Intercity smoking compartments | PolishTrains

At a glance

• Smoking on PKP Intercity trains has been completely banned since 15 November 2010
• The ban covers all carriages including restaurant cars, sleeping cars and couchettes
• E-cigarettes and heated tobacco products are also prohibited under Polish law
• Fines for smoking in a prohibited area can reach PLN 500; additional carrier charges may apply
• Persistent breaches can result in removal from the train at the nearest station
• Designated smoking areas are available at major railway stations before or after your journey

Back in the 1990s and early 2000s, many long-distance trains, including Intercity, had separate smoking compartments. In such Intercity smoking compartments, passengers were allowed to smoke cigarettes, which was standard on most European railways at the time. These compartments were clearly marked and separated from the non-smoking carriages to reduce the nuisance of tobacco smoke for other passengers.

Intercity smoking compartments - since when is smoking not allowed on trains?

Smoking on trains was eliminated as a result of the Council of the European Union's recommendations on smoke-free environments in 2009. This document called on Member States to introduce legislation to protect citizens from exposure to tobacco smoke in enclosed public places, workplaces and public transport.

In Poland, a total ban on smoking in public places, including trains, has been in force since 15 November 2010. The introduction of the ban was the result of an amendment to the Act on Health Protection from the Effects of Tobacco and Tobacco Products. Are there smoking compartments in trains? Currently, no - the ban covers all carriages, both passenger and sleeping compartments and couchettes.

There were several reasons for the ban:

• Protecting the health of passengers and staff - tobacco smoke in enclosed spaces is harmful to non-smokers and rail staff.

• Improving travel comfort - the absence of tobacco smoke increases travel comfort for all passengers.

• Alignment with European standards - banning smoking in trains was a requirement of most European railways.

• Safety - eliminating the risk of fire caused by a cigarette butt.

The smoking ban covers all carriages in PKP Intercity trains, including restaurant cars, where travellers often spend time with meals or drinks. This means that smoking in these spaces is completely prohibited so as not to disturb the comfort of other passengers or create a fire hazard. Smokers should only use the designated smoking areas in stations, which are specifically designed to meet their needs, providing a safe and comfortable place to smoke a cigarette before or after their journey.

Since the introduction of a total smoking ban on PKP Intercity trains, any passenger who breaks the rules risks legal and financial consequences.

• Financial penalty - a passenger who smokes in a prohibited area may be charged a fine or an additional fee. The amount of the fine may vary depending on the carrier's regulations.

• Staff intervention - the conductor or other train employee has the right to draw attention and order the passenger to stop smoking. If the passenger refuses, they may be told to leave the train at the nearest station.

• Calling the enforcement services - in extreme situations where the passenger does not comply, it is possible to call the railway security guards or the police.

• Possible legal consequences - in addition to a fine, notorious breaches of the ban may result in further sanctions under public transport health and safety law.

Complying with the smoking ban on Intercity trains guarantees a calm and safe journey and eliminates the risk of financial and legal penalties.