At what speed does the Intercity train travel? | PolishTrains
Intercity trains are some of the fastest trainsets running on Polish tracks. Some of them are able to reach speeds of up to 200 km/h. Which are the fastest? What is the maximum speed of an Intercity train in Poland and what does it depend on? Let's find out!
At a glance
At a glance
- PKP Intercity's Pendolino (ED250) reaches up to 200 km/h on selected Polish rail sections
- The average commercial speed of all PKP Intercity trainsets was 80.4 km/h in 2024
- The average speed across all Polish trains, including regional services, was 55.2 km/h in 2024
- Commercial speed accounts for all station stops and route restrictions, giving the real journey time
- Speeds are further limited by weather conditions, track modernisation works, and signalling systems
- Urban railway trains such as SKM Tricity average 36.1 km/h due to frequent stops over short distances
Intercity train speed in Poland
On Polish tracks, Intercity trains today run at speeds that were unattainable a decade ago.
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The average commercial speed - i.e. that which takes stops and speed limits into account - is usually between 80 and 120 km/h, depending on the length of the route and the number of stops.
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The operating speed of modern trainsets is as high as 200 km/h, although they can develop this on selected sections of railway lines (Warsaw - Gdańsk, Cracow - Katowice).
According to the Railway Transport Office, the average speed of all trains in Poland in 2024 was 55.2 km/h - slightly lower than the year before (56 km/h). However, this result does not give the full picture, as it also includes regional and agglomeration traffic.
The highest results were achieved by PKP Intercity trainsets, which moved at an average speed of 80.4 km/h last year. In comparison, urban railway trains, such as SKM Tricity, travel at an average of 36.1 km/h (which is naturally due to frequent stops over short distances).
It is worth bearing in mind that for every carrier, including Intercity, the speed is sometimes limited by external factors: weather conditions or track modernisations. What does the message "PKP technical break" mean? Find out what a service time and a PKP technical break are
Maximum speed of Intercity trains
What is the maximum speed an Intercity train travels at? It depends on the specific type of train. The fastest of these, the Pendolino (ED250), were designed to travel at speeds of up to 250 km/h, but due to the limitations of the track infrastructure in Poland, in practice they reach a maximum of 200 km/h. Among the other vehicles, such as the Pesa Dart or Newag Flirt, the maximum speed is usually 160-200 km/h, and classic wagon trainsets with locomotives rarely exceed 140-160 km/h.
What are the reasons for these restrictions? First and foremost, the condition of the railway lines. In order for Intercity to be able to develop maximum speeds without any problems, an appropriate railway infrastructure, safety systems (such as ETCS Level 2) and modern traffic control are needed.
Work is currently underway in Poland on the High Speed Rail (HSR) project, a transport system that aims to provide fast and efficient rail links in Poland, with speeds of up to 350 km/h.
How many days in advance can you buy an Intercity ticket?
Wondering how many days in advance you can buy an Intercity ticket? PKP Intercity tickets for domestic connections go on sale 30 days in advance, while tickets for international connections (with certain exceptions) can be purchased much further in advance. Below you will find detailed information on this subject.
Pendolino seating arrangements - how do you get to grips with the numbering? | PolishTrains
Pendolino, PKP Intercity's state-of-the-art train, has revolutionised travel around Poland, offering fast and comfortable connections between major cities. However, despite its great convenience, some passengers feel a little perplexed at first, thanks to a seat numbering system that seems puzzling. In this article, we will answer the question of what the seat layout is on the Pendolino and explain how to choose the best ones for you.
How do I read the series and number of a PKP Intercity ticket?
The indications on the train ticket - including the series and number - carry specific information. They are important in the event of an inspection, but also in the event of a complaint, ticket return or verification of an online purchase. In this article, we tell you where to find the series and number of your PKP Intercity ticket, what this data means and why you should know it. Whether you use a traditional paper ticket or an electronic version, this guide will help you read your tickets like a pro.