Travelling in a pandemic by train | PolishTrains

At a glance

• Train travel during the pandemic required advance planning to secure a scheduled journey
• Buying tickets online reduced contact with other passengers and avoided ticket office queues
• Covering the mouth and nose was compulsory on trains, platforms and inside station buildings
• Hand sanitiser dispensers were available at regular points throughout trains and stations
• Contactless PIN-free payments were available at PKP ticket offices to reduce physical contact
• Council of Ministers regulations and Chief Sanitary Inspectorate guidelines governed rail travel rules

The COVID-19 pandemic necessitates special precautions when travelling by public transport. This applies both to the transport rules put in place by the carriers and to the behaviour of the travellers themselves during the journey. We outline the most important rules for safe train travel during the pandemic.

Public transport, including train travel, is governed by a number of rules introduced by Council of Ministers regulations and guidelines of the Chief Sanitary Inspectorate, which are designed to organise the work of transport operators efficiently and to enable interested travellers to travel. How to plan and make a safe train journey? We invite you to read, a short guide.

1) Planyour journey in advance By planning your journey in advance, you can be sure to make your journey on schedule. For the train operator, this means knowing which journeys are most popular and being able to tailor your travel arrangements to ensure sufficient capacity and safe travel conditions.

2 Buy your train ticket onlineOne of the most important principles of effective prevention against COVID-19 is to limit contact with other people. By buying your ticket online, you do not have to stand in line at the ticket office or the conductor inside the train. You can also buy international tickets online through PolishTrains, for example to Chorwacja, allowing you to plan your entire journey in advance and avoid queuing at the ticket office. This avoids contact with other travellers and makes it easier to keep a safe distance. However, if you have opted for the traditional form of ticket purchase, try to pay cashless by taking advantage of the increased limit for PIN-free contactless payments at PKP ticket offices.

3 Cover your mouth and noseRemember also the obligation to cover your mouth and nose during the entire journey. Trains, platforms and station buildings are public places where it is compulsory to observe these restrictions. When sneezing or coughing, additionally cover your mouth and nose with a bent elbow or disposable handkerchief. By doing so, you set a good example and keep yourself and others safe.

4 - Disinfect your handsYou will also find dispensers with hand disinfectant on trains and at train stations. Using the liquid before you travel is particularly important as we are constantly touching surfaces potentially contaminated with the virus, which encourages its spread. Also remember to refrain from touching your mouth, nose and eyes when travelling.

5 Take care to keep your distanceIf possible, keep an appropriate social distance. This behaviour significantly reduces the likelihood of Covid-19 transmission.

6. drinks and food on the journeySpecial sanitary rules have also been introduced in the food area. In the restaurant carriage, passengers also have to cover their mouths and noses, but they can take off their mask when dining at a disinfected table. In addition, hands must be disinfected before entering the catering area.

7. assess your wellbeingIf you are not feeling well, have a fever, cough or other flu-like symptoms, stay at home, it is better to reschedule your journey.

By following the above rules, train travel during a pandemic can be completely safe. We wish you good health and a safe journey!

PKP timetables and online train tickets available at polishtrains.eu.