Can you smoke on the train and platform? Find out the rules | PolishTrains

At a glance

• Smoking is strictly prohibited on all trains in Poland, including e-cigarettes and heated tobacco products
• The ban covers passenger compartments, corridors, vestibules, catering cars and toilets
• E-cigarettes and heated tobacco devices have been banned on public transport since 2016
• Fines for smoking on a train range from PLN 50 to PLN 500, issued by SOK or the Police
• Dedicated smoking areas at stations are the only legal place to smoke during a rail journey
• Refusing a fine results in the case being referred to the district court, which may impose a higher penalty

Smoking of tobacco products and e-cigarettes is strictly prohibited on every train that runs on tracks in Poland. It is worth remembering the latter ban in particular, as many people think that e-cigarettes are less restrictive, which is not the case.

The smoking ban in trains applies to:

• passenger compartments;

• corridors and vestibules

• catering cars;

• toilets.

It does not matter what kind of train it is - the smoking ban applies to long-distance PKP Intercity trains as well as all regional services. The legal basis is the Law on the Protection of Health against the Consequences of Tobacco and Tobacco Products Act 2010, which clearly details the ban on smoking in public transport.

As far as e-cigarettes and tobacco warmers are concerned, smoking them in public places, i.e. also on trains, has been prohibited since 2016, when an amendment to the anti-smoking law was introduced. While the smoke from such products is less intense as from a classic cigarette, it can still not only be a nuisance to other passengers, but also set off smoke detectors.

Smoking compartments existed in the 1990s and early 2000s. However, Intercity withdrew them in 2010 following the introduction of the Smoking in Public Places and Public Transport Prohibition Act. So today, there is no specially designated smoking area in any carriage or elsewhere on the train.

It is also important to remember that it is illegal to smoke in a toilet, for example, and you could receive a fine for this. The fine for smoking on a train is between PLN 50 and PLN 500. If you are caught smoking, you run the risk not only of a fine, but also of the train being stopped and the journey delayed as a result. This is because the train crew has the right to report a breach of the regulations to the Railway Guard or the Police.

The penalty for smoking on the train can be severe, so it is worth complying with the rules. Fines start at PLN 50, but the upper limit is PLN 500. In extreme situations, a passenger disobeying the law and the regulations may be removed from the train, and staff may call the appropriate services.

Importantly, the ticket is not issued by the conductor or any other railway employee. Special services are authorised to do so, among which are:

• Railway Protection Service

• Police

You can receive a fine both on the train and on the platform, after leaving the train or if you smoke outside the train in a non-designated area.

The SOK can only intervene in the railway area, viz:

• on trains;

• on platforms and in station buildings;

• on sidings.

In terms of powers, in terms of railway offences, i.e. smoking in an unauthorised place, for example, the SOK has very similar possibilities to carry out interventions as the Police. It can:

• Issue a fine under the same rules as the Police and in the same amount.

• Identify passengers and, if necessary, remove them from the train.

Use direct coercive measures in the event of resistance. Most often, it is the SOK that responds to all offences, including smoking in prohibited places, as these units are present at many stations but also patrol depots en route.

The police, on the other hand, can intervene anywhere. It is usually called in situations where:

• The passenger refuses to accept a ticket from the SOK. The police can then make a note to the court.

• The situation escalates and aggression occurs.

• There is a suspicion that the passenger on whom the SOK wants to fine for non-compliance with railway regulations has committed other offences or crimes.

Smoking is not permitted on public transport. This prohibition is strictly enforced and the fine for smoking on the platform and on the train can be so high for several reasons. Among them are:

• Fire safety - an improperly extinguished cigarette or the ash from it can ignite system components in the carriages. Most of the toilets also have smoke detectors, so triggering an alarm could result in the train being stopped, services intervening and resulting in delays and costs to the operator.

• Compliance with European Union standards - EU directives and TSI standards require the installation of fire protection systems and the elimination of potential sources of danger.

• Travel comfort - not everyone can tolerate cigarette smoke and air-conditioned interiors make it difficult to ventilate carriages. Every traveller should have the right to a comfortable journey, a component of which is the ability to breathe air freely and without additional pollutants such as cigarette smoke.

In the 1st half of 2024, PKP Intercity indicated that SOK officers intervened an average of 35 times per day and among these interventions were those related to violations of the smoking ban. Controls are frequent, so before we break the ban, let's consider whether it is worth risking a moment of pleasure, for which we can get a fine of up to PLN 500.

Can you smoke an e-cigarette on the train?

No, smoking e-cigarettes, like regular tobacco, is prohibited. Tobacco warmers are also not allowed on trains. This ban has been in force since 2016.

Are there trains with smoking cars?

Since 2010, there are no longer trains with smoking cars. There is a total smoking ban in force and breaking this ban will result in a fine.

Can I smoke on the platform?

Yes, as long as there is a specially designated area with smoking signs. Smoking is not permitted outside this area. Smoking areas are usually organised in larger stations and smaller stations may not have them. The absence of a smoking area means that smoking is prohibited.

Who can issue a fine for smoking on a train and what is the amount?

A fine can be issued by both the SOK and the Police. Due to greater accessibility in areas under the authority of the railways, it is usually the former. The amount of the fine is between PLN 50 and PLN 500. Is there more than a fine for breaking the smoking ban? Normally not, but if a passenger is aggressive and does not comply with the instructions of the services, they can be removed from the train.

In summary, there is an absolute ban on smoking in trains, as well as on platforms. The latter may have separate smoking areas, but this is not mandatory. Since 2010, there are no longer separate smoking compartments and trains are equipped with smoke detectors. This can result in an alarm being triggered and action being taken by the service - leading to delays and costs. So if you are a smoker, we recommend that you use the designated area on the platform before boarding the train, and refrain from smoking during the journey.

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