Trains in Poland

There is a variety of different types of trains ranging from comfortable and fast ones to ones offering inexpensive connections of local range.

Types of Trains in Poland

There are a few companies providing passenger transport services in Poland and they may be classified into three categories.

Express Trains

The fastest and of the best comfort, express trains stop only in major Polish cities or at their final destination. The journey is very comfortable and of European standard.

Express Intercity Train (EIC)

Express Intercity Train

This is the fastest and the most comfortable train connection between the major cities. The train set consists of air-conditioned carriages in the 1st and 2nd class. There is a restaurant car in every train and a sale of snacks and drinks is offered in every car as well. All the passangers are given a complimentary tea or coffee and a cookie during the journey. There is a possibility to order a meal at the catering staff in the 1st class non-compartment cars. Seat reservation is applicable for both 1st and 2nd class.

Express Train (EX)

This train offers the highest standard of connections between major cities and also to touristic destinations. The mail railway is complemented by these trains as an addition to Express InterCity trains. Train set is composed of cars of 1st and 2nd class as well as a dining car where Polish traditional meals and hot and cold drinks are served. A sale of snacks and drinks is offered in every car as well. Most trains include also a special car for bicycle transport. Seat reservation is applicable for both 1st and 2nd class.

EuroCity Train (EC)

This is an international train of a very similar standard to Express InterCity and the only difference is that the latter run only on domestic railroads.

Low Cost Trains

TLK Train

This is a less expensive alternative for InterCity trains and they stop only at selected stations in bigger cities. The price of these tickets corresponds to the standard they offer. It is decent but not as good as in express trains.

Cheap Rail Lines (TLK)

This train offers inexpensive, direct connections on domestic railroads including connections with popular touristic destinations. The train set is composed of 1st and 2nd class cars as well as a dining car. In selected trains it is possible to transport bicycles and touristic equipment. Seat reservation is applicable for both 1st and 2nd class.

REGIOexpress (RE)

This is a long-distance train with 1st and 2nd class cars ideal for budget passengers. These trains offer modernised air-conditioned non-compartment cars with a wireless Internet access as well as electric sockets. In selected REGIOexpress trains you may book a ticket with seat reservation but not earlier than 7 days before the journey. In some trains catering services are offered.

Local Train

InterREGIO (IR)

This train is similar to the REGIOexpress one in terms of the price and speed. However, it offers a lower standard and only 2nd class is available. The rates in REGIOexpress and interREGIO are the same.

Local Trains

Seats in Regio Train

These are the slowest and the least expensive. They stop at every station.

REGIO (REG)

This train is composed of the cars of 2nd class and sometimes also cars adjusted for transport of bicycles. They are mostly set of electric traction sets or diesel engines. REGIO trains are usually used for travelling short distance but there may be some for longer distances too.