Train to Nowy Targ – connections, tickets and travel guide

• Characteristics of the destination: mountain town in Podhale (approx. 33,000 inhabitants, approx. 570 m above sea level), a base for trips to the Tatra, Gorce and Pieniny mountains; known for its highlander traditions and one of the largest fairs in Poland

• Local transport: you can get around the centre on foot; buses and vans connect the station with Zakopane, Białka Tatrzańska and Bukowina Tatrzańska

• Best time to go: winter (December-March) for skiing, summer (June-August) for hiking; in spring and autumn there is less tourist traffic and accommodation prices are lower

• How much to go for: a weekend (2 nights) is enough for a mountain city break - a city and a day in the mountains; 3-4 days allow you to combine Nowy Targ with Zakopane or the Chocholowska Valley

• Practical tip: the famous market is held on Wednesdays and Fridays on the Market Square - plan to come on one of these days to buy oscypek and bundz straight from the producers

It is best to choose winter if you are going skiing, or summer if you are planning hikes in the Tatra and Gorce Mountains.

Spring (March–May)

• The trails in the Tatras open gradually – in March the higher sections may still be under snow; from May most routes are accessible.

• Accommodation prices are lower than in summer and winter, making it a great time for a weekend trip without the crowds.

• At the turn of March and April, crocuses bloom in the Tatra glades and the Chochołowska Valley draws walkers.

Summer (June–August)

• The full tourist season is underway – all trails are open and mountain huts operate without interruption.

• Nowy Targ makes a quieter base than Zakopane, and you can reach Zakopane by train in about 25 minutes.

• Afternoon thunderstorms are common in the mountains, so it is best to plan trail outings in the morning.

• On Wednesdays and Fridays the market is in full swing and offers the widest selection of local produce.

Autumn (September–November)

• In September and October you will see golden autumn in the Gorce and Pieniny mountains.

• After mid-September tourist traffic drops off noticeably and accommodation prices return to off-season levels.

• Daytime temperatures of 6–15°C make conditions ideal for hiking without the heat.

Winter (December–February)

• The ski season is in full swing – Białka Tatrzańska, Bukowina Tatrzańska and Harenda are accessible by bus or minibus from Nowy Targ.

• Snow arrives from November or December and lasts until March.

• During winter school holidays and the festive period tourist traffic is heavy, so accommodation should be booked well in advance.

• In the evening, enjoy kwaśnica and grilled oscypek at one of the highland restaurants in the centre.

You can get to Nowy Targ directly from Krakow, Warsaw, Poznan and Gdynia.

From Kraków to Nowy Targ

• The faster PKP Intercity train takes approx. 1.5–2 hours.

• Both PKP Intercity and POLREGIO trains serve this route.

• By POLREGIO train you travel approx. 3 hours, with stops including Skawina and Sucha Beskidzka.

• The route runs through the Beskid Makowski mountains.

From Warsaw to Nowy Targ

• Direct PKP Intercity services allow you to travel without changing trains.

• The journey takes around 4.5–5.5 hours, depending on the train category.

• The train passes through Kraków but you do not change trains.

• If you leave on a Friday afternoon, you arrive in the evening and spend the whole weekend in the mountains.

From Poznań to Nowy Targ

• You travel approximately 7.5–8.5 hours without changing trains.

• Direct PKP Intercity connections run several times a day.

• Leaving in the morning, you arrive in Nowy Targ in the late afternoon.

From Gdynia to Nowy Targ

• You travel on a single train without changing for approximately 8.5–9 hours.

• Direct PKP Intercity services stop en route at Gdańsk, Bydgoszcz and Kraków, among others.

• The earlier you buy your ticket, the better the price and the greater the choice of seats.

In PKP Intercity and POLREGIO, skis and snowboards are treated as hand luggage. Carriage is free of charge if the equipment is stored in a bag.

On Europodróże you can buy a ticket without creating an account – simply enter your e-mail address and phone number, and the ticket is sent by SMS and e-mail. Shortly before departure you receive an automatic SMS reminder with a link to your ticket, so you are never hunting through your inbox. You can return a PKP Intercity ticket up to 20 minutes before departure and exchange it up to 30 minutes before departure – see the returns and exchanges page for details. Check current connections on Europodróże – just enter your route.

Nowy Targ is a small town, so you can explore the main attractions on foot.

From the station to the centre – the station is close to the Market Square; you can walk there in just a few minutes.

Trips to the surrounding area – from Nowy Targ you can reach nearby resorts and attractions:

• Zakopane – by POLREGIO train approx. 24 minutes, several connections a day

• Białka Tatrzańska and Bukowina Tatrzańska – buses and minibuses from the railway station or stops in the centre

• Czorsztyn Castle and Lake Czorsztyn – about 20 km from Nowy Targ, reachable by bus or minibus

Taxis – local taxis wait at the railway station. The availability of apps such as Bolt or Uber varies by season, so check before you travel.

Accommodation – the centre and the area around Market Square is a natural accommodation base. You will find guesthouses, private rooms and apartments. During the winter and summer seasons, book accommodation in advance.

Nowy Targ works well as a base for exploring the Podhale region – take the train to Zakopane in the morning and return in the afternoon for a quiet evening in a smaller town.

In Nowy Targ, it is worth spending most of your time on the Market Square, the market, the Podhale Museum and a trip to the Gorce Mountains or Lake Czorsztyn.

Market Square and the famous market

The Market Square is the centre of town, lined with historic buildings and offering views of the Tatra Mountains. On Wednesdays and Fridays one of the largest markets in Poland takes place here – hundreds of stalls selling oscypek, bundz, bryndza, handicrafts and clothing. The market starts early in the morning and runs until early afternoon. Allow about 1.5–2 hours for the Market Square and the market. If you want to buy directly from producers, arrive early – the best products are gone before noon.

St Catherine's Church

This historic church on the Market Square is one of the oldest buildings in the town. It is well worth stepping inside, as the interior blends Gothic and Baroque elements. The visit takes about 20–30 minutes.

Czesław Pajerski Podhale Museum

The exhibition dedicated to the culture, history and nature of Podhale displays highland costumes, shepherd's tools, historical documents and a collection of folk art. There is an admission fee. The visit takes about 45–60 minutes.

Czorsztyn Castle and Lake Czorsztyn

This is one of the most rewarding excursions from the town centre – it is a short trip to get there, and on arrival you will see the castle ruins perched on a hill above the lake, with panoramic views of the Pieniny and Tatra Mountains. There is an entrance fee for the castle. Allow about 2–3 hours for the castle and a walk by the lake, including travel time. In summer, canoe and pedalo hire is available at the lake.

Gorce National Park

Hiking trails begin near Nowy Targ – routes lead, among other directions, towards Turbacz, the highest peak in the Gorce Mountains. The Gorce is a less crowded alternative to the Tatras, with vast open glades and views of the Tatras, the Beskids and Babia Góra. Plan a full day for a trip to Turbacz, as the return hike alone takes about 5–6 hours.

One-day itinerary

Morning: Market Square and market, if you arrive on a Wednesday or Friday – about 1.5–2 hours. Late morning: Podhale Museum – approx. 45–60 minutes. Afternoon: walk through the centre and St Catherine's Church – approx. 1–1.5 hours. Evening: dinner at a highland restaurant – kwaśnica, grilled oscypek, highland sour rye soup.

Weekend itinerary

Day 1: arrange the first day as above – Market Square, market, museum and a walk through the centre.

Day 2: trip to Czorsztyn Castle by bus, or POLREGIO train to Zakopane – Krupówki, Gubałówka or Kościeliska Valley. In the evening return to Nowy Targ for dinner.

In Nowy Targ, try highland cuisine and visit the market for regional products.

What to eat

Local restaurants are the best place to discover the flavours of Podhale.

Oscypek – smoked sheep's cheese with a protected designation of origin; buy it at the market straight from the shepherds, or eat it grilled with cranberries in a restaurant.

Bundz – fresh sheep's cheese, soft and mild; available at the market and in local shops.

Bryndza – salted sheep's cheese with an intense flavour, served with potatoes or on bread.

Kwaśnica – a highland sauerkraut soup with spare ribs, served in most restaurants in the centre.

Żurek góralski – highland sour rye soup served in a bread bowl or a regular bowl, with sausage and egg.

You will find highland restaurants near the Market Square and in the streets leading off from the centre. Choose places with regional dishes on the menu.

Souvenirs

• Oscypek, bundz and bryndza – directly from producers, often with a wider selection than in shops

• Wooden products – carvings, spoons, boxes, ciupagi (highland axes)

• Highland embroidery – traditional patterns on tablecloths, napkins and clothing

• Honey and liqueurs – local products from the Podhale region

The market starts early in the morning. For the best selection, arrive before 10:00.

The amounts are per person per night.

Budget – hostel or private accommodation, eating at the market and in cafés, exploring the centre on foot, free attractions such as the Market Square, the market and walks.

Mid-range – guesthouse or small hotel, lunch in a highland restaurant, bus to Czorsztyn Castle or Białka Tatrzańska, and entry to the museum and castle.

Comfortable – hotel or apartment with mountain views, dinner in a restaurant with a regional menu, taxi or car hire for trips in the area, attraction entry fees and the thermal baths in Bukowina Tatrzańska.