Warning for Mazovia passengers: trains slow to 20 km/h

11 September 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

Travel disruption is likely on Sept 11 as the Mazovia train protest will slow trains to 20 km/h. Plan extra time and check carrier updates.

Warning for passengers in Mazovia. The Mazovia train protest will slow trains to 20 km/h on September 11. Consequently, commuters from Warsaw and the region should expect delays and interruptions.

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Mazovia train protest: what happened and why it matters

A fatal derailment in Sokolniki Suche prompted the action. Moreover, a PKP Intercity passenger train hit a truck on a level crossing. As a result one passenger died and several people suffered injuries. Therefore the national machinists’ union called for an all-day protest. In addition, the union asked drivers to pass every level crossing at no more than 20 km/h on the strike day.

How the protest will affect travel on September 11

The union plans to start the protest at midnight and run it for 24 hours. Consequently, trains will slow before each crossing. As a result, individual services may gain minutes that become hours over a route. However, operators do not plan a full shutdown. PKP Intercity said it will deploy replacement buses where trains cannot run. Moreover, carriers agreed to accept each other’s tickets on most services, except Intercity EIP trains. Therefore passengers may find alternative options on the day.

What operators and authorities say

PKP Intercity issued a passenger notice and prepared contingency plans. In addition, the company will station roaming information staff. They will work at Warsaw Central, Warsaw West and Warsaw East stations. However, the transport minister criticized the move as too radical. Consequently, officials called for talks. Yet union leaders said the action has broad support among drivers. Therefore the protest remains scheduled.

Passengers can request refunds without penalty for tickets valid on September 11. Moreover, carriers urge travellers to check the Portal Pasażera and operator channels before leaving home. In addition to timetables, check platform information and bus replacement notices. Consequently, allow at least double the usual time to reach airports, hospitals or appointments.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you are an expat travelling in Poland, plan for delays and know basic local systems. For example, ZUS means the social security office (ZUS – social security), NFZ runs public healthcare (NFZ – national health fund), PESEL is the national ID number used for many services (PESEL – personal ID number), and a mandat refers to a fine issued by police or officials (mandat – fine). In addition, keep your travel documents and ticket receipts with you. Therefore you can prove your booking if you need a refund or substitution.

For residents of Mazovia, the protest may hit commuter corridors hardest. Consequently thousands of passengers who use routes through Warsaw could see knock-on delays. Moreover, long-distance services that traverse the region could carry delays across Poland. Therefore travellers should consider alternatives such as earlier trains or road transport where possible.

Finally, remember that the protest stems from safety concerns over level crossings. Operators and unions cite a perceived deterioration in crossing protection. As a result, the tragic accident in Sokolniki Suche acted as a catalyst for the national response. Therefore expect ongoing debate and possible policy moves after the protest.

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