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Numbering of seats in Intercity compartment carriages - 2nd class | PolishTrains

Q: How do I read the seat number in a 2nd class PKP Intercity compartment carriage?

Your ticket contains four elements: the carriage number, the class, the seat number, and, if specified, the seat side. After boarding, find your compartment by its number on the plaque by the door, then check the seat number on the plaque above the seat or on the luggage rack. Seats in the compartment are marked with numbers only, without letters.

Q: Is the seat numbering scheme in a PKP Intercity compartment carriage always the same?

The numbering scheme in a 6-seat compartment is consistent: seats 1 to 3 are on one side and seats 4 to 6 on the opposite side. However, the exact assignment to window or aisle may vary between carriage types. Check the information on your ticket or the plaque in the compartment before travelling.

Q: How can I tell which seat in the compartment is by the window?

In a typical 6-seat compartment, seats 1 and 4 are by the window, seats 3 and 6 are by the aisle, and seats 2 and 5 are in the middle. If your ticket specifies a seat side (window or aisle), that information is definitive. The plaque above the seat confirms the number.

Q: Does PKP Intercity use letters or numbers to mark seats?

PKP Intercity uses numbers only, both in compartment and open-plan carriages. Letter designations such as A or B are not used in standard domestic carriages.

Q: Where on a PKP Intercity ticket can I find the seat side information?

The seat side, such as window, aisle, or table, is shown on the ticket as a separate field if you selected a specific side during purchase. Not every ticket includes this information; it depends on the seat selected and the carriage type. Check the details on your ticket before travelling.

In PKP Intercity's second class compartment carriages, each seat is accurately marked, making it easier to organise the journey and ensuring the comfort of all passengers. Knowing the seat numbering rules allows you to quickly find your seat, avoid misunderstandings with other travellers and use the compartment efficiently. Find out how to know which seat in the carriage is yours and how to locate it correctly when travelling.

At a glance

Second class compartment carriages on PKP Intercity normally hold 6 seats arranged in two facing rows of three
Seats 1 to 3 are on one side and seats 4 to 6 on the opposite side in a standard 6-seat compartment
In a typical compartment, seats 1 and 4 are by the window, seats 2 and 5 are in the middle, and seats 3 and 6 are by the aisle
PKP Intercity uses numbers only to designate seats; no letter codes are used in domestic carriages
Open-plan carriages use consecutive numbering from end to end with window, aisle, and table seat options
The seat side preference (window or aisle) appears as a separate field on the ticket only when selected at the time of booking

Intercity 2nd class compartment car - Seat numbering

In PKP Intercity's second class compartment carriages, each compartment usually holds 6 seats, arranged in two rows of three seats opposite each other. The seats are numbered in an orderly manner, allowing passengers to quickly see where they are to take their seat.

Seats in a compartment are normally numbered as follows:

1-3 - seats on one side of the compartment, by the window and middle seat,
4-6 - seats on the opposite side of the compartment.

In addition, the seats in the carriages are marked with the carriage number and class, which is indicated on the ticket. In this way, the passenger knows exactly in which compartment and by which window or aisle he or she should sit.

Knowing the seat numbering scheme is particularly useful during group travel, where each passenger is assigned their own seat, and also at peak times when the carriages are full. Passengers should always check the seat number on their ticket and make sure they occupy the correct seat to avoid confusion with other travellers.

Seat numbering in other carriages

In addition to second class compartment carriages, PKP Intercity also has carriages:

Compartmentless (open space) - in these carriages the seats are arranged in rows of 2+2 or 2+1 along the corridor. The numbering runs consecutively from the beginning to the end of the carriage, and each seat is marked with a number and class. Passengers can choose between seats by the window, by the aisle or at a table, which is especially convenient for those travelling in a group or who want to work, eat or spread out their luggage during the journey. Thanks to the clear numbering, everyone can easily find their seat and spend their time comfortably in the carriage.

Firstclass carriages - in first class carriages, the seating arrangement is more spacious, usually 2+1 in rows, and the numbering of the seats makes it easier to find a comfortable seat. First class seats are often equipped with additional amenities such as a table, electrical socket or more legroom.

Sleeper carriagesand couchette carriages - here the numbering includes the compartments and the individual berths. In sleeper carriages, each compartment has individual beds and the tickets indicate exactly which seat the passenger occupies, making it easier to organise an overnight journey.

If you do not know which carriage to choose, read our guide: Compartmentless or compartment carriage - which one should you choose?

How to read the seat on a PKP Intercity ticket?

On the ticket (paper or electronic) purchased from Euro Podróże, there is key information to help you know exactly where you are sitting in the carriage. Here are some examples:

Wagonnumber - usually given as 'Wagon: 5" or "Wagon No. 5".
Wagon class - e.g. '1st class' or '2nd class', sometimes abbreviated as '1' or '2'.
Seatnumber - given as "Seat: 23" or "Seat: 23".
Seatside - some tickets state whether the seat is by a window, by an aisle (corridor) or at a table. Check what the 'aisle' seat means on the train?
Additional markings - in sleeping cars or couchettes, the ticket may state the compartment number and bed number, e.g.: "Compartment: 3, Seat: 2 (upper)".

Please note that if you choose to travel with a bicycle, you should buy a special seat in a dedicated carriage when purchasing your ticket. For more information see: Bicycles on the train - rules and costs of carriage.