Getting Around Poland
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use efficient trains for Warsaw and Krakow. Rural: Rent a car for countryside exploration. Coast: Buses and ferries. For convenience, book airport transfers from Warsaw to your destination.
Train Travel
PKP Intercity Rail
Efficient and extensive train network connecting all major cities with frequent services.
Cost: Warsaw to Krakow 50-100 PLN, journeys under 3 hours between most cities.
Tickets: Buy via PKP app, website, or station machines. Mobile tickets accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid 7-9 AM and 4-6 PM for better prices and seats.
Rail Passes
Interrail Poland Pass offers unlimited travel for 3-8 days from €100 (youth) or €140 (adult).
Best For: Multiple city visits over several days, significant savings for 4+ trips.
Where to Buy: Train stations, PKP website, or official app with instant activation.
High-Speed Options
Pendolino and EIP trains connect Warsaw to Gdansk, Krakow, and Wroclaw at up to 200 km/h.
Booking: Reserve seats weeks in advance for best prices, discounts up to 50%.
Warsaw Stations: Main station is Warszawa Centralna, with connections to Warszawa Wschodnia.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring rural areas and the Tatra Mountains. Compare rental prices from 100-200 PLN/day at Warsaw Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (EU or International), credit card, minimum age 21-23.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage recommended, check what's included in rental.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 90 km/h rural, 140 km/h highways.
Tolls: Major highways like A2/A4 require e-toll system or vignettes (10-50 PLN/section).
Priority: Give way to right unless signposted otherwise, roundabouts common.
Parking: Free outside cities, metered parking 5-10 PLN/hour in urban areas.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations plentiful at 6-7 PLN/liter for petrol, 5.5-6.5 PLN for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, both work well offline.
Traffic: Expect congestion in Warsaw during rush hours and around Krakow.
Urban Transport
Warsaw Metro & Trams
Two metro lines covering the city, single ticket 4.40 PLN, day pass 15 PLN, 20-journey card 70 PLN.
Validation: Validate tickets in yellow machines before boarding, inspections are frequent.
Apps: Jakdojade app for routes, real-time updates, and mobile tickets.
Bike Rentals
Veturilo bike-sharing in Warsaw and other cities, 5-10 PLN/day with stations throughout.
Routes: Dedicated cycling paths across Poland, especially in Baltic coast areas.
Tours: Guided cycling tours available in major cities, combining sightseeing with exercise.
Buses & Local Services
MPK (municipal) operators in cities like Krakow and Gdansk provide comprehensive bus and tram networks.
Tickets: 3-5 PLN per ride, buy from kiosks or use contactless payment.
Coastal Buses: Routes connecting Baltic towns, 10-20 PLN depending on distance.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near train stations in cities for easy access, central Warsaw or Krakow Old Town for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for summer (June-Aug) and major festivals like Woodstock.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable weather travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Excellent 5G coverage in cities, 4G throughout most of Poland including rural areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from 20 PLN for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Orange, Play, and T-Mobile offer prepaid SIMs from 20-50 PLN with good coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, supermarkets, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for 30 PLN, 10GB for 50 PLN, unlimited for 70 PLN/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and most public spaces.
Public Hotspots: Major train stations and tourist areas have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally fast (20-100 Mbps) in urban areas, reliable for video calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Central European Time (CET), UTC+1, daylight saving March-October (CEST, UTC+2).
- Airport Transfers: Warsaw Chopin Airport 10km from city center, train to center 5 PLN (20 min), taxi 50 PLN, or book private transfer for 100-150 PLN.
- Luggage Storage: Available at train stations (10-20 PLN/day) and dedicated services in major cities.
- Accessibility: Modern trains and metro accessible, many historic sites have limited access due to medieval architecture.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on trains (small free, large 10 PLN), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on trains off-peak for 10 PLN, folding bikes free anytime.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Poland
Warsaw Chopin (WAW) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Warsaw Chopin (WAW): Primary international gateway, 10km south of city center with train connections.
Krakow-Balice (KRK): Major hub 15km west, bus to Krakow 10 PLN (30 min).
Gdansk (GDN): Baltic regional airport with European flights, convenient for northern Poland.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for summer travel (June-Aug) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Berlin or Prague and taking train to Poland for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Ryanair, Wizz Air, and LOT serve Warsaw and Krakow with European connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee 5-10 PLN, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted everywhere, American Express less common in smaller establishments.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay widely used, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted in most places.
- Cash: Still needed for markets, small cafes, and rural areas, keep 100-200 PLN in small denominations.
- Tipping: Service charge included in restaurants, round up or add 10% for excellent service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.