Record Weekend for PKP Intercity. Over One Million Passengers in a Few Days

Nearly 1.4 million people used PKP Intercity trains during the long November weekend. The national operator once again recorded an increase in passenger numbers, with the highest traffic on 11 November. Additional coaches were added to maintain capacity and ensure comfortable travel.

Between 7 and 11 November, PKP Intercity trains carried almost 1.4 million passengers—about 100,000 more than during the May long weekend with a similar number of free days. According to the operator, interest in autumn railway travel continues to grow, particularly on tourist routes.

Increased traffic and additional coaches

The high volume of passengers was handled thanks to extra rolling stock and daily monitoring of load levels. PKP Intercity dispatchers tracked the occupancy of each train and added coaches when needed. Over the weekend, 463 trains were reinforced with a total of 826 additional coaches.

The busiest day was 11 November, when the Independence March took place in Warsaw. That day, 139 trains received 303 extra coaches, significantly increasing available seating and reducing crowding.

Most popular routes and extended trains

The most crowded connections were TLK Małopolska from Gdynia to Krynica-Zdrój and Zakopane, and IC Malinowski from Warsaw to the same destinations. Due to exceptionally high demand, both trains operated with 14 coaches—an uncommon length for regular services.

Double and triple trainsets

To further expand capacity, the operator deployed double electric trainsets on selected routes. ED160 Flirt units ran in double formation between Warsaw and Kraków, between Kraków and Olsztyn, and between Olsztyn and Łódź. ED161 Dart units also ran in double formation on routes linking Warsaw with Wrocław and Białystok with Łódź.

On the Kraków – Zagórz – Kraków route, triple SD85 diesel units were used, providing noticeably more seats on this busy mountain connection.