The Polish rail network is generally in decent shape even if the rolling stock is by and large something you may have travelled on in Italy some years ago. Certainly better than Britain’s railways; you’ll find most trains run on time, are cheap, and don’t crash. Travelling times are generally pretty slow even on Intercity trains with limited high-speed sections of track throughout the country. That is being remedied but in turn this is causing increased travelling times on many lines. Tickets are by western standards very cheap with a first -class ticket to Kraków from Warsaw for instance setting you back about 150zł (about €40).

The state-owned Polish rail network PKP run several types of train. Intercity (also known as Eurocity or just IC) trains are the fastest, newest and most expensive of the lot, with first and second class compartments holding up to six people. New rolling stock is appearing with open carriages and 230v AV sockets. Cheapskates looking to cut costs should opt for the markedly cheaper Tanie Linie Kolejowe (TLK), Pospieszny (posp) or Osobowy (os.) trains; you will pay buttons for the privilege, but your journey is guaranteed to try your good humour.

With the exception of pociąg osobowy trains, ticket prices include a seperate seat reservation charge. More information on train times and prices check the very useful www.rozklad.pkp.pl which has an English option. There is the functionality to book tickets online once you have registered (https://bilet.intercity.pl/irez/index.jsp). This option allows you to book a ticket and seat in one without the hassle of queuing at the station.

If you find yourself faced with long queues in the train station then you’ll be pleased to hear you can hop on the desired train and buy a ticket direct from the conductor. You’ll pay a small surcharge for this (approx 15zł), and credit cards are now accepted. Travellers are expected to greet others in their compartment with a curt ‘dzień dobry’, and it is taken as given that a male passengers will help females or the elderly with any heavy baggage.

Travelling by train should hold no fear, though you may have the misfortune of sharing a compartment with a woman who has no qualms with silencing errant children with a thump to the head. Or even worse, sharing a compartment with perky army discharges. Upgrading to first class for a cursory fee is usually enough to avoid these pitfalls.

Finally most stations throughout the country are appalling lacking in signs denoting the station name and it's surprisingly easy to miss your stop. Communicating with your fellow passengers can save a lot of time and frustration.

Arrivals          Przyjazdy
Departures  Odjazdy
Platform        Peron