Train from Berlin to Warsaw
 

So we are planning this trip. Thanks for the Poland information re: trains. Has anyone done this leg on the train and what are the bathrooms like, etc. Thanks!

If it's a German train the bathrooms will be first rate!

I've done it twice and it was a Polish train. No bathroom issues.

The first trip was many moons ago when Germany was still split, west and east. The only issue was crossing the borders at very early morning time and that's when I had a HUGE machine gun pointed at me after I opened the door into the bathroom once I was done with my business :-). I did not realize we stopped at the border and the man knocking on the door was an East Germany military border security.

I'm not sure what company actually supplied the engine crew/equipment, but the passenger cars were definitely Polish. I think that the crew and the engine car exchanges at each border but don't quote me on that.

These trains are the Berlin-Warszawa Express, smart, modern, air-conditioned and clean.

It's run jointly by DB and PKP, i.e. jointly by German and Polish railways.

I should add, book at the German railways website www.bahn.de, English button top right, booking opens 90 days ahead, fares from 29 euros.

Oh, and you'll find photos inside and out of the Berlin-Warsaw Express (and even a photo of my dinner and beer in the dining car) at www.seat61.com/Poland.htm

It is a regular medium-length intercity connection which requires reservation (should be incl. in ticket price). As flights are often really expensive between Berlin and Warsaw, that train sure sees some demand during peak travel times, so you should book/reserve ahead once you got with the 90days of your planned travel date.
Comfort-wise it would be a category B train, not as good as highspeed trains, but much better than regionals.
It's okay for such a trip, esp. as it got A/C which is needed during the often hot summers of the plains between Berlin and Warsaw.
There isn't much of a scenery to speak of. Mostly flat agricultural terrain. So it does not hurt to bring a book or use the iPod/Pad.
But given the relatively short travel time and costs of alternatives it's probably the best way to go. Warsaw Central station is right in the heart of the city center (and an architectural landmark worth a glance anyway). Very easy to go from there to any centrally located hotel.