Fines for no ticket on the train - how much does it cost and what are the consequences? | PolishTrains

At a glance

• Fines for travelling without a valid train ticket in Poland range from PLN 60 to PLN 750
• The exact penalty depends on the carrier, the infringement type and whether payment is made promptly
• Appeals must typically be submitted to the carrier within 7 days of receiving the charge
• Unpaid penalty charges can be escalated to debt collection and court proceedings
• Passengers with a valid discount entitlement but no document can appeal with supporting proof
• Buying a ticket from the conductor on board may incur a surcharge compared to advance purchase

Travelling without a valid ticket on a train involves a fine that can be as high as PLN 750.

If you are wondering what the fine for not having a ticket on the train is or what the consequences of an unpaid ticket ticket ticket are, remember that the amount of the fine depends on the carrier and the circumstances. Failure to pay on time will result in debt recovery action.

Do you want to appeal a ticket or find out how to get a refund for a ticket on the train? There are situations where the carrier may consider a complaint if you can prove that there was a mistake.

Let us start with the most important piece of information. Although the additional charge for not having a train ticket performs a kind of punitive function against attempted unauthorised travel and is called a fine, in the eyes of the law it is not. Only enforcement officers (e.g. police officers) impose fines and penalties. The surcharge we are writing about in this article is of a civil law nature and is subject to a different procedure, but by convention we will also call it a fine.

The so-called fine for not having a ticket on a train can amount to as much as PLN 750 - especially if you travel on long-distance trains and do not pay your dues on time. In the case of regional carriers, the penalties are lower, and there is also the possibility of significantly reducing the amount if you pay the fine directly on the train or within a few days of the summons being issued. The fee can then amount to as little as several dozen zlotys.

However, to avoid problems, it is best to buy your ticket in advance - this can be done conveniently and without stress via the PolishTrains platform, which allows you to quickly choose the best offer. It is also worth remembering that if you benefit from discounts (e.g. for students or senior citizens), it is necessary to have the appropriate documents to prove your entitlement. If you are not in possession of a document, you may be charged an additional fee if the ticket inspector considers you to be travelling illegally.

Did you know... If you do not have a ticket, you must pay the fare tariff in addition to the additional charge.

The amount of fines for not having a ticket on board a train varies depending on the rail carrier and the circumstances under which the infringement was detected. Below is information on the additional charges applied by selected carriers in Poland.

PKP Intercity

According to the "PKP Intercity price list for transport services" in force from 15 November 2024:

• The additional fee for not having a valid ticket (fine) is PLN 750. If the passenger pays this fee on the spot, it will amount to PLN 150, and within 14 days from the day of travel - PLN 200.
• The additional fee for travelling without a valid document confirming the right to free or reduced travel is PLN 600, paid on the spot - PLN 150, and within 14 days from the day of travel - PLN 200.
• Theadditional fee for lack of a valid document for the carriage of goods or animals or for violation of the regulations on their carriage is PLN 300, paid on the spot - PLN 150, and within 14 days - PLN 200.

Polregio

How much does it cost to be fined for not having a ticket on a Polregio train? For this carrier, the current amounts of additional charges can be found in the document "Fare tables - Section III of the Transport Tariff", updated on 15.12.2024.

• The additional charge for travelling without a relevant transportdocument is PLN 305, while the charge for travelling without a valid document confirming entitlement to free or reduced-price travel is PLN 244. Both fees paid on the spot are PLN 100, and paid within 7 days - PLN 150.
• PLN 122 for violating the regulations on the carriage of goods and animals, and in particular: for taking on board a vehicle items or animals for the carriage of which the tariff provides for the payment of the relevant carriage document, items excluded from carriage or items allowed for carriage on special conditions without these conditions. The fine paid on the spot is PLN 30.

Please note that the same amount applies to the Lower Silesian Railways.

Silesian Railways

What fines for not having a ticket or a document entitling to a discount apply on Silesian Railways trains?

• The additional fee for travelling without a proper transportdocument is PLN 300. This amount, paid on the spot, is reduced to PLN 60. The fine paid within 7 days is PLN 110.
• The fee for travelling without a valid document confirming entitlement to free or reduced-price travel is PLN 240. The fine paid on the spot is PLN 60, and within 7 days - PLN 110.
• The additional charge for violating the regulations on the carriage of goods and animals is PLN 120, paid on the spot - PLN 30, and within 7 days - PLN 60.

Mazovia Railways

What is the penalty for lack of a PKP ticket for Mazovian Railways services? The "Mazovia Rail - KM Carriage Tariff", in force since 1 January, specifies the following additional charges.

• How much is the fine for lack of a ticket, i.e. an appropriate carriage document? It is PLN 210. If you pay it immediately, it is PLN 147, and within 7 days - PLN 168.
• If you are found to have travelled without a valid document confirming your right to free or reduced-price travel, you will pay PLN 168. This fine, paid immediately on the train, is PLN 118, and within 7 days - PLN 135.
• The additional fee for violating the regulations on the carriage of goods and animals is PLN 84. Paid on the train 59 zł, and within 7 days - 67 zł.

Remember: carriers in some cases offer you the opportunity to purchase a ticket from the conductor at no or low cost - the condition is to report this immediately after boarding the train. Failure to do so may result in an additional charge!

Receiving a ticket fine for not having a ticket on the train does not always mean that you have to pay it. There is a possibility to appeal against the surcharge imposed in certain situations. The passenger has the right to lodge an appeal within 7 days of receiving the ticket, addressing it to the carrier responsible for the journey in question.

The appeal must include personal details, the number and series of the ticket, the date of the incident and a detailed description of the situation and the reasons for the appeal. It is advisable to attach copies of documents confirming the circumstances described in the appeal. The carrier must consider the complaint and inform the passenger of its decision.

The deadline by which the fine for missing a train ticket must be paid is displayed on the ticket. What happens if the passenger does not pay within this time?

The carrier has the right to take collection action, including going to court. Claims for extra charges for travelling without a valid ticket are time-barred after one year. It is worth knowing that the carrier can interrupt the running of the limitation period by taking certain legal steps, such as sending a reminder to pay.

Travelling by train without a valid ticket is a risk that can end in a hefty fine and additional consequences, even such as bailiff enforcement. To avoid problems, it is always a good idea to check the carrier's terms and conditions and remember to buy your ticket before you travel, for example using the convenient PolishTrains platform. And if you've already been fined for not having a ticket on the train - don't hesitate to pay it or check if you have grounds to appeal. Safety and peace of mind when travelling are always worth more than a temporary saving!