budapest (BUD-Ferenc Liszt Intl.)?
The cheapest month to fly from KRK to BUD is November when demand is low. Traveling in off-peak or shoulder months is usually a good way to secure cheap tickets, just remember to avoid flying during holidays if you're able to. Use the calendar view in your search to see which months have low fares on this route.
Which airlines fly direct from Kraków (KRK-John Paul II - Balice) to Budapest (BUD-Ferenc Liszt Intl.)?
Ryanair operates around 7 direct flights from KRK to BUD every week.
What is the cheapest airline that flies from Kraków (KRK-John Paul II - Balice) to Budapest (BUD-Ferenc Liszt Intl.)?
LOT-Polish Airlines is one of the cheapest airlines offering connecting flights from Kraków (KRK) to Budapest (BUD), with round-trip tickets starting from around $596 with a layover in Frederic Chopin (WAW). Use Expedia's search tool to compare the prices and schedules of airlines that fly this route to find the best option for your plans and budget.
*Prices based on flights available on Expedia in the last year.
How do I find cheap flights from Kraków (KRK-John Paul II - Balice) to Budapest (BUD-Ferenc Liszt Intl.)?
To find a cheap flight from Kraków (KRK-John Paul II - Balice) to Budapest (BUD-Ferenc Liszt Intl.), be flexible with your dates. Traveling outside of peak vacation months and booking a mid-week flight can help you save. Early morning and late night flights are often more affordable, too. Expedia allows you to compare flight times, airlines and routes all in one place to find low fares. You can also set up Price Tracking and receive alerts when fares go up or down.
What is the best airline to fly with from Kraków (KRK-John Paul II - Balice) to Budapest (BUD-Ferenc Liszt Intl.)?
The best airline to fly with from Kraków (KRK) to Budapest (BUD) will differ from traveler to traveler. If you like to fly early, Ryanair offers early morning flights. If price is the most important factor, Ryanair typically offers the lowest fares. Lufthansa offers the most daily flights from KRK to BUD, which is great if flexibility is what you value most. The best carrier for this journey could also be the one you have a loyalty membership with, as flying with that airline or another airline within the same alliance could help you collect points or enjoy lounge access.
What is the best time to fly from Kraków (KRK-John Paul II - Balice) to Budapest (BUD-Ferenc Liszt Intl.)?
The best time to fly is usually mid-week (Tuesday or Wednesday) and during early morning hours as flights tend to be cheaper, less crowded, and generally more on-time. Avoid major holidays and peak vacation seasons for smoother travel. Combining off-peak days and hours often gives the best combination of cost, comfort, and convenience.
How many flights per day from Kraków (KRK-John Paul II - Balice) to Budapest (BUD-Ferenc Liszt Intl.)?
You can find approximately 1 nonstop flights per day from John Paul II - Balice (KRK) to Ferenc Liszt Intl. (BUD). For more options, look at flights that include layovers.
What is the earliest flight from Kraków (KRK-John Paul II - Balice) to Budapest (BUD-Ferenc Liszt Intl.)?
The earliest flight from Kraków (KRK) to Budapest (BUD) typically departs at around 5:35 AM, operated by LOT-Polish Airlines and Air France. This is a seasonal service active in February, October, November, and December, allowing you to start your day early and make the most of your time in Budapest. To compare early flights on Expedia, select the "Early Morning" and "Morning" filters in your search.
What are the most popular departure times for flights from Kraków (KRK-John Paul II - Balice) to Budapest (BUD-Ferenc Liszt Intl.)?
The most popular departure times for flights from Kraków (KRK) to Budapest (BUD) are in the early morning, from 6am to 9am. This accounts for around 32% of total traffic. Many major carriers, including Lufthansa and LOT Polish Airlines, offer flights during this window. Many travelers prefer this time because it allows them to make the most of their day in Budapest.
How long does it take to fly from Kraków (KRK-John Paul II - Balice) to Budapest (BUD-Ferenc Liszt Intl.)?
Flying nonstop from KRK to BUD takes around 1 hour 20 minutes, with the route covering approximately 185 miles. Flights with a layover typically take 22 hours longer than direct options. Keep in mind that actual flight times can vary due to wind patterns, weather, and air traffic.
Can you fly business or first class from Kraków (KRK-John Paul II - Balice) to Budapest (BUD-Ferenc Liszt Intl.)?
Business class is available on flights from KRK to BUD. Airlines that offer business class service on this route include:
- Lufthansa
- British Airways
- KLM
- Air Dolomiti
- Swiss International Air Lines
- Hop!
- Austrian Airlines
- Helvetic Airways
- Brussels Airlines
- Air Baltic
How do I earn miles on a Kraków (KRK-John Paul II - Balice) to Budapest (BUD-Ferenc Liszt Intl.) flight with Expedia?
It's easy to earn miles on a Kraków (KRK-John Paul II - Balice) to Budapest (BUD-Ferenc Liszt Intl.) flight when you book with Expedia. Before you confirm your booking, simply select your frequent flyer program and enter your program number. As a member of One Key™, you can also earn OneKeyCash™* on top of your airline miles when you book with Expedia.
*Excludes taxes and fees. OneKeyCash is not redeemable for cash and can only be used on Expedia and other participating brands.
What airports do you fly into for Budapest from John Paul II - Balice (KRK)?
From John Paul II - Balice (KRK), you can fly into Ferenc Liszt Intl. (BUD) to reach Budapest. Some flights may connect through major hubs like Franz Josef Strauss Intl. (MUC), Frankfurt Intl. (FRA), Schiphol (AMS) before reaching Budapest. Compare routes and airports on Expedia to find the best flight options for your travel plans.
Is it cheaper to buy a plane ticket from Kraków (KRK-John Paul II - Balice) to Budapest (BUD-Ferenc Liszt Intl.) at the last minute?
Typically, booking a last minute flight from Kraków (KRK-John Paul II - Balice) to Budapest (BUD-Ferenc Liszt Intl.) will be more expensive than booking in advance. As the departure date approaches, there are usually fewer seats available which can drive up the cost. However, if there's some wiggle room with your travel dates and times, you could bag a cheap last-minute fare.
Is it cheaper to book a Kraków (KRK-John Paul II - Balice) to Budapest (BUD-Ferenc Liszt Intl.) flight and hotel package?
Securing a Kraków (KRK-John Paul II - Balice) to Budapest (BUD-Ferenc Liszt Intl.) Budapest Vacation Packages is usually cheaper than booking separately. With Expedia, you can enjoy the ease of organizing your travels all in one place. Select from our extensive range of stays and then add flights, activities and car rentals to your booking. Bundle everything together, and you could save hundreds of dollars.
Can I cancel or change the date of my flight from Kraków (KRK-John Paul II - Balice) to Budapest (BUD-Ferenc Liszt Intl.)?
If you booked your Kraków (KRK-John Paul II - Balice) to Budapest (BUD-Ferenc Liszt Intl.) flight within the last 24 hours, you may be able to modify or cancel it without any fees. Depending on the airline and the type of ticket you have, additional charges may apply for changes beyond this timeframe. Airline policies and contact information can be found in your itinerary or confirmation email. Or, head to our Customer Service portal if you'd like more information.
Travel information
Origin airport | John Paul II - Balice Airport |
|---|---|
Destination airport | Ferenc Liszt Intl. Airport |
Distance | 184 miles away |
Airlines serving | Lufthansa, LOT-Polish Airlines, KLM, Swiss International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines, SAS, Wizz Air, Ryanair, Aegean, Brussels Airlines, Air Serbia, Norwegian Air Shuttle, Air France, Eurowings, British Airways, Norwegian Air International Ltd, Turkish Airlines |
Popular airline | Lufthansa |
Roundtrip price | $38 |
Average flight time | 1 hour 10 mins |