Is it possible to buy a ticket on an IC train? | PolishTrains
On PKP Intercity trains you can buy your ticket directly from the conductor, but this involves an additional charge. The best solution is to buy your ticket in advance at the ticket office, online or in the PolishTrains app. But what if you are already standing at the station and you still don't have a ticket? Find out how buying a ticket on board a train works.
At a glance
At a glance
- On-board ticket purchase is possible on IC, TLK and Polregio trains
- Pendolino (EIP) and trains with compulsory reservations do not allow on-board ticket purchase
- Report the lack of a ticket before entering the carriage or immediately upon boarding
- On trains with compulsory reservation, report before entering the carriage to check free seats
- Changing to a reserved seat after boarding incurs an additional charge of PLN 20
- No surcharge applies when purchasing on board if the departure station has no active ticket office
Can you buy a ticket on every train?
Buying a ticket on board a train is possible on PKP Intercity trains. This applies to both IC and TLK trains. It is also possible to buy a ticket from the train driver on Polregio. The same possibility is offered by the Silesian Railways, where buying a ticket on board a train is done according to similar principles.
It is worth remembering, however, that this option is not available everywhere. The exceptions are EIP trains (Pendolino) and trains with a compulsory seat reservation system. In this case, it is not possible to purchase a ticket on board - travellers must purchase their ticket before boarding the train, e.g. online, at a ticket counter or at a ticket machine at a station.
Can I buy a ticket from the conductor on an InterCity train?
On an IC or TLK train without a compulsory seat reservation, lack of a valid ticket must be reported to the conductor or train manager even before entering the train through the first carriage door or immediately after entering.
On a PKP Intercity train with compulsory reservation, report it before entering the carriage so that a person from the conductor's team can check availability of free seats. The conductor will then issue a ticket without a reservation.
Such a journey means that you occupy free seats, but you must release them when a traveller with a reservation appears. If there are vacant seats, the conductor may sell you a new ticket with a seat, but this will incur an additional charge of PLN 20. If all tickets are sold out, train staff may refuse to let travellers into the carriage.
Can I buy a ticket on a Regio or Polregio train?
The purchase of a ticket on a Polregio train is done at the train manager. If there is no ticket office at a station or it is closed, no additional charge applies. When changing carriers and changing to another train, remember to buy a separate ticket for each section of your journey.
Before travelling, check the carrier's rules for transporting bicycles, luggage and dogs. Each has its own rules regarding carriage services and document requirements.
How much does a ticket cost from the conductor?
A surcharge of PLN 20 per person for the issue of a ticket on board the train is added to the price. However, there are situations in which this surcharge will not be charged. This applies to:
- persons with disabilities or reduced visible mobility, as well as their carers;
- people over the age of 70;
- persons starting a journey from a station where there is no ticket counter or the ticket counter is closed;
- InterCity Pass holders who wish to collect a seat reservation;
- those who are issued a single ticket with a 100% discount (e.g. children under 4 years of age);
- pregnant women.
In all cases, show the relevant document confirming your entitlement to the concession.
You can pay for your ticket with the conductor in cash or by credit card. Visa and MasterCard are accepted. More and more travellers are choosing to pay by card, which is convenient. If you are boarding without a ticket, prepare the form of payment in advance so that you do not inconvenience the train staff and controls.
Save time and money - buy your ticket online
Although it is possible to purchase a ticket on board an InterCity train, in most cases this involves a surcharge of PLN 20. It is worth knowing that you can also buy your ticket online once you have boarded the train (in the absence of a reservation obligation) - just do it before the ticket check.
Itis most convenient to use the connection search engine or the PolishTrains application, thanks to which you can quickly buy a ticket for any PKP train. During the control, it is enough to show the e-ticket on your phone screen. By buying your ticket online, you avoid surcharges and have access to concessions and discounts.
However, we recommend buying your ticket in advance. By booking in advance, you can take advantage of cheaper promotional offers and you can be sure that a seat on your chosen train will be waiting for you. This is definitely the best way to have a relaxed and stress-free journey.
Frequently asked questions
For issuing a ticket on the train, you will pay a surcharge of PLN 20 per person on top of the standard ticket price. Among others, people with disabilities, senior citizens over 70, pregnant women and travellers boarding at a station where the ticket office is closed are exempt from this fee.
No. If you do not have a valid ticket, you must report it to the conductor before or immediately after boarding. If you do not report it and are only caught during the inspection, the train staff will charge you extra for travelling without a ticket.
Yes, a ticket bought from the conductor costs PLN 20 more due to the ticket issuing fee on board the train. Buying a ticket at a ticket office, online or on an app is always cheaper and more cost-effective.
You can, but on condition that you immediately report the lack of a ticket to the conductor. It is best to do this before boarding the train. This is not possible on EIP (Pendolino) trains. This rule only applies to IC and TLK trains without compulsory seat reservation.
The fine for travelling without a valid ticket on PKP Intercity trains starts from PLN 200 upwards, depending on the length of the route and the class of carriage. To avoid such charges, always report a missing ticket to the conductor immediately after boarding the train.
For issuing a ticket on the train, you will pay a surcharge of PLN 20 per person on top of the standard ticket price. Among others, people with disabilities, senior citizens over 70, pregnant women and travellers boarding at a station where the ticket office is closed are exempt from this fee.
No. If you do not have a valid ticket, you must report it to the conductor before or immediately after boarding. If you do not report it and are only caught during the inspection, the train staff will charge you extra for travelling without a ticket.
Yes, a ticket bought from the conductor costs PLN 20 more due to the ticket issuing fee on board the train. Buying a ticket at a ticket office, online or on an app is always cheaper and more cost-effective.
You can, but on condition that you immediately report the lack of a ticket to the conductor. It is best to do this before boarding the train. This is not possible on EIP (Pendolino) trains. This rule only applies to IC and TLK trains without compulsory seat reservation.
The fine for travelling without a valid ticket on PKP Intercity trains starts from PLN 200 upwards, depending on the length of the route and the class of carriage. To avoid such charges, always report a missing ticket to the conductor immediately after boarding the train.
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