What are the types of trains in PKP?

Traveling by train in Poland offers diverse experiences, depending on the type of chosen train. Polish State Railways (PKP) companies offer passengers several categories of trains – from fast intercity connections, to more economic options. Each of them differs in terms of amenities, speed of travel, and ticket prices. In this article, we will look at what the various types of trains mean and their differences.

EIC – what’s this train?

In the ticket reservation systems and on the timetables, you can come across an EIC train. What does it mean? This abbreviation stands for Express InterCity. These are the markings for long-distance trains that offer fast and comfortable trips between the main cities of Poland. These are air-conditioned trains, equipped with first and second class carriages. EIC provides a wide range of amenities such as luggage space, internet access or a dining car. They guarantee a high standard of travel and the possibility of booking a seat.

EIP – what does it mean?

This abbreviation stands for Express InterCity Premium, which is the most exclusive offer of PKP InterCity. It includes the most modern trains from the Pendolino category. They offer the shortest travel times between large cities, while providing the highest level of comfort. The carriages are equipped with a stabilization system, which minimizes the effects of shaking during the journey. EIP offers premium first class, catering delivered to the seat and access to wireless internet. Tickets for these connections are among the most expensive, but buying a ticket guarantees the highest comfort during the journey.

EIC and EIP – what are the differences? Which type to choose?

The main difference between EIC and EIP is speed and level of service. The EIP category was created in 2014, that is when PKP InterCity introduced Pendolino trains to the offer. So, what are the differences between EIC and EIP offers?

Express InterCity is a perfect choice for those looking for a balance between price and comfort. EIC trains offer a high standard of travel with air-conditioned carriages available in first and second class. At the same time, they provide a wide range of amenities such as internet access, spaces adapted for people with disabilities, and a restaurant car offer. What’s more, EIC operates on a wide range of routes, developing a maximum speed of 160 km/h. This type of train operates on a larger number of routes than its more luxurious counterpart. EIC train ticket prices are not the cheapest, as it is a high-end PKP InterCity offer. However, the rides are cheaper than for EIP.

On the other hand, Express InterCity Premium is a proposition for those who expect luxury conditions and fast travel. Of course, this is reflected in the ticket prices. EIP trains reach the highest speeds on Polish tracks (up to 200 km/h), which significantly reduces travel time. However, the price of the service includes first-rate service, with meals delivered to the seat, access to fast internet, and more personal and luggage space. However, a small number of premium class trains means a limitation in the number of available routes, which can be a downside for those looking for flexibility in planning a journey.

In summary, the choice between EIC and EIP depends on the individual priorities of the passenger. Those who value moderate comfort at a reasonable price and greater availability of connections will find EIC an attractive option. On the other hand, passengers for whom speed, comfort and the highest standards are most important, even at a higher price, will undoubtedly appreciate the EIP offer.

IC train – what does it mean?

IC, otherwise known as InterCity, is another category of long-distance trains that connect larger and smaller cities in Poland. They offer not only comfort and safety, but also modernity and accessibility. In trains of this type, you can encounter modernized carriages with ergonomic seats, and air conditioning. ICs are an alternative to EIC, offering slightly lower ticket prices while maintaining good quality services. Moreover, they stop at many stations where express connections are not available. These trains also have restaurant cars and bars, the so-called “Wars”.

Thanks to EU support, almost 70% of the rolling stock are new or modernized units, which significantly raises the standard of travel. The investment program implemented with EU funds contributes to the expansion and modernization of the fleet, providing passengers with comfort on national and international routes including to Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, the Czech Republic, or Austria.

TLK – what is it? How to explain this abbreviation?

TLK, otherwise known as Twoje Linie Kolejowe (formerly Cheap Railway Lines), is an offer aimed at passengers looking for more economical travel options. TLK trains connect different parts of the country, providing a wide range of routes. The mission of this brand is to guarantee a good standard of travel at the lowest possible price. Therefore, among the entire offer of PKP InterCity, TLK tickets are the cheapest. The rolling stock is gradually undergoing modernization, therefore, more and more trains are being transformed to the IC (InterCity) standard.

TLK vs IC – differences. Which type of railway to choose?

The choice between TLK and IC trains depends on the individual preferences of passengers regarding price, comfort, and availability of services.

InterCity (IC) trains offer travelers a higher standard of travel, in modern rolling stock partially funded from European Union funds. This offer includes, among others, new carriages, but also those modernized from the TLK category. IC is characterized by the presence of dining cars and sometimes sleeping cars, offering passengers more amenities during the journey.

Cheap Railway Lines or Twoje Linie Kolejowe (TLK), the lowest category of trains operating within PKP InterCity. TLK reaches about 350 stations, providing a wide range of national connections, though without access to bar/restaurant cars, which may be important for long-distance travel. However, they do provide access to sleeping cars on overnight connections.

Importantly, both these types of trains offer tickets at the same prices. This is probably due to the fact that the TLK rolling stock is gradually being modernized to fully transition to the InterCity offer in the future. Both offers also provide the same availability in smaller towns and on international routes. So, if you are wondering about choosing between TLK and IC, the difference is a slightly higher standard and the availability of a restaurant car in IC trains.

Other types of PKP trains – regional companies

So far we have discussed different categories of trains operated by PKP Intercity. However, it is worth remembering that in addition to this offer, transportation is also carried out in Poland by other companies belonging to the PKP group. The most important carriers include Polregio, Wielkopolskie Railways, Koleje Dolnośląskie or PKP Szybka Kolej Miejska. They offer a wide range of local and interregional connections, tailored to the needs of residents of individual provinces or agglomerations.

Each of these companies has its own rolling stock offer, and among the designations of trains you can mention, for example:

R – REGIO,

RP – REGIO express train,

iR – interREGIO, i.e. connection between Łódź and Warsaw,

sR – superREGIO, i.e. express passenger train running on longer routes,

Os – passenger,

OsP – accelerated passenger,

P – Premium Trains of Koleje Dolnośląskie on the Wrocław-Berlin route,

Ł, ŁP, ŁS – Łódzka Kolej Aglomeracyjna in standard, accelerated and Sprinter variants.

Choose the type of train that suits your preferences

In summary, the choice of the right type of train, whether it’s in PKP Intercity, POLREGIO, or another railway company, depends on individual preferences and travel destinations. The compositions differ in speed, comfort, availability of additional services and ticket prices. Each of these categories offers unique benefits, from fast and luxurious travels to more affordable options. If you already know which train you want to take, we encourage you to book a train ticket on the PolishTrains website. You will definitely find the right connection there.