What does the place "corridor" mean on the train? | PolishTrains

At a glance

• A 'corridor' seat is the aisle seat — the one closest to the central walkway of the carriage
• In open-plan PKP Intercity carriages, corridor seats have seat number endings 3, 4, 7, and 8
• Compartment carriages use a different numbering system where endings 1 and 2 indicate the aisle side
• Seat numbering varies between operators such as PKP Intercity, RegioJet, Deutsche Bahn, and Italo
• Corridor seats are recommended for passengers who travel with children or need to get up frequently
• First-class carriages may include single-seat rows where each seat is both at the window and the corridor

In the simplest terms, a 'corridor' seat means the seat closest to the aisle, which is the corridor. You may encounter two more types of seats. "Window" means the seat right next to the window, i.e. furthest from the aisle. The "middle" seat is in the middle, meaning you will probably have other travellers on either side of you.

The way seats are marked on trains is different, so the location of an Intercity corridor seat may be different. What does this mean? It all depends on whether you choose to travel in a carriage with compartments or whether you prefer a compartmentless option.

Corridor seats in the case of a compartmentless carriage and in trainsets are numbered with endings 3 and 4 and 7 and 8. These will therefore be seats 13, 14, 17, 18, 23, 24, 27, 28 and so on.

In the first class carriage, the principle is similar. There, however, you have a choice between a row directly next to the corridor, i.e. numbers with endings 3 and 4, and one row which is single, so the seats are both by the window and by the corridor. These are numbered 1 and 2.

Compartment wagons have a different seat numbering rule, which many find more complicated. Significantly, a similar system is used in most European countries.

In this case, seats with endings 1 and 2 are on the aisle side, while you will find numbers 3, 4, 7 and 8 in the middle. Seats 5 and 6 are next to the window. Why is it that numbers 7 and 8 are in the middle? It is a way of making it easier to book seats due to the existence of carriages with 6 and 8 seats at the same time. These larger compartments are also marked with a x 7 and x 8, so you will immediately know what type of compartment it is.

Intercity corridor space - does it have any advantages? Of course, even a great many. First of all, it's easier to sit on it and get up from it, without having to push around and apologise to other passengers. Plus, you usually have a bit more legroom in it. This seat is best for people with mobility problems. If, during a long journey, you like to stand to look at the views outside the window, stretch your legs or often have to go to the toilet, this is the best choice.

The disadvantages of this seat are certainly more noise and movement from other passengers and staff. It is also more difficult to take a nap or quietly read a book if you have to frequently pass the travellers sitting next to you. You also have an obstructed view through the window in the compartment. In return, however, you can stand up and look out of the window in the corridor.

We hope you already know what a seat on a train is - a corridor. The ways of marking seats on trains are not that complicated at all. With our tips, you'll always know which seat you're getting.

Remember also that you can buy your tickets, including seat selection, even more easily. How? Just use the PolishTrains search engine. This is a modern tool to help you plan your trip. It allows you to check exact timetables, transfers, available concessions and, of course, to buy a ticket. On top of this, you can choose a seat on the trains with compulsory reservation according to your preferences, whether it is "corridor" or "window".