The primary means of transport for budget travellers in Poland is by train, and the PKP railway system runs three main types. Express services (ekspresowy), particularly IC (intercity) or EC (eurocity), stop at major cities only, and seat reservations (miejscówka; 10–12.50zl) are compulsory.

The cheapest way to travel between cities in Poland in 2026 is typically via long-distance bus companies like FlixBus or the state-owned regional buses. If booked in advance, tickets between major cities like Warsaw and Kraków can cost as little as 25-40 PLN (€6-€9). For those who prefer the speed of rail, the PKP Intercity trains offer "Super Promo" tickets for those who book at least 30 days in advance. Within cities, public transport is incredibly affordable; most cities offer 24-hour or 72-hour passes for under €10, which cover all trams, buses, and subways. Another highly popular budget option in Poland is BlaBlaCar, a ride-sharing service that connects you with drivers heading in the same direction for a fraction of the cost of a train. For students or EU citizens under 26, there are significant 51% discounts on all state-run rail travel, making the train almost unbeatable in price. If you are planning a very long journey across the country, checking low-cost carriers like Ryanair or Wizz Air for "domestic" hops can sometimes be cheaper than a last-minute train ticket, provided you travel with only a personal item.