Public Transport: A (Very) Quick Guide To Using Trains In Gdańsk
Last Updated: 28 June 2026
After having booked flights to Gdańsk only eleven days prior, I hadn’t done too much searching for what to see or do whilst there. What I had planned then went out the window almost as soon as I got there anyway.
I just went with what I felt like doing on the day but I did end up coming across some helpful things about transport options by accident…
*Times and prices correct as of August 2023 | **Times and prices correct as of June 2026
Using local transport rather than guided day trips
This is more of a suggestion and depends on several factors – for example, what you want from a tour. Another biggie is how accessible and easy the public transport system is to use to get to your intended destination.
Disclaimer, I did use the local trains to Sopot, but didn’t make it to Malbork in the end.
However, when I decided to shortlist it as a possible activity, and after considering whether paying from **£79+ for a guided tour with transport to Malbork Castle was worth it, a quick Google search showed me that it was possible to use public transport and get a guide/audio guide upon admission.
There are trains direct from Gdańsk Glowny station to Malbork which takes around 25 – 40* minutes depending on the train, with around a 15 minute walk from Malbork train station to Malbork Castle.
Tickets were approximately £5 - £19* for first class or £3.70 - £12* for second class, booked via the PKP Intercity website.
There are several ticket options for Malbork Castle, and either a guide or audio guide is mandatory. Normal ticket prices** per tour:-
- Historical route (3½ hrs): 80zł (approx. £16)**
- Castle Grounds route (1½ hrs): 35zł (approx. £7)** - This route is available for free on Mondays; however free tickets only available on site
- Three castles tickets (Malbork/Sztum/Kwidzyn): 105zł (approx. £21)**
Click here for further information, opening hours and ticket options.
I also used the PKP Intercity site to look up and book a train from Gdańsk Glowny to Sopot and back. This was easy and clear to book, but it took me a minute to figure out exactly which train and platform I was meant to be getting on.
I ended up buying two direct singles as I was still trying to figure out the coding/service system (as you'll see below).
Pros: may be cheaper overall ● may be just as quick to get there as guided transport ● have more freedom to spend time for activity or exploring the surrounding areas
Cons: may take some time to understand the public transport/booking system ● may face fines if you end up on the wrong train/ticket ● may prefer the convenience of not having to figure logistics out
Figuring out the train codes system
My Sopot trip would have been less than £6* had it not been for my initial confusion, resulting in multiple tickets.
I come from a place where the buses and trains are public-owned by one company; plus, it doesn’t matter which service/time you jump on if it’s the same route – so it may just be me getting caught out with this one..
Using the Intercity site, it was easy to search for and book a train that would take me from Gdańsk Glowny to Sopot station without any changes. What initially caused my confusion was matching the specific service code that I had bought a ticket for with the actual train that pulled up, particularly in the midst of many delays on the same route.
For example, the outbound ticket I bought was for an IC service. However, the next one that turned up at the platform was the previously delayed service, which was not the same service code I had purchased a ticket for.
Despite the stops and route being exactly the same, I wasn’t sure if it mattered and I didn’t want to risk getting a big fine for the sake of a few quid more, so I just purchased a second ticket (EIP) and hoped it was the right service next.
It was on the way back to Gdańsk that I realised it may have been different train companies providing the same route/stops, hence different service numbers and codes - my Google search showed that there were also REG services available.
The original outbound ticket (1st class) to Sopot cost me £1.85* whilst the second ticket (2nd class) cost me £8*, meaning I could have got there for less than £2* had I not panic-bought the second ticket, oops!
The inbound ticket (2nd class) back to Gdańsk cost £3.90*. So even though I could have done it for cheaper (less than £6*), a saunter out to Sopot and back cost me 67zł* which meant that even with my confusion, I still paid less than £15*.
I was happy enough to spend a little more buying a second ticket because it was better than a big fine and it was a cheap enough mistake to make. I’ll know next time how to figure it out and what to look out for when booking and locating the correct train.
I should also mention that all the tickets were purchased online whilst standing in the train stations and there was no issues with not having purchased further in advance.
As above, I booked via Intercity but perhaps PolishTrains will also be useful to look at when deciding which train to purchase a ticket for. It also clearly shows the service codes which will help make it more obvious which company is providing each particular service.
Pros: cheap tickets ● last-minute tickets readily available ● easy to search and book ● seat choice options available ● easy to use once you understand the system
Cons: may be a bit confusing at first if you aren’t used to a European/private-owned train system ● accumulative delays made it more confusing at first
It’s important to remember that these are just some of Gdańsk's transport options but whether you utilise them or stick to organised/guided tours will depend on your personal preferences, budget and time available for the chosen activity.
It was my first time using Polish public transport, but it would be my preference for transport methods when I visit Gdańsk in the future.