Poland has an extensive and improving rail network, and the flagship PKP Intercity trains between its major cities are fast, affordable and increasingly comfortable. Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk, Wrocław and Poznań are all well connected, and journey times have fallen sharply as the country's high-speed lines expand. If you are planning to travel Poland seriously, the train is one of the best ways to do it.
PKP Intercity: the main operator
PKP Intercity is the long-distance arm of the Polish national rail group. It operates several tiers of service:
- Express Intercity Premium (EIP): Poland's fastest trains, running at up to 200 km/h on modernised lines. The Warsaw–Kraków EIP is among the flagship services, running in about 2h15–2h30. Seat reservation is compulsory.
- Express Intercity (EIC): Fast long-distance expresses on a wider range of routes. Also require a mandatory reservation.
- InterCity (IC): Standard intercity trains. Reservation required.
- Twoje Linie Kolejowe (TLK): Slower, cheaper stopping trains operated by PKP Intercity for shorter-budget journeys.
Regional services are operated separately by POLREGIO and various regional companies, covering shorter journeys and rural routes. These use a different booking system and do not always require reservations.
Key routes and journey times
All approximate, from Warsaw Centralna:
- Warsaw to Kraków: about 2h15–2h30 on EIP services. This is one of the busiest and fastest routes.
- Warsaw to Gdańsk: about 2h45–3h on express services via Bydgoszcz or Malbork.
- Warsaw to Wrocław: about 3h30–4 hours. Service is improving as the line is upgraded.
- Warsaw to Poznań: about 2h50–3h by express.
- Warsaw to Lublin: about 2h30 on EIC services.
- Kraków to Wrocław: about 3h30 via various routes.
Booking tickets
The best way to book PKP Intercity tickets is through the PKP Intercity website or app (available in Polish and English). Tickets can also be bought at station ticket offices and vending machines, though queues at busy Warsaw stations can be long. Print or download your ticket before travel — on-board inspections are standard on all EIP/EIC services.
Advance fares are cheaper, and Polish train travel is inexpensive by Western European standards even at full price — a Warsaw–Kraków advance ticket often costs considerably less than equivalent journeys in Germany or France. Fares are typically lowest if booked a few weeks ahead; last-minute tickets are more expensive but still reasonable.
The Central European connections
Poland sits at a useful junction for international rail travel:
- Warsaw to Berlin: around 6 hours by express; several services daily including an overnight option.
- Warsaw to Vienna: about 7–8 hours by express or overnight.
- Warsaw to Prague: about 7–9 hours (change often required).
- Kraków to Vienna: about 6–7 hours.
- Gdańsk–Poznań–Berlin: a useful cross-border route.
For those doing a Central European circuit, Poland connects well to Berlin, Prague and Vienna — all within a comfortable day's travel.
Night trains
PKP Intercity operates a handful of overnight services, primarily on longer domestic routes (Warsaw–Gdańsk, Warsaw–Wrocław, Warsaw–Przemyśl). Options include couchette berths and, on some trains, private sleeping compartments. Night trains are not as extensive as in some Western European networks, but they are a practical option for covering longer distances while saving on accommodation.
International night trains to Warsaw from Vienna, Berlin and other cities are part of the broader European night train revival — check the current schedule via the PKP Intercity website or via international booking tools.
Regional rail in Poland
POLREGIO operates the largest portion of regional services, covering routes that PKP Intercity does not reach. Tickets for regional trains are separate from PKP Intercity and can be bought at stations or, increasingly, through POLREGIO's own app. Regional trains are slower but reach many smaller towns and tourist areas, including in the Tatra Mountains (base station: Zakopane, reached from Kraków by regional train).
Practical tips
- Warsaw has multiple stations: Warszawa Centralna is the main hub, but many trains also stop at Warszawa Wschodnia (east), Gdańska and Zachodnia (west). Always check which station your train uses.
- Kraków Główny is a beautifully restored nineteenth-century station, right at the edge of the old town.
- Luggage storage (przechowalnia bagażu) is available at most major stations.
- Trains in Poland are generally punctual, though delays can occur — particularly on regional routes with older infrastructure.
Frequently asked questions
Is reservation compulsory on PKP Intercity trains?
Yes. EIP, EIC and IC trains all require mandatory seat reservations. You cannot board without a reservation, even with a rail pass. This is enforced strictly, and on-board reservation purchases are charged at a premium.
How fast is the Warsaw to Kraków train?
The fastest EIP services cover the route in about 2h15 to 2h30. This is among the quickest city-pair trains in Central Europe at this distance.
Can I use Interrail or Eurail in Poland?
Yes. Poland is covered by Interrail and Eurail passes. However, compulsory seat reservations must be added to your pass separately for EIP, EIC and IC services — they are not included. Budget for this when planning.
What is the best way to get from Warsaw to the Tatra Mountains?
Take an express train from Warsaw to Kraków (about 2h15–2h30), then a regional POLREGIO train from Kraków to Zakopane (about 2h30 more). The POLREGIO leg is much slower and involves a separate ticket purchase.
Sources and further reading:
- Timetables and booking: PKP Intercity official website and app.
- Regional services: POLREGIO.
- Pass validity: Interrail, Eurail.
- International connections: The Man in Seat 61.