How do international students travel within Poland?
Poland is one of the most student-friendly countries in Europe, offering safe cities, affordable living costs, and excellent public transport systems. Whether you live in Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, Gdańsk, or Lublin, getting around as an international student is simple, cheap, and reliable.
Public Transport: The Most Popular Option for Students
Poland has one of the best public transportation networks in Central Europe. Students use public transport daily because it is affordable, safe, and well-connected.
Main Options
-
Buses – Available in every city, including small towns
-
Trams – Common in large cities like Warsaw, Kraków, Poznań, Wrocław
-
Metro – Available in Warsaw (Line M1 & M2)
-
Trolleybuses – Found in cities like Gdynia and Lublin
Public transport runs from early morning to late night, with night buses operating in major cities.
Do Students Get Public Transport Discounts?
Yes.
International students with a valid student ID (legitymacja studencka) receive up to 50% discount on public transport in most cities.
Discounts apply to:
-
Single tickets
-
Monthly passes
-
Semester student passes
-
Long-distance train tickets (in selected categories)
This makes traveling within cities extremely affordable.
Trains: Best for Intercity Travel
Poland’s railway network is modern and fast, connecting all major cities.
Train Types
-
InterCity (IC) – Comfortable and affordable
-
Express InterCity (EIC/EIP) – High-speed trains, fast travel
-
Regional trains (PolRegio) – Cheapest option for short distances
Example journey times:
-
Warsaw → Kraków: ~2.5 hours (high-speed)
-
Warsaw → Gdańsk: ~3 hours
-
Kraków → Wrocław: ~3.5 hours
Students often use trains for weekend trips across Poland.
Domestic Flights
Flights are not commonly used by students due to cost, but they are available between major cities such as:
-
Warsaw
-
Gdańsk
-
Kraków
-
Wrocław
Flights save time for long distances but are not the usual choice because trains are cheaper and convenient.
Ride-Sharing & Taxis
Students often use ride-sharing apps for late-night or quick travel.
Popular apps include:
-
Uber
-
Bolt
-
Free Now
Prices are cheaper than many Western European countries, making them accessible for students when needed.
Student-Friendly Bike Systems
Many Polish cities offer public bike-sharing services, such as:
-
Veturilo (Warsaw)
-
Wavelo
-
Nextbike Poland
Benefits:
-
Very cheap
-
Great for short distances
-
Eco-friendly and healthy
Students also buy second-hand bicycles from local marketplaces.
Traveling by Bus Between Cities
Intercity bus companies are popular due to their low prices.
Common providers:
-
FlixBus
-
Polonus
-
Neobus
Buses offer:
-
Free Wi-Fi
-
Affordable tickets
-
Routes to both large cities and smaller towns
Perfect for budget travel.
Driving in Poland
Some students choose to drive, but it is not required.
To drive legally, students may need:
-
A valid home-country driving license
-
In some cases, an International Driving Permit (IDP)
Parking in big cities can be tricky, so most students prefer public transportation.
Tips for Students Traveling in Poland
-
Buy a monthly student pass to save money
-
Use apps like JakDojadę for real-time transport directions
-
Always carry your student ID for discounts
-
Download train apps such as PKP Intercity or Koleo
-
Travel early during holidays to avoid crowds
Conclusion
Traveling within Poland is easy, affordable, and highly convenient for international students. With extensive public transport, discounted student fares, fast train connections, and modern ride-sharing services, students can explore Polish cities and travel across the country without difficulty. Poland’s transport system makes student life comfortable and budget-friendly.
