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How to Use Trains in Poland: A Step-by-Step Travel Guide [2025]
Traveling by trains in Poland is one of the best ways to explore the country: it’s comfortable, safe, and efficient. Whether you’re heading between major cities or venturing into lesser-known towns, here’s the ultimate guide to make your train travel experience in Poland smooth and enjoyable.
Types of Trains in Poland: Which One Should You Choose? 🚆
Before jumping into your adventure, it’s important to understand the different types of trains operating in Poland. Not all of them offer the same speed, comfort, or price.
Express InterCity Premium (EIP) Pendolino – The fastest trains in Poland
They are the fastest trains in Poland, reaching speeds of up to 250 km/h. Perfect for express travel between major cities like Warsaw, Kraków, and Gdańsk. Seat reservations are mandatory.
Express InterCity (EIC)
Similar to the Pendolino but without reaching the same top speeds. They offer WiFi, air conditioning, and a dining car. Cheaper than the EIP, but still considered a premium option.
InterCity (IC)
A mid-range option in terms of speed and price. These trains are comfortable and have compartments, with some offering space for bicycles and bulky luggage.
Twoje Linie Kolejowe (TLK) – The cheap and old-school trains 💰
If you want to save, this is the train for you. They’re slower, make more stops, and might not have air conditioning, but the price makes it worth it.
Regional Trains in Poland
Perfect for exploring local areas. They make all the stops and are the most economical option for short trips.
Night Trains with Beds in Poland🌙
If you prefer to travel while you sleep, you can choose Poland’s EuroNight (EN) and Nightjet night trains, which offer private compartments with beds, bunks, and reclining seats. An ideal option if you want to save on accommodation.
How do I buy train tickets in Poland?📍
How to buy train tickets online in Poland
To plan your trip and buy train tickets in Poland, these are the best platforms:
- PKP Intercity – The official website for long-distance trains.
- KOLEO (koleo.pl) – A train ticket comparator that includes regional trains. This is my favorite option, as it has an excellent user interface that makes it very intuitive and easy to use.
- e-Podróżnik (e-podroznik.pl) – A search engine for train and bus connections.
- Bilkom (bilkom.pl) – The official platform that shows schedules and allows ticket purchases for different railway operators in Poland.
- Omio (omio.com) – A travel comparison site that lets you buy train, bus, and flight tickets in multiple countries, including Poland.
- Trainline (thetrainline.com) – Another international option to compare and purchase train tickets in Poland and across Europe.
- Jakdojade (jakdojade.pl) – Primarily used for public transport within cities, but also allows you to buy tickets for some regional trains. For more information on how to get around with public transport in Polish cities, check out our article on trams and buses in Poland.
IMPORTANT: Each of these sites has a mobile app. I recommend downloading them, as they will make purchasing and downloading tickets much easier. I also suggest downloading your train tickets in advance, as the internet signal on trains in Poland can be unstable.
Where to buy train tickets offline in Poland?
- Station Ticket Offices: Most major and regional stations in Poland have ticket offices where you can buy tickets for any route. They usually accept both cash and cards. But remember to come in advance, they are usually not as empty as on the picture above.
- Train Ticket Vending Machines: Available at many stations, they allow you to buy tickets quickly without waiting in line at the ticket office.
How to check train schedules and delays in Poland?
To check real-time train schedules and delays in Poland, you can use Portal Pasażera, the official platform of PKP (Polish State Railways). On this website, passengers can:
- Search for train schedules on all domestic and international routes operating in Poland.
- View real-time train statuses, including delays and platform changes.
- Get information about stations, connections, and estimated arrival times.
- Download electronic tickets and plan trips with different railway operators.
It’s also available as a mobile app!
Can I buy a ticket If I’m already on the Train in Poland? 🚨
Yes, but if the ticket office at your departure station was open at the time of departure, you will be charged an additional fee. Also, if you board the train without having purchased a ticket beforehand, you must approach the train staff to buy it. If they reach your seat during the inspection and you don’t have one, instead of buying the ticket, you’ll end up paying a fine. Definitely, the best option is to buy it in advance to avoid any issues.
What are the main train stations in Poland? 🏢
If you’re traveling by train in Poland, chances are you’ll pass through one of these stations. Here’s what you can expect at each one:
- Warszawa Centralna (Warsaw Central Station) – This is the largest train station in Poland. It can feel a bit chaotic, so it’s a good idea to arrive early. It’s connected to the Złote Tarasy shopping mall, which has stores, a supermarket, pharmacies, restaurants, and even a cinema.
- Kraków Główny (Krakow Main Station) – A modern station located right in the heart of Krakow. It’s directly connected to the Galeria Krakowska shopping center, where you’ll find pharmacies, grocery stores, cafés, and plenty of food options while waiting for your train.
- Gdańsk Główny (Gdansk Main Station) – A key hub in the north. It doesn’t have a shopping mall attached, but there are plenty of cafés and shops nearby.
- Wrocław Główny (Wroclaw Main Station) – One of the most beautiful stations in Poland. It’s just a short walk from the historic center and several great restaurants.
- Katowice Train Station – Directly connected to Galeria Katowicka, a large shopping mall where you can grab anything you need before your trip.
Fares, Discounts, and Fines in Polish Trains🎟️
Train Discounts Available in Poland:
- Students (-50%)
- Seniors over 60 (-37%)
- Families and groups can get special fares.
How do discounts work for international students?
If you’re an EU student but not from Poland, you can get these train discounts in Poland by showing an International Student Identity Card (ISIC) or any document proving your student status. Train conductors will always check your ticket and valid ID. If you can’t prove you’re a student, you’ll have to pay the full fare.
And what about students from outside the EU?
If you’re a student from a non-EU country, you typically won’t qualify for student discounts on Polish trains—unless you’re enrolled in a Polish university and have a valid Polish student ID. Some universities might help you get one if you’re on an exchange program. If that’s not your case, you’ll need to buy regular fare tickets.
Tricks to get cheaper train tickets 🧐
When we travel by train in Poland with TLK, IC, EIC or EIP (all operated by PKP Intercity), we use a couple of tricks to get the best prices. First, buy your tickets as soon as they go on sale—usually 30 days before the travel date. These tickets use dynamic pricing: they’re cheaper at first but get more expensive as more people buy them. Another great tip if you’re traveling with others is to use the “Save Together” promo, valid for groups of 2 to 6 people who buy tickets at least 7 days in advance. It really helps cut costs on medium or long-distance trips.
What if I travel without a train ticket in Poland?
If you get caught without a ticket, the fine is 750 PLN (about €165), but it drops to 187 PLN if you pay within 14 days—or 150 PLN if you pay right on the train. Definitely not worth the risk.
Onboard Experience on Trains in Poland: What to Expect 🚞
- First Class: More space and fewer passengers. Some trains even offer free snacks and drinks.
- Second Class: More budget-friendly, but still comfortable.
- ✅ Free WiFi on most InterCity trains—but don’t get your hopes up. It’s just enough to send a message or two, and if you’re lucky, half a Reel might load 😅. So if you were planning to watch a movie or series during the ride, better download it before boarding.
- ✅ Power outlets and bike spaces available on selected trains.
- ✅ Restaurant car on long-distance routes.
- ✅ On night trains, you can choose between reclining seats, couchettes, or private compartments.
Tips for Traveling by Train in Poland Without a Hitch 🔥
- Arrive early: Some stations are huge, and if you take it too easy, you might miss your train.
- Pay attention to announcements: Platform changes can happen at the last minute.
- Watch your luggage: Especially on night trains. Poland is one of the safest countries in the EU, but it’s always better to stay alert. My sister once left a bag with money and documents on a night train—and the railway staff returned it to her the next day, completely intact. 💙
🌍 International Connections: Where Can You Travel from Poland?
- Germany (Berlin, Frankfurt, Hamburg)
- Czech Republic (Prague)
- Slovakia (Bratislava, Košice)
- Austria (Vienna)
- Ukraine (Lviv, Kyiv)
- Lithuania (Vilnius)
You can usually get tickets for these routes through PKP Intercity or platforms like Omio.
🕒 Delays and Passenger Rights in Poland
If your train is delayed by more than 60 minutes, you can:
- Request a full or partial refund of your ticket.
- Get compensation of up to 50% of the ticket price depending on the delay.
- If your train is significantly delayed and there’s another train to the same destination departing earlier, you can switch your ticket at the station ticket office at no extra cost.
Now it’s your turn!
What did you think of this guide? Have you traveled by train in Poland?
We’d love to hear about your experience—drop your questions or any extra tips in the comments. And if you want to get ready for your trip to Poland and learn from our trial and error 😅, be sure to check out the related articles!
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