Train or Plane for Travel within Poland?

For the most part, no need to hassle with airports/planes, just use Poland's EIP high speed trains, Krakow to Warsaw to Gdansk, city center to city center. The only time I would consider a plane in your case would be traveling directly from Gdansk to Krakow.

considering how short the distances are, you would spend more time getting to and from the airport plus the check-in 90 minutes prior wait time, than the flights themselves.

See the train planner of PKP, the Polish national railways, for the schedules. Even Krakow to Gdansk - crossing almost the whole country from south to north - only takes 5 1/2 hrs.

We used the trains to go from Wroclaw to Gdansk then to Warsaw last July. Buy first class tickets, not too much extra. The trains are lovely and the stations easy to get to. We purchased the tickets when we arrived in Krakow. Same price no matter when you purchase. We had a lovely ride, was able to catch up on my journal and we all had a nice, comfy nap. A no stress way to travel.

Thanks so much all for your input; it was really helpful! I had planned on planes, but I'm definitely now taking trains -- specifically the EIP. A separate but related question: I'm assuming that a flight from Vilnius, Lithuania to Warsaw is the most sensible way to travel, but please let me know if you feel otherwise. Thanks again, Janette

We were happy in 2nd class on Polish trains.

From Vilnius to Warsaw, I think flying is the best way. You could take a bus but it is a long trip.

Thanks EEF, I appreciate it! Janette

Thank you for our post Janette as I had checked flights around Poland where I'm visiting in October, 2019. I wanted to take trains but my Serbian American friend thought it wasn't safe for women alone? If anyone can speak to this topic I'd appreciate it. Sherri

it wasn't safe for women alone
I've been on a lot of Polish trains and I cannot imagine anything happening to women. Does your friend have any concrete reasons to think otherwise?

Thank you Tonfromleiden,
Possibly just my friend's husband's worry? Seems unfounded from your comment.
Sherri

No problem with taking Polish trains, I always rode in 2nd class, nice and satisfactory. The routes taken were Warsaw to Krakow, Berlin to Warsaw, Poznan to Torun, Poznan to Berlin, Szczecin to Gdansk, Gdansk to Malbork, and Krakow to Berlin.

Hi!
As a Polish person I can assure you that trains in Poland are safe. Regardless if you take 1st of 2nd class.
Usually train stations are closer to city centres than airports so it's more convinient for you as well.

Have a great time in Poland!
Pity you're not coming to Poznan :)

Actually Tom a question:

Is Posen the same as Poznan, or is one German and the other Polish?

Thank you, Sherri

Fred,

Thank you for your reply, I'm getting the message that my friend and I don't have to worry taking trains.

Sherri

@ Sherri......Yes, you're welcome. Posen was the German name for the city on the Warta River and the province. The province of Posen was awarded to Prussia at the Congress of Vienna by the Allied Powers instrumental in defeating Napoleon. The 1914 German border was a few miles east of the city. Cross that border you were entering Russian Poland, if you want to label it geographically, the Vistula salient.

After WW2 the city and province were known as Poznan, which is currently the name.