How to Find Train Times for Polish Railways

Travel by train is the best option when visiting Poland. Airports are sparse in this country. The roadways are underdeveloped, overcrowded and unmaintained. Plus, there's not as much parking as there should be. Follow these steps to plan your trip via the Polish Railways, the easiest way to get from around in Poland.

Things You'll Need

• A computer with Internet access and a printer

Instructions

Find Train Times for Polish National Railways Online

1. Visit the English-language "Route Planner" page of the Polish National Railways Web site (see Resources below). The homepage of the site is in Polish. (If you find yourself on the homepage, you can get back to the "Route Planner" page first by selecting "Szukaj" in the box labeled "Wyszukiwanie polaczen" and then by selecting "English" from the top navigation bar on the new page you've been sent to).

2. Type in the origination and destination locations in the boxes to the right of "From:" and "To:" under the "Route" header.

3. Enter the date and time you want to travel.

4. Select the "Departure" or "Arrival" buttons.

5. Select the type of travel from the drop down menu labeled "Products" and mark the box for carriage of bicycles if you plan to travel with a bike.

6. Click the "More" button for additional options or click "Search Connection" to find train times.

7. Select the itinerary you prefer and click the "Details for selection" button.

8. Use the "Print view" to print a hard copy of your travel choices.

Stay Safe When Traveling by Rail

1. Avoid the "crush" techniques of pick pockets by traveling light and keeping one arm free when entering and/or exiting a train.

2. Select train cars that have some passengers, rather than isolating yourself in an empty car.

3. Keep your money and your belongings under wraps: don't expose a stack of money, don't travel wearing flashy jewelry, and keep designer pieces at home. Think "blend" when traveling.

4. Make sure your sleeper car doors are locked while you sleep, Keep your valuables and your passport on your person in a money belt or neck pouch.

5. Don't leave your luggage unattended, even briefly, when traveling on public transit.

Tips & Warnings

• Call Polish National Railways at 011 ([phone] if you can speak some Polish.

• All phone numbers include the U.S. international prefix "011." When calling internationally outside the United States, substitute that "011" with "00."

• All country codes are within parentheses and begin with a "+" sign.

• Plan to travel with your own food. Only the larger stations offer vending services. Plus, if you have your own food, you don't need to move all your belongings with you to get food from the buffet car.

• You may reserve a private car or even a private train for your group or family.

• Only the newest cars have air conditioning. Usually the windows are open; so, carry a sweater or jacket if you're often cold.

• Keep your schedule close and pay attention to stops. Few trains make announcements about the stops they make. You'll need to get off the train at the appropriate stop without assistance.

• Trains with an "R" have reservations available. An "R" with a box around it means reservations are required to ride.