Where to go to the mountains by train? Discover the best destinations | PolishTrains

At a glance

• Direct trains to Zakopane run from Krakow (3 hrs), Warsaw (5 hrs) and Katowice
• Szklarska Poreba is reachable directly from Wroclaw, Poznan, Katowice and Warsaw
• Wisla is served by trains from Katowice, Skoczow, Goleszow and Czechowice Dziedzice
• Krynica-Zdroj can be reached by train from Krakow and Nowy Sacz
• Skis and snowboards in a cover travel as free hand luggage on PKP Intercity and POLREGIO
• In many mountain towns the train station is right at the start of the hiking trails

The mountains have something magical about them - they can delight you at any time of year. They're places where you can catch your breath, get away from everyday life and feel truly alive. No wonder so many of us dream of escaping to the mountains, if only for a moment - and a train journey is one of the best ways to do it. Why take a train to the mountains?

Convenience and stress-free

Travelling by train avoids traffic jams, parking problems or the stress of winter road conditions. You sit down comfortably and just drive - without looking nervously at the GPS. In many mountain towns, the train station is right at the start of the hiking trails.

Saving money

Train tickets often cost less than fuel, tolls and parking. In addition, you can take advantage of promotions or discounts - with special offers from carriers, for students or senior citizens. Read our guide: PKP concessions and discounts - who is entitled to cheaper tickets?

Ecology

Rail is one of the most environmentally friendly modes of transport. By choosing to travel by train, you reduce exhaust and noise emissions in mountain towns, which already struggle with an excess of cars during the tourist season. Read more about Is rail an environmentally friendly mode of transport in our guide.

The mountains in themselves are reason enough to hit the road, but the train makes the whole journey more comfortable, cheaper and more atmospheric. It's a way to start your adventure the minute the train starts from the platform - and when you get off, the mountain trails are waiting just around the corner.

Travelling to the mountains by train has its own unique charm. Today, rail offers a great deal - it is fast, comfortable and often cheaper than driving. Where is the best place to go by train to the mountains?

Zakopane

An immortal classic. Crowded in high season, but still magical, especially outside the holidays. From the railway station in Zakopane (ul. Chramcówki 35, 34-500 Zakopane) it is only a step to Krupówki, from where buses take you to the entrance of the most popular routes. Be sure to check out the unbeaten trails in the Tatra Mountains. There are buses from the centre of Zakopane that will take travellers e.g. to the Morskie Oko, Kuźnice, Chochołowska, Kościeliska or Strążyska valleys.

It is worth remembering that many buses departing from the bus station in Zakopane from the nearby towns and cities. In a short time you can get from here to, among others, Bukowina Tatrzańska, Białka Tatrzańska or Nowy Targ, which are great starting points for excursions into the Tatra Mountains.

Szklarska Poręba

The journey to this place is in itself the start of a real adventure. The railway line leads through the picturesque Jizera Mountains. You can get to Szklarska Poręba directly by train from Wrocław, Liberec, Jelenia Góra and Harrachov with the Lower Silesian Railways. From Warsaw and Gdynia, we will arrive by InterCity trains.

As we approach our destination, the imposing outline of Szrenica - one of the most characteristic peaks of the Krkonoše Mountains - increasingly appears from behind the train window. After getting off the train, you don't have to wait long to set off on a hike. You can immediately head towards the picturesque Kamieńczyk waterfall, which will delight you with its powerful current and surrounding nature. Alternatively, you can head for the Krkonoše ridges, where beautiful views, numerous trails and close contact with the wild nature of the mountains await.

Wisła

Many hiking trails start from Wisła, which vary in length and degree of difficulty, thanks to which everyone - both beginners and experienced hikers - will find something for themselves. You can get to Wisła from Skoczów, Katowice, Goleszów, Czechowice Dziedzice. Connections are served by the Silesian Railways.

The city itself has a lot to offer - you will find attractions suitable for families with children, as well as those looking for active recreation or cultural experiences. In winter, Wisła turns into a popular ski resort, attracting winter sports enthusiasts from all over the country.

Bielsko-Biała

Situated at the foot of Beskid Mały and Beskid Śląski, Bielsko-Biała is a city full of charm and rich in history. If you head here, you can not only explore the picturesque nooks and crannies, but also set off on hikes along the most beautiful trails of the Polish Beskids. From here, you can easily reach, among others, Kozia Góra, Kopa Skrzyczeńska or Malinowa Skała. Bielsko-Biała is accessible by long-distance trains from , among others, Warsaw, Gdynia, Białystok and Katowice, making it a convenient starting point for mountain excursions.

Jelenia Góra

A number of hiking trails leading through the picturesque Karkonosze National Park start from Jelenia Góra. One of the most popular is the Main Cieplice Walking Trail, which will take you to the peaks of Jeleniec and Koziniec, offering stunning panoramic views of the mountains. After an active day, visit the Karkonosze Museum, which will introduce you to the history and nature of the region, as well as the Cieplice spa, known for its thermal springs and relaxing treatments. Jelenia Góra is the ideal place for lovers of nature, culture and relaxation in one.

Kudowa-Zdrój

Kudowa-Zdrój, located in the picturesque Kłodzko Basin, is a popular spa town with convenient railway connections to Wrocław, Wałbrzych, Legnica and Kłodzko. Hiking enthusiasts can set off from here on trips to Błędne Skały or Białe Skały. In the town itself, many attractions await, such as the Toy Museum or the famous Skull Chapel, which attract tourists all year round.

Krynica-Zdrój

Krynica-Zdrój, one of the most visited health resorts in the Beskid Sądecki region, is famous for its picturesque landscapes and healing mineral waters. Getting there by train from Nowy Sącz is convenient and comfortable, and the route itself is especially delightful in autumn, when the surrounding forests shimmer with intense, warm colours. In Krynica-Zdrój, it is worth stopping in the Spa Park, where you can taste the healing waters in a traditional pump room, and also take the cable car to Jaworzyna Krynicka. The summit offers breathtaking panoramas of mountain peaks and valleys. In addition, the town offers a wide range of spa and wellness services, making it the perfect place for a restorative and relaxing holiday.

Trains to the mountains from major cities are a convenient and safe alternative to travelling by car, especially during the winter season when the roads can sometimes be icy, snow-covered or jammed with tourists heading in the same direction. Unlike driving a car, travelling by train avoids the stress of driving in difficult conditions, looking for a parking space or standing in traffic jams. In addition, the time spent on the train can be spent relaxing, admiring the views, reading a book or planning attractions on the spot. Modern trainsets offer comfortable seating, Wi-Fi and space for luggage and sports equipment, making the journey part of the holiday experience rather than just a means to an end.

Travelling by train to the mountains - how to get there?

Find out about some of the most convenient direct train connections from major cities to popular mountain destinations in Poland:

Train to the Mountains - Warsaw

• Zakopane: The journey on this route takes approximately 5 hours. You will travel on IC 13100 MALINOWSKI, EIC 1350 TATRY, TLK 83108

• Jelenia Góra: Journey on this route takes approximately 7 hours. We will travel with, among others, IC 16150 ŚNIEŻKA, IC 16190 KARKONOSZE, IC 16152 ORZESZKOWA.

Train to the mountains - Cracow

• Zakopane: The journey on this route takes approximately 3 hours. We will travel on TLK 30107, IC 8352 SUKIENNICE, IC 13100 MALINOWSKI.

• Nowy Targ: The journey on this route takes approximately 2.5 hours. We will travel with, among others, TLK 53104, EIC 1350 TATRY.

Train to the mountains - Katowice

• Bielsko Biała: The journey on this route takes between one and five hours depending on the train selected. We will travel on, among others,EIC 1410 ONDRASZEK, IC 5420 HUTNIK, IC 83196 PODHALANIN.

Train to the mountains - Wrocław

• Jelenia Góra: The journey on this route takes approximately 2 hours. We will travel with, among others, IC 16190 KARKONOSZE, IC 16152 ORZESZKOWA, REG 76109

• Szklarska Poręba: Journey on this route takes approximately 3 hours. We will travel with, among others, REG 76109, IC 16190 KARKONOSZE, IC 16152 ORZESZKOWA.

These are just a few suggestions. There are many possibilities - check the current PolishTrains timetable and travel without limits!

Travelling by train amidst mountain landscapes is a unique experience that allows you to enjoy nature in peace and discover the charms of the Polish mountain regions from a completely different perspective.

Using public transport when planning a mountain trip makes it much more convenient and easier to reach tourist attractions. It is advisable to combine different means of transport - trains, buses or local buses, in order to get to less accessible places. For example, if you arrive by train in Zakopane, you can use local buses that will take you directly to popular trails such as Dolina Pięciu Stawów or Morskie Oko.

There are many simple and effective ways to make train travel even cheaper. It's worth knowing a few clever tricks that will help you optimise your ticket costs and ensure your trip to the mountains doesn't blow your budget.

Buy your tickets in advance - many carriers offer cheaper tickets when you buy early, such as during a SuperPromo.

Take advantage of discounts - check if you are eligible for student, senior, family or concessionary discounts (e.g. for children, young people).

Use apps and online services - these make it easier to find the best prices and deals.

Buy group tickets - when travelling with family or friends, you can buy group tickets that are better value for money. Read more about group tickets.

Check out carrier promotions - special offers are regularly available that allow you to buy tickets at attractive prices.

Travelling by train is not only a quick and convenient way to get to your destination, it is also an economical option that saves you a lot of money compared to other modes of transport.

Which mountain towns are best connected by rail?

The best rail connections are to Zakopane (Tatra Mountains), Krynica-Zdrój (Beskid Sądecki), Wisła and Ustroń (Beskid Śląski), Żywiec (Beskid Żywiecki) and Jelenia Góra and Szklarska Poręba (Karkonosze).

Is travelling by train to the mountains comfortable?

Yes, modern trainsets offer air conditioning, Wi-Fi, sockets and space for bicycles. Travelling by train is not only comfortable, but also more environmentally friendly than driving a car. The train also avoids traffic jams, fuel costs and parking problems

Is it possible to transport a bicycle by train to the mountains?

Yes, most long-distance and regional trains allow bicycles to be carried for an additional charge. This is a great option for those planning cycling trips in the mountains. You can read more in our guide: Bicycles on trains - rules and costs of carriage.

Are there trains to the Bieszczady?

There is no direct connection to the very heart of the Bieszczady Mountains yet, but you can take a train to e.g. Sanok, Zagórz or Komańcza. From there, there are buses and busses into the heart of the Bieszczady, e.g. to Cisna or Wetlina. Check the exact timetable to plan your trip to the Bieszczady.

Do trains to the mountains run all year round?

Yes, trains to the mountains run all year round, but the timetable and number of connections may vary depending on the season. During the holiday and winter seasons, operators launch additional trains as the number of tourists travelling to Zakopane, Krynica-Zdrój, Wisła or Szklarska Poręba increases.