Train connections in Poland. Timetable.

With 24,312 kilometers in its network (1994) and employing 139,000 people (2004), the Polish State Railways (PKP) is one of the larger railway systems of central or western Europe. For the traveler to Poland, rail travel is one of the best ways to get around the country. Only a few major cities have airline service, leaving the traveler with the options of rail or road (either by coach or automobile). With the road system still being developed, and the traffic and parking problems that many cities now experience, travel by rail is comfortable and convenient. The railway station is usually located near a city's center, and is always well connected to the local transportation system. In Poland there are several operating companies. Tickets from one kind of trains aren't accepted on other kind even if you've paid higher fare. So when you buy ticket for Local(osobowy) train you can't use it in Fast (posipieszny) train.

The train types in Poland:

Local train�Pociag osobowy.

These are local trains that usually make a stop in each town as you travel down the line. This is definitely the slow and uncomfortable way to travel, but a good way to meet the local population. This train will usually have second class only. You can recognize it by oragne and green white cars. In this train You can use Fast train tickets.

Fast train�Pociag pospieszny.

This class of train serves as a faster way to get around a region. It will still stop at most moderate-size stations, but does not stop at every station. Most of these trains have first class cars, and there may be a buffet car.

TLK train�Pociag TLK.
This new category of low-cost train is similar to an express, but at the price of a fast train. Advance ticket purchasers can save even more (see below) It makes few stops and operates between major cities. Seat reservations are required. There are also nighttime TLK trains, with reduced prices in couchettes.

Express train�Pociag expresowy.
These are express trains that run between major cities, stopping only at major towns along the way. A higher (by 33%) fare must be paid to ride these trains, and seat reservations are mandatory. Usually there will be a buffet car. There will be first and second class coaches.

Inter-City/Euro-City trains�Pociag IC/EC.

The IC/EC trains were introduced in the early 90's. They feature the newest and most comfortable equipment (the new, air-conditioned cars are found on some of these trains), few stops, and high speeds. Often there will be a full-service restaurant car, and there is always at least a buffet car. A higher supplement must be paid for these trains, and seat reservations are mandatory.

Train Ticket (local train)

Trains companies in Poland:

EuroCity (EC) InterCity (IC) Express (Ex) TLK (Low Cost Railway) Sleeping car and couchette services on Fast trains (pospieszny) See Online Time Table

Fast (pospieszny) Local (osobowy) See Online Time Table

Safety Travelling:
From time to time, there are questions popping up in the Usenet newsgroups about the safety of train travel in Eastern Europe. These reports range from armed robberies to the use of sleeping gas to knock out passengers so their valuables can be taken. However, such extreme crimes are the rare exception rather than the rule. Still, when traveling, the use of common sense is always wise. If you are alert to what is going on around you, you will be one step ahead of the potential criminal, who may look for a more unsuspecting victim. You may also want to keep the following safety tips in mind:

When moving through stations or boarding trains, always try to keep on arm free. Don't get weighted down with baggage. A favorite trick of pickpockets is to create a "crush" as people struggle to enter or exit the train. Keep your luggage in your sight at all times. Do not leave it unattended or where you cannot see it.

When looking for a place to sit, it might be better to sit with other passengers rather than try to find an empty compartment to sit in by yourself.

When traveling in a sleeping car, keep the door to your room locked while you're asleep. Use a money belt or neck pouch to safeguard your money and passport.

Based on polrail.com by Jeffry Dabek