Sleeping cars at PKP Intercity | PolishTrains

At a glance

• Sleeper car berth supplements on PKP Intercity start from PLN 59 for a couchette up to PLN 299 for a deluxe compartment
• Sleeping cars are available on domestic routes such as Tricity–Kraków and Warsaw–Jelenia Góra as well as international ones
• A couchette offers a berth in a shared 4- or 6-person compartment with basic bedding
• A sleeping car provides a lockable 1–3 person compartment with full bedding and a washbasin
• Reservation of a sleeping or couchette berth is mandatory and can be made up to 30 days before departure
• International sleeper connections include routes to Prague, Vienna, Budapest, and Berlin

A sleeper car is a comfortable way to enjoy an overnight train journey. The Intercity sleeper car offers beds with bedding, privacy and additional amenities such as a washbasin and breakfast service. How do I buy a ticket for a sleeper car? The easiest way is online - booking is available 30 days before departure. Seat surcharges start from PLN 59 for a couchette to PLN 299 for a deluxe compartment. Check out the available routes and book your seat in advance!

🛏️Jakie types of sleeping car and couchette are available on PKP Intercity trains.

🔎Whatare the key differences between a couchette and a sleeper carriage and which one is better for you.

💵Whatare the prices and how to order a sleeper car or couchette ticket in the most convenient way.

✅Aboutthe advantages of using sleeping compartments for domestic and international travel.

Yes, Intercity sleeper and couchette trains are available in Poland. They offer berths on longer overnight routes, providing comfort and privacy. Depending on their choice, passengers can opt for a sleeper compartment with a full bed and bedding or a couchette, which is a more economical option with lie-flat.

If you are planning a longer journey, check out our guide: PKP Intercity oversized luggage - rules for transporting large luggage.

Trains with sleeper cars run on both domestic and international routes. These are usually long-distance routes with all-night courses. These are routes connecting the largest cities in Poland and other European countries.

Couchette trains can be found, for example, on trains from Tricity to Cracow, from Warsaw to Jelenia Góra or from Gdynia to Zakopane. They are also available on routes from Poland to cities such as Prague, Vienna, Budapest and Berlin.

How do I buy a sleeping car ticket? Tickets with a lie-flat or sleeping berth reservation can be purchased, among others, through our PolishTrains portal. This applies to domestic transport within a 30-day pre-sale, where you can also take advantage of statutory discounts, as well as special offers from PKP Intercity - Senior Ticket, Cheap with Relatives or Large Family. For international transport, the pre-sale starts earlier. Purchase of tickets is possible both via an online form and a call centre. Both of these methods are a convenient way to book without leaving home and with significant time savings.

Ticket prices for sleeping car seats vary depending on the standard of the compartment and the length of the route. They can be purchased both online and directly at the station. For example, the surcharge for a couchette seat on domestic routes starts at 59 PLN, while for a luxury sleeper compartment it can be up to 299 PLN. Remember that the prices mentioned are only surcharges for a standard train ticket. When booking a PKP sleeper car you have the option to choose the type of compartment that best suits your needs and preferences. Three-, two- and single-seater compartments are available.

An important aspect when booking is also to consider the gender division of the compartments, which is standard practice on many trains offering sleeping accommodation. This division is intended to ensure greater comfort and safety for travellers. It is worth noting that in the case of family compartments, if you choose to purchase all the seats in a compartment, gender splitting is not applied, giving greater flexibility and privacy for families or groups travelling together.

Buying a ticket for a seat in an Intercity sleeper car is a simple and intuitive process, especially if you use the online booking system. For travellers using overnight trains, the most convenient way to purchase a ticket is through the booking system on polishtrains.eu.

Travelling on trains with sleeper cars in Poland offers passengers comfort and efficiency, especially during overnight journeys. Thanks to them, it is possible to save time for rest while moving between cities.

One of the key advantages of using this type of transport is the ability to avoid the costs associated with hotel accommodation. These trains are equipped with beds, allowing you to get a restful night's sleep during your journey. Polish sleeper carriages are often equipped with additional facilities to enhance privacy and comfort.

Planning a journey using sleeper carriages requires several important aspects to be taken into account. First of all, it is advisable to book your seat well in advance to be sure of availability. The ticket price includes bed linen and sometimes access to a private toilet or shower. Sometimes the sleeping car service also offers additional services and the preparation of simple meals.

Using trains with sleeper cars in Poland is an attractive option for those looking for a comfortable way to travel overnight. They provide not only time and money savings, but also a higher standard of travel. However, it is worth bearing in mind the need to book a seat in advance in order to fully enjoy the advantages of this type of transport.

Sleeper car trains in Poland offer a variety of options, responding to the diverse needs of travellers. The trainsets offer both traditional sleeping cars, day/night cars and couchettes, which vary in equipment and comfort level.

The Double sleeper compartment is one of three options available in standard sleeper cars. You also have a choice of Single (1-person) and Touriste (3-person) compartments. The Double sleeping compartment is ideal for couples or people travelling for two who value privacy and comfort.

The interior is equipped with a washbasin with hot and cold water, a mirror and a cupboard for toiletries. An independent heating system ensures optimum temperature throughout the journey. A 2-person sleeping carriage - the surcharge price is 2-3 times higher than for a couchette, but the comfort and privacy compensate for the difference.

Onthe other hand, LUX sleeper carriages, also known as Deluxe or Business, take the standard of travel to a higher level by offering 2-person (Double Lux) and 1-person (Single Lux) compartments, mainly on international transport. These compartments are distinguished by the availability of a shower, toilet and, in some cases, a DVD player, offering travellers greater comfort and privacy.

In contrast, couchettes offer berths in a more open and shared layout, which may be attractive to those seeking more affordable overnight travel options. More modern couchettes may offer additional amenities, such as electrical sockets or individual reading lights, which significantly improve the comfort of the journey.

Day-night carriages are a unique solution that provides a high level of comfort both during the day and at night. With the option of transforming the seats into comfortable beds, passengers can enjoy a comfortable journey whatever the time of day. Such carriages are ideal for people who value flexibility and comfortable travel.

One of the most frequently asked questions is: couchette versus sleeping car, what are the differences? Are they even the same thing? The answer is: definitely not! Although both types of carriages are used for overnight rest, they offer a completely different standard, privacy and, of course, price. Knowing these differences will help you decide which of these carriages is most suitable for your needs.

• In a sleeping carriage, denoted by the letters 'WL', comfort is the priority. When you buy a ticket for an Intercity sleeping carriage, you get a full-size bed with a clean set of bedding: duvet, pillow and sheet. Compartments are more intimate, designed for one (Single), two (Double) or up to three (Touriste) people. This allows you to lock the compartment and enjoy privacy. They are also often equipped with a washbasin with running water. The sleeper car service also provides a service: a wake-up call on request and (depending on the route) a small snack or breakfast.

• By contrast, the PKP couchette, labelled 'Bc', is a more budget option. Instead of a full bed, you get a wide reclining shelf. It is narrower than a sleeper bed. The couchette compartments are larger, accommodating 4 or 6 people, which means there is much less privacy, and you usually share the compartment with other travellers. You get bedding (a sheet and blanket) in the ticket price, but no such luxuries as your own washbasin or breakfast service. The surcharge for a couchette, however, is much lower than for a seat in a sleeper car.

In short, if you want maximum comfort and privacy, choose a PKP sleeping car. If, on the other hand, you're looking for an economical sleeping option for a larger group of friends or simply need a place to stretch your legs, a couchette is ideal.

In the future, we can expect to see the introduction of new sleeper carriages, which will offer an even higher standard of comfort and modern technology, such as better air-conditioning systems and Wi-Fi access. However, year on year we are seeing a downward trend in the number of tickets sold for sleeping compartments. This is mainly due to changes in travellers' preferences, who are increasingly turning to other modes of transport. However, the favourable price and high standard of service in sleeper carriages means that we will still be able to enjoy this type of travel for a long time to come.

Is there a gender division in the sleeper cars?

Yes, PKP Intercity 's sleeping compartments are divided into female and male compartments as standard to ensure the comfort of travellers. This division is only not applied if travellers purchase all the seats in a particular compartment. Couchettes are not divided by gender.

What is included in the price of the sleeping car surcharge?

The surcharge for a sleeping carriage primarily includes the booking of a full-size bed with a set of bed linen (duvet, pillow, sheet). Often additional services are also included, such as a wake-up call on request and a small snack or breakfast, depending on the route and the standard of the carriage.

How far in advance do I need to buy a ticket for a couchette or sleeping car train?

Tickets for sleeper carriages and couchettes on national transport are available for pre-sale 30 days before departure. From experience, we can say that they buy out quite quickly. We recommend booking your seat well in advance.

Can I buy a sleeper car supplement if I already have a regular train ticket?

Yes, in most cases you can buy a sleeper car surcharge on your existing ticket or exchange it for one. Not sure how to buy a sleeper car ticket? Do this before you travel - online, at the ticket office or via the helpline. Check seat availability, as the number of sleeping compartments is limited.

Which is better for an overnight journey with children - a sleeper car or a couchette?

For families with children, a sleeper train carriage with berths is a better choice. It offers more privacy, access to a washbasin and the option of buying a whole compartment just for yourself. A couchette is a cheaper option, but you share a compartment with other passengers, which with young children can be uncomfortable and less convenient.

InterCity trains with sleeper cars in Poland combine the convenience of overnight accommodation with the efficiency of travel. They save time and money while offering comfortable rest, privacy and a range of additional amenities that enhance the standard of travel. Available on a range of domestic and international routes, these trains are the ideal solution for those who value comfort, safety and want to make the most of their time when travelling. If you would like to book a ticket for a sleeper car journey, we encourage you to visit polishtrains.eu.