EIC what a train is - everything you need to know | PolishTrains

At a glance

• EIC (Express InterCity) trains reach a maximum speed of 160 km/h on Polish mainlines
• EIC tickets include a mandatory seat reservation, air-conditioning and complimentary light refreshments
• EIC is a commercial category with no public service subsidy, which is why fares are higher than IC
• EIC trains are distinct from Pendolino (EIP category), which uses tilting-body trainsets on separate routes
• EIC services cover the most popular domestic routes and some international connections from Poland
• PolishTrains allows you to search EIC timetables and purchase tickets without creating an account

EIC, or Express InterCity, are fast and comfortable trains serving the most popular domestic routes and selected international connections. They are distinguished by a higher standard of travel, air-conditioned carriages and shorter journey times than cheaper trains of the IC category or formerly low-cost railways (TLK).

Let's start with the basics: Express InterCity (EIC) are trains put together from the carrier's latest rolling stock. EIC trains reach a maximum speed of up to 160 km/h, allowing for efficient travel between agglomerations, ensuring attractive journey times.

Unlike regional trainsets, these trains are fully seat booked. What does this mean? When you buy your tickets, you are guaranteed not to spend your journey sitting on the floor in the corridor. Express InterCity trains connect major cities, offering fewer stops at smaller stations, making them an ideal choice for business travellers.

EIC trains offer first class cars with additional catering and second class. On board, passengers can expect a range of amenities such as:

• wireless internet (Wi-Fi) and power sockets
• compartmentless and compartmentalised carriages
• air conditioning and special areas for large luggage
• dedicated carriages for bicycles or skis
• restaurant car (WARS), offering a full menu
• carriages with facilities for people with disabilities

Commercial category versus PSC contracts

It is worth emphasising that the EIC category is a commercial category. This is a fundamental difference that is worth knowing about. The IC category operates routes under a PSC (Public Service Contract), which means that these are trains subsidised from the state budget for public collective transport.

The EIC category, on the other hand, operates routes without subsidies - their maintenance depends solely on the revenue from ticket sales. The above ticket costs are higher because, in addition, the operation of these lines is not financially supported and these trains run on the most popular routes, where there is more passenger interest.

If you come across the abbreviation EIP in the timetables on the PolishTrains website, it stands for Express InterCity Premium. This is the highest rank in the PKP Intercity hierarchy, operated by the famous Pendolino trainset.

Pendolino - the speed king in the EIP category

EIP trains started running in Poland on 14 December 2014 and are the first trainsets in Central and Eastern Europe to reach speeds of up to 200 km/h in regular passenger traffic. Thanks to them, journeys between Warsaw, Cracow, Wrocław or Gdańsk are record-breakingly short.

The difference between these trains (EIC and EIP) lies mainly in:

Speed: EIP reaches speeds of up to 200 km/h, EIC up to 160 km/h.

Construction: EIP is a modern electric multiple unit (Pendolino), while EIC is a classic locomotive car. EIP is an integrated, modern train (EZT) equipped with an advanced stabilisation system that minimises sway during the journey, significantly increasing comfort when working on a laptop or eating meals

Price: Due to the higher standard and shorter time, the more expensive trains are usually the ones in the premium category.

Although the EIP category can hardly be denied speed, the classic Express InterCity trains are considered the 'golden mean'. They offer passengers additional services (such as refreshments included in the price and a choice of sparkling and still water) and are available on a wider network of connections, including international routes. Cheaper Intercity trains can be found on routes with lower occupancy, while EICs offer the certainty of travelling in the highest wagon standard.

EIC (Express InterCity) trains are a proposal for demanding travellers. Thanks to the fact that the EIC category serves commercial routes, passengers can count on modern compartmentless carriages, high service culture and attractive travel times.

Although tickets are cheaper on IC trains, it is the EIC and EIP that make rail travel in Poland prestigious. If comfort and speed are your goals, choose Express InterCity trains on your next booking at PolishTrains.