How do I read the series and number of a PKP Intercity ticket? | PolishTrains

At a glance

• The ticket number (Bilet nr) appears in the upper section of the PDF e-ticket, next to the QR code
• The ticket series and number together form a unique identifier in the PKP Intercity system
• You must provide both the series and the ticket number when submitting a refund request
• The booking reference and the ticket number are different - always use Bilet nr when contacting support
• On paper tickets, the number is printed near the barcode; on station-issued tickets it appears below the logo
• If the ticket number is unreadable on your PDF, zoom in or contact PolishTrains Customer Service with your order ID

The PKP Intercity rail ticket contains a range of information that has specific meaning and practical application. One of the most important is the PKP ticket series and number, i.e. unique markings assigned to each purchase. Their function is to identify the transaction in the carrier's system - on their basis it is possible to confirm whether a given ticket was issued legally and its owner is entitled to travel on a specific train. This data is useful when:

• filing a claim,
• making refunds

How do I read the series and number of a PKP ticket? Firstly, you need to know what they even look like and where they are located. Read on if you want to know the most important details.

The PKP Intercity ticket number is a unique sequence of letters and numbers, individually assigned to each ticket. Where to look for this designation?

For e-tickets issued online by the carrier, the number can be found at the top of the document, directly below the QR code, next to the words "Ticket No". For example, it could be: WH 12345678 (where 'WH' is the series and the string of digits is the ticket number).

For blank tickets for a fare or surcharge, the number is to the left of the barcode and looks like this, for example: IC1234567, and if you buy a paper ticket at a ticket office, look for the series and number under the PKP Intercity logo - it starts with the letters ID (e.g.: ID12345678).

For tickets bought via the PolishTrains service, you will also find the ticket number easily on the e-ticket in PDF format, which will be sent to your email address. It looks like this, for example: EC + 9 digits or WH + 8 digits in the case of tickets purchased via the hotline or email. Please note that the PKP ticket number is not the same as the booking number!

Your ticket number is essential when making a complaint, requesting a refund or checking the status of your booking. It may also be required in the event of an inspection of the carrier - especially when the ticket has not been printed and the passenger shows it on the phone screen. This marking allows a specific transaction to be easily identified in the PolishTrains system. This is important information also for business travellers who are billing for the journey - the PKP ticket number forms the basis of the invoice or settlement of the business trip.

The PKP Intercity ticket series is a designation which, together with the number, forms a complete ticket identifier. It is usually made up of letters (e.g. IC, ID, AB). The series, like its continuation number, is important when you want to identify your ticket in the system or make a complaint. It makes it easier for the carrier's staff to locate a specific document and ensure that the traveller is using the correct ticket - compatible with the class of train, route and date of travel.

The train number on your ticket is another important element, indicating the specific train you are travelling on. It is usually made up of four digits (e.g. 3512) and is unique for a particular journey on a particular day. On the ticket, this number can be found next to the train name (e.g. TLK, IC, EIC, EIP) next to the route and departure time. If you are using an e-ticket, the train number will appear in a dedicated section under the heading "train".

• It allows you to verify whether your ticket entitles you to travel on the correct train - especially when there are several trains on the same route on a given day, but at different times,
• is sometimes necessary when reporting lost items, delays or other issues related to a particular journey.

For example, the IC Wyspiański train from Wrocław to Przemyśl is numbered 36102, the EIP Pendolino from Gdynia to Kraków is train numbered 5302, and the TLK Małopolska running from Gdynia to Zakopane is numbered 38170.

Please note: the last digit of the number on the ticket may differ from the train number!

A train ticket is a document containing a lot of data that together form a set of information about our journey. Here are some tips that will show you how to read your PKP Intercity ticket:

• passenger's name - in the case of named tickets,
• journey relation - means departure and arrival stations,
• date and time of departure
• train number,
• type of carrier,
• wagon and seat number - if reserved,
• class type - 1st or 2nd class,
• information about the concessionary nature of the ticket, if any,
• price and method of payment for the ticket - cash, card.

There is also a barcode or QR code on the ticket, which allows a quick check by the conductor. All these details are crucial not only during the journey itself, but also in the process of any refunds or rescheduling.

When reading the ticket, it is also worth paying attention to the information section - often located at the bottom of the document - where you will find notes on promotions, tariff restrictions (e.g. non-refundable), how to present an identity document or information on the validity of the ticket.

In the case of e-tickets emailed by PolishTrains, all this data is clearly arranged and the ticket itself can be downloaded in PDF format or added to a mobile app. This makes travel simpler and more enjoyable - simply read the document carefully before departure to avoid mistakes.