Whether you love long sandy beaches, romantic coastal towns, or long for a seaside break without long flights, the Polish Baltic coast is the perfect choice. In this guide — Polish Seaside: Everything You Need to Know for Your Baltic Holiday — I will share practical tips and highlight the best destinations to make your trip memorable. This year, the Czech Republic offers excellent train connections to the Polish seaside, which is gaining increasing popularity among Czech tourists. Travel by train to the Polish seaside and experience a holiday that will surprise you with its beauty, accessibility, and comfort.
TL;DR
- The new Baltic Express line connects Prague with the Polish Baltic coast from December 2024
- Four departures daily from Prague (6:51 AM, 10:51 AM, 2:50 PM, and 6:51 PM)
- Travel time: Prague-Gdańsk 8.5 hours, Prague-Gdynia 9 hours
- Ticket prices start from 750 CZK (to the Baltic) or 400 CZK (to Wrocław)
- Summer seasonal train runs from Bohumín directly to Hel (June-August)
- Main destinations: Gdańsk, Sopot, Gdynia and the Hel Peninsula
- Best time to visit: June to September for swimming (water temperature up to 25 °C)
- Advantages of the Polish coast: beautiful sandy beaches, affordable prices, fewer tourists than in Southern Europe
- What not to forget: ID card and travel insurance (e.g., SafetyWing)
- Accommodation tips: Radisson Blu Hotel Sopot, Mercure Gdańsk Stare Miasto, Hotel Hel or The Marine Plaza Sea Towers
By Train to the Polish Seaside: New Baltic Express Train Line – a Worry-Free Journey to the Baltic
The year 2025 brings great news for Czech travelers – the Baltic Express train line, which connects the Czech Republic directly with the Polish Baltic Sea coast. This line, introduced in December 2024, offers the fastest and most comfortable way to get from Prague to the Baltic coast.
The Baltic Express departs from Prague Main Station four times a day, specifically at 6:51 AM, 10:51 AM, 2:50 PM, and 6:51 PM. In the Czech Republic, it also stops in Kolín, Pardubice, Ústí nad Orlicí, Letohrad, Jablonné nad Orlicí, and Lichkov. It then continues to Poland, stopping in cities such as Kłodzko, Wrocław, Poznań, Bydgoszcz, and finally takes you to the popular Tricity, which consists of Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia.
The journey from Prague to Gdańsk takes only 8.5 hours, which is truly impressive given the distance. You will reach the final destination Gdynia in 9 hours. If a stop in Wrocław appeals to you, you’ll be there in less than 4 hours from your departure from Prague.
Modern Baltic Express train sets offer all the comfort for a pleasant journey – Wi-Fi connection, air conditioning, comfortable seats, and refreshment options. You can enjoy the journey while watching the landscape change until beautiful views of the Baltic Sea finally appear.
💡Read also: What to do in Wrocław
How much Do Tickets Cost and where to Buy Them?
Baltic Express ticket prices start at 750 CZK if you travel all the way to the Baltic. If you plan to visit Wrocław, you can get a ticket from 400 CZK. The general rule is: the earlier you buy your ticket, the better price you’ll get.
For your trip to Poland, you can use several types of tickets:
- Early Bird Europe ticket offers cheaper prices when purchased well in advance. These tickets are available in limited numbers, so it’s good not to leave the purchase until the last minute.
- Basic NRT tickets (Non Integrated Reservation Ticket) are valid for 4 days without being tied to a specific train, which gives you greater flexibility when traveling.
- Discounted City Star return tickets are suitable for travel with a return no later than 1 month and are more cost-effective than two one-way tickets.
You can purchase tickets in several ways:
- On the Czech Railways e-shop
- In the My Train mobile app
- At the ticket counter
- By phone at 221 111 122 (for a fee of 50 CZK)
Don’t forget that long-distance trains in Poland from the carrier PKP IC always require a mandatory seat reservation, so secure your seat in advance.
Accommodation on the Polish Baltic Coast
On the Polish coast, you’ll find a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury hotels to apartments and campsites. However, during the summer season, we recommend booking your accommodation well in advance.
In Gdańsk, you can find accommodation in the historic center, which will allow you to easily explore the city. For example, Mercure Gdańsk Stare Miasto or Radisson Blu Hotel.
In Sopot, you can choose from many seaside guesthouses and hotels of various price categories. Check out Radisson Blu Hotel Sopot or Vibe Hostel Sopot.
Gdynia, on the other hand, offers modern hotels and cozy guesthouses, often at more favorable prices than in Gdańsk or Sopot. We recommend Sea Towers Luxury Apartment.
On the Hel Peninsula, you can stay in smaller guesthouses or rent an apartment. Accommodation here is highly sought after in the summer, so it’s good to book well in advance. Hotel Hel is highly rated.
Where to Go by Train to the Polish Seaside?
The Baltic coast in Poland offers many beautiful places worth visiting. Thanks to the Baltic Express train connection, you can easily reach these destinations:
Gdańsk
Gdańsk is a charming historic city with a rich past and beautiful architecture. As you walk through the city, you’ll be captivated by the historic center with its famous medieval crane, the Royal Way, and the Long Market (Długi Targ) with the magnificent Neptune’s Fountain. Be sure to also visit St. Mary’s Basilica, which is one of the largest brick churches in the world.
For history lovers, there is the Museum of the Second World War and the European Solidarity Centre, which tells the story of the anti-communist movement. After a day full of discoveries, you can relax on some of the local beaches, such as Brzeźno or Stogi. Stogi Beach is among the widest Polish beaches, with an impressive width of 130 meters, and has received the Blue Flag award for its cleanliness.
Sopot
Sopot is an elegant seaside resort with a beautiful 4.3 km long and over 100 meters wide sandy beach with a gentle entry into the sea. This beach also received the Blue Flag award, which is given only to the cleanest beaches in the world.
The city is known for its longest wooden pier in Europe, which stretches 511 meters into the sea. In Sopot, you will also find the famous “Crooked House” (Krzywy Domek), which is part of a shopping center, and its unusual design attracts tourists from all over the world.
Gdynia
Gdynia is a modern port city that forms the so-called Tricity together with Gdańsk and Sopot. The city offers not only beautiful beaches but also a number of attractions such as the Gdynia Aquarium, a maritime museum with historic ships, or parks for relaxation. From the port, you can take a cruise around Gdańsk Bay.
Hel
Hel is a picturesque town at the end of the peninsula of the same name, which stretches into the sea like a thin strip of land. It offers beautiful beaches on both the open sea side and the calmer bay side. The water on the bay side is warmer and calmer, which is especially appreciated by families with children.
Hel also has a Seal Sanctuary (Fokárium) – a place where you can observe seals, and a Fisheries Museum, which presents the history of fishing in the Baltic Sea.
Why Go on Holiday to the Baltic?
The Baltic Sea in Poland has a lot to offer and can, in many ways, compete with southern seaside destinations. The Baltic coast has:
Beautiful Sandy Beaches
It might surprise you, but on the Baltic, you’ll find beautiful sandy beaches that are among the widest and cleanest in Europe. The beaches are often surrounded by pine forests and sand dunes, creating a unique seaside atmosphere.
A Calmer Holiday
Compared to overcrowded resorts in the Mediterranean, the Polish coast offers a calmer and more relaxed holiday. Even in high season, you’ll find places here where you can enjoy peace and privacy.
Affordable Prices
Poland is still more affordable than many other seaside destinations. You’ll pay less for accommodation, food, and other services here than, for example, in Croatia or Italy.
Excellent Cuisine
Polish cuisine has a lot to offer – fresh fish prepared in various ways, traditional Polish specialties like pierogi (filled dumplings) or bigos (stewed cabbage with meat), and of course, international cuisine. Coastal towns also offer excellent cafes and pastry shops.
Combination of Beach and Culture
On the Polish coast, you can combine relaxing on the beach with exploring rich history and culture. Cities like Gdańsk offer numerous historical monuments, museums, and cultural events.
Practical Information for Traveling by Train to Poland
We’ve put together some practical information for you before your train trip to Poland.
What to Arrange before your Trip?
Before traveling to Poland, don’t forget to arrange these essentials:
Travel Documents
Poland is a member of the European Union and the Schengen Area, so Czech citizens only need an ID card to travel. If you are traveling with children under 15, they must have their own travel document.
Travel Insurance
Although Poland is an EU member and you can use your European Health Insurance Card here, we recommend arranging comprehensive travel insurance. This will protect you in case of injury, illness, or other problems and can save you significant financial resources. We recommend SafetyWing.
Currency
In Poland, the currency is the Polish Złoty (PLN). You can exchange money in the Czech Republic or directly in Poland, where exchange rates are often more favorable. In larger cities and tourist areas, you can easily pay by card and withdraw cash from ATMs. For international payments, try Revolut.
Advantages of Train Travel
Traveling by train to Poland has many advantages over other modes of transport:
- Comfort and space: On the train, you have plenty of legroom and can walk around anytime.
- Beautiful views: During the journey, you can enjoy the views you pass through.
- No stressful situations: You avoid traffic jams and searching for parking spaces.
- Eco-friendly transport: Trains are more environmentally friendly than cars or planes.
- Productive time: During the journey, you can work, read, or simply relax.
What to Pack?
For a holiday by the Baltic Sea, don’t forget to pack:
- Swimsuit and beach towel,
- high-factor sunscreen (you can get sunburned even by the Baltic),
- a light jacket or hoodie for evenings, which can be cooler,
- comfortable footwear for walks on beaches and in cities,
- basic medicines and toiletries,
- insurance card and travel insurance documents.
TIP: What to pack for a seaside holiday
FAQ
Is the water in the Baltic Sea warm enough for swimming?
Yes, in the summer months, the water temperature in the Baltic Sea reaches a pleasant 20-25 °C, which is ideal for swimming. The water tends to be warmer in bays and cooler in the open sea.
What about the language barrier in Poland?
In tourist areas, you’ll be able to communicate in English, especially with younger people. Additionally, Polish has many similarities with Czech, so basic communication is usually possible even without knowing Polish.
Are Polish beaches clean?
Yes, many Polish beaches have received the Blue Flag award, which is given for cleanliness and quality of services. Beaches are regularly cleaned and maintained in good condition.
Can I travel by train to Poland with a dog?
Yes, small animals can travel in special carriers. Larger dogs must wear a muzzle and be on a leash. A special fee applies for animal transport.
Tips and Tricks for Your Vacation
Don’t Overpay for Flights
Search for flights on Kayak. It’s our favorite search engine because it scans the websites of all airlines and always finds the cheapest connection.
Book Your Accommodation Smartly
The best experiences we’ve had when looking for accommodation (from Alaska to Morocco) are with Booking.com, where hotels, apartments, and entire houses are usually the cheapest and most widely available.
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance
Good travel insurance will protect you against illness, accidents, theft, or flight cancellations. We’ve had a few hospital visits abroad, so we know how important it is to have proper insurance arranged.
Where we insure ourselves: SafetyWing (best for everyone) and TrueTraveller (for extra-long trips).
Why don’t we recommend any Czech insurance company? Because they have too many restrictions. They set limits on the number of days abroad, travel insurance via a credit card often requires you to pay medical expenses only with that card, and they frequently limit the number of returns to the Czech Republic.
Find the Best Experiences
Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can book guided walks, trips, skip-the-line tickets, tours, and much more. We always find some extra fun there!
