How to get around Poland
Navigating Poland is straightforward with a variety of public and private transport options. Here's what you need to know about getting between and within its cities and towns.
Inter-City Travel
Traveling between cities in Poland can be done primarily by train or bus, with air travel and car rental also being options for those seeking speed or flexibility. Trains are a popular choice due to their efficiency and affordability.
PKP Intercity, the national railway operator, offers various train types: Express InterCity Premium (EIP) are the fastest and most expensive, with services like complimentary meals in first class, connecting major cities like Warsaw, Krakow, Katowice, Wroclaw, and Gdansk/Gdynia. Express InterCity (EIC) trains also provide fast connections between major cities.
More budget-friendly options include InterCity (IC) and Twoje Linie Kolejowe (TLK) trains, which are slower but still comfortable. For example, a second-class IC ticket from Warsaw to Krakow can cost around 60 PLN, while an EIP ticket for the same route might be 150 PLN. Regional trains, such as those operated by Polregio, are the most economical for shorter distances and stop at more stations.
Bus travel is generally the cheapest way to traverse the country, with major companies like FlixBus connecting most towns and cities. For instance, a bus ticket from Krakow to Warsaw can average around $25, and from Katowice to Krakow about $12. Prices for intercity bus journeys can be as low as a few Euros.
Flights are available for long distances, connecting major airports like Warsaw Chopin, Krakow, Gdansk, and Wroclaw, offering a faster but typically more expensive alternative. Car rental provides the most freedom, but traffic and parking should be considered.
Travel Within Cities
Within Polish cities, public transportation is efficient and affordable, primarily consisting of buses and trams. Warsaw also features a modern subway system. Tickets can be purchased at kiosks, vending machines, or sometimes directly from the driver.
In Warsaw, a 20-minute ticket costs 3.40 PLN, and a 75-minute ticket is 4.40 PLN, valid for all modes of public transport, including the metro. Daily and multi-day passes are also available.
Taxis are readily available in all cities, identifiable by 'TAXI' signs on their roofs. Official taxis display fares per kilometer on the rear passenger window. In Warsaw, the initial taxi fare is approximately 8 PLN, with a per-kilometer rate ranging from 1.5 to 3 PLN during the day. A 5km taxi ride in Poland typically costs around 23 PLN.
Ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt are also present in some Polish cities, with prices calculated based on a base fare, minute rate, and kilometer rate, plus dynamic pricing. Car-sharing services like Panek and Traficar operate in many cities, offering per-minute or daily rates, with most vehicles usable throughout Poland.
