How Easy are Polish Trains to Use?
It is very easy to me, a native Pole who had used trains very often for 24 years and since then several times a year when visiting family every summer and at other occasions. However, for foreign visitors who don't know the language and have no knowledge of Polish public transport it may not be so easy. Don't worry though, in this post I'll explain where to buy your ticket, different types of trains and what they offer, and how to navigate at the busy main train stations.
Types of Trains
As one of the most popular modes of transport, trains have significantly changed since my childhood days when quite often I had to sit on a tiny old school corridor seat with my bag and legs blocking the way of people walking past and during busy periods people lying on top of each other! Your only head rest was the window or a passenger next to you and if you needed a toilet it was like climbing the Everest. Here is a photo for the record.
Back to 2026 and Polish trains are modernised and more efficient. They are rarely cancelled and occasionally delayed mainly on long-distance and intercity routes with national overall punctuality at around 91%.
It's important to note that there are several different types of trains in Poland including:
- EIP (Express InterCity Premium / Pendolino) - the fastest and most exclusive trains where seats need to be pre-booked. First Class passengers also get a snack and 2 drinks to choose (hot or cold), daily newspapers as well as refreshing wipes brought to your seat.
- EIC (Express InterCity) - high standard express trains running on the main country routes and abroad. Restaurant and bar WARS available in all trains.
- IC (InterCity) - comfortable fast trains linking larger cities and regions. Restaurant and bar WARS available in some trains. Please check at the time of booking or on your ticket, it should display a cutlery icon or WR (restaurant coach/car) or R (bar).
- TLK (Twoje Linie Kolejowe) - semi-fast economy trains stopping at more stations including some smaller ones. Restaurant and bar WARS available in some trains.
- REGIO (R) - local trains run mainly by POLREGIO as well as the local government stopping at every station.
- Semi-Fast Trains (RP / OsP) - regional trains with less stops and therefore faster at longer local routes.
- Local Government and Metropolitan Area Trains - trains running at specific regions such as Koleje Dolnośląskie (Lower Silesia), Koleje Mazowieckie (Masovian), Łódzka Kolej Aglomeracyjna (Łódź Metropolitan Trains) or SKM in Trójmiasto (Tricity - Gdańsk, Gdynia, Sopot)
Where to Buy Your Ticket?
At the station
All types of tickets can be purchased at the station ticket office in advance or right before your journey. Most major and some smaller stations have also got ticket machines. Please remember that on popular longer routes and during busy periods (e.g. summer or Christmas) it is better to buy your ticket in advance with a reserved seat as you might not be able to get a place and have to stand in the corridor with no old school seats available anymore! These days I often buy 1st class tickets as they offer more comfort and space for luggage.
Online
Another option to get your ticket is online on various websites and apps such as:
- https://www.polishtrains.eu, available on the app.
- https://www.intercity.pl/en/ for long distance trains, available on the app.
- https://koleo.pl/en - very popular and best rated KOLEO APP for mobile phone.
From the Train Conductor
If you are running late and do not manage to buy your ticket elsewhere, you can get it from the train conductor apart from the EIP or Pendolino trains where seats must be booked in advance. Let the conductor know just before getting on the train (whilst still on the platform) or as soon as you get on. Please note that tickets bought that way cost more from about 4zl for the regional trains to 20zl for PKP Intercity. Having said that, when on several occasions I bought tickets from the conductor on the way to Krakow Airport, I had never been charged extra. To avoid the extra costs, use a ticket machine available on most local trains. Beware this service is not available on the long distance trains (EIC or IC).