Poland Point

You will find the following categories of train in Poland:

• Fast train—Pociąg 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. All of these trains have first class cars, and there may be a refreshment trolley.
• TLK train—Pociąg 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, and the train will have first and second class cars, and usually a buffet car. There are also nighttime TLK trains, with reduced prices for couchettes, and security guards on board.
• Express train—Pociąg expresowy. These are express trains that run between major cities, stopping only at major towns along the way. Fares are higher than on fast trains, and seat reservations are mandatory. The train will have first and second class cars. Usually there will be a buffet or restaurant car.
• Inter-City/Euro-City trains—Pociąg 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. The train will have first and second class cars. 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.

Some trains feature reserved seating. Such trains are designated in the timetable. An "R" inside a box means that seat reservations are mandatory, an "R" without a box means that seat reservations are mandatory in part of the train, and an "RF" means that seat reservations are available. The reservation can be purchased at the time you buy your ticket. If you already hold a standard ticket and decide to ride a train requiring a reservation, you can also purchase it from the train conductor. Again, make sure you get it from him before he asks you for your ticket, or you may be fined.

Your travel guidebook may mention the "Polrail Pass", which was a pass good on all PKP trains. Unfortunately this pass was elimnated at the beginning of 2004. The closest replacement is a "System Ticket" (Bilet Sieciowy), which offers the ability to travel on all PKP services. These are available for advance purchase.

There are several other money-saving, pass-type tickets still available (see link below). The people who sell Eurail passes also have an "Eastrail" pass, which is valid in Poland and several other Eastern European countries.

The various PKP operating companies offer a number of special, reduced-price tickets.