Do you need to book trains in advance in Poland?

Tickets and reservations can be booked in advance for trips inside Poland (up to 30 days in advance for domestic trains), and to/from other countries in the region (up to 60 day in advance). Unless you have a rail pass, you are going to need a ticket.

Are Polish trains usually on time?

PASSENGER TRANSPORT

Trains were most often late in August, with a punctuality rate of 88.11%. In July the punctuality rate was 89.71% and in September it was 90.99%. Compared to the same period in 2022, train punctuality increased by 2.37 pp.

How do I pay for the train in Krakow?

Does Trainline work in Poland?

Popular in Warsaw

With over 270 train and coach companies in and across 45 countries including Eurostar, see where you can go from Warsaw with Trainline today. To navigate the map with touch gestures double-tap and hold your finger on the map, then drag the map.

Do I need to book my train ticket in advance?

You can reserve your ticket 60 days in advance, excluding the date of journey at the train originating station. At intermediate stations where the train arrives the following day, reservation can be done 61 days in advance. In the case of some intercity day express trains, the advance reservation period is less.

Poland Train Travel: All you need to know [2025]

What is the rule for booking train ticket?

The journey tickets must accompany reservation slips issued by the computerized system against pre-bought ticket/travel authority. Similarly journey cum reservation tickets bearing zero amount are not valid for journey unless accompanied by the original documents authorizing issue of such tickets.

Is it cheaper to book train tickets in advance or last minute?

It's always best to book up to 12 weeks in advance for the cheapest fares. However, if you are travelling last minute, an Advance ticket purchased on the day is a cost-effective option available up to 15 minutes before the train leaves.

Do you need to buy train tickets in advance in Poland?

Get your ticket

Tickets and reservations can be booked in advance for trips inside Poland (up to 30 days in advance for domestic trains), and to/from other countries in the region (up to 60 day in advance). Unless you have a rail pass, you are going to need a ticket.

How much does a Warsaw to Krakow train cost?

The average ticket from Warsaw to Kraków will cost around £45 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £45. Of the 3 trains that leave Warsaw for Kraków every day 3 travel direct so it's quite easy to avoid journeys where you'll have to change along the way.

Is it easy to get around Poland by train?

For the traveller to Poland, rail travel is one of the best ways to get around the country. There is a domestic airline service, and the road system is better than 10 years ago, but the traffic and parking problems that many cities now experience, travel by travel by rail is still the most comfortable and convenient.

Are trams in Krakow free?

Public transport in Krakow is not expensive. A single 1-hour ticket for Krakow public transport costs 5 PLN, a 20-minutes ticket costs 2,80 PLN. These are your bus & tram pass, as long as you do not buy a single-use ticket.

What happens if you don't pay a train in Poland?

The penalty for travelling without a valid ticket in Warsaw is PLN 266 (+ the travel fare). The additional fee for travelling without a valid document confirming the entitlement to free or reduced travel is PLN 196. The controller must then issue a document confirming the acceptance of the fee.

How safe are PolishTrains?

Is it safe to travel by train in Poland? Travelling on a train in Poland is generally as safe as walking down the street. In recent years patrols of railway police have been stepped up, and they're often visible on platforms or on the trains themselves.

Are there toilets on trains in Poland?

There are restrooms at the end of each car. If you're in a first class compartment, your seat will probably recline a bit if you want to sleep. Many refurbished carriages also offer outlets to plug in your laptop or phone charger.

Is water free on PolishTrains?

Tea, coffee, and water are included in the ticket price. Pets are permitted in this class as well. Besides the surfaces, seats, handles, windows, tables, luggage compartments, restrooms, and operator cabins, the carrier states that all common areas on its trains undergo thorough sanitation, cleaning and disinfection.

Is Krakow cheaper than Warsaw?

Round 4: Pricing. When it comes to prices, Warsaw is definitely more expensive than Krakow. Dining in Krakow is cheaper, and the same can be said for accommodation. However, both cities offer a broad range of budget accommodation and dining options.

How many days in Krakow?

2 days: For a quick city break and main highlights. 3 days: Ideal for a balanced experience covering history, culture, and a nearby attraction. 4-5 days: Best for an in-depth exploration, including significant day trips. 1 week or more: Perfect for slow travelers or those wanting to explore beyond the city.

Is there a high speed train from Warsaw to Krakow?

Yes, there is a high-speed train running between Warsaw and Krakow. Trains can move at a high speed of more than 200 km/h due to the geometry of Polish railway tracks. Poland has the following railway operators EuroCity (EC), Intercity (IC, IC PKP, Express IC Premium), and Pendolino.

Where should I buy train tickets in Poland?

Tickets may be purchased in ticket offices, ticket-vending machines (at some stations only) and on-line through carriers' websites. You may also buy your ticket once you get on the train. To do so, you must immediately report to the ticket controller.

Can I just buy a train ticket on the train?

Just remember that you need to buy the ticket before the train leaves. When staff scan tickets, it will tell them if you bought a ticket after the train left. This can still leave you liable to a Penalty Fare. You can find out more about eTickets in our guide to getting your tickets.

Is it cheaper to buy train tickets on the day or in advance?

Firstly, it can often be cheaper than buying a ticket on the day of travel, as train companies generally release a limited number of cheaper advance tickets. Additionally, booking in advance can give you more options regarding seat selection and train times, as popular routes and peak travel times can sell out quickly.

Do train tickets get cheaper closer to date?

Typically, train companies release their Advance tickets 12 weeks before the departure date, although some go on sale as far as 24 weeks in advance! Only a limited number of tickets will be available, so be quick to secure yours as the fare can rise as the date of travel gets nearer.

How to get last minute train tickets?

Tatkal ticketing, which is open only a day before the journey, lets you book your tickets for trips on short notice. Meanwhile, current ticketing is for those who are trying for last–minute train journeys. These tickets are booked after charting but before the train departs.

Can you buy train tickets on the day of travel?

Buy Advance tickets on the day

That's right, our advance purchase on the day tool can help you to get the cheaper rail fares on the same day of travel. You'll need to download our app to use it, but that's well worth doing (more on that below)!