Train delays - how to check current PKP Intercity delays | PolishTrains

At a glance

• PKP Intercity compensation starts at 60 minutes of delay on EIP, EIC, IC and TLK trains
• A 60-119 minute delay entitles you to a 25% ticket refund; 120 minutes or more gives 50%
• The Passenger Portal shows live train positions and real-time timetable updates
• Compensation claims can be submitted by post, at a ticket office or online
• Refund can be issued as a voucher or direct bank transfer, depending on your preference
• Station departure boards and passenger service points display the most up-to-date platform information

Even minor train delays can affect transfers, work plans or meetings. Want to travel comfortably and stress-free? Monitor the status of your train in real time. Thanks to modern online tools and mobile apps, you can quickly check up-to-date information and modify your plans. This is especially important for longer journeys during holidays or holidays, when traffic on the tracks is heavier and weather conditions can cause additional difficulties.

How to track trains?

Passenger portal

If you frequently take trains, delays are worth keeping an eye on! One of the main sources of information is the Passenger Portal. This service offers the "Trains on the map" function, which allows trains to be tracked in real time. Passengers can check the exact location of the train they are interested in, the route they are travelling on and any possible inconveniences, such as delays to PKP trains or substitute transport. The Passenger Portal can be used both via a web browser and by installing a mobile application for Android and iOS devices.

Dedicated tools from carriers

Dedicated information tools are available for travellers using regional carriers, such as Koleje Dolnośląskie. For example, the website kolejedolnoslaskie.pl/stan-linii/ provides live updated information on delays and rail traffic obstructions on the operated lines.

Mobile applications

In the App Store and Google Play shops, you can find apps that enable live GPS-based train location and live notifications of delays and obstructions. Among the most popular are:

• Bilkom (all carriers),
• IC Mobile Navigator (PKP Intercity),

Want to get real-time information on PKP Intercity train delays? Take advantage of the several ways available - here are the most effective ones:

Check at the railway station

At the railway station, passengers can get up-to-date information about train delays in several ways:

• they can check, for example, the electronic departure and arrival boards, which keep train times up to date and give any changes to the timetable;
• at larger stations, information can also be obtained from passenger service points or directly from ticket offices - staff can provide details of delays and alternative connections;
• at stations , train changes are also announced via megaphones;
• It is also worth remembering that PKP Intercity's large stations have Customer Service Centres where you can get full information about journeys, transfers and possible compensation for delays.

Visit the dedicated website

You can check the current delays of Intercity trains in real time on the carrier's official website in the announcements section: intercity.pl/en/site/o-nas/department-press/messages/. It presents detailed information on possible delays, taking into account the selected station through which the train passes.

Call the PolishTrains hotline

Are you interested in current train delays and need fast, reliable information? Use our PolishTrains helpline, available on +48 12 345 16 61 (charged at the operator's tariff). For faster service, you can also dial the priority number +48 703 402 010, which guarantees immediate assistance. The cost of the call is PLN 2.58 per minute incl. VAT. Soon you will also be able to check train delays on the new version of the PolishTrains website. We will update this article when our solution sees the light of day.

Travelling on the PKP? Delays on the railways do happen and can unfortunately derail passengers' plans. Fortunately, in the event of problems, the carrier provides for compensation so that travellers can partially recover the cost of their ticket. What do you need to know about this?

Compensation for delays of IC and other long-distance trains

Passengers have the right to claim compensation for a delay of an IC (and other long-distance) train if it is at least 60 minutes. According to Regulation (EC) No 1371/2007 of the European Parliament and of the Council:

• on Intercity , delays of 60-119 minutes entitle passengers to claim 25% of the ticket price;
• if the train reaches the station of destination with a delay of 120 minutes or more, the compensation increases to 50% of the ticket price.

The passenger does not need to enclose a certificate of delay - the carrier has accurate train punctuality information in its system.

A complaint can be submitted:

• by post,
• at ticket counters,
• online.

Compensation is paid in the form of a voucher for the next ticket or, at the passenger's request, in cash or by bank transfer. Importantly, the right to compensation applies irrespective of the reason for the train delay - passengers can apply for a partial refund of the ticket price even if the problem was caused by force majeure, such as bad weather or infrastructure failure. For more on how to receive compensation for train delays, see our guide.

The provisions discussed in the previous paragraph apply only to long-distance trains: EIP (Express Intercity Premium), EIC (Express InterCity), IC (InterCity), TLK (Twoje Linie Kolejowe) and international trains running between EU countries.

And what about PKP delays for regional trains (Mazovian Railways, Lower Silesian Railways, Silesian Railways or Przewozy Regionalne)? These are excluded from the compensation scheme we have discussed - travellers on them cannot claim reimbursement under EU rules. Does this mean there is no possibility to claim compensation? Nothing could be further from the truth.

Passengers on all categories of trains, irrespective of their type, have the right to claim compensation under the Civil Code and the Transport Law if the delay has caused them specific damage, such as loss of overnight accommodation or connecting costs.

Are you interested in compensation for a delayed train? In this case, you will need to provide evidence of your losses and the carrier may deal with the claim on a discretionary basis, either rejecting or accepting the claim made. If the carrier refuses to pay compensation, passengers may take the matter to court or complain to the Railway Transport Office (UTK).

Monitoring trains will save you a lot of time

On regional railways and PKP Intercity, train delays can derail your plans, but with the tools available, checking up-to-date information is quick and easy. Using the PolishTrains app or website, or the information displayed on station boards, you can always stay up to date and adapt your plans to the situation on the tracks. Also remember that you have certain rights in case of major problems (such as delays to Intercity trains)!