For those who prefer the charm of rail travel over flying (or are simply afraid of flying), traveling by train from the UK to Poland offers a scenic and sustainable alternative. Although the journey takes longer than a flight, it can be comfortable and relaxed without the typical stress of airports. While there is no direct train route from the UK to Poland, a few simple connections provide a leisurely way to experience Europe. Trains to Warsaw, Krakow, or Wroclaw often take less than 24 hours, and contrary to what you might think, ticket prices are quite affordable, making train travel a practical choice for international travel. In this article you’ll find the main routes and connections for train travel from the UK to major Polish cities, total travel time, average ticket costs and tips for getting the best train ticket deals to Poland.
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Train travel from the UK to Poland: popular routes
The average train journey from the UK to Poland vary, typically taking between 12 to 18 hours, depending on the destination and the number of connections. For faster routes, passengers can reach cities like Poznań or Wroclaw in as little as 12 hours, while longer routes to cities like Krakow or Gdańsk may take up to 18 hours. The journey typically covers approximately 1,400 kilometers and involves at least two or three changes along the way. The most common route involves traveling via Paris, Brussels, or Amsterdam, with connections through Germany before reaching Poland. Popular transfer points include Berlin and Cologne, with direct trains from Berlin to major Polish cities such as Warsaw, Krakow, and Wroclaw. One of the highlights of the route is passing under the English Channel via the Eurostar on your way to the mainland.
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London to Brussels/Paris: Eurostar
Your journey begins with the Eurostar, which runs from London’s St Pancras International to either Brussels or Paris. The trip takes around 2 hours. Eurostar trains are comfortable, with onboard dining options and plenty of luggage space.
Connecting through Germany
Once in Brussels or Paris, you can take high-speed trains like the Thalys or TGV to cities such as Cologne, Frankfurt, or Berlin in Germany. Depending on your route, these connections take around 2–4 hours. From Germany, several direct train options head into Poland, particularly from Berlin.
Deutsche Bahn (DB) plays a key role in connecting Germany to Poland. Several Deutsche Bahn-operated services run between major German and Polish cities, in collaboration with Polish rail services, offering smooth and efficient travel across borders.
Direct Train Routes to Poland from Berlin
- Berlin to Warsaw: One of the most popular routes, operated by Deutsche Bahn’s EuroCity trains, takes about 5.5 hours. Trains depart multiple times a day,
- Berlin to Krakow: For travelers heading to Krakow, Deutsche Bahn operates an overnight EuroNight service, which takes about 10 hours, or you can travel to Warsaw (approx. 5 hours) and then transfer to a high-speed Pendolino train to reach Krakow in roughly 2.5 hours or travel to Poznań (approx. 2.5 hours) and from there to Krakow (approx. 5 hours) .
- Berlin to Wroclaw: A direct EuroCity train connects Berlin to Wroclaw, with a travel time of about 4 hours. This is one of the faster and more convenient connections to Poland, as the journey doesn’t require additional transfers.
- Berlin to Poznań: Operated by Deutsche Bahn’s EuroCity (EC) trains, the route to Poznań takes around 2.5 to 3 hours. This direct connection runs multiple times a day, making it a convenient and quick option for travelers heading into western Poland. This route is a popular choice for those looking to explore western Poland or continue onward to other major Polish cities like Warsaw or Gdańsk.
- Berlin to Gdańsk: the train route to Gdańsk typically requires one or two transfers, often in Poznań or Warsaw. The journey takes about 6 to 8 hours, depending on the connections. Though not direct, it’s a comfortable and scenic way to reach northern Poland.
- Frankfurt (Oder) to Poznań: For those near the German-Polish border, regional Deutsche Bahn services offer a connection to Poznań, making it easy to cross into Poland.
Train travel from the UK to Poland: Total Travel Time
The overall travel time from London to Poland depends on your destination:
- Train travel from London to Warsaw: Approximately 14-16 hours total, including connections.
- Train travel from London to Krakow: Around 16-18 hours, depending on the route and connections.
- Train travel from London to Wroclaw: Around 12-14 hours, due to the quicker connection from Berlin.
- Train travel from London to Poznań: Around 12-14 hours, with direct connections from Berlin.
- Train travel from London to Gdańsk: Around 16-18 hours, usually involving one or two transfers, often via Poznań or Warsaw.
Train travel from the UK to Poland: Tickets and Booking
Booking your train tickets well in advance can help you secure the best fares. Eurostar, Thalys, TGV, and Deutsche Bahn all offer online booking, and you can often find discounts for early bookings or by purchasing rail passes like the Interrail or Eurail Pass, which provide flexibility across multiple countries.
Train tickets from the UK to Poland typically start at around £200, though prices can vary depending on the time of booking, the day of travel, and the number of connections. Booking in advance and opting for routes with more transfers can help reduce costs. Keep in mind that ticket prices fluctuate, especially during peak travel times, so it’s worth checking various booking platforms for the best deals. Hereafter we’ll give you some tips on how to find cheap train tickets from UK to Poland.
How to Find Cheap Train Tickets from London to Poland
To save on travel costs, flexibility is key. Ticket prices often fluctuate, so if your travel dates are flexible, you can wait for prices to drop or take advantage of last-minute deals. Choosing routes with more transfers can also help lower the price, as connections with more stops tend to be more affordable. It’s also worth using online platforms, which help find and compare tickets at the best prices, and sometimes offer special promotions.
So, if you’re looking to keep costs down, here are some helpful tips for finding cheaper train tickets:
- Book in advance: The sooner you book, the cheaper your ticket is likely to be. Most train companies release their tickets a few months ahead of time, so it’s worth planning your trip early.
- Be flexible: Travel costs can fluctuate, so if you’re flexible with your travel dates, you can wait for prices to drop. This requires persistence and time spent searching for connections, but it can save you money.
- Consider more transfers: Tickets with more transfers are often cheaper than direct or fewer-stop options. While this adds time to your journey, it can significantly reduce the overall cost.
- Use online search engines: Websites and apps like Trainline or Omio are helpful for finding the best prices and comparing different routes. These platforms can also alert you to fare drops or special promotions.
By following these tips, you can reduce the cost of your trip, making train travel from the UK to Poland an affordable and comfortable option.