Planes, trains and automobiles…what’s the best way to get around?

Just like many other European countries, Poland’s transportation network is pretty advanced and easy to navigate – with a little research under your belt! Taxis, buses, trains, etc. there are many options.

Train

Poland has an extensive railway network connecting most cities and towns. Polskie Koleje Pan’stwowe or PKP (http://www.pkp.com.pl/) is the national railway company. Unless you speak Polish, you’ll have better luck buying tickets in advance here.

Intercity and Express trains are inexpensive, fast and comfortable. There are two classes of compartments- I class (fares are 50% higher than II class) and II class. Local trains tend to be slower due to more intermediate stops.

Railway timetables (Rozkład jazdy) are on display at all stations. Tickets can be purchased at railway stations, through tourist agencies or booked online. Staff at stations may not speak English; hence, it is advised to write down the information in Polish (using one of the translation apps you read about in this Module!).

Travelers can purchase rail passes such as Inter Rail and Eurail that offer discounted travel for a certain number of days in a month. Discounts are also available for travelers under 26 years of age and on children’s tickets.

 

Bus

Bus service is widely available in Poland, with buses connecting all cities and towns, including the ones not reachable by train. Bus is considered the cheapest mode of transportation.

Bus schedules and price-lists may be available at the bus stations and respective websites and tickets may be purchased from ticket kiosks, offices or directly from the bus drivers before departure.

Along with buses, trolleybuses are also available in many cities. In most cities, public buses operate between 5.00am and 11.00pm. The largest of cities also have nighttime services.  Bus connections are also available to several destinations such as London, Minsk, Vilnius and Prague.

Taxis

Taxis are available in Poland and charges are typically based on distance. You may have to pay extra between 11.00pm and 5.00am so don’t be surprised if rates are higher during those hours.

It’s important to only use official taxis which can be identified by their logo on the top with a phone number. They also have a yellow sticker in the rear windows displaying the tariff (rate) per kilometer. Taxis are available at taxi stops (they line up waiting for passengers and depart in order) or may be booked over the phone. Restaurants and hotels can also call cabs for tourists. Some of the taxi companies operating in Poland include Warsaw City Taxi, MPT Taxi, Wawa Taxi, Radio Taxi, Royal Taxi, Euro Taxi etc.

Some taxi drivers may understand English; many drivers also accept credit cards for making the fare payment.