Quick answer
Long-distance trains in Poland are run by PKP Intercity (categories EIP, EIC, IC and TLK); local and regional trains by Polregio and regional companies such as Koleje Śląskie or Koleje Małopolskie. Buy tickets in the PKP Intercity app, on ebilet.intercity.pl or in the Koleo app, which sells most operators in one place. Book early: express EIC and EIP tickets go on sale up to about four months ahead, IC and TLK tickets 30 days ahead, and prices rise as seats sell.
Who runs the trains
Poland has one national long-distance operator and a patchwork of regional ones. For a trip between big cities you will almost always ride PKP Intercity. For a day trip to a small town, a castle or a mountain resort, you will usually ride a regional train.
| Category | Operator | What it is | Seat reservation |
|---|---|---|---|
| EIP (Pendolino) | PKP Intercity | Fastest trains between the largest cities | Always included, required |
| EIC (Express InterCity) | PKP Intercity | Fast trains with few stops | Included with a ticket |
| IC (InterCity) | PKP Intercity | Long-distance trains with more stops | Included with a ticket |
| TLK | PKP Intercity | Budget long-distance trains, slowest of the four | Included with a ticket |
| Regional (R, Os and local brands) | Polregio and regional companies | Local and regional stopping trains | None, sit anywhere |
When you buy a PKP Intercity ticket, your seat is assigned automatically. Seat rules matter mainly if you travel on an Interrail or Eurail pass: then you book reservations separately, and on EIP trains the reservation is compulsory and carries a supplement.
Where to buy tickets
- PKP Intercity app or ebilet.intercity.pl – the official channel for EIP, EIC, IC and TLK trains, and the first place new pre-sale dates appear.
- Koleo app or koleo.pl – one app for PKP Intercity and most regional operators, including Polregio, Koleje Śląskie, Koleje Małopolskie, Koleje Mazowieckie and Koleje Dolnośląskie. Takes international cards and stores tickets offline.
- Ticket offices and machines at stations – useful if your card is declined online or you need help with a complicated journey.
A ticket on your phone is enough; there is no need to print it. Buy before you board: buying from the conductor is not possible on every train and can cost extra.
When to buy and what it costs
PKP Intercity uses dynamic pricing: a limited number of seats is sold at lower promotional prices, and those go first. On popular routes, on Fridays and Sundays and around long weekends and holidays, cheap seats and sometimes all seats sell out days ahead.
- EIP and EIC: on sale up to about four months ahead, in blocks tied to timetable periods. Sales for departures up to 12 December 2026 opened on 25 September 2026.
- IC and TLK: on sale 30 days before departure.
- International trains: to Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic and Lithuania up to 180 days ahead, to Ukraine up to 20 days.
- Lowest prices: PKP Intercity advertises EIC and EIP fares from 29 zł when bought early.
Regional trains are cheaper and usually do not sell out, so you can buy those on the day.
Discounts: choose carefully
Booking forms list many discount types. Most are statutory reliefs that require a specific Polish document, and conductors check it. If you are not sure you qualify, choose the normal fare. Group offers for two or more people travelling together are worth a look when booking for a family or friends.
At the station
- Departure boards show two numbers: peron (platform) and tor (track). The platform is the strip of concrete; the track tells you which side of it your train stops on.
- On PKP Intercity tickets, check the carriage (wagon) and seat (miejsce) numbers. Long trains can be split, so make sure you board the right part.
- Station names follow the city, then the station: Kraków Główny and Katowice are the main stations, Warszawa Centralna is Warsaw’s main stop for long-distance trains.
FAQ
Can I use one ticket for PKP Intercity and a regional train?
Usually not. Each operator sells its own tickets. Koleo lets you buy a connection with a change of operator in one transaction, but you still get a separate ticket for each train.
Do I need to print my ticket?
No. A ticket in the app or the PDF on your phone is enough. Keep your phone charged and carry the ID you used when booking.
Is an Interrail pass worth it in Poland?
Rarely for travel inside Poland alone, because early-booked tickets are cheap. A pass makes more sense as part of a longer trip across several countries. Remember the separate reservations on PKP Intercity trains.
Last checked: 16 October 2026. Sale dates and prices change with each timetable period; check the operator’s site before you travel.