Where is the car number on a PKP Intercity train? | PolishTrains

At a glance

• The carriage number on a PKP Intercity train is marked in red in a square box at the top of the entrance door
• Special markings on the door indicate 1st or 2nd class, quiet carriages, family carriages, and bicycle spaces
• Platform information boards display a full train formation diagram to help passengers position themselves correctly
• On the Pendolino, the carriage number is displayed digitally on a panel next to the doors
• Reserved tickets include the carriage and seat number; unreserved tickets allow boarding of any carriage of the correct class
• If the carriage number differs from the ticket, the conductor will direct passengers to the correct carriage

The easiest way to quickly find your carriage on an Intercity train is to check the number directly on the carriage door. On PKP Intercity trains, each carriage has a clearly marked number, usually located at the top of the door or right next to the entrance. The Intercity carriage number is usually marked in red on a separate square box. It is usually also visible on the carriage itself.

This way, even before you board the train, you can make sure that you are heading to the correct carriage and avoid unnecessary wandering around the platform. Look out for additional markings to help you find your way:

• Carriage type - information on the class (1st class, 2nd class) or type of carriage (sleeper, couchette),

• Special designations - e.g. quiet carriage, carriage for families with children, carriage with seats for persons with reduced mobility or carriage with facilities for bicycles.

With these indications, you will find it easier to fit into your seat and calmly take a reservation without rushing or stressing. The name and number of the train, as well as its route, are also often displayed on the entrance door, so you can quickly make sure you are boarding the right train.

Even before the train arrives, you can get an idea of where your carriage will be by using the information available at the station.

Information boards on the platform

On every platform you will find information boards that make it easy to locate your carriage even before the train has come to a complete stop. They allow you to plan where best to position yourself before boarding and avoid rushing or running all over the platform. Such boards usually include:

• Train formation diagram - shows the order of the carriages and their numbers from the beginning to the end of the formation,

• Signs of special carriages - 1st and 2nd class, sleeping car, car for families with children, quiet car, seats for people with reduced mobility,

• Platform and entrance direction - an indication of which side of the platform is best to position yourself to enter a particular carriage,

• Additional information - sometimes there is information about bicycle spaces, the restaurant carriage or the location of the toilets.

With these boards you know exactly where to position yourself before the train arrives, saving you time and stress.

Voice announcements

Most of the stations operated by PKP Intercity also use a public address system to inform travellers of details about the train and entrance arrangements. With voice announcements you can:

• check carriage numbers and their order,

• find out about special carriages such as silent carriages, sleeping cars or carriages for families,

• hear which platform the train is departing from,

• get up-to-date information for travellers, such as track changes, delays or safety reminders.

By listening to the announcements, you can reach your carriage with confidence, even in crowded trainsets, and avoid confusion when taking your seat.

When you buy your ticket on the Euro Podróże website or the mobile ticketing app, you have the option to select your seat. In the legend, which is then visible, you can also see which part of the train your carriage is in. Read more about What is a PKP e-ticket and how to use it.