On which routes do night trains run in Poland? | PolishTrains
** Travelling at night is, for many passengers, the most convenient way to cover long distances without wasting valuable time during the day. Night trains in Poland, operated mainly by PKP Intercity, are now an attractive alternative to tiring car routes.
At a glance
At a glance
- Night trains in Poland connect major cities with tourist regions such as Zakopane, Hel and the Tricity
- Key domestic overnight routes include Zakopane–Szczecin, Kraków–Hel and Przemyśl–Gdynia
- International PKP Intercity night services run to Budapest, Vienna, Munich and Prague
- Sleeping cars offer private or semi-private compartments with bedding and a washbasin
- Couchettes provide a more affordable shared overnight option on long-distance routes
- Overnight travel saves on accommodation costs while covering hundreds of kilometres
Instead of concentrating on the road, travellers can look forward to an undisturbed night's sleep in professionally prepared sleeping cars or couchettes, waking up in the morning exactly where they had planned to start their rest. Overnight travel not only means real savings on accommodation, but above all comfortable conditions that allow for a restful night's sleep.
In 2026, the night train network is even better suited to the needs of passengers, offering a high standard of service and safety, making night trains quite popular.
On which routes do night trains run in Poland?
With today's railway map, overnight trains connect almost all key regions of the country. Such connections make it possible to comfortably cover hundreds of kilometres while sleeping and reach the destination station in the morning without having to book an overnight stay.
The main routes on which sleeping cars and couchettes can be found in national transport are mainly those connecting major conurbations with tourist regions:
🚆Zakopane**- Szczecin:** an iconic route that takes you from the heart of the Tatras to the west coast itself
🚆Kraków**- Hel:** one of the most popular seasonal connections
🚆Przemyśl**- Gdynia:** diagonal route crossing the whole of Poland, connecting the Podkarpacie region with the Tricity
🚆JeleniaGóra - Warsaw: key route for people from Lower Silesia travelling to the capital city
🚆Świnoujście**- Kraków/Przemyśl:** a convenient connection for visitors and tourists returning from the island of Usedom
PKP Intercity also offers night trains in Poland in international transport, allowing you to reach other European countries comfortably. From Poland, you can travel by night to, among others:
- Budapest
- Vienna
- Munich
- Rijeka
- Prague
Do sleeper trains in Poland have classes?
Yes, sleeper trains in Poland offer different standards of travel, so passengers can choose an option to suit their needs and budget. On PKP Intercity's night trains, there are mainly sleeping cars and couchettes, which differ in comfort level, number of seats in the compartment and ticket price.
Sleeping carriage - comfort in three variants
In the sleeping carriages, comfort is the priority. Each passenger receives a full-size bed with a set of bed linen, i.e. a sheet, pillow and duvet. The sleeping compartment is equipped with a washbasin with access to water (for washing hands and brushing teeth) and a cabinet with mirror. Depending on the number of seats purchased, these compartments are divided into:
🛏️Single: compartment for one person (requires a 1st class ticket). This is the most comfortable way to travel for business, you have a whole compartment to yourself
🛏️🛏️Double: Two-person compartment. Ideal for couples or friends
🛏️🛏️🛏️Triple: Three-person option, the most economical in this category
Importantly, there is a gender breakdown in the sleeper carriages. This means that if you buy a single seat, the system will allocate you to a compartment with people of the same gender (unless you buy a whole compartment for relatives).
Delux sleeping compartments - a high standard on the rails
For the most discerning passengers, Delux sleeping cars have been prepared. These are real suites on the rails. In the delux sleeping compartments, each passenger receives a hygiene kit, including a disposable terry towel, disposable hotel slippers and a dental kit and toilet soap.
The biggest advantage of this class, however, is the private bathroom with shower and toilet directly in the compartment, ensuring complete discretion and luxury.
Couchette beds
Couchettes are available in four- and six-seat variants. Unlike sleeper cars, there is no gender distinction and passengers receive a sheet, pillow and blanket instead of full bedding. Although the standard is lower, couchettes offer a comfortable night's sleep at a very affordable price, starting from just PLN 59.
Comparison of standards: sleeping car vs. couchette
| Typ wagonu | Cushion (Low Cost Rail / IC) | Bedroom car (Standard) | Delux Sleeping Car |
| Number of personsób in compartment | 4 or 6 personsób | 1 (Single), 2 (Double) or 3 (Triple) | 1 or 2 persons |
| Bedding provided | Sheet, pillow and blanket | Complete bedding: sheet, pillow and duvet | Premium full bedding + disposable terry towel |
| Umywalka i WC | None in the compartment (sharedólly at the ends of the corridor) | Washbasin is located in each compartment | Private bathroom (shower and toilet) in the compartment |
| Hygiene kit | None | Wash, moistened wipe | Hygiene kit, slippers, dental kit, soap |
| Poczęstunek i śniadanie | Snack and hot/cold drinkój | Breakfast included (sweet or savoury version) | Premium breakfast served to your compartment |
| Podział na płeć | Not applicable | Partitioning applies (unless you purchase the entire compartment) | Gender breakdown applies |
| Price (relatively) | The cheapest option (tickets from £59) | Middle price range | Highest standard and highest price |
Night trains in Poland what to expect?
Travelling by overnight train in Poland looks a little different to travelling in a standard seated carriage.
WARS service and conductor care
In every such carriage, a professional WARS conductor service watches over your comfort. This is a key figure: the conductor not only checks your tickets, but also prepares your beds (if they are not already made up) and collects your breakfast orders.
You always get refreshments included in the ticket price in sleeper cars. On domestic routes, this is usually a sweet breakfast (e.g. croissant, coffee/tea), while on international transport the choice is wider. In addition, you can purchase hot and cold drinks and sweet snacks from the conductor at any time during the journey.
Getting ready for bed
In the compartment, there is usually a ladder that allows you to climb into higher beds and numerous shelves for your luggage. It is worth remembering the curfew framework, which allows all passengers to sleep soundly.
In many cases, the carriage staff can also wake travellers up before the destination station so that no one sleeps through their stop. Usually about 30 minutes before you arrive, so you have time to have a quiet toilet and your morning coffee.
Safety when travelling in a sleeping car
Many people give up the train in favour of the car for fear of their luggage. However, it is worth knowing that overnight trains in Poland are among the safest means of transport, and WARS' professional train conductor service ensures the safety of passengers throughout the journey.
Once in the sleeper car, the conductor often collects tickets from passengers and then returns them before arriving at the destination station. This prevents outsiders from accessing the compartments and the staff know exactly who is in each carriage.
How do you ensure your safety?
Locking systems: each sleeping compartment is equipped with robust locks that can be locked from the inside. Newer types of new sleeping carriages also use electronic card locks.
Curfew: during the curfew period (usually from 22:00 to 6:00), no members of the public are allowed in the corridors.
Conductor care: the WARS conductor has his own dedicated compartment, which is located in the same carriage for the entire journey. You can turn to him/her with any request or concern.
Frequently asked questions
Summary
Travelling by overnight trains in Poland is the perfect combination of logistics and comfort. Thanks to the fact that sleeper trains in Poland offer a variety of classes, every passenger can find an option to suit their wallet.



