Reserving seats on PKP trains raises many questions, especially for season ticket holders. While reservation costs are generally included in the ticket price, there are exceptions. Understanding when and why it's worth investing in a specific seat can significantly improve travel comfort and minimize costs. Learn about the changes for passengers starting in June 2024 and how to use the modern e-IC system for even better rail travel planning.
How much does it cost to reserve a seat on PKP and when is it free?
When traveling by long-distance train, you usually don't have to worry about additional reservation costs, as they're included in the ticket price. However, season tickets are an exception, as the rules are slightly different. For these, additional fees or specific reservation conditions apply to the following services:
- seat on TLK class trains,
- reservation in IC category trains,
- choosing a comfortable couchette on night routes,
- a place in a sleeping car of a higher standard,
- mandatory seat reservation on Pendolino trains.
On Pendolino trains, a reservation fee is always mandatory, and its amount depends on how far in advance you plan your departure and the current occupancy of the train. These fees were introduced in response to the problem of empty reservations, which made travel planning difficult for other passengers. This issue even drew the attention of the Commissioner for Human Rights, which led to a tightening of the system. Currently, PKP Intercity automatically adds a 3 złoty fee when charging the ticket to the card. This solution has made finding an empty seat much easier, significantly improving travel comfort.
When is it worth paying extra for a guaranteed seat on the train?
Providing for yourself a specific location is the key to comfortable journey, especially during the busy holiday season. Instead of spending hours standing in the corridor, it's better to book in advance. your own armchair and enjoy peace from the first minute of driving. Planning in advance also means relief for the wallet, because it allows you to take advantage of attractive pricing conditions. By choosing to book in advance, you gain a number of tangible benefits:
- attractive ticket prices in Promo Offer,
- discount 30% in the "Cheaper with Loved Ones" package,
- possibility of choosing a place at window or table,
- access to electrical outlet all the way,
- undisturbed peace in Silence Zone,
- the highest standard of train travel Pendolino.
Reservation system allows you to independently indicate the ideal point in the wagon, which facilitates regeneration and/ or work in concentrationThis makes each route predictable, and you can be sure that you will reach your destination on time. full comfort.
How do seat reservations work for season tickets?
From June 2024, passengers using monthly tickets and Multiprzejazd offers will face significant changes on IC and TLK trains. New regulations introduce a system in which the requirement for a reservation and its cost depend directly on the type of train being traveled. This solution aims to increase seat availability while maintaining a high standard of travel.
The key rules for booking seats are as follows:
- introduction of new regulations from June 2024,
- changes to cover holders of monthly tickets and Multiprzejazd offers,
- charging an additional fee for reserving a seat on IC and TLK trains,
- the ability to occupy any seats without reservation in Flirt (ED160) and ED74 trains,
- maintaining the absolute obligation to have a seat on Dart trains (ED161).
On trains where reservations are not required, passengers can freely choose available seats, remembering to give up their seats to those with reserved seats. On Dart trains, strict adherence to reservation rules helps avoid overcrowding and ensures passengers a comfortable journey.
How to purchase or return a seat reservation on PKP Intercity?
System e-IC This modern tool makes planning your train journey significantly easier. It gives you complete control over your seat selection, which is especially important for group travel. When planning your journey, however, it's worth remembering a few key rules regarding bookings and any changes to your order:
- selection of a specific place by interactive wagon diagram,
- possibility of resignation at the latest 5 minutes before departure train,
- zazwyczaj free date change departure,
- deduction 15% of the ticket value in the event of its complete return,
- additional fee 20 PLN for purchase from the conductor at a station with an open ticket office,
- comfortable and automatic refund for online transactions.
Please note that the refund process for e-tickets is automatic, and the timeframe for receipt of funds depends on your bank's procedures. The situation is different for paper tickets – those purchased traditionally can only be returned to physical point of sale.