Winter Driving Conditions in Poland
Dec 13th, 2016, 06:10 PM
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Winter Driving Conditions in Poland
My husband and I plan on an 11 day trip to Krakow, Warsaw, Gdansk, Poznan, and Wroclaw at the end of January. We are from the southern United States, so we don't live where it snows. I know that snow tires are required for rental cars, but are the highways between those cities open and in good condition? Do they highways close due to snow ever? Basically, are the highways reliable enough that we are able to drive them without derailing our plans too much? We can take trains if we NEED to if that would be safer, but we typically prefer cars.
Dec 13th, 2016, 07:10 PM
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janisj, Thank you. Do you live there? I asked 1 person who lives there and she said that the main roads were fine since they are used to the winter weather, but she is the ONLY person I was able to get any info from. Everywhere else I looked really only addresses the snow tires and not the actual roads. I will definitely be keeping your advice in the mind!
Dec 13th, 2016, 08:30 PM
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Like janisj, I would take the trains without giving a second thought to a rental car, and not just because trains are easy and cheap and (most importantly) far safer, but also because it can be a wonderful way to encounter locals. For me, renting a car can make sense if it makes something possible that would not be possible by public transportation, but it is decidedly at the cost of experience.
I've never lived in Poland. I have lived in many parts of the US where snow is common, from light dustings to blizzards. And I've driven on roads covered with black ice, and in sleet, and in roads with a combination of snow and ice, and I've been in, and seen, all-too-many accidents. The problem is that you just can't predict what any road will be like -- even if you start off in perfectly clear conditions. What are you going to do if in the middle of nowhere when an ice storm unexpectedly leaves you spinning out of control? And for what?
If you do choose to rent a car, please give yourselves time to recover from jet lag before picking it up. Although many people are not aware of it, driving with jet lag is just as dangerous -- to yourselves and others -- as driving drunk. And the chief problem -- microsleeps -- are something you might not even be aware of and that you cannot prevent, not with caffeine or sleep on your flight or anything else.
Good luck!
I've never lived in Poland. I have lived in many parts of the US where snow is common, from light dustings to blizzards. And I've driven on roads covered with black ice, and in sleet, and in roads with a combination of snow and ice, and I've been in, and seen, all-too-many accidents. The problem is that you just can't predict what any road will be like -- even if you start off in perfectly clear conditions. What are you going to do if in the middle of nowhere when an ice storm unexpectedly leaves you spinning out of control? And for what?
If you do choose to rent a car, please give yourselves time to recover from jet lag before picking it up. Although many people are not aware of it, driving with jet lag is just as dangerous -- to yourselves and others -- as driving drunk. And the chief problem -- microsleeps -- are something you might not even be aware of and that you cannot prevent, not with caffeine or sleep on your flight or anything else.
Good luck!
Dec 13th, 2016, 08:51 PM
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<i> Winter Driving Conditions in Poland
Posted by: liztatern on Dec 13, 16 at 10:10pm</i>
I've driven around Poland in the summer and used buses and trains in deep winter. Do yourself a favor and forget about driving in winter.
Posted by: liztatern on Dec 13, 16 at 10:10pm</i>
I've driven around Poland in the summer and used buses and trains in deep winter. Do yourself a favor and forget about driving in winter.
Dec 13th, 2016, 11:17 PM
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I drove a rental in winter several times in Poland in winter.
One time though the plane didn't land due to heavy snow and returned to Muenchen.
The highways are well kept and are reopened pretty fast after snowing - they are used to having snow there.
My colleagues who live there all manage to reach the plant all year round and say the roads are passable.
Contrary to france Belgium or UK when it snows it doesn't melt soon after and freeze again.
In Poland it snows then temps stay cold.
One time though the plane didn't land due to heavy snow and returned to Muenchen.
The highways are well kept and are reopened pretty fast after snowing - they are used to having snow there.
My colleagues who live there all manage to reach the plant all year round and say the roads are passable.
Contrary to france Belgium or UK when it snows it doesn't melt soon after and freeze again.
In Poland it snows then temps stay cold.
Dec 14th, 2016, 12:21 AM
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"The highways are well kept and are reopened pretty fast after snowing - they are used to having snow there. My colleagues who live there all manage to reach the plant all year round and say the roads are passable."
The same could be said of upstate NY, or the greater Chicago area, or many many many other areas in the northern US -- places where people are accustomed to snow. IME, people who "manage" routine drives in snow do so with extensive experience -- and sometimes training -- in how to drive in snow. And some still get stuck on ice, or in or behind accidents, and honestly, no one is ever ready for black ice or gale-force sleet or white-outs, and those conditions can occur even if weather forecasts suggest that conditions won't be bad. IME, people who fear losing their jobs and don't have any option will drive, even if the road conditions or weather forecasts are not good -- and they sometimes pay for it, in minor accidents if lucky, and in major and even fatal accidents if not. IME, people who have options don't drive in unpredictable weather. Your call.
The same could be said of upstate NY, or the greater Chicago area, or many many many other areas in the northern US -- places where people are accustomed to snow. IME, people who "manage" routine drives in snow do so with extensive experience -- and sometimes training -- in how to drive in snow. And some still get stuck on ice, or in or behind accidents, and honestly, no one is ever ready for black ice or gale-force sleet or white-outs, and those conditions can occur even if weather forecasts suggest that conditions won't be bad. IME, people who fear losing their jobs and don't have any option will drive, even if the road conditions or weather forecasts are not good -- and they sometimes pay for it, in minor accidents if lucky, and in major and even fatal accidents if not. IME, people who have options don't drive in unpredictable weather. Your call.
Dec 14th, 2016, 03:42 AM
#9
Like you, we also prefer cars, except in Poland.
Not because of safety, or because I want to "meet the locals", but for the convenience.
Since my mother has moved back to Poland, I have been there frequently and, with one exception, have taken the train.
All your destinations are served by the PKP InterCity trains with direct connection. Travel times are about the same, with more opportunity to enjoy the scenery. For example, the best view of the Malbork castle is from the train.
Generally, travelling in the winter is more risky, regardless of the method of transportation.
Mark
Not because of safety, or because I want to "meet the locals", but for the convenience.
Since my mother has moved back to Poland, I have been there frequently and, with one exception, have taken the train.
All your destinations are served by the PKP InterCity trains with direct connection. Travel times are about the same, with more opportunity to enjoy the scenery. For example, the best view of the Malbork castle is from the train.
Generally, travelling in the winter is more risky, regardless of the method of transportation.
Mark
Dec 14th, 2016, 05:32 AM
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Polish trains are a pleasure, whether intercity or local.
Use this http://rozklad-pkp.pl/en/ for your planning. Tickets are best bought at the railway station the day before in case of possible queues when your train is about to depart. Have date, hour and train number written down to avoid misunderstandings. Second class is comfortable enough for most mortals and preferable for the couleur locale.
Use this http://rozklad-pkp.pl/en/ for your planning. Tickets are best bought at the railway station the day before in case of possible queues when your train is about to depart. Have date, hour and train number written down to avoid misunderstandings. Second class is comfortable enough for most mortals and preferable for the couleur locale.
Dec 14th, 2016, 06:27 AM
#11
The combination of your lack of experience, the possibility of weather problems and really serious delays, and it being much easier to take trains (what would you do with the car in each of those cities? ) . . . it is really a no brainer. Take trains.
Dec 14th, 2016, 07:02 AM
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<< IME, people who "manage" routine drives in snow do so with extensive experience -- and sometimes training -- in how to drive in snow.>>
And this is the problem you have. You're from the South. The South has a complete [dung]fit if a smattering of snowflakes drop on the ground. You cannot drive in snow and you're asking about doing so in a foreign country where the drivers grew up zipping along in Ladas and Trabants.
Also, you're not going to be on the highways when you reach the cities. That means you're going to be driving in old cities where the drivers not only drive like Europeans, they drive like Central and Eastern Europeans. Not one bit of that is good for someone accustomed to the broad and snow-free roads of the American South.
Take trains.
And this is the problem you have. You're from the South. The South has a complete [dung]fit if a smattering of snowflakes drop on the ground. You cannot drive in snow and you're asking about doing so in a foreign country where the drivers grew up zipping along in Ladas and Trabants.
Also, you're not going to be on the highways when you reach the cities. That means you're going to be driving in old cities where the drivers not only drive like Europeans, they drive like Central and Eastern Europeans. Not one bit of that is good for someone accustomed to the broad and snow-free roads of the American South.
Take trains.
Dec 14th, 2016, 04:43 PM
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It snows in the southern US these days. I'm surprised you haven't seen snow.
The angle of the sun that far north in Europe is quite low , and winter daylight hours can be effectively short. That's another reason I would probably take trains.
Another reason I would take trains is because I don't speak Polish -- except for the word for jelly donuts, which I can't even spell -- and if anything went wrong on the highway, I'd be stuck -- in freezing temperatures.
If you are from the south, will you have warm enough clothes? It can be harrowingly cold in Poland in January. Not saying you shouldn't go, but you have to understand how cold it is. Gdansk is windy, too.
The angle of the sun that far north in Europe is quite low , and winter daylight hours can be effectively short. That's another reason I would probably take trains.
Another reason I would take trains is because I don't speak Polish -- except for the word for jelly donuts, which I can't even spell -- and if anything went wrong on the highway, I'd be stuck -- in freezing temperatures.
If you are from the south, will you have warm enough clothes? It can be harrowingly cold in Poland in January. Not saying you shouldn't go, but you have to understand how cold it is. Gdansk is windy, too.
Dec 14th, 2016, 05:27 PM
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frencharmoire, it does snow here- once a year usually, sometimes for up to 3 days (haha). I have seen plenty of snow in my life, but I haven't ever driven in it. I wasn't able to drive when I lived in the north, and when it snows in the south, the city shuts down. When I've had to work during snow storms, my husband has always driven me in a Jeep and we've never had issues navigating it, despite icy roads. I also grew up in Wisconsin and Ohio, so we had plenty of cold days. And most of my traveling has been in the winter in Europe. Nothing quite like Poland in the winter, I'm sure, but we will definitely be going prepared for cold weather. We'll have to invest in some extra warm layers and if we have to spend extra time in coffee shops relaxing, then that's fine with me!
tonfromleiden, thanks for the link and the info! I heard there can be some barriers with finding the correct platforms at the train stations, so hopefully that won't be too big of an issue.
I think we will end up taking trains! I've spent enough time in the snow to know that -I- don't want to drive in it (my husband doesn't care), but I think my husband is a little more ignorant to the issues that snow can bring in the middle of a big winter, even if they roads are in driving condition, since he actually is a true southerner.
Thank you all again for the input!
tonfromleiden, thanks for the link and the info! I heard there can be some barriers with finding the correct platforms at the train stations, so hopefully that won't be too big of an issue.
I think we will end up taking trains! I've spent enough time in the snow to know that -I- don't want to drive in it (my husband doesn't care), but I think my husband is a little more ignorant to the issues that snow can bring in the middle of a big winter, even if they roads are in driving condition, since he actually is a true southerner.
Thank you all again for the input!
Dec 15th, 2016, 12:50 AM
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»... there can be some barriers with finding the correct platforms«
Polish railway stations have a system of platform AND track numbers. Totally confusing for outsiders. If I remember correctly, the platform is indicated with Roman numerals; the track with the usual Arabic ones. First go to the right platform, then look for the desired track.
Polish railway stations have a system of platform AND track numbers. Totally confusing for outsiders. If I remember correctly, the platform is indicated with Roman numerals; the track with the usual Arabic ones. First go to the right platform, then look for the desired track.
Dec 15th, 2016, 09:18 AM
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<i>tonfromleiden on Dec 15, 16 at 4:50am
»... there can be some barriers with finding the correct platforms«
Polish railway stations have a system of platform AND track numbers. Totally confusing for outsiders. If I remember correctly, the platform is indicated with Roman numerals; the track with the usual Arabic ones. First go to the right platform, then look for the desired track.</i>
Amen to that. I had a reservation from Warsaw to Krakow a few years back. I went to the platform and waited for about 10 minutes. No train coming. Then I turned around and saw a train parked on the track about 100 feet away. I walked over and asked the conductor. Sure enough, it was my train. I got on just as the doors were closing. I'm glad I had a reservation. First class was overflowing into the aisle and the entryway.
»... there can be some barriers with finding the correct platforms«
Polish railway stations have a system of platform AND track numbers. Totally confusing for outsiders. If I remember correctly, the platform is indicated with Roman numerals; the track with the usual Arabic ones. First go to the right platform, then look for the desired track.</i>
Amen to that. I had a reservation from Warsaw to Krakow a few years back. I went to the platform and waited for about 10 minutes. No train coming. Then I turned around and saw a train parked on the track about 100 feet away. I walked over and asked the conductor. Sure enough, it was my train. I got on just as the doors were closing. I'm glad I had a reservation. First class was overflowing into the aisle and the entryway.
Dec 15th, 2016, 07:35 PM
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I'm Polish I drive about 40k kilometers per year, much of it in winter. My advice is if you are not used to driving on snow and ice, take the train. Winter tires are helpful but they are not going to save you if you do not know winter driving techniques-there are special courses in how to drive in difficult weather conditions, especially when it comes to using the brakes to avoid the wheels to lock.
Having said that, the last couple of winters have been pretty mild but driving in winter is still no fun under no circumstances. The weather can change very quickly. This is what it may look like if your days in Poland are not dry and sunny:
In cities:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e33JES48tXs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jT9NX8Y1zJU
On highways: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvJu1Dga1yw
Having said that, the last couple of winters have been pretty mild but driving in winter is still no fun under no circumstances. The weather can change very quickly. This is what it may look like if your days in Poland are not dry and sunny:
In cities:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e33JES48tXs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jT9NX8Y1zJU
On highways: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvJu1Dga1yw
Dec 15th, 2016, 07:57 PM
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More videos from Polish highways - as you can see the fact that they are not closed does not mean there is no snow or ice on them
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBaSi0pT8R8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXc9Xl1r8-w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WQ6-Q2opFs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMlu7jiO5R0
Also remember that days in winter are short, you will have daylight only from about 7am to around 4pm so at least some of your driving may be in the dark https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUkKov-wbwQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RBaSi0pT8R8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aXc9Xl1r8-w
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1WQ6-Q2opFs
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AMlu7jiO5R0
Also remember that days in winter are short, you will have daylight only from about 7am to around 4pm so at least some of your driving may be in the dark https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUkKov-wbwQ
