Travel to Poland

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Travel to PolandExperience Travel in Poland: Explore Historic Cities & Old Towns

By Koen Berghuis

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Koen BerghuisTravel Creator and Rail Writer
Koen Berghuis
Koen Berghuis is a rail expert and passionate train traveler who logs about 20,000 kilometers by train each year, exploring routes across Europe and beyond. Koen writes about his travels on his website, Paliparan, where you find dozens of train reviews and trip reports.

Poland packs in a lot of amazing travel destinations and offers a much greater diversity of sights and things to do than most first-time visitors might initially expect. Many travellers flock to Poland to admire the country's magnificent historic cities, known for their beautiful market squares and old towns. Yet Poland also has a long Baltic Sea coastline, as well as beautiful mountain scenery. In summer 2026, I explored some off-the-beaten-path destinations in the Polish region of Lower Silesia, as there is plenty to explore even beyond the biggest tourist destinations. I enjoyed revisiting gorgeous Wrocław, which might very well be my favourite city in Poland, as well as travelling to smaller yet still beautiful towns like Wałbrzych, home to the impressive Książ Castle. Whatever draws you to Poland, there are tons of amazing sights waiting for you!

View over Wawel Castle, Kraków

View over Wawel Castle, Kraków

Routes Overview

Most people visiting Poland combine two or three cities, which gives a good introduction to the country and its culture. A classic route runs from Gdańsk on the Baltic Sea to Warsaw and then on to Kraków, with Zakopane an easy addition from there. Last summer, I spent a full week exploring smaller towns and sights in Lower Silesia instead. It reminded me just how much there is to see beyond the biggest tourist destinations. Include some smaller places in your itinerary and you could easily spend weeks exploring Poland. Popular connections such as Warsaw to Krakow, Gdansk to Warsaw and Krakow to Warsaw are also easy to book.

Gdańsk, the historic Hanseatic port city

Gdańsk, the historic Hanseatic port city

Onboard Experience

The train is my favourite way to get around Poland, although it is also possible to travel by bus. Poland also has a decent network of domestic flights, while rental cars can make sense if you are heading deep into the countryside or to more remote areas. If I’m mainly visiting cities and making day trips, though, I usually find a car more of a hindrance because of parking. Whenever I travel around Poland, I opt for the train. Polish trains are generally comfortable, frequent and reliable, and many long-distance services have a dining car where you can sample Polish dishes and drinks while enjoying the countryside.

Polish InterCity train at Warsaw Central

Polish InterCity train at Warsaw Central

Station Tips

Polish airports, ports and railway stations are fairly efficient and tend to have the facilities you would expect. Warsaw Chopin Airport, the country’s largest, is well connected by public transport to the city centre. Railway stations are also generally centrally located, with good local transport links. Most major stations have a ticket office, luggage lockers, and shops and cafés where you can stock up for your journey ahead or grab something to eat before departure. When catching a train, one thing I always pay attention to is the platform information. Departure boards don’t always list intermediate stops, so check the final destination or train number before boarding. Polish stations also use both a platform number, peron, and a track number, tor, so make sure you identify the right one of each.

Best Time to Travel

As in many other countries, trains, flights and other public transport can be at their busiest around national holidays and during the summer months. If I’m travelling long-distance around Poland at these times, I make sure to book ahead and reserve a seat where possible. Fridays and Sundays can be particularly busy too. Some Polish trains only operate as seasonal summer services and may not run outside July or August, while weekend timetables can also be more limited. I always check the timetable for the exact day I plan to travel.

Things to Know Before Traveling

Although local and regional transport in Poland is generally reliable, delays can happen on long-distance buses, trains and domestic flights. I always leave some extra time if I’m making a connection or have a guided tour or timed museum visit booked shortly after arriving. It’s also worth checking exactly which train your ticket is valid for. Tickets are generally tied to the operator or service shown, but there are some exceptions where operators honour each other’s tickets. Cheaper advance fares on long-distance trains may also be restricted to the specific departure you booked, so I always check the conditions before choosing a fare.

Scenic Routes

For travelling around Poland, I personally prefer the long-distance trains operated by PKP Intercity. I always try to get a first-class ticket. It doesn't usually cost that much more than second class, and you get a much more comfortable seat. Most importantly, I really prefer the quieter environment, as first class tends to be less crowded. A visit to a WARS dining car is a must for me as well. You’ll find them on many long-distance services, including EIP, EIC, EC and IC trains, where you can enjoy a meal or drink along the way.

Booking Tips

Booking windows for Polish trains vary by service and timetable, so I recommend checking your journey as soon as your travel dates are confirmed. International PKP Intercity tickets can now be released up to 180 days in advance, although sales may open later when timetables are still being finalised. Comparing options online through Omio also makes it easier to see which services and fares are available. Some Polish trains, including high-speed EIP services, may also require a seat reservation. Regional and local trains generally work differently, with no assigned seat on many services. If you’re travelling at a busy time, I recommend always checking the reservation conditions when booking.

Travel Tips

Major cities in Poland deserve at least two full days, so I wouldn’t try to cram too much into your itinerary. Spending just one day in Warsaw or Kraków before moving on can leave the trip feeling rushed, with little time to actually see and enjoy the places you visit. If you’re planning day trips, give yourself some extra time as well. From Kraków, for example, many travellers visit Auschwitz or the Wieliczka Salt Mine, and each can easily take up most of a day. I’d also recommend looking beyond Kraków and Warsaw, as cities such as Lublin and Toruń are just as beautiful and worth exploring.

Conclusion

Poland has a lot to offer travellers, from historic cities such as Kraków and Gdańsk to the modern and bustling city of Warsaw. In between, you have Baltic beaches and plenty of mountain scenery. Even a week can give you a great introduction to the country’s culture and history, although I always seem to find more reasons to return. The train remains one of the best ways to get around, with comfortable journeys, plenty of routes and generally affordable fares, especially when booked in advance through Omio.

Stary Rynek in Poznań, The Old Market Square

Stary Rynek in Poznań, The Old Market Square

Best itineraries in Poland

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Poland Itinerary: A 7-Day Rail Journey Through Historic Cities

Embark on a 7-day train adventure across Poland, starting in the cultural heart of Krakow, journeying through the charming city of Wroclaw, exploring the vibrant capital of Warsaw, and concluding in the Baltic port city of Gdansk, with a seaside day trip to Sopot.

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Poland Itinerary 14 Days: From Royal Castles to Baltic Shores

Embark on a two-week journey through Poland's most captivating cities, starting in historic Krakow, moving to vibrant Warsaw, coastal Gdansk, charming Poznan, and ending in picturesque Wroclaw. This itinerary combines rich history, stunning architecture, and diverse cultural experiences, all connected by convenient train travel.

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Poland 8-Day Itinerary: From Historic Castles to Baltic Shores

Discover Poland's rich history and vibrant culture on an 8-day journey, starting with the medieval charm of Krakow, continuing to the bustling capital of Warsaw, and concluding on the scenic Baltic coast in Gdansk.

  1. 1Krakow
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