Travelling alone - a guide for train travellers | PolishTrains

At a glance

• Solo train travel in Poland is safe and straightforward, even for first-time travellers
• PolishTrains offers timetables, promotions and ticket purchase all in one place
• For a first trip, a direct day service to a neighbouring city is the ideal starting point
• Choosing a seat near the carriage entrance makes it easier to keep an eye on your luggage
• Overnight journeys are safer and more comfortable in a couchette or sleeper carriage
• Popular beginner routes include Warsaw–Kraków, Warsaw–Wrocław and Warsaw–Gdańsk

Wondering how to travel alone? The first step is simply to break through, because it's nothing difficult. No one will certainly look at you strangely, because travelling alone is very popular. Think of it as being able to spend your time exactly the way you like it, eat what you want and not having to fit in with someone else's plans. In addition, you will save a lot if you choose to travel by train. It's much more economical compared to driving, for example, by car.

You will find the best train connections, not only in Poland, thanks to the PolishTrains portal, which is friendly to all travellers. Timetables, possible transfers, concessions and promotions - it's all in one place. Finally, you can also buy your ticket online, even in the middle of the night. Take your phone and proof of identity with you. That's all you need to set off on your journey.

You may find that you don't have to go to the other end of Poland or beyond at all. For your first trip, go to a neighbouring town. It can even be a day trip. You'll find out whether this form of leisure suits you at all.

The railway network in Poland and among our country's closest neighbours is really well developed. This means that many places can be reached by direct train or by a comfortable change of train. Travelling by rail is more comfortable than ever and offers many opportunities to visit interesting places.

We are not only talking about the largest cities, which usually have a large tourist base, or popular mountain or seaside resorts, but also about smaller towns with a lot to offer. Travelling by train is an opportunity to see places that are not necessarily your first choice and to experience interesting, less touristy attractions.

Particularly if you plan your trip for a time outside the high season, i.e. not, for example, during the holidays or winter holidays, you can count on attractive prices. Not only are the prices lower for accommodation or entrance fees to places of interest, but there are also special offers on train tickets. Therefore, if you can afford it, go during the low season.

There will also be fewer travellers on the train then, so the journey itself will be more comfortable. You will feel safer if you choose to travel alone. How do you start travelling alone? Plan ahead. For example, PKP Intercity has favourable promotions if you buy your ticket 30 days before departure. There are also interesting promotions for international tickets, as long as you agree to travel at a certain time, of course. It's worth browsing such offers and, if you're flexible with your dates, you can find an interesting trip inexpensively. Can't afford an expensive flight? With the PKP you can travel to Berlin, the Czech Republic's Prague or Lithuania, for example. This is a great way to spend a weekend off at a fraction of the cost of an expensive organised trip.

Hours spent on a train in a single compartment is an opportunity to talk to and meet new people. This is undoubtedly an advantage of travelling alone: you can make friends this way. That is, of course, if you are open to such experiences.

Even if you're not a very adventurous, extroverted person, the topics through which you can start a conversation with a stranger are really numerous. You don't have to talk only about travel. An interesting thread could be its destination, a question about recommended attractions or restaurants. But don't close yourself off to anyone, don't look for contacts only among peers. Even if the new acquaintance does not continue beyond the train, it will certainly make the journey go much faster.

On trains, many people are eager to get to know their fellow passengers. Basic safety precautions are enough to ensure that you also feel safe when travelling alone and do not run any unnecessary risks.

Packing well is fundamental to a comfortable train journey. Due to limited space, try not to take unnecessary items. Sometimes, too, a well-fitting touring rucksack can be a better choice than a large, hard suitcase that is difficult to put on the overhead shelf. Remember that while you can usually count on help from fellow passengers, you are responsible for your luggage and must be able to carry it yourself.

Also prepare yourself for the journey itself. Make sure you are dressed comfortably and loosely, and preferably in an onion style, so that you can easily take off an extra layer or cover yourself with something if necessary. Due to the air-conditioning running in the new carriages, it can sometimes even be quite chilly inside, even in summer.

Remember to bring small snacks and water, as the Wars carriage is not available on all trains. Activities during the sometimes several-hour-long journey are also important. In addition to headphones with music or a book, take along crossword puzzles to solve or knitting, for example. Any activity that makes your time more pleasant is valuable. The train journey also has a sleep-inducing effect on many people, so it's worth taking a small pillow under your head or at least having a scarf rolled up.

Travelling alone nowadays is much safer than it was a decade or so ago. Thefts do occur, for example, but they are rather exceptional events. Certainly, fear of them should not constrain you.

The basic safety rules are not to take valuables with you. Expensive jewellery or electronic equipment, if possible, should be left at home, as they may tempt a thief.

A good choice for those travelling alone is to choose a compartmentless carriage. These are increasingly being introduced for longer routes too. In it you will feel safe, even if you fall asleep for a while during the journey.

Travelling alone at night is also possible. However, if you are afraid of riding in a traditional compartment carriage, you can choose a couchette or a sleeping carriage. These are lockable by the conductor, so there are no suspicious people hanging around between the compartments. The price of such a journey is higher, but you gain a peaceful, comfortable sleep. It's the best choice for overnight journeys - in the morning you'll wake up refreshed and get straight to exploring.

It's worth pursuing your dreams and passions. Travelling alone can definitely be just that. The railways are the ideal choice - you won't get tired of long drives as a driver, you'll get straight to the centre of your chosen city, tickets are not expensive and the network of connections is really extensive. So choose your destination on PolishTrains as soon as possible, buy your ticket online, pack your backpack and go. Lack of company should not be an obstacle for you.