Polish Rail Services

Polish Rail is run by PKP (Polski Koleje Panstwowe) the service is very cheap in comparison to other European countries and generally on time around 80% of the time. The main difference in service is the multiple standards of rolling stock used.

ICE International Intercity – These trains are the fast intercity trains running within Poland and connecting to Germany and other neighbouring countries. They are often German Trains, which are quite luxurious, although the Polish version is a little less so but are usually quite clean. There are options of first class and smoking.

IC/EC Intercity – The polish main routes are served by these trains they are quite good although sometimes a little scruffy. They also have first and second class although smoking compartments are limited.

IR/D Regional – These trains vary in standard but usually have several stops, which mean they are relatively slow. Facilities are minimal although sometimes first class is available.

Osobowe – This type of rain is the bottom of the pile, mainly used for local transport, but also quite long routes with many stops at obscure stations. Stay away from these trains they are very slow. For example, an Intercity journey from Opole to Wroclaw takes 55 Minutes by the first two category trains (ICE and IC/EC) by Osobowe train this can be 2 hours or longer.

Polish Railways Map

The above Map shows the connections between population centres. The tracks are basically the same as during the second world war, it also seems the rolling stock is of a similar date, although has been refurbished several times.

Booking a trip

The timetable in English

The main page of PKP

It is wise to book the trip well before leaving, as at some main stations, Warsaw, Wroclaw, Poznan etc. the queues for the ticket office can be very long. This coupled with a normally indifferent ticket clerks can be problematic. At the larger stations, there is a habit of ticket windows with long queues suddenly closing for lunch or whatever so it can be frustrating. Although there are many ticket clerks that are helpful and speak a little English.

When you book your trip, also book your seat, the cost is minimal but it guarantees you will be able to sit down for your journey. If you do this you will receive two tickets, one will be for the actual journey with the time and destination on it, the second will be the seat reservation with the coach number and seat number for your journey.

One thing you must be aware of is that several diffferent companies run the trains in Poland, therefore a ticket for one company cannot be transferred to another. Please make certain you have the right ticket. PKP runs the majority of trains and intercity services.

It is also possible to buy your ticket on the train from the conductors, these people also often sell tickets on a private basis at lower rates but I suggest not using this unofficial method. The conductors are usually very helpful despite this little chink in their amour.

Polish Rail stations are nearly all old and in poor condition, whilst kiosks selling tea, coffee, sandwiches and snacks abound at all but the smallest station. The larger city stations usually have McDonalds, KFC and other fast food outlets. Food on the trains is provided by WARS, (Vars), look for the restaurant car with this name on it. The food on the train is good although not cordon bleu. I particularly like Jajasnitser, (scrambled eggs), for breakfast when travelling on long journeys.

The best way to describe the majority of Polish rail stations is to think of all the second world war films you have seen, the Polish stations are very reminiscent of the stations in these films. At many stations, you could expect to see German soldiers appear at any minute. I like these stations their architecture and atmosphere very much.

PKP have certainly cleaned the stations up considerably over the last 15 years. Very few beggars, tramps and pickpockets frequent the stations nowadays; however, you still need to be on your guard, but no more than any other rail station in Europe.

Warsaw Central is perhaps the worst Polish Rail station on the network, a very big monument to communism, whilst this station has been cleaned up since communism failed it is still the worst station in Europe. The only redeeming feature is the small shops located in the underground walkways below ul Jaromalinski and the main square. There are bargains to be had and some interesting items being sold. Try not to use the toilets; they are on the first level above ground.

As is usual in Polish toilets, a woman sits outside with a tray or plate to accept contributions for her services on your departure from her toilet facility. Actually, the toilets stink and I don't think the woman ever cleans them but she still expects people to pay. If you need to go, even the trains is better but ideally walk to the Marriott Hotel via the underground, much more hygienic.