Safe from Crime for train travel in Eastern Europe?

As far as Poland goes, you'd be surprised at how modern the inter-city trains are between the main cities (there are regional ones that aren't as up to speed). Typical precautions apply on overnight trips...keep your valuables safe. The only difference I can think of in terms of Western vs. Eastern trains is their speed and upkeep (depends on how much investments they've made to upgrade their rolling stock and tracks). If you're used to the usual gypsy or shady character at a train station (or on the train), then you'll be fine. I don't think there's any reason to worry about greater crime...people are people everywhere, so just don't be a target for petty theft. Maintain control of your valuables and you should be fine. On any trip, investigate whether that trip can be made quicker by bus. This is the case sometimes.

My sister and I traveled by train from Warsaw to Krakow this past September, and loved the relaxing ride enjoying the scenery along the way. There were two young gentlemen that were seated with us and they were very nice even assisting us by lifting our luggage onto the rack. We also took an overnight train from Krakow to Prague and did not feel uncomfortable in the least. We were in a private sleeper compartment and the conductor did tell us to remember to lock the compartment door. We boarded the train about 10pm and arrived at our destination around 6am. Needless to say we slept most of the time we were on the train, but really were not fearful when either of us went down the corridor to use the bathroom. We love train travel and have not had any problems.

I haven't taken an overnight train yet in Poland, the last time I was on a train in Poland was over ten years ago. Last June I took the train in the CR, very pleasantly surprised, these CD trains, very modern, electronically equipped, if that's important to you, compared to the regional train I took in 2001. Same quality of trains in Hungary, which I rode on in 2015 r/t from Budapest...very comfortable and modern. Why "travel safe for a single American?" For any tourist? I travel solo and will be in Poland and the CR end of May/June, including a night train.

Agnes: Equating "gypsy" with shady character is a sad and regrettable stereotype.

Hungary, Romania, Poland and Lithuania are trying hard to rebrand (or properly brand) themselves as "Central" Europe.

I met a kid who stayed with us a few years back that took a train from Istanbul to Budapest. He was rolled in Romania by some individuals dressed in classic Gypsy garb; and I have heard a few similar stories but with a little personal care I would feel safe enough doing it. I haven't ridden a train in Poland or Lithuania but I suspect that they are as modern and safe as anything in the western world. I am going to guess, safer than many parts of the Chicago L.

I've ridden a number of trains in Hungary and have zero worries there.

Belarus is an authoritarian state and I would suspect its pretty safe as well. The only fear would be being stuck there when Russia invades. Come to think of it, that might make me a bit nervous about Lithuania as well.

And don't forget that the new Visa Free Belarus is only valid if you fly into Minsk, otherwise you need an expensive visa.

Equating "gypsy" with shady character is a sad and regrettable stereotype.

The word "or" (this group or that group) does not imply they are equal or the same. You're reading more into it than was meant. But I will offer my candid experience. I've come across Roma in Bosnia (Mostar and Sarajevo bus/train stations) and both experiences were not pleasant (overly aggressive kids), although I was not worried about my safety. While I know their plight is complicated and deserves much more explanation/nuance than this brief response, it doesn't serve anyone any good to go unprepared. If someone has no familiarity with Roma people around train stations, the experience could be an eye opening one (or totally neutral, which I think happens most of the time). My only point was to suggest that the OP may see more of them in Eastern Europe than the train systems he used in Western Europe, so having a basic familiarity helps.

Thanks everyone for the advice. I have traveled extensively on Amtrak, waited for trains at 300am in New York Penn Station, ridden subways by myself in Philly, Boston, NYC, Chicago, and Los Angeles and have never had a problem. Growing up in Philly, I have 6th sense. Probably no worse than riding MAX in Portland but I read horror stories.

Thanks, I didn't know Belarus visa exemption did not include trains.

The visa exemption have the Russians all worked up. They have re-manned all the boarder crossings and are moving some troops along the border in an attempt to intimidate Belarus. My guess is the next step will be to work up division between ethnic Russians and the rest of the country, then send in troops to "protect" the Russians like they have done in Ukraine and Georgia.

AND you must exit through the Minsk airport.