Poland Essentials
Poland · Trains

How to Buy Train Tickets in Poland

Polish trains are excellent for many city-to-city trips, but the mix of PKP Intercity and regional operators can confuse first-time visitors.

Checked 17 August 2026
Looking for buses, trams or metro instead? City transport uses local ticket systems. See How to Buy Public Transport Tickets in Poland.
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SHORT ANSWER

For long-distance trains, buy from PKP Intercity online or in its app.

For a first trip between cities such as Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk, Poznań or Wrocław, this is usually the simplest option. For the full national timetable, use the official Portal Pasażera.

1. Find the train

Use Portal Pasażera to search the national railway timetable, including different operators.

2. Check the operator

If it is a PKP Intercity train, buy through PKP Intercity. Regional trains can be sold by a different regional operator.

3. Buy before boarding

This avoids having to understand carrier-specific rules for buying from the conductor.

4. Keep the ticket on your phone

If you bought a mobile/e-ticket, keep it ready together with any ID required by the ticket conditions.

PKP Intercity — official ticket sales ↗ Portal Pasażera — official national timetable ↗

THE PART THAT CONFUSES VISITORS

“PKP” is not one universal ticket system.

Poland's rail network has several passenger operators. A journey shown in a timetable may be run by PKP Intercity, POLREGIO or a regional company. Always look at the operator shown next to the connection before buying.

EIPPendolino / premium long-distance
EICExpress InterCity
ICInterCity — very common long-distance trains
TLKLong-distance, generally more basic
Tourist shortcut: travelling between major Polish cities? Start with PKP Intercity. If your trip is local or regional, check which company actually operates the train.

Do I need to book in advance?

You do not need to buy every Polish train months ahead, but popular long-distance trains can become busy around weekends, holidays and major events. Buying before the day of travel also makes the journey less stressful.

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Do not assume you can always just jump on and buy from the conductor.

On-board purchase rules and possible extra charges depend on the operator and type of train. Buying before boarding is the safest rule for a visitor.

PLANNING A POLAND ITINERARY?

Do you actually need to rent a car?

For many first-time trips, the answer is no.

Car or train?

FAQ

Train tickets in Poland

Where should a tourist buy PKP Intercity tickets?

Use the official PKP Intercity website or mobile app. Tickets are also sold at ticket offices and selected ticket machines.

How do I check all trains, not only PKP Intercity?

Use Portal Pasażera, the official national timetable run by PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe.

Can I buy a ticket on the train?

Sometimes, but the rules vary by carrier and service and an additional charge may apply. Buying before boarding is the simplest option for visitors.