Where to go on holiday in September? Discover these attractive destinations | PolishTrains

At a glance

• September air on the Baltic coast is considered richest in iodine and beaches are far less crowded
• Many seasonal train connections to seaside resorts are removed from timetables on 1 September each year
• Zakopane station sits at 12 Krupowki Street, giving immediate access to mountain trails after alighting
• Golden autumn light and empty trails make the Tatra Mountains particularly scenic in September
• Krakow, Wroclaw and Warsaw offer calmer city-break experiences in autumn without summer tourist crowds
• Masuria's Thousand Lakes region suits sailing and kayaking throughout September in peaceful conditions

September in Poland can surprise us with weather which is not at all associated with autumn. Still long and sunny days and pleasant temperatures, allowing a bit of a breather, are conducive to quietly discovering different corners of the country and the world - without the holiday crowds and heat.

Where to go on holiday in September? Many say that the Baltic Sea is at its most beautiful in autumn, and experts point out that this is when the air is at its most iodine-packed. We can add that walks along empty beaches in Sopot or Świnoujście have a completely different atmosphere than in high season!

It is worth remembering, however, that in September the timetable changes and many holiday connections to seaside destinations are removed. For example, on 1 September 2024, the holiday connection Wrocław - Świnoujście disappeared. After the season, additional trains on the route from Szczecin to Kołobrzeg, from Koszalin to Mielno and from Sławno and Słupsk to Darłowo also disappear from the timetables.

See also: New PKP Autumn 2025 timetable

Where else is worth going? In Zakopane and its surroundings, you can enjoy the mountains in September in milder, warmer light (the beautiful "golden hours"!) and without queues on the trails. An additional advantage is that Zakopane's railway station is located at 12 Krupówki Street, from where you can start a hike to, for example, Gubałówka. This means that as soon as you get off the train, you can easily get to the trail of your choice!

Where is it warm in September? Contrary to what you might think, you can still catch a bit of summer in the Mazurian Lake District on a sailing boat or in an intimate agrotourism resort. Short "city breaks", i.e. trips to larger cities, are also becoming more and more popular - in the autumn , Cracow, Wrocław and Warsaw invite you to go for walks, visit museums and discover local flavours in restaurants which are no longer bursting at the seams.

But if you are dreaming of even more sunshine, there is nothing to stop you from taking a train in September and finding yourself in a completely different world after a few hours. The beginning of autumn is the perfect time for a trip to Budapest and Vienna, for example! Although travelling by train may take a little longer than by plane, it has obvious advantages: you are already sightseeing on the way, observing the landscape outside the window, and you have more legroom. You can buy tickets for most routes quickly and efficiently at PolishTrains.

Check also: Train abroad - how to use international PKP connections?

Travelling in September has its own special charm. You can still enjoy pleasant weather while avoiding holiday crowds and high seasonal prices. It's a great time to plan a train trip: comfortable, stress-free and with beautiful views out of the window, just the way you like it. You don't have to look far to experience an unforgettable trip. Check out our suggestions both in Poland and in Europe. This guide will help you decide where to go on your September holiday!

Let's start with Poland, which in September can be delightful - it is still very pleasant, but quieter and... definitely cheaper (especially in typically touristy places like the Baltic coast or Zakopane). The beginning of autumn is a great time to discover places that may be too crowded for some in summer. Where to go on holiday by train?

In September, Cracow welcomes tourists with a calmer rhythm, already muted after the summer season. What to do here? There is definitely a lot to choose from! You can take a leisurely walk across the Market Square, visit Wawel and Kazimierz, and in the evening sit down in an atmospheric café or restaurant. September is also a good time to visit museums, of which there is no shortage in Cracow - from the National Museum to the modern MOCAK. It's easy to get to Cracow by train from many cities in Poland (e.g. Lublin, Wrocław, Kołobrzeg, Poznań, Warsaw), and the train station is right in the centre, so you can start exploring straight away.

You may be interested in: Cracow - discover the best attractions and sights

As we have already mentioned, autumn on the Baltic Sea has a unique climate. September in Gdańsk is often still warm and sunny, and a stroll along the Motława river or the Sopot promenade without being surrounded by crowds of other tourists is a real pleasure. Take advantage of this moment to see something interesting, e.g. visit the World War II Museum or the European Solidarity Centre. Rail connections to the Tricity are convenient - for example, you can get to Gdańsk directly from Kraków, Wrocław or Warsaw. You can get off in the city centre and immediately soak up the seaside atmosphere!

Where to go on holiday in September? If you dream of the mountains but are not keen on passing thousands of other people on the trail, the beginning of autumn in the Tatras is a great choice. The views are then (according to many lovers of the area) more beautiful than in summer - the sun falls at a different angle, highlighting the stunning colours of the mountain nature. In Zakopane, you can try local specialities, visit Krupówki or take a train to Gubałówka. The train is a comfortable option - you can get there comfortably (directly from e.g. Gdynia, Poznań, Warsaw, Szczecin), avoiding traffic jams which can effectively spoil your trip not only in high season.

Masuria in September? Peace, quiet and lakes almost just for you! In Giżycko or Mikołajki you can still go for a boat cruise or rent a boat. A visit to these areas should be combined with a cycling tour around the area and tasting local fish in small taverns. You can easily get to Giżycko by train (directly from Białystok and Cracow, for example), and the experience of travelling through the Masurian countryside is an added bonus.

Where to go on holiday by train in September? The Podlasie region is enchanting at this time of year, with fields preparing for autumn and wooden Orthodox churches worth seeing. Białystok is a good base from which to make day trips, e.g. to Suprasl or Kruszyniany. Podlasie is also tempting from a culinary angle. If you have not yet tried kartacze, potato pancakes or regional cheeses, you can take our word for it: these are flavours to remember! Travelling by train to Białystok itself will not cause you major problems - you can get here directly from e.g. Gdynia, Cracow, Łódź, Warsaw or Szczecin.

Check also: City Break vs Nature Break - What to choose for a weekend trip?

Looking for an idea for a foreign holiday that starts the moment you sit down in a comfortable train seat? More and more people are choosing to travel by train outside Poland as well - a way to travel in comfort, enjoy the sights along the way and avoid the airport hassle. Here are five European destinations that are particularly easy to reach by train from Poland. These are tried-and-tested destinations for a September trip that is sure to provide plenty of excitement. Where to go on holiday abroad by train? Which places are worth discovering? Here they are.

Vienna in autumn is very impressive - Schönbrunn and Belvedere palaces are surrounded by golden gardens and cafés tempt with the aroma of coffee and sweet pastries. Trains from Poland run to Vienna every day, and the journey is extremely comfortable in these days of higher speeds and modernised trainsets. The good news? You get on the IC 109 (Sobieski) train at Warsaw Central Station and after 7 hours and 44 minutes you are in the Austrian capital! So if you don't know where to go on holiday in September, take advantage of the great opportunity to see the opera, visit the Kunsthistorisches Museum or simply stroll along the elegant streets!

Take a direct train from Poland to Vienna from these cities:

• Warsaw,

• Cracow

• Wrocław

• Katowice,

• Przemyśl.

From December 2025, there is to be a direct rail link between Poznań and Vienna.

Not sure where it's warm in September? Not just on the other side of the world, in corners accessible only by plane! September is definitely one of the best months to visit... Budapest. You can still sit comfortably in the gardens along the Danube, as the evenings in early autumn are warm and pleasant. Be sure to go to one of the Art Nouveau cafes and try a langoš! There are direct trains to Budapest from Poland. For example, you can board the direct train IC 131 (Batory) or EN Chopin in Warsaw Central**(shortest travel time is 11 hours and 25 minutes**) or the train IC 131**(Batory) in Katowice(travel time - 8 hours and 3 minutes**). From Cracow Central Station, there is a direct train EN Chopin to Budapest Nyugati station - in this case the travel time is 9 hours and 55 minutes.

From which cities will you get from Poland to Budapest by direct train? These are:

• Warsaw

• Cracow

• Przemyśl

• Katowice

Berlin in September has a special rhythm: the theatre and concert season starts, numerous fairs and exhibitions take place, and the city also attracts visitors with its many parks, which are beautiful in early autumn. You don't need to bring your car to go sightseeing or shopping in Berlin's famous boutiques - you can get to the German capital surprisingly quickly by rail! The journey on the EIC 246 BERLIN - WARSAW - EXPRESS train from East Warsaw takes 6 hours 46 minutes, and on the EIC 248 train from Poznań Główny - 4 hours.

From these cities you will reach Berlin by train directly from Poland:

• Warsaw,

• Poznań,

• Wrocław,

• Gdynia.

A September city break in Prague can be truly magical! The Czech capital this month is delightfully romantic - the soft light beautifully highlights the Gothic and Baroque monuments, so it's worth taking a stroll along the Charles Bridge or the Hradčany. The train journey itself through the Sudetenland and the Czech Republic is an added attraction, with the plus side being the comfort and duration of the journey. Train IC 116 (Silesia) from Eastern Warsaw to Prague takes around 8 hours and 27 minutes. If you get on at Rybnik, the journey takes just 4 hours and 32 minutes.

It is also worth buying a ticket for the Baltic Express train from Gdynia Główna station to Praha hlavní nádraží station. This PKP InterCity train stops not only in larger cities**(Gdańsk, Bydgoszcz, Poznań, Wrocław**), but also in smaller towns**(Tczew, Inowrocław, Gniezno, Leszno, Kłodzko**).

From which cities can we get from Poland to Prague by train directly? Among others from:

• Warsaw,

• Poznań

• Wrocław,

• Katowice,

• Gdynia.

If you're dreaming of a real break, without the hustle and bustle of crowded promenades and hours-long queues for attractions, take the train to interesting places in Poland in September. Where to go on holiday in September? You might consider these three interesting destinations.

Iława, although smaller and less popular than the famous Masurian resorts, has something special. Its greatest asset is Jeziorak - the longest lake in Poland, surrounded by forests and full of picturesque bays. September is the perfect time to discover it without the hustle and bustle of holidays! The boat cruises, which are still taking place, provide a dose of excitement and beautiful landscapes, while evening strolls along the promenade allow you to fully experience the tranquillity of the place.

If you don't know where to go on holiday in September, bet on a city for those who appreciate nature, water and space, and at the same time want to stay in a place with good infrastructure and climate.

Nearby Iława, there are many attractions for those craving contact with nature.

• The Iława Forests are a vast forest complex where you can wander for hours, enjoying the silence and fresh air.

• It is also worth visiting the Jasne Lake reserve - a body of crystal clear water that is considered one of the most beautiful lakes in Poland.

You can get to Ilawa by direct train from Bydgoszcz, Cracow, Łódź, Warsaw, Zakopane, among others.

This is one of the most atmospheric cities in eastern Poland! Przemyśl in September impresses with its tranquillity and wealth of historical monuments. Strolling along its streets, you can admire sacred architecture and historic houses, and climb the Tatar Mound, which offers a panoramic view of the San valley and the city's rooftops. In September, the area is quiet, which is conducive to exploring this part of the country in a more intimate way.

Przemyśl is also an ideal base for hiking in the Przemyskie Foothills or visiting nearby villages, where you can feel the authentic atmosphere of the Podkarpacie region. A September holiday in this city allows you to combine sightseeing with relaxation surrounded by green hills and peaceful valleys.

You can reach Przemyśl by direct train from Warsaw, Ustka, Zielona Góra, Wrocław, among others.

Chełm is a city with a rich history, but still underrated for tourism. Its biggest attraction is the Chalk Underground - a unique system of passageways on a European scale, created by the extraction of writing chalk. A guided tour is a journey back in time, which especially in September becomes more charming when the surface is quiet and there is no tourist rush. It is also worth taking a walk through the old town with its characteristic white tenement houses and visiting the Chelm Hill with its sanctuary, from where you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings.

Chełm is a good place for a short holiday in peace and quiet - you can stop here for quiet walks, cycling trips on the surrounding chalk hills or a trip to the Bug River. You can get to Chełm by direct train from Warsaw, Bydgoszcz, Lublin, among others.

Sometimes the best trips are the ones... least planned. All it takes is a few free days, a quick glance at the timetable and you're sitting on a train that will take you straight to a little holiday. No stress, no transfers, in an atmosphere of absolute tranquillity, solo, with family or friends. Just check out where it's warm at the weekend in September, get on the train and go exploring. Where in Poland and abroad will you get to directly? We've checked it out for you.

In Poland, you have an impressive number of direct connections to choose from, so you get on a train and a few hours later you are on holiday. Where to go on holiday in September? It is easy to get from Warsaw, Wrocław or Poznań to the Tricity - Gdańsk, Sopot and Gdynia, which tempt you with walks by the sea and delicious fish in seaside pubs.

You can also easily travel from e.g.

• from Jelenia Góra to Cracow,

• from Warsaw to Szklarska Poręba,

• from Białystok to Giżycko,

• from Wrocław to Frankfurt (Oder).

These are, of course, just a few of the many direct connections Polish Railways have to offer. If you want to look for others, go to polishtrains.eu and use the timetable. You can also easily buy tickets for a spontaneous trip around Poland right away on the website or the mobile app we have prepared for you.

Direct trains also make it easy to pop abroad - a great idea for a weekend or short holiday if you want a break from four wheels and traffic jams. Where to go on holiday in September? There are daily trains to Berlin from Warsaw and Cracow - you can treat the German capital as your destination or as a jumping-off point to Amsterdam, for example. Direct trains to Prague, for example, are also popular, but also to the East, for example to Vilnius.

Whether you choose the peaceful Polish Masuria, lively Vienna or historic Prague, a train journey will give you a real taste of holiday freedom. September is the perfect time to hit the road and see the places that are still waiting to be discovered. With this guide, we hope you already know where to go on holiday abroad by train and which places in Poland are worth seeing. So pack your suitcase, buy your ticket from PolishTrains and let the railways guide you towards new, beautiful memories!

Where is the best place to go by train from Poland in September?

Foreign destinations such as Vienna, Berlin or Budapest are very popular.

Which Polish cities are good destinations for a holiday in September?

It is worth going to Cracow, Gdańsk, Zakopane, Masuria or Podlasie.

From which cities in Poland can you go abroad by train?

Trains to foreign destinations such as Vienna, Berlin or Budapest run from, among others, Warsaw, Cracow, Wrocław, Katowice, Gdynia, Poznań or Przemyśl.

Are there any special holiday connections in September?

Yes, a new timetable is in place from September.

How do I buy a train ticket abroad?

The most convenient way is to do it via the website or the polishtrains.eu mobile application, or by contacting us directly by phone or via the form.

Is it a good idea to travel by train in September?

Yes! In September, trains are less crowded, there are fewer tourists in the cities, prices for accommodation are often lower than in high season and the weather is perfect for sightseeing.