The Polish rail network is generally in decent shape even if the rolling stock is by and large something you may have travelled on in Italy some years ago. Certainly better than Britain’s railways; you’ll find most trains run on time, are cheap, and don’t crash. Travelling times are generally pretty slow even on express and Intercity trains with limited high-speed sections of track throughout the country. That is being remedied but in turn this is causing increased travelling times on many lines. Tickets are by western standards very cheap with a first -class ticket to Krakow from Warsaw for instance setting you back about 130zl (about €35).
The state-owned Polish rail network PKP run several types of train.
Intercity (also known as Eurocity or just IC) trains are the fastest, newest and most expensive of the lot, with first and second class compartments holding up to six people. New rolling stock is appearing with open carriages and 220v AV sockets.
Ekepress are supposed to be older and slower and pack more people into less space than the former, but this distinction is slowly disappearing as both tracks and rolling stock get older. Use either of the above for long-distance journeys. Both come with dining carriages, though be warned, anyone falling asleep will incur the full wrath of the steward. Smokers should not make the mistake of booking a seat in a smoking compartment – you will die within minutes. Cheapskates looking to cut costs should opt for the markedly cheaper
Tanie Linie Kolejowe (TLK),
Pospieszny (posp) or
Osobowy (os.) trains; you will pay buttons for the privilege, but your journey is guaranteed to try your good humour.
With the exception of pocaig osobowy trains, ticket prices include a seperate seat reservation charge. More information on train times and prices check the very useful
www.pkp.pl which has an English option. There is the functionality to book tickets online once you have registered (
https://bilet.intercity.pl/irez/index.jsp) but you will need the help of a Polish speaker t present. This option allows you to book a ticket and seat in one without the hassle of queuing at the station.
If you find yourself faced with long queues in the train station then you’ll be pleased to hear you can hop on the desired train and buy a ticket direct from the conductor. You’ll pay a small surcharge for this (approx 8zł), and credit cards are now accepted. Travellers are expected to greet others in their compartment with a curt ‘dzien dobry’, and it is taken as given that a male passengers will help females or the elderly with any heavy baggage.
Travelling by train should hold no fear, though you may have the misfortune of sharing a compartment with a woman who has no qualms with silencing errant children with a thump to the head. Or even worse, sharing a compartment with perky army discharges. Upgrading to first class for a cursory fee is usually enough to avoid these pitfalls.
Finally most stations throughout the country are appalling lacking in signs denoting the station name and it's surprisingly easy to miss your stop. Communicating with your fellow passengers can save a lot of time and frustration.
Arrivals Przyjazdy
Departures Odjazdy
Platform Peron
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