Rail Connections between Poland and Neighbouring States

Purpose: The aim of the study was to identify differences between the use of Poland's rail links with neighbouring countries in passenger traffic. Design/Methodology/Approach: The research investigated the use of railway border points in Poland for passenger traffic. The scope of the analysis included the status in 2024 and the changes that have occurred since 2004, when Poland became a member of the European Union. The study was based on an analysis of train timetables and a literature search to determine the context of the suspension or reactivation of connections through a particular border point. Findings: If we compare the years 2004 and 2024, out of 37 railway border points, there was an increase in passenger trains at 20, a decrease at 7, while at 6, there was no change and the remaining 4 were closed to passenger traffic throughout the analysis period. There was a clear improvement in the offer at the German, Czech and Ukrainian borders. In contrast, services to Belarus and Russia were completely discontinued for geopolitical reasons. In the case of Slovakia, the number of trains and active border points fluctuated during the analysis period. Practical Implications: The analysis carried out in conjunction with the results of previous studies on passenger transport in Poland indicate that a pro-railway policy of border regions can also influence the development of cross-border connections – subject to the fact that this is an internal EU border. Originality/Value: This article is part of my long-term research into the functioning of rail transport in Poland. Twenty years of Poland's membership in the EU inspired this analysis and an update of earlier research conducted by various authors in this field.