Poland is nearly 1.3 times larger than the United Kingdom. Thus, if you are a student who just landed in the country and are planning to stay there for a while, it is imperative to know the different transportation options available for getting around Poland.
Poland has a well connected network of public transport for getting around Poland. You can travel by train, bus, metro (available only in Warsaw) or tram. The good news is that you get a substantial discount if you are a student and it is quite easy to avail it. All you have to do is load your student card in the designated ticket machines and you can buy tickets valid for 30 or 90 days. This is more economical and convenient than buying tickets everyday.
Here, we discuss the various transportation options for international students studying in Poland.
Railways
Source : Wikimedia
Railways are the popular mode of transportation for getting around Poland. Following are the different trains that operate in the country:
ExpressInterCity Premium (EIP)
ExpressInterCity Premium (EIP) are high-speed trains that travel between major cities of the country such as Warsaw, Wrocław and more. Make sure you have a reservation for either 1st or 2nd class seats before you travel.
ExpressInterCity (EIC)
ExpressInterCity (EIC) are modern trains with high standard facilities that run between major cities like Warsaw–Kraków and Warsaw–Gdańsk. You will have to make reservations for this train too; however, EIC are cheaper than EIP.
InterCity (IC)
InterCity (IC) is similar to ExpressIntercity except they are slower than EIC as they have more stops than EIC. The fare for InterCity train (IC) are similar to TLK.
TLK
The Pociąg Twoje Linie Kolejowe a.k.a TLK is the set of express trains that run at speed similar to EIP but are much cheaper than them. As a result, these trains are comparatively more crowded than EIP. You will have to make a reservation before getting into the train though.
InterRegio
The InterRegio (Pociąg InterRegio-IR) are low-cost long-distance trains that is owned by 16 voivodeships. You do not need reservations to travel through InterRegio. Hence, if you are not short on time, the InterRegio may be a good option to get around in Poland.
Regio
Regio (Pociąg Regio) are government-owned slow trains that stop at all stations. These may be 2nd-class only and reservations are not required. Regio, just like the InterRegio covers the entire span of the country and is a good option for getting around Poland, especially for those on budget.
EuroCity (EC)
EuroCity (EC) are international express trains that connect major cities in Poland with other European cities. Hence, more than getting around in Poland, this express train is for cross-border travel.
Tickets
- The most common way of buying tickets is through ticket counters at the station. You will have to pay for the ticket by cash or by card if that option is available. There might be a huge line for these tickets; thus, it is suggested to arrive at least an hour in advance. Alternately, you can book online too on the website of Polish Railways.
- Although reserving a seat is compulsory on EIP, EIC, IC, EC and TLK trains, in case you are unable to buy a ticket you can board the train and buy it from the conductor. This option is valid for all trains except the EIP
- Some companies, like the Polish Train, even offer online tickets. For more details visit this link.
- Ticket cost for polish trains varies greatly depending on the train and the class you choose you to travel in. Among all the trains that operate, EIP/EIC and InterCity trains are the most expensive.
- The cost for travelling from Warsaw Centralna to Cracow Glowny in EIP is 37 Euros in 2nd class and 55 Euros in 1st class whereas for InterCity and TLK, it is 16 Euros for 2nd class and 21 Euros for 1st class. However, the travel time for EPI is the least.
- Discounts on tickets may change every year and also with the service provider. Therefore, it is best to ask at the ticket counter if you are eligible for any offers. Make sure you carry your ID card or some proof of identity.
Bus Services
Source : Wikimedia
- Buses are also a good option for getting around Poland; however, the frequency of the buses may vary with the destination. The two main bus lines in Poland are the PKS and the Poliski Express. Besides this, several locally operating private buses also ply on the routes.
- Buses are a good option for getting around Poland if you do not want to travel by train or want to travel to remote places where trains are not available.
- You might face problems while buying tickets or identifying the right bus initially, but you will catch up with this eventually. This, however, is a standard warming up process that an average individual takes everytime they visit a new place.
- You can either get a ticket from shops or kiosks or from ticket machines or directly from the driver. These tickets have a specific validity such as 30 mins, 45 mins and so on. You will have to buy a new ticket or get off the vehicle once the validity of the ticket expires. Travelling without a valid ticket is considered a crime; hence if you are not sure of the total time it might take to complete your journey then you can buy a ticket with a validity of 24 hours or more.
- You will be allowed to carry your hand bags for free but most of the bus carriers charge extra if you have a bigger luggage
Trams
Source : Poland Travel Planner
- Trams are a very popular mode of transport for getting around Poland. The size of the tram systems varies with the size of the city. Trams will take you to all the essential spots in Poland.
- The best thing about trams is that you can use the same ticket used for a bus, considering you only use it once.
- To make sure you catch the right tram and get down at the right stop, you can use apps like Jakdojade.pl.
Cycling
Source : Haloursynow
If you prefer to cycle rather than travel through vehicles, then there is no other place better than Poland. The roads are well maintained, and you can take your bike anywhere you want. You can even carry your bicycle on a train, maybe not on all of them but on most.
You will be able to find a repair centre almost anywhere and hire a bicycle everywhere.
Taxis
Source :Inyourpocket
Taxis are available in every Polish town but are more expensive than the other modes of transport. You can book a taxi by phone or simply flag them down on the road. You can also use apps like Taxify and Uber. A word of caution here! There are private companies that are not registered as taxis but still have taxi signs on the vehicles. They will not have a name or phone number flashing like the registered taxis. They are generally very expensive, so you need to be watchful while hailing a taxi.
Private Rentals
Hiring a car or motorbike daily to travel from your residence to your university is not the most practical option in terms of money; however, they are an excellent choice for occasional road trips with your friends.
Make sure you always follow the following rules in order to avoid any trouble with the law :
- In Poland, you have to drive on the right.
- It is mandatory to use seat-belts.
- The police will hit you with a speeding ticket if you cross the speed limit.
- Drunk and drive is a significant offence and must be avoided at all cost.
- It is mandatory to keep the headlights on through the whole day.
- Using mobile phones while driving is strictly prohibited.
- While riding bikes, both the motorist and the passenger must wear helmets throughout the journey.
Flight
Source : Businessworld
Ryanair and LOT Polish Airlines are the two domestic carriers that operate flights connecting the major cities. Air travel is obviously a more expensive mode of getting around Poland. Most airports are at a reasonable distance of around 10 and 20 km, from the city centres. However, like most European countries train network is more comprehensive in connecting the cities.
Conclusion
There are various travel options for students for getting around Poland, and knowing the available options makes it easier to choose the right one. With all the necessary details being mentioned, we hope this article helped.
That being said, if you are looking to do your Master’s in Poland, we can be of assistance to you. So, do get in touch!
