Poznań is one of Poland’s busiest rail hubs, with Poznań Główny Station serving 24.9 million passengers in 2023, making it the second busiest in the country. It offers seamless domestic and international train connections, modern facilities, and convenient access to the city’s tram and bus networks. Here’s what you need to know:
- Main Station: Poznań Główny, centrally located at Dworcowa 1.
- Train Services: High-speed, overnight, and regional trains by PKP Intercity, Polregio, and Koleje Wielkopolskie.
- International Routes: Direct trains to Berlin, Paris, and Moscow.
- Domestic Routes: Frequent connections to Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, and more.
- Facilities: Shopping center, comfortable waiting areas, and park-and-ride options.
For tickets, you can book online, via mobile apps, or at station counters. Once in Poznań, the city’s public transit system makes it easy to explore top attractions like the Old Market Square, Imperial Castle, and Malta Lake.
Train Stations in Poznań
Poznań Główny Station
Poznań Główny, located at Dworcowa 1 in the heart of Poznań, is the city’s main railway hub. It sits at the crossroads of several major rail lines, including Warsaw–Kunowice, Wrocław–Poznań, Kluczbork–Poznań, Poznań–Szczecin, and Poznań–Piła. Recent upgrades have turned the station into a modern transport hub that also doubles as a shopping destination.
Here’s a quick look at what the station offers:
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Transportation | Includes a coach terminal for easy connections |
| Shopping | Houses a center with 250 retail stores |
| Passenger Amenities | Booking hall and comfortable waiting areas |
| Parking | Park-and-ride options and bike-friendly lanes |
In addition to Poznań Główny, other facilities in the area support the city’s rail system.
Secondary Stations
Poznań is also served by smaller stations, such as Poznań Zachodni, which primarily handles regional train services.
Train Companies and Services
PKP Intercity Services
PKP Intercity connects Poznań with major cities in Poland and beyond through high-speed and overnight trains. With multiple daily departures, the network makes it easy to travel to places like Warsaw, Kraków, Gdańsk, and Berlin. While the focus is on intercity and international routes, local regional services ensure frequent connections within the country.
Regional Train Services
Polregio serves smaller towns in the Wielkopolska region, offering regular trains to destinations such as Gniezno, Konin, and Leszno. Koleje Wielkopolskie runs commuter routes within the Poznań metropolitan area, providing frequent service to nearby suburbs and municipalities.
Train Routes and Connections
Cross-border Trains
Poznań plays a key role as an international rail hub, linking major European cities. Trains like EuroCity (EC) and EuroExpress Intercity (EIC) connect Berlin with stops at Frankfurt (Oder) and Rzepin near the German–Polish border [1]. EuroNight (EN) services cover the Paris–Moscow route, with stops in Strasbourg, Berlin, Frankfurt (Oder), Poznań, Warsaw, Brest, Minsk, and Moscow [1].
| International Route | Train Services | Key Stops |
|---|---|---|
| Berlin – Warsaw | EC, EIC | Frankfurt (Oder), Rzepin, Poznań, Kutno, Warsaw |
| Berlin – Gdynia | EC | Frankfurt (Oder), Rzepin, Poznań, Bydgoszcz, Gdańsk, Gdynia |
| Paris – Moscow | EN | Strasbourg, Berlin, Frankfurt (Oder), Poznań, Warsaw, Brest, Minsk, Moscow |
In addition to these international services, Poznań is a central part of Poland’s domestic rail network.
Polish Train Routes
Poznań is well-connected to major Polish cities through several key routes:
- Warsaw: High-speed trains operate multiple times daily.
- Gdańsk: Direct services run via Bydgoszcz.
- Wrocław: Frequent connections are available throughout the day.
- Szczecin: Regular trains link Poznań to this northern port city.
- Kraków: Both express and overnight options are offered.
These routes feature modern trains with a range of service classes to suit different travel needs.
Buying Train Tickets
Where to Buy Tickets
You can purchase train tickets for PKP S.A., Poland’s national railway operator, through several convenient options. Tickets are available online through their official website or mobile app. Prefer buying in person? Visit ticket offices at major train stations, such as Poznań Główny.
Ticket Options
Train tickets come in various classes to suit different budgets and comfort levels. Prices for domestic travel start at about $29, while international routes begin around $56. Here are the available classes:
- Economy Class: Basic seating at an affordable price.
- First Class: Offers more comfortable seating and extra space.
- Business Class: Features modern amenities and a more premium experience.
Polish Trains Explained – Avoid Common Mistakes!
Station to City Transport
Poznań’s train stations offer several ways to get to your destination. Poznań Główny is well-integrated with the city’s public transit system, operated by ZTM Poznań (Zarząd Transportu Miejskiego w Poznaniu).
From Poznań Główny, you can easily access ZTM’s network of trams, buses, and night lines, which connect to key areas in the city. Secondary train stations also have reliable bus services that link to the city center and major attractions, making it easy to navigate the area.
For a more direct option, taxis and rideshare services are readily available at all Poznań train stations.
City Transport System
Poznań’s public transit system, managed by ZTM Poznań (Zarząd Transportu Miejskiego w Poznaniu), offers a network of trams, buses, and night buses that cover the entire city. The system also provides convenient ticketing options and digital tools to enhance the travel experience.
Ticket Options and Pricing
Travelers can choose from a range of time-based tickets:
| Ticket Type | Standard | Discount |
|---|---|---|
| 15-min Single Ride | $0.95 | $0.48 |
| 45-min Single Ride | $1.43 | $0.71 |
| 90-min Single Ride | $1.90 | $0.95 |
| 24-hour Zone A | $3.57 | $1.79 |
| 7-day Zone A | $11.90 | $5.95 |
| 30-day Metropolitan | $28.33 | – |
Prices are approximate and converted from PLN to USD based on April 2025 exchange rates.
PEKA Card and tPortmonetka
The PEKA card is a smart travel option offering the tPortmonetka feature. Fares start at about $0.17 per stop, calculated based on the number of stops traveled. Simply tap your card when boarding and alighting for automatic fare calculation.
Understanding Fare Zones
Poznań’s Zone A covers the entire city, including major tourist spots and business areas. Zones B, C, and D extend into the metropolitan region, allowing seamless travel to nearby areas.
Night Bus Services
Night buses run around the clock and use the same fare system as daytime services, making late-night travel convenient.
Digital Tools and Ticketing
ZTM Poznań offers online timetables and real-time updates through its website. Tickets can be purchased at vending machines, authorized retailers, or via mobile apps compatible with the transit system.
Sightseeing by Public Transport
Poznań’s well-connected public transit system makes it simple to reach its cultural and historical landmarks. Arriving by train to Poznań Główny Station gives you immediate access to trams and buses that can take you straight to the city’s top attractions.
Old Market Square and Old Town
Dating back to 1253, the Old Market Square is the historic center of Poznań. A tram ride from the main station will bring you to this lively area, where you can soak in the atmosphere and visit spots like the famous Croissant Museum.
Imperial Castle
This grand castle, the last imperial residence in Europe, is just a tram ride away from Poznań Główny. The castle complex offers guided tours and hosts various cultural events throughout the year.
Cathedral Island (Ostrów Tumski)
Known as Poland’s birthplace, this historic district is home to the stunning Poznań Cathedral and the interactive ICHOT – Gate of Poznań heritage center. Check out the table below for more transit details on nearby attractions.
Cytadela Park
A 247-acre green space, Cytadela Park is a former fortress turned into a serene recreational area. It’s just a 25-minute bus ride from the main station.
| Attraction | Transport Type | Travel Time | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Malta Lake Complex | Tram/Bus | 30 min | Artificial lake with sports facilities |
| Poznań Zoo | Maltanka Train | 45 min | 113-hectare park; second largest zoo in Poland |
| Termy Maltańskie | Tram/Bus | 35 min | Aquapark and thermal pools |
| Enigma Code Center | Tram | 15 min | Interactive cryptology museum |
The Maltanka narrow-gauge railway operates seasonally from April 30 to October 3, connecting Śródka roundabout to the zoo along Malta Lake.
Planning Your Visit
For real-time transit directions, visit jakdojade.pl. Consider getting the Poznań City Card, which includes unlimited public transport and access to multiple attractions.
"Data from Poznan Municipal Council states that only every 20 people traveling to Poland visit Poznan." This statistic underscores the city’s well-preserved landmarks and efficient transit system, making it a quieter yet rewarding destination in Poland.
Travel by Season
Poznań’s trains operate year-round, but schedules shift seasonally to match tourist demand and local events. These changes make it easier to plan your trip at the right time.
Spring (March–May)
In April, the Maltanka Park Railway starts its weekend-only service, offering a picturesque route from Śródka roundabout to the New Zoo. Tickets cost 14 PLN [3]. The mild spring weather makes it a pleasant time to travel.
Summer (June–August)
Train services hit their highest frequency during the summer. One highlight of the season is the Saint John’s Fair (Jarmark Świętojański), held in late June at Poznań’s Old Market Square and nearby streets. This event brings cultural activities and local crafts, drawing larger crowds.
"The Saint John’s Fair was revived in 1975 by President Andrzej Wituski, inspired by the Grand-Place in Brussels, and was temporarily connected with the Poznań International Fair. During this time, it offered scarce goods not typically available in shops." [2]
Fall (September–November)
The Maltanka Park Railway continues to run through early October, offering one last chance for a scenic ride before winter. Regular train schedules remain stable, though shorter daylight hours might impact evening travel.
Winter (December–February)
Winter train schedules see slight reductions in frequency on some routes, and heavy snowfall can occasionally cause delays. Be prepared for these minor adjustments during colder months.
| Season | Key Details | Special Services |
|---|---|---|
| Spring | Maltanka Railway reopens (April) | Weekend-only Maltanka service |
| Summer | Saint John’s Fair (June) | Peak train frequency |
| Fall | Final Maltanka rides (early October) | Regular service continues |
| Winter | Potential weather-related delays | Adjusted winter schedules |
Holiday Period Considerations
Train schedules often change during major Polish holidays and festivals. Expect increased passenger numbers during events like the Saint John’s Fair [2].
Quick Facts
Here’s an overview of Poznań’s rail network:
Main Station: Poznań Główny, located at Dworcowa 1, serves 24.9 million passengers every year [1].
Major Routes:
- International: Direct trains to Berlin, Frankfurt (Oder), and Moscow [1].
- Domestic: Connections to Warsaw, Gdańsk, Gdynia, Kraków, and Szczecin [1].
Key Train Services:
| Service | Route | Operators |
|---|---|---|
| EuroCity | Berlin-Warsaw | DB and PKP [1] |
| EuroNight | Paris-Moscow | RZD [1] |
| Express Intercity | Szczecin-Warsaw | PKP [1] |
| Intercity | Wrocław-Gdynia | PKP [1] |
Railway Junction: Poznań Główny links five major rail lines [1]:
- Warsaw–Kunowice
- Wrocław–Poznań
- Kluczbork–Poznań
- Poznań–Szczecin
- Poznań–Piła
Station Ranking: In 2023, Poznań Główny was Poland’s second busiest train station [1].
Main Operators:
- PKP Intercity: Handles long-distance and international routes.
- Polregio: Focuses on regional services.
"The EuroCity (EC) service, operated jointly by DB (German Railways) and PKP (Polish State Railways), runs from Berlin to Warsaw via Frankfurt (Oder), Rzepin, Poznań, and Kutno" [1].
For more details, see the sections above.