Warsaw Centralna station, for trains to Berlin, Prague, Vienna, Moscow, Kiev

small bullet point  Warsaw Centralna station guide

bullet pointI want to go from Warsaw to...

     

      Click here for journeys starting in another city

      Warsaw stations guide

      Recommended hotels in Warsaw

This page explains how to travel by train from Warsaw to other key European cities, and how to buy tickets the cheapest way.  Information current for 2024.

bullet pointBefore you buy your tickets

Take a moment to read these tips for buying European train tickets.  It answers all the usual questions, "Must I book in advance or can I buy at the station?", "Can I stop off?", "Are there Senior fares?" and that old favourite, "Should I buy an $800 railpass or a €35 point-to-point ticket?".  How far ahead can you buy train tickets?

bullet pointEuropean train travel FAQ

An introduction to European train travel

 

Senior fares (over 60)

 

Guide to Eurail passes (overseas visitors)

Important tips for buying European train tickets

Youth fares (under 26)

 

Guide to Interrail passes (for Europeans)

How to check European train times

Child fares & child age limits

 

Couchettes & sleepers on night trains

Do I need to book in advance?

Luggage on European trains

 

Train seat numbering plans

How far ahead can I book?

Luggage storage at stations

 

Wheelchairs & special needs

Can I stop off on the way?

Taking a bike by train

 

Real-time service updates

Should I travel 1st or 2nd class?

Taking a car by train

 

Hotels & accommodation

How long to allow for connections?

Taking dogs & pets by train

 

Changing stations in Paris by metro or taxi

How early to arrive at the station?

Maps of the European rail network

 

What to do when things go wrong...


Warsaw to Krakow & other destinations in Poland

What are the trains like?

EIP trains:  Warsaw to Krakow in 2h18 at up to 200 km/h (125 mph).

Introduced in 2014, the very best trains on the Polish network are modern bullet-nosed pendolinos like this, although in Poland they don't tilt into the curves as they do elsewhere.  They operate on the Krakow-Warsaw-Gdynia route at up to 125mph, with faster operation planned in the future.  Reservation is compulsory and they have a bar-bistro car.

A Warsaw to Krakow InterCity train at warsaw Centralna   2nd class seats on a PKP InterCity EIP train

Polish Railways EIP train.  Photos courtesy of www.vagonweb.cz

 

2nd class seats.

   

EIP train.

 

Bar car.

 

1st class.

EIC & IC trains

EIC & IC trains are the next rank down.  Many are now operated by modern electric units like this.

Intercity train at Krakow Glowny   Intercity train 2nd class

Intercity train at Krakow Glowny.

2nd class, most seats unidirectional, some tables for 4.

Intercity train 1st class   Intercity train bistro-bar

1st class seats.  Photos courtesy of DiscoverByRail.com.

Bistro-bar, run by caterers WARS.

EIC & IC trains, classic type

Other IC and EIC trains consist of comfortable locomotive hauled carriages like this, some open-plan, some with classic 6-seat compartments and side corridor.

A Warsaw to Krakow InterCity train at warsaw Centralna   A 6-seat compartment on a Warsaw to Krakow train

Back to top


Warsaw to London & the UK

Back to top


Warsaw to Paris & France from €67.80

Option 1, Warsaw to Paris in a single day, possible daily except Saturdays

Berlin to Warsaw train at Berlin

Step 1, Warsaw to Berlin by EuroCity train, seen here at Berlin Hbf.  More about these EuroCity trains.

1st class compartment on a Berlin to Warsaw train.   2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

1st class compartment.

 

2nd class compartment.

Restaurant car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

Restaurant car.  You don't need to reserve a table, just go along and sit down.

 

The bar.

 

Decent food, served on proper china.

An ICE3 (class 407) at Paris Gare de l'Est

Step 2, Berlin to Paris by ICE with one easy change at Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.  ICEs have a restaurant car, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  This is an ICE3 at Paris Gare de l'EstMore about ICE trains.

Bistro-restaurant on a class 407 ICE3   Lunch in the bistro on an ICE train

Restaurant car.  See current month's menu.

Lunch in the restaurant, with an Erdinger Weissbier.

2nd class seats on a class 407 ICE3   Class 407 ICE3 1st class seats

2nd class seats.

 

1st class seats.

Option 2, Warsaw to Paris using the Berlin-Paris sleeper - 3 times a week

Berlin to Warsaw train at Berlin

Step 1, Warsaw to Berlin by EuroCity train, seen here at Berlin Hbf.  More about these EuroCity trains.

1st class compartment on a Berlin to Warsaw train.   2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

1st class compartment.

 

2nd class compartment.

Restaurant car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

Restaurant car.  You don't need to reserve a table, just go along and sit down.

Food in therestaurant car on the Berlin-Krakow train   Food in therestaurant car on the Berlin-Krakow train

Zurek soup - an excellent tasty starter.

 

Kotlet schabowy, served on proper china.

The Nightjet sleeper from Berlin to Zurich

Step 2, Berlin to Paris by Nightjet sleeper trainMore about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on Nightjet sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

Option 3, Warsaw to Paris using the Vienna-Paris Nightjet sleeper train, 3 times a week - a comfortable option

Morning EuroCity train from Vienna to Warsaw

Step 1, Warsaw to Vienna by EuroCity train.  On these PKP Polish Railways cars, the green stripe above the windows indicates 2nd class.  Yellow indicates first class.  Red indicates the restaurant car.  Courtesy of Jennifer Delaney.

2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train   2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

Most 2nd class cars have compartments like this with side corridor & 6-seat compartments.  All 1st class seats are in 6-seat compartments.  Click images for larger photos.

Polish restaurant car

Restaurant car on the Warsaw to Vienna express.

The Nightjet sleeper from Berlin to Zurich

Step 2, Vienna to Paris by Nightjet sleeper trainMore about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on Brussels-Vienna sleeper

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Couchette car.

Option 4, Warsaw to Paris with overnight stop in Cologne

Option 5, Warsaw to Paris with overnight stop in Berlin

Back to top


Warsaw to Strasbourg

Back to top


Warsaw to Lyon, Avignon, Aix, Marseille

Option 1, Warsaw to Lyon, Avignon, Aix & Marseille with overnight stop in Berlin, avoiding Paris

Frankfurt to Marseille TGV

The TGV Duplex from Frankfurt to Lyon, Avignon & Marseille, ready to leave Frankfurt (Main) Hbf.

TGV Duplex cafe-bar   TGV Duplex upper deck 2nd class seats

The cafe-bar on the upper deck in car 4, serving tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer, snacks & microwave-style hot dishes.

 

2nd class seats, this is upper deck seating.  There's a mix or tables for 4 and unidirectional seating.  360º photo.

First class on board a TGV Duplex   A TGV Duplex at Frankfurt

1st class seats on the upper deck, a club duo on the left, a club quatre on the right. 360º photo.

 

The TGV to Marseille, boarding at Frankfurt am Main Hbf.  You enter on the lower deck, with 9 stairs up to top deck.

Option 2, Warsaw to Avignon or Marseille via Vienna, Milan & Nice

Option 3, Warsaw to Avignon or Marseille using the Berlin-Paris sleeper

Back to top


Warsaw to Monte-Carlo, Nice & Cannes

Option 1, Warsaw to Cannes or Nice using the Berlin-Paris sleeper

Option 2, Warsaw to Monaco, Nice or Cannes using the Vienna-Genoa sleeper

Morning EuroCity train from Vienna to Warsaw

Step 1, Warsaw to Vienna by EuroCity train.  This is a Polish EuroCity train at Vienna Hbf.  The green stripe above the windows indicates 2nd class.  Yellow indicates first class.  Red indicates the restaurant car.  Courtesy of Jennifer Delaney.

2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train   2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

Most 2nd class cars have compartments like this with side corridor & 6-seat compartments.  All 1st class seats are in 6-seat compartments.  Click images for larger photos.

Polish restaurant car

Restaurant car.

Nightjet sleeper train boarding at Vienna Hbf

Step 2, Vienna to Milan by Nightjet sleeper trainMore about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes   Couchette car on sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Couchette car on the Nightjet sleeper train.

Italian InterCity train

Step 3, take an Intercity train from Milan to Ventimiglia.  Here, an Intercity is boarding at Milan Centrale.

2nd class   1st class

2nd class.  Larger photo.

 

1st class.  Larger photo.

TER train at Juans-les-Pins station

Step 4, take a TER local train from Ventimiglia to Monaco, Nice & Cannes.  Ventimiglia to Nice takes an hour along the coast.  Here, a TER rolls into Juan les Pins station, between Nice & Cannes.

Coastal scenery between Nice & Ventimiglia

Coastal scenery from the upper deck of the TER from Ventimiglia to Nice & Cannes.

Back to top


Warsaw to Brussels & Belgium from €49.90

Option 1, Warsaw to Brussels in a single chill-out day

Berlin to Warsaw train at Berlin

Step 1, Warsaw to Berlin by EuroCity train, seen here at Berlin Hbf.

1st class compartment on a Berlin to Warsaw train.   2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

1st class compartment.

 

2nd class compartment.

Restaurant car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

Restaurant car.  You don't need to reserve a table, just go along and sit down.

 

The bar.

 

Decent food, served on proper china.

ICE3neo at Brussels Midi

Step 2, Berlin to Cologne & Cologne to Brussels by ICEMore about ICE trains.  Above, an ICE3neo at Brussels Midi.  Photo courtesy of Christian Hunt.

ICE3neo at Cologne   ICE3neo at Cologne

The restaurant car.  See current month's menu.

 

1st class seats on an ICE3neo.  Larger photo.

ICE3neo at Cologne   ICE3neo at Cologne

2nd class seats on an ICE3neo.  Larger photo.

 

An ICE3neo at Cologne Hbf.

Option 2, Warsaw to Brussels using the Berlin-Brussels European Sleeper - a time-effective option, runs 3 times a week

Sleeping-car

Berlin to Brussels by European Sleeper.  This is the stainless-steel sleeping-car about to leave Berlin Hbf. Click the interior photos for larger images.

Sleeping-car set up as a single   European Sleeper 5 berth couchette

1, 2 or 3 bed sleeper, set up as a single.

 

5-berth couchette compartment.

Option 3, Warsaw to Brussels using the Berlin-Brussels Nightjet sleeper - another time-effective option, 3 times a week

Berlin to Warsaw train at Berlin

Step 1, Warsaw to Berlin by EuroCity train, seen here at Berlin Hbf.

1st class compartment on a Berlin to Warsaw train.   2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

1st class compartment.

 

2nd class compartment.

Restaurant car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

Restaurant car.  You don't need to reserve a table, just go along and sit down.

Food in therestaurant car on the Berlin-Krakow train   Food in therestaurant car on the Berlin-Krakow train

Zurek soup - an excellent tasty starter

 

Kotlet schabowy, served on proper china.

The Nightjet sleeper from Berlin to Zurich

Step 2, Berlin to Brussels by Nightjet.  Above, a Nightjet sleeper at Berlin Hbf.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on Brussels-Vienna sleeper

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Couchette car.

Option 4, Warsaw to Brussels with overnight stop in Berlin

Option 5, Warsaw to Brussels with overnight stop in Cologne

Back to top


Warsaw to Amsterdam from €49.90

Option 1, Warsaw to Amsterdam in a single day

Berlin to Warsaw train at Berlin

Step 1, Warsaw to Berlin by EuroCity train, seen here at Berlin Hbf.

1st class compartment on a Berlin to Warsaw train.   2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

1st class compartment.

 

2nd class compartment.

Restaurant car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

Restaurant car.  You don't need to reserve a table, just go along and sit down.

 

The bar.

 

Decent food, served on proper china.

Amsterdam to Berlin InterCity train

Step 2, Berlin to Amsterdam by Intercity train More about these Intercity trains.

1st class compartment on the Amsterdam to Berlin InterCity train   1st class compartment on the Amsterdam to Berlin InterCity train

1st class compartment.

 

2nd class.

Option 2, Warsaw to Amsterdam using the Berlin-Amsterdam European Sleeper - the most time-effective way, runs 3 times a week

Sleeping-car

Berlin to Amsterdam by European Sleeper.  This is the stainless-steel sleeping-car about to leave Berlin Hbf. Click the interior photos for larger images.

Sleeping-car set up as a single   European Sleeper 5 berth couchette

1, 2 or 3 bed sleeper, set up as a single.

 

5-berth couchette compartment.

Option 3, Warsaw to Amsterdam with overnight stop in Berlin

Back to top


Warsaw to Luxembourg from €49.90

Back to top


Warsaw to Zurich & Switzerland

Option 1, Warsaw to Switzerland in a single day

Option 2, Warsaw to Switzerland using the Berlin-Zurich sleeper - a time-effective option

Berlin to Warsaw train at Berlin

Step 1, Warsaw to Berlin by EuroCity train, seen here at Berlin Hbf.

1st class compartment on a Berlin to Warsaw train.   2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

1st class compartment.

 

2nd class compartment.

Restaurant car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

The restaurant car on a Berlin-Warsaw express.  You don't need to reserve a table, just go along and sit down.  A steward will take your order.  Larger photo.

Food in therestaurant car on the Berlin-Krakow train   Food in therestaurant car on the Berlin-Krakow train

Zurek soup - an excellent tasty starter.

 

Kotlet schabowy, served on proper china.

The Nightjet sleeper from Berlin to Zurich

Step 2, Berlin to Basel or Zurich by Nightjet sleeper train, seen here boarding on platform 3 at Berlin Hbf.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on Nightjet sleeper

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car at Zurich HB.

Option 3, Warsaw to Switzerland using the Warsaw-Salzburg sleeper - time-effective & scenic

Modern Polish sleeping-car

Step 1, Warsaw to Salzburg by sleeper train.  This is the modern Polish sleeping-car on the EuroNight train Chopin.

Modern Polish sleeper in day mode   Modern Polish sleeper in day mode, set up as a triple   Deluxe 2-bed sleeper in modern Polish sleeping-car   Deluxe sleepers have a private shower & toilet

Standard sleeper in evening/morning mode with seats folded out.

 

Standard sleeper set up as a 3-berth.  It can also be sold as a single or double.

 

Deluxe sleeper, set up as a 2-berth, showing TV & wardrobe.

 

Deluxe sleeper:  En suite shower & toilet.  Click the photos for larger images.

A railjet train about to leave Vienna

Step 2, Salzburg to Zurich by railjet More about railjets.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Railjet restaurant car

Business class.  About business class.

 

Restaurant.  In 1st & business you're served at your seat.

First class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy class.

View of Salzburg as the train crosses the River Salzach

Crossing the Salzach at Salzburg:  View of the Fortress Hohensalzburg on the left hand side as the railjet crosses the river after leaving Salzburg Hbf.

Cutting across Germany:  From Salzburg to Kufstein the train takes a short cut through Germany without stopping, see the route map here.  All fast Vienna-Salzburg-Innsbruck trains do this, they're still considered Austrian domestic trains even they spend an hour on German territory!  Such a train is called a Korridorzug.

Kufstein station and castle   Lunch is served at your seat in first & business classes

Kufstein:  The train stops at Kufstein, where the castle towers above the station.

Above right, lunch is served.  In railjet first & business class, the steward takes your order & serves lunch at your seat.

Scenery in the Tirol

Mountains near Innsbruck.  The train calls briefly at Innsbruck Hbf.

Scenery on the Arlberg route

River Inn:  Running alongside the river Inn in the Tirol, somewhere between Ötzal & Landeck.

Scenery in the Arlberg Pass

Arlberg Pass:  Above, brooding skies over the Arlberg pass.  The pass itself is long, narrow and curvaceous with the train snaking along the valley sides, often high above the valley floor.

Arlberg Tunnel:  Between St Anton am Arlberg & Bludenz the train passes through the Arlberg Tunnel, 6.2 km (6.3 miles) long and opened in 1884.  See en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arlberg_Railway_Tunnel.

Schaan-Vaduz station   Sargans Castle

Liechtenstein:  The train cuts across Liechtenstein, passing non-stop through Schaan-Vaduz station.

 

Sargans castle:  Watch out for hilltop castles, this is the one at Sargans.

The lakes between the Austrian border and Zurich

Swiss lakes:  Between Sargans & Zurich the railjet runs alongside the shore of the Walensee and then the Zürichsee.

Option 4, Warsaw to Switzerland with overnight stop in Vienna - if you prefer day trains & hotel to sleepers, a scenic option

Back to top


Warsaw to Venice, Milan, Florence, Rome & Italy

Option 1, Warsaw to Italy using the Vienna-Italy sleeper - the best option for Milan, Florence, Rome or Naples

Morning EuroCity train from Vienna to Warsaw

Step 1, Warsaw to Vienna by EuroCity train.  This is a Polish EuroCity train at Vienna Hbf.  The green stripe above the windows indicates 2nd class.  Yellow indicates first class.  Red indicates the restaurant car.  Courtesy of Jennifer Delaney.

2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train   2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

Most 2nd class cars have compartments like this with side corridor & 6-seat compartments.  All 1st class seats are in 6-seat compartments.  Click images for larger photos.

Polish restaurant car

Restaurant car.

Nightjet sleeper train boarding at Vienna Hbf

Step 2, Vienna to Milan, Venice, Florence or Rome by Nightjet sleeper train.  This is the Nightjet from Vienna to Florence & Rome boarding in Vienna.  More about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

  6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchettes

Nightjet couchette car.

 

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

Option 2, Warsaw to Italy using the Warsaw-Vienna sleeper & scenic onward train - the best option for Venice

Modern Polish sleeping-car

Step 1, Warsaw to Vienna by sleeper train.  This is the modern Polish sleeping-car on the EuroNight train Chopin.

Modern Polish sleeper in day mode   Modern Polish sleeper in day mode, set up as a triple   Deluxe 2-bed sleeper in modern Polish sleeping-car   Deluxe sleepers have a private shower & toilet

Standard sleeper in evening/morning mode with seats folded out.

 

Standard sleeper set up as a 3-berth, can also be set up as a single or double.

 

Deluxe sleeper, set up as a 2-berth, showing TV & wardrobe.

 

Deluxe sleeper:  En suite shower & toilet.  Click the photos for larger images.

A railjet train about to leave Vienna

Step 2, Vienna to Venice by railjet.  This is the afternoon railjet to Venice about to leave Vienna Hbf.  More about Vienna-Venice railjets.

Railjet restaurant car   Business class seats on a railjet train

Restaurant.  In 1st & business you're served at your seat.

 

Business class.  About business class.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy class.

The railjet travels over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  See the Vienna to Venice page for more information, photos & video.

Option 3, Warsaw to Italy using the Warsaw-Vienna sleeper, a day to explore Vienna, then the Vienna-Italy sleeper - worth considering

Option 4, Warsaw to Italy with overnight stop in Vienna - if you prefer day trains and hotel to sleepers

Morning EuroCity train from Vienna to Warsaw

Day 1, Warsaw to Vienna by EuroCity train.  This is a Polish EuroCity train at Vienna Hbf.  The green stripe above the windows indicates 2nd class.  Yellow indicates first class.  Red indicates the restaurant car.  Courtesy of Jennifer Delaney.

2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train   2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

Most 2nd class cars have compartments like this with side corridor & 6-seat compartments, although one or two cars may have open-plan saloons.  All 1st class seats are in 6-seat compartments on these trains.  Click images for larger photos.

Polish restaurant car

Restaurant car.

A railjet train about to leave Vienna

Day 2, Vienna to Venice by railjet.  This is the afternoon railjet to Venice about to leave Vienna Hbf.  More about Vienna-Venice railjets.

Railjet restaurant car   Business class seats on a railjet train

Restaurant.  In 1st & business you're served at your seat.

 

Business class.  About business class.

Business class seats on a railjet train   Economy class seats on a railjet train

First class.

 

Economy class.

The railjet travels over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  See the Vienna to Venice page for more information, photos & video.

Back to top


Warsaw to Barcelona, Madrid & Spain

Option 1, Warsaw to Spain using the Berlin-Paris Nightjet sleeper train, 3 times a week - the time-effective option

  • Day 1, travel from Warsaw to Berlin by EuroCity train, leaving Warsaw Centralna at 12:45 & arriving Berlin Hbf at 18:06.

    This EuroCity train is a comfortable air-conditioned Polish train with restaurant car serving drinks, snacks & meals.  Treat yourself to an inexpensive lunch and a beer or two, I recommend the excellent Zurek soup & Kotlet Schabowy.  More about this EuroCity train.

    Fares start at €27.90 in 2nd class or €39.90 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this at the German Railways website int.bahn.de.

    Booking normally opens 60 days ahead.  You print your own ticket or can show it on your laptop or phone.  I recommend registering when prompted so you can log in & check your bookings or re-print tickets at any time.

    In Berlin, you've time for an evening stroll to the Reichstag & Brandenburg Gate, just 17 minutes walk from Berlin Hbf.  Have dinner in Berlin, there are plenty of eateries at the station.  The bar of the Steigenberger Hotel just outside the station makes an excellent VIP waiting room, it offers both drinks and food.

  • Day 1, travel from Berlin to Paris by Nightjet leaves Berlin Hbf at 20:18 on Mondays, Wednesdays & Fridays, arriving Paris Gare de l'Est 10:24.

    Important update 2024:  ÖBB have given up trying to run this train from 12 August to 8 November 2024, due to the amount of trackwork.

    From 15 December 2024 onwards, the days of running will change to Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday.

    This comfortable Austrian Nightjet sleeper train has an air-conditioned Comfortline sleeping-car with nine 1, 2 & 3-berth standard compartments with washbasin and three 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet. There are toilets & a shower at the end of the corridor for passengers in the regular sleepers.  The sleeping-car attendant can serve drinks, snacks & light meals from a room service menu.  The train has a couchette car with 4 & 6 berth compartments, and an ordinary seats car.  A light breakfast is included in sleepers & couchettes, served in your compartment.  See the Nightjet page for a guide to on-board accommodation, travel tips, photos & video.

    Fares start at €49.90 in 6-berth couchettes, €59.90 in 4-berth couchettes, €89.90 in a 3-bed sleeper, €109.90 in a 2-bed sleeper or €159.90 in a single-bed sleeper, all per person per berth.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Buy tickets at www.thetrainline.com (easy to use, in plain English, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or Austrian Railways www.oebb.at (in €, same fares).  Booking opens up to 6 months ahead.  You print your own ticket.

    Change stations in Paris by metro or taxi.  Have lunch in Paris, perhaps at the famous Train Bleu restaurant at the Gare de Lyon.

The Nightjet sleeper from Berlin to Zurich

Berlin to Paris by Nightjet sleeper trainMore about Nightjets.

Nightjet deluxe 2-berth sleeper   Nightjet deluxe sleeper in day mode   Nightjet deluxe sleeper toilet & shower   Nightjet standard (economy) sleeper

Deluxe sleeper.  Each compartment can be used as a 1, 2 or 3-bed room.  Larger photoVideo of deluxe room

 

Same deluxe sleeper in evening/morning mode with beds folded away, seats folded out.  Larger photo.

 

Deluxe rooms have a compact shower & toilet, towels & hair/body wash provided.  Larger photo.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 2-berth, washstand open.  It can be used as a 1, 2 or 3 berth.  Larger photo.

6-berth couchettes   4-berth couchette on Nightjet train   Couchette car on Nightjet sleeper train

6-berth couchettes.

 

4-berth couchettes.

 

Nightjet couchette car.

TGV Duplex at Paris Gare de Lyon

Paris to Barcelona by TGV.  Here, a TGV Duplex is boarding at Paris Gare de LyonMore about the Paris-Barcelona journey.

TGV Duplex cafe-bar   TGV Duplex upper deck 2nd class seats

Cafe-bar on upper deck in car 4, serving tea, coffee, soft drinks, wine, beer, snacks & microwave-style hot dishes.

 

2nd class seats on the upper deck.  There's a mix or tables for 4 and unidirectional seating.  360º photo.

First class a TGV Duplex upper deck   An TGV Duplex at Paris Est.

1st class upper deck seats, club duo on the left, a club quatre on the right.  360º photo.

 

A TGV Duplex.  The 1 near the door indicates 1st class, a 2 indicates 2nd class.

Lunch from the cafe-bar on the train to Barcelona   The hilltop cathedral at Beziers

Dinner from the cafe-bar.

 

View from the train, passing Béziers.

Mt Canigou in the Pyrenees

Mt Canigou & the Pyrenees.  One of the highest peaks in the mighty Pyrenees, the 2,784m (9,137 feet) high Mt Canigou dominates the skyline on the right all the way from Perpignan to Girona, see en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Canigou.

Option 2, Warsaw to Barcelona & Spain with overnight stop in Cologne

Option 3, Warsaw to Barcelona & Spain with overnight stop in Paris

Back to top


Warsaw to San Sebastian
  • Day 2, travel from Paris to Hendaye by TGV Duplex Océane, leaving Paris Gare Montparnasse at 10:11 and arriving Hendaye 14:47.

    An earlier 07:11 departure is available on Mondays to Saturdays, arriving Hendaye at 11:47.

    The TGV Duplex Océane has a cafe-bar, power sockets at all seats & free WiFi.  Hendaye is on the French side of the Spanish border.

    Fares start at €25 in 2nd class or €45 in 1st class.  Fares vary like air fares, so book ahead.

    Book this train at www.raileurope.com or www.thetrainline.com (both easy to use, in €, £ or $, overseas credit cards no problem, small booking fee) or the French Railways website www.sncf-connect.com (in €, no booking fee).

    Booking opens up to 4 months ahead.  You print your own ticket or can choose a mobile ticket to show on your phone.

  • Day 2, transfer from Hendaye to San Sebastian by Euskotren metro, every 30 minutes, journey time 37 minutes, fare €2.75.

    Simply walk out of Hendaye station and turn right, the little Euskotren station is in a corner of the main station forecourt.  Buy a ticket at the Euskotren station from the machines or staffed counter with cash or card and hop on the next half-hourly Euskotren to San Sebastian Amara.  Check times at www.euskotren.eus More about the journey from Paris to San Sebastian.

Back to top


Warsaw to Lisbon & Portugal

Back to top


Warsaw to Andorra

Back to top


Warsaw to Berlin from €27.90
Berlin to Warsaw train at Berlin

A Berlin-Warsaw EuroCity train at Berlin Hbf.  More about these EuroCity trains.

1st class compartment on a Berlin to Warsaw train.   2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

1st class compartment.

 

2nd class compartment.

Restaurant car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

The restaurant car on a Berlin-Warsaw express.  You don't need to reserve a table, just go along and sit down.  A steward will take your order. Photos courtesy of DiscoverbyRail.comLarger photo.

Bar counter on the Berlin-Warsaw train   Food on the Berlin to Warsaw train

The bar.  Larger photo.

 

Decent food, served on proper china.

Back to top


Warsaw to Munich, Stuttgart, Nuremberg, Frankfurt

Option 1, Warsaw to Munich by sleeper train - the time-effective option

Modern Polish sleeping-car

Warsaw & Krakow to Munich by sleeper train.  This is the modern Polish sleeping-car on the EuroNight train Chopin, seen at Vienna Hbf.

Modern Polish sleeper in day mode   Modern Polish sleeper in day mode, set up as a triple   Deluxe 2-bed sleeper in modern Polish sleeping-car   Deluxe sleepers have a private shower & toilet

Standard sleeper in evening/morning mode with seats folded out.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 3-berth, can also be set up as a single or double.

 

Deluxe sleeper, set up as a 2-berth, showing TV & wardrobe.

 

Deluxe sleeper:  En suite shower & toilet.  Click the photos for larger images.

Option 2, Warsaw to anywhere in Germany by daytime trains via Berlin

Option 3, Warsaw to Munich by daytime trains via Vienna

Back to top


Warsaw to Cologne, Dusseldorf, Hamburg & Germany from €37.90

Back to top


Warsaw to Vienna, Salzburg, Innsbruck & Austria

Option 1, Warsaw to Vienna by EuroCity train - the daytime option

Morning EuroCity train from Vienna to Warsaw

A Vienna-Warsaw EuroCity train at Vienna Hbf.  On these PKP Polish Railways cars, the green stripe above the windows indicates 2nd class.  Yellow indicates first class.  Red indicates a restaurant car.  Courtesy of Jennifer Delaney.

Polish restaurant car

The Sobieski has a restaurant car.

2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train   2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

Most 2nd class cars have compartments like this with side corridor & 6-seat compartments, although one or two cars may have open-plan saloons.  All 1st class seats are in 6-seat compartments on these trains.  Click images for larger photos.

EuroCity train 'Polonia' from Warsaw to Vienna, at Vienna

The EuroCity train Polonia arrived at Vienna Hbf.  Photo courtesy of Rob Romans.

Option 2, Warsaw to Vienna, Linz, Salzburg by sleeper train - the time-effective option

Modern Polish sleeping-car

Warsaw & Krakow to Austria by sleeper train.  This is the modern Polish sleeping-car on the EuroNight train Chopin at Vienna Hbf.

Modern Polish sleeper in day mode   Modern Polish sleeper in day mode, set up as a triple   Deluxe 2-bed sleeper in modern Polish sleeping-car   Deluxe sleepers have a private shower & toilet

Standard sleeper in evening/morning mode with seats folded out.

 

Standard sleeper set up as 3-berth, can also be set up as a single or double.

 

Deluxe sleeper, set up as a 2-berth, showing TV & wardrobe.

 

Deluxe sleeper:  En suite shower & toilet.  Click the photos for larger images.

Option 3, Warsaw to Vienna using the Warsaw-Bratislava sleeper train - often cheaper than option 2 and with a more civilised arrival time!

Back to top


Warsaw to Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Stockholm, Oslo

Option 1, Warsaw to Stockholm using the Hamburg-Stockholm sleeper train - the time-effective option

Hamburg-StockholmSJ EuroNight at Hamburg Altona   6-berth couchette on the Hamburg-Stockholm SJ night train

The inaugural Hamburg to Stockholm SJ EuroNight train in Hamburg on 1 September 2022. The author rode this first departure.  More about this train.

6-berth couchettes.

Standard sleeper, set up as a double   Hamburg-StockholmSJ EuroNight at Padborg

2-bed sleeper.  Larger photo.

The inaugural train from Hamburg to Stockholm calls at Padborg, just after entering Denmark.

Scenery from the Hamburg to Stockholm train

Typical Swedish scenery on the morning run into Stockholm.

Option 2, Warsaw to Copenhagen in a single day from €49.90.  Onwards to Gothenburg, Stockholm or Oslo next day

Option 3, Warsaw to Copenhagen with overnight stop in Berlin

Option 4, Warsaw to Copenhagen, Gothenburg & Stockholm with an overnight stop in Hamburg

Hamburg-Copenhagen train at Copenhagen

Hamburg to Copenhagen by EuroCity train:  From June 2023, these trains are temporarily being operated by former German Railways intercity cars and a Danish electric locomotive, until new trains being built by Talgo arrive in 2024.  The current trains have 1st & 2nd class, power sockets at seats, but no catering so bring your own food & drink.  More about the Hamburg-Copenhagen journey.

2nd clas seats on a DB Intercity train

2nd class seats are almost all open-plan like this.  There are a handful of 6-seat 2nd class compartments in one of the coaches, but only a few.

1st class comparment on a Berlin to Amsterdam train   1st class 6-seat compartment on a Berlin to Amsterdam train

The 1st class car has 6-seater compartments like this. Larger photo Larger photo.

An X2000 train at Stockholm Central

Copenhagen to Stockholm by tilting 200km/h X2000, seen at Stockholm CentralMore about X2000 trains.

1st class seats on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train 2nd class seats on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train

1st class on an X2000.  Larger photo.

 

2nd class on an X2000.  Larger photo.

Bistro seating area on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train   Bistro seating area on a Copenhagen-Stockholm X2000 train

Bistro seating on an X2000 train. Larger photo.

 

Bistro on an X2000 train. Larger photo.

On the Oresund link!

Crossing the impressive Öresund bridge from Denmark to Sweden.

Option 5, Warsaw to Copenhagen, Malmö or Stockholm by overnight ferry from Poland to Sweden

Ferry Stena Spirit, Gdynia-Karlskrona   Cabin on the Gdynia-Karlskrona ferry

The ferry Stena Spirit, at Gdynia.  Photos courtesy of railguideeurope.com.

 

2-berth cabin.  Larger photo.

Back to top


Warsaw to Helsinki & Finland

Option 1, Warsaw to Helsinki using a Finnlines ferry from Germany - the easiest option

Finnlines ferry Travemunde-Helsinki

Finnlines operate the Finnstar, Finnmaid & Finnlady on the Travemünde-Helsinki route.  Photo courtesy of Hubert Bartkowiak.  Photos below courtesy of Chris Russell.

Cabin on Finnlines ferry Travemunde-Helsinki   Gym on Finnlines ferry   Sauna on Finnlines ferry

Standard cabin.  Larger photo.

 

Gym with a view.

 

Sauna.

Option 2, Warsaw to Helsinki by train to Stockholm, then ferry

Back to top


Warsaw to Prague

Option 1, Warsaw to Prague by sleeper train - the time-effective option

The sleeper train between Prague & Warsaw

Warsaw to Prague by sleeping-car.

City Night Line standard (economy) sleeper   City Night Line standard (economy) sleeper in day mode   City Night Line deluxe sleeper, private toilet & shower   Comfortline sleeper corridor

Standard sleeper set up as a 2-berth, with blind down & washstand open.  Each room can be used with 1, 2 or 3 beds.  Enlarge photo.

 

The same sleeper with berths folded away & seats folded out, washstand closed.  Very similar to a deluxe, but without the shower & toilet.

 

Deluxe sleepers are similar to standard ones, but with a bit more floorspace & compact shower & toilet instead of washstand.

 

Just like a hotel, the corridor in a Comfortline sleeping-car.  There's a shower at end of the corridor for standard sleeper passengers.

The Prague to Warsaw couchette car at Prague Hlavni   6-bunk couchettes on the Prague to Krakow train

The Warsaw to Prague couchette car at Prague Hlavni station.

 

6-berth couchettes.

Option 2, Warsaw to Prague by EuroCity train - the chill-out daytime option

The EuroCity train Silesia at Prague

The afternoon EuroCity train Silesia boarding at Prague Hlavni.

2nd class open saloon seats on EuroCity train from Prague to Warsaw   6-seat compartment on train to Warsaw

2nd class open plan seats, available on all 3 trains.

 

2nd class compartments, available on all 3 trains.

1st class 4-seat compartment from Prague to Warsaw   6-Restaurant car on EuroCity train from Prague to Warsaw

1st class 4-seat compartment on the early morning train.

 

Restaurant car on the early morning train.

Back to top


Warsaw to Bratislava from €27

Option 1, Warsaw to Bratislava by sleeper train - the time-effective option

The  Polish sleeping-car from Budapest to Warsaw

The modern Polish sleeping-car on the Warsaw-Bratislava-Budapest overnight train.

Modern Polish sleeper in day mode   Modern Polish sleeper in day mode, set up as a triple   Deluxe 2-bed sleeper in modern Polish sleeping-car   Deluxe sleepers have a private shower & toilet

Standard sleeper in evening/morning mode with seats folded out.

 

Standard sleeper set up as a 3-berth, can also be set up as a single or double.

 

Deluxe sleeper, set up as a double, showing TV & wardrobe.

 

Deluxe sleeper:  En suite shower & toilet.  Click the photos for larger images.

Couchettes on the Budapest to Warsaw sleeper train   Couchettes on the Budapest to Warsaw sleeper train

Polish couchette car on the Warsaw-Budapest night train with 4 & 6 berth compartments.

 

6-berth couchettes. Larger photo

Option 2, Warsaw to Bratislava by EuroCity train - the leisurely daytime option

The EuroCity train Bathory from Budapest to Warsaw

EuroCity train Báthory at Budapest Nyugati.  Click the photos below for larger images.

Restaurant car on the Budapest-Warsaw EuroCity train   Restaurant car on the Budapest-Warsaw EuroCity train

1st class seats on the EuroCity Báthory.

 

Restaurant car on the EuroCity Báthory.

1st class compartment on a Hungarian EuroCity train   2nd class seats on the Budapest to Ljubljana train Drava

2nd class compartment on the EuroCity Báthory.

 

2nd class open plan car as used on the Báthory.

Back to top


Warsaw to Budapest from €27

Option 1, Warsaw to Budapest by sleeper train - the safe, comfortable, time-effective option

The  Polish sleeping-car from Budapest to Warsaw

The modern Polish sleeping-car on the Warsaw-Budapest overnight train, at Budapest Nyugati.

Modern Polish sleeper in day mode   Modern Polish sleeper in day mode, set up as a triple   Deluxe 2-bed sleeper in modern Polish sleeping-car   Deluxe sleepers have a private shower & toilet

Standard sleeper in evening/morning mode with seats folded out.

 

Standard sleeper set up as a 3-berth, can also be set up as a single or double.

 

Deluxe sleeper, set up as a 2-berth, showing TV & wardrobe.

 

Deluxe sleeper:  En suite shower & toilet.  Click the photos for larger images.

Couchettes on the Budapest to Warsaw sleeper train   Couchettes on the Budapest to Warsaw sleeper train

Polish couchette car on the Warsaw-Budapest night train with 4 & 6 berth compartments.

 

6-berth couchettes. Larger photo

Option 2, Warsaw to Budapest by EuroCity train - the leisurely daytime option

The EuroCity train Bathory from Budapest to Warsaw

EuroCity train Bathory at Budapest Nyugati.  Click the photos below for larger images.

Restaurant car on the Budapest-Warsaw EuroCity train   Restaurant car on the Budapest-Warsaw EuroCity train

1st class seats on the EuroCity Bathory.

 

Restaurant car on the EuroCity Bathory.

1st class compartment on a Hungarian EuroCity train   2nd class seats on the Budapest to Ljubljana train Drava

2nd class compartment on the EuroCity Bathory.

 

2nd class open plan car as used on the Bathory.

Back to top


Warsaw to Brasov & Bucharest

Option 1, Warsaw to Romania using the Budapest-Bucharest sleeper

Dacia Express sleeping-car

The Dacia Express has an air-conditioned Romanian sleeping-car, seen here at Bucharest.  You can check the train formation at www.vagonweb.cz Courtesy of @PaliparanDotCom

Washbasin   Dacia Express sleeper compartment   Romanian couchette car from Vienna to Bucharest

Sleepers:  Each compartment can be sold as a single, double (as here) or triple.  Most compartments have a washbasin as shown, two compartments have a shower & toilet.  Beds fold away to form a private sitting room for day use.  Larger photo.

 

Couchettes:  4 & 6-berth, bedding is provided.  Larger photo.

Dacia Express couchette car

The Dacia Express has one couchette car, seen here at Bucharest.  Courtesy of @PaliparanDotCom

Scenery in Transylvania

Transylvania:  The Dacia Express crosses rural Transylvania.  Courtesy of @PaliparanDotCom

Dacia Express Carpathian mountains

The Carpathian mountains:  Almost Alpine scenery between Brasov & Bucharest.  Courtesy of @PaliparanDotCom.

Option 2, Warsaw to Romania by sleeper train to Budapest, a day to explore, then sleeper train to Romania

Option 2, Warsaw to Romania by day trains with overnight stops

The daytime train from Budapest to Bucharest

The morning train from Budapest to Bucharest at Budapest Keleti, with modern air-conditioned Romanian carriages.

Bar car on the Budapest-Bucharest train   2nd class Romanian InterCity coach

One of the three carriages includes a bar complete with bar stools.

 

Comfortable 2nd class seats in an air-conditioned Romanian carriage.  Larger photo.

Back to top


Warsaw to Ljubljana

Option 1, Warsaw to Ljubljana in a single day

Morning EuroCity train from Vienna to Warsaw

Step 1, Warsaw to Vienna by EuroCity train. This is a Polish EuroCity train at Vienna Hbf.  The green stripe above the windows indicates 2nd class.  Yellow indicates first class.  Red indicates the restaurant car.  Courtesy of Jennifer Delaney.

2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train   2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

Most 2nd class cars have compartments like this with side corridor & 6-seat compartments, although one or two cars may have open-plan saloons.  All 1st class seats are in 6-seat compartments on these trains.  Click images for larger photos.

Polish restaurant car

Restaurant car.

EuroCity train Croatia from Vienna to Zagreb

Step 2, Vienna to Maribor on the Croatia.  This is the EuroCity train Croatia about to leave Vienna, a very civilised & comfortable train.  Change at Maribor for a connecting train to Ljubljana.

2nd class seats in an open-plan car   Austrian first class seats

2nd class seats, some in open-plan saloons like this, some in 6-seat compartments.

 

1st class leather seats.  You'll also find seats in classic 6-seat compartments.

Austrian restaurant car   Meal in an Austrian restaurant car on a Munich-Verona train

The elegant Austrian restaurant car. Larger photo.

Dinner with wine on board.

The EuroCity Croatia travels over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  See the Vienna to Venice page for more information, photos & video.

Option 2, Warsaw to Ljubljana using the Warsaw-Vienna sleeper

Modern Polish sleeping-car

Step 1, Warsaw to Vienna by sleeper train.  This is the modern Polish sleeping-car on the EuroNight train Chopin.

Modern Polish sleeper in day mode   Modern Polish sleeper in day mode, set up as a triple   Deluxe 2-bed sleeper in modern Polish sleeping-car   Deluxe sleepers have a private shower & toilet

Standard sleeper in evening/morning mode with seats folded out.

 

Standard sleeper set up as a 3-berth, can also be set up as a single or double.

 

Deluxe sleeper, set up as a 2-berth, showing TV & wardrobe.

 

Deluxe sleeper:  En suite shower & toilet.  Click the photos for larger images.

The Vienna to Triese EuroCity train Emona, about to leave Vienna

Step 2, Vienna to Ljubljana by EuroCity train Emona seen here about to leave Vienna Hbf, with its Slovenian restaurant car in the foreground and two Slovenian cars in rear.  The Austrian cars are ahead of the restaurant car.

Lunch in Slovenian restaurant car   Slovenian restaurant car

The Emona has a Slovenian restaurant car with inexpensive freshly-cooked scrambled eggs or omelette.  How about a glass of fizz to go with that?

2nd class seats in an open-plan car   Austrian first class seats

2nd class seats, some in open-plan saloons like this, some in 6-seat compartments.

 

1st class leather seats.  There's only one section of 1st class on this train.

Between Vienna & Graz the Emona travels over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  See the Vienna to Venice page for more information, photos & video.

Back to top


Warsaw to Zagreb, Split, Dubrovnik

Option 1, Warsaw to Croatia in a single day

Morning EuroCity train from Vienna to Warsaw

Step 1, Warsaw to Vienna by EuroCity train.  This is a Polish EuroCity train at Vienna Hbf.  The green stripe above the windows indicates 2nd class.  Yellow indicates first class.  Red indicates the restaurant car.  Courtesy of Jennifer Delaney.

2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train   2nd class car on the Berlin to Warsaw train

Most 2nd class cars have compartments like this with side corridor & 6-seat compartments, although one or two cars may have open-plan saloons.  All 1st class seats are in 6-seat compartments on these trains.  Click images for larger photos.

Polish restaurant car

Restaurant car.

EuroCity train Croatia from Vienna to Zagreb

Step 2, Vienna to Zagreb on the Croatia:  This is the EuroCity train Croatia, a very civilised & comfortable train.

2nd class seats in an open-plan car   Austrian first class seats

2nd class seats, some in open-plan saloons like this, some in 6-seat compartments.

 

1st class leather seats.  You'll also find seats in classic 6-seat compartments.

Austrian restaurant car   Meal in an Austrian restaurant car on a Munich-Verona train

The elegant Austrian restaurant car. Larger photo.

Dinner with wine on board.

The EuroCity Croatia travels over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  See the Vienna to Venice page for more information, photos & video.

Option 2, Warsaw to Croatia using the Warsaw-Vienna sleeper - more time-effective

Modern Polish sleeping-car

Step 1, Warsaw to Vienna by sleeper train.  This is the modern Polish sleeping-car on the EuroNight train Chopin, at Vienna Hbf.

Modern Polish sleeper in day mode   Modern Polish sleeper in day mode, set up as a triple   Deluxe 2-bed sleeper in modern Polish sleeping-car   Deluxe sleepers have a private shower & toilet

Standard sleeper in evening/morning mode with seats folded out.

 

Standard sleeper set up as a 3-berth, can also be set up as a single or double.

 

Deluxe sleeper, set up as a 2-berth, showing TV & wardrobe.

 

Deluxe sleeper:  En suite shower & toilet.  Click the photos for larger images.

Austrian 1st class car   Austrian 2nd class compartment

Step 2, Vienna to Zagreb.  1st class open-plan seating as used on the Emona.  Classic 6-seat  compartments are also available.

 

2nd class compartment as used on the Emona.  Seats in open plan cars are also available

Lunch in Slovenian restaurant car   Slovenian restaurant car

The Emona has a Slovenian restaurant car with inexpensive freshly-cooked meals, beer & wine.

The EuroCity Emona travels over the famous Semmering Railway, opened in 1854 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.  See the Vienna to Venice page for more information, photos & video.

Scenery from the train between Zagreb and Vienna

Scenery in Slovenia, between Maribor & Zidani Most.

Scenery from the train between Zagreb and Vienna

Sevnica Castle, seen from the train between Zidani Most & Zagreb.

Back to top


Warsaw to Belgrade & Montenegro

Option 1, Warsaw to Belgrade using the Warsaw-Budapest sleeper - starts running from 24 November 2024

Option 2, Warsaw to Belgrade by daytime trains with overnight stop - starts running from 24 November 2024

Option 3, Warsaw to Belgrade with overnight stop in Zagreb - currently involves a bus

Option 3, Warsaw to Belgrade with overnight stop in Budapest - by train all the way, runs until 23 November 2024

Serbian local train of the type used between Subotica and Novi Sad

Serbian local train of the type used between Szeged & Subotica and Subotica & Novi Sad.  They are air-conditioned, 2nd class only, with toilets.  Courtesy of @AndyBTravels, DiscoverByRail.com.

Back to top


Warsaw to Sofia

Back to top


Warsaw to Vilnius, Riga & Tallinn

Back to top


Warsaw to Kyiv from €46

Option 1, Warsaw to Kyiv by sleeper train - safe, comfortable, time-effective, still running in spite of the war in Ukraine

The Warsaw to Kiev train at Warsaw Centralna

A Ukrainian sleeping-car on the Kyiv Express.

1, 2 or 3 bed sleeper compartment   Each compartment has a washbasin   The Kiev Express

1, 2 or 3-bed sleeper.

 

Washbasin.

 

Kyiv Express.

Option 2, Warsaw to Kyiv with overnight stop in Krakow - if you prefer day trains & hotel to sleepers

Back to top


Warsaw to Lviv from €36

Warsaw to Lviv by daytime trains with overnight stop in Krakow.  Still running in spite of the war in Ukraine

Back to top


Warsaw to Minsk

Option 1, Warsaw to Minsk by daily daytime trans

Option 2, Warsaw to Minsk by sleeper train

Back to top


Warsaw to Moscow & St Petersburg

Option 1, Warsaw to Moscow by direct sleeper train, suspended due to sanctions

The train from Warsaw to Moscow uses Russian air-conditioned sleeping-cars, pictured below, with compartments which can be used as 1st class 2-berth or 2nd class 4-berth (shown below right), with a shower & toilets at the end of the corridor.  See panorama photo inside one of the new Russian sleepers.

A modern Russian sleeping-car of the sort used on the Polonez   A 2-berth or 4-berth compartment in daytime mode

Option 2, Warsaw to Moscow via Kyiv, avoiding Belarus and the need for a Belarus transit visa.

Back to top


Warsaw to Athens & Greece

Option 1, Warsaw to Athens overland by train - currently not viable

Option 2, Warsaw to Athens by ferry from Italy - currently the most viable option

Superfast ferry from Bari to Patras in Greece

The ferry Superfast II from Bari to Patras, boarding at Bari.  Photos courtesy of DiscoverByRail.com.

Boarding the ferry from Italy to Greece   Lounge and reception desk on the ferry to Greece

The passenger gangway, onto the ferry.

 

Reception desk & lounge on the ferry.

Lounge & bar on the ferry from Italy to Greece   Self-service restaurant on the ferry from Italy to Greece

Lounge and bar on the Superfast II.

 

Self-service restaurant.

En suite toilet & shower on ferry to Greece   Cabin on ferry from Italy to Greece

Private cabin with en suite toilet & shower.

Scenic views from the ferry from Italy to Greece

The ferry passes Cephalonia & Ithaca then approaches mainland Greece.  This is what travel to Greece should be like!

The ferry from Bari arrives at Patras

The ferry approaches the new port of Patras.

Back to top


Warsaw to Istanbul

Back to top


Hotels in Warsaw

Polonia Palace Hotel & Hotel Bristol

Room at the Polonia Palace   Polonia Palace Hotel

A double room at the Polonia Palace.

 

The Polonia Palace from the viewing terrace of the Palace of Culture.

Find hotels at Booking.comMy favourite hotel search: www.booking.com

Booking.com is my favourite hotel booking site and I generally use it to book all my hotels in one place.  I've come to trust booking.com's review scores, you won't be disappointed with any hotel that scores 8.0 or more.  Crucially, booking.com usually lets you book with free cancellation, which means you can confirm accommodation risk-free before train booking opens and/or you can hold accommodation while you finalise your itinerary and alter your plans as they evolve - a feature I use all the time when planning a trip.  I never book hotels non-refundably!

Backpacker hostels

www.hostelworld.com:  If you're on a tight budget, don't forget about backpacker hostels.  Hostelworld offers online booking of cheap private rooms or dorm beds in backpacker hostels in most cities at rock-bottom prices.

Back to top


Back to home page