Train to London - connections, tickets and itinerary

• Currency: pound sterling (GBP). You can pay almost anywhere with a contactless card and cash is rarely useful.

• Local transport: you get around London on the Underground and buses. You pay with a contactless card or Oyster Card, no paper tickets. A single ticket is a couple of quid.

• How much to go for: a weekend (3-4 days) is enough for the main attractions in the centre. A week also allows you to see the neighbourhoods outside the West End.

• Practical tip: buy paid attractions, such as the Tower of London or the London Eye, online in advance. In between, plan for free museums and galleries.

The best choice is May or September - the daytime temperature is then 15-20°C and there are fewer crowds than in summer.

Spring (March–May)

• March has 11°C and changeable weather, but the crowds are small. It's a good time for museums and galleries without long queues.

• April brings 15°C and more sunshine. This is when the Royal Parks, such as Hyde Park and St James's Park, start to bloom.

• In May, it's 20°C during the day and you have long days. Accommodation prices are then lower than in the height of summer.

Summer (June–August)

• June and July is the peak season, with daytime highs of 23–25°C. From July to September, the BBC Proms are held at the Royal Albert Hall.

• August sees the Notting Hill Carnival, one of the largest street festivals in Europe.

• Summer crowds are at their largest and accommodation prices are the highest of the year. Buy tickets to paid attractions online in advance.

Autumn (September–October)

• In September, the daytime temperature is 20°C and there are fewer tourists than in summer. London Fashion Week takes place during this time.

• In October it is cooler, usually around 15°C, and it rains more often. Accommodation prices drop and the parks turn gold.

Winter (November–February)

• In December, the city is alive with a festive atmosphere. You'll see decorations on Oxford Street and Regent Street, among other places, and Hyde Park hosts Winter Wonderland.

• Accommodation prices rise around Christmas, but January and February bring the lowest prices of the year.

• In winter it gets dark early and rains more often, so plan more time for museums and galleries.

You can reach London with stopovers via Berlin and Brussels or Berlin and Paris. The times given are approximate and depend on the connections chosen.

From Poznań to London

• From Poznań you travel via Berlin, then to Brussels and onwards by Eurostar to London.

• Total travel time is 20–26 hours.

• On the Poznań–Berlin section, PKP Intercity and Deutsche Bahn trains run, and the final section is served by Eurostar.

• Overnight connections are available on the route through Germany.

From Wrocław to London

• From Wrocław you travel via Berlin and Brussels.

• Total journey time is 22–28 hours.

• PKP Intercity, Deutsche Bahn and Eurostar trains operate on the route.

From Warsaw to London

• From Warsaw you travel via Berlin and onwards via Brussels or Paris.

• Total journey time is 24–30 hours.

• Overnight connections are available on the Polish and German sections.

• PKP Intercity, Deutsche Bahn and Eurostar trains operate on the route.

From Gdańsk to London

• From Gdańsk you travel via Warsaw, Berlin and Brussels.

• Total journey time is 24–30 hours.

• PKP Intercity trains run between Gdańsk and Warsaw, and you continue through Germany and Belgium to London.

• Overnight connections are available on the Polish and German sections.

From Kraków to London

• From Kraków you travel via Warsaw, Berlin and Brussels.

• Total journey time is 26–32 hours.

• PKP Intercity trains run between Kraków and Warsaw, and Deutsche Bahn and Eurostar further afield.

• On the route, you change trains in Warsaw, Berlin and Brussels.

Seat reservation is compulsory on the international section. On Polish and German sections, reservation is not compulsory, but at weekends and during peak season it is worth adding one.

You can buy a ticket on Europodróże without registering – just enter the route, choose the connection and pay. You receive your ticket by email and SMS. 30 minutes before departure, an SMS reminder arrives with a link to your ticket. The earlier you buy, the greater the choice of seats, especially on the Eurostar section.

For PKP Intercity tickets, refunds are possible up to 20 minutes before departure and exchanges up to 30 minutes before departure. Eurostar terms and conditions depend on the class of ticket, so check the refund and exchange policy before you buy.

You get around London by tube, bus and on foot, and you can pay for most journeys with your contactless card.

London Underground (The Tube) covers the entire city. You pay by contactless card or Oyster Card – just tap your card at the entrance and exit. A day ticket for zones 1–2 costs several dozen zloty. For multiple journeys per day, the system applies a daily fare cap.

Buses (London Bus) also reach places where the Underground does not go directly. Payment works in the same way as on the Underground. A double-decker ride along Oxford Street or across Westminster Bridge is also a great way to see the city from street level.

Taxis and ride-hailing: you'll find Black Cabs at ranks and on the streets, while Uber and Bolt operate in London as lower-cost alternatives.

Where to stay:

• West End / Covent Garden - a tourist hub, close to theatres and Oxford Street. Prices are highest here, but you'll have most attractions on your doorstep.

• South Bank - close to the Tate Modern, London Eye and Tower Bridge. You have views of the Thames and good transport links.

• Bloomsbury - close to the British Museum, quieter atmosphere and mid-range accommodation prices.

• Camden Town - alternative scene, markets and accommodation prices lower than in the city centre.

Tower of London

A medieval fortress dating from the 11th century on the River Thames. You'll see the royal jewels and armoury here. The tour takes 2-2.5 hours. There is an entrance fee and it's worth buying tickets online in advance. Arrive in the morning to avoid the larger crowds.

British Museum

You'll enter the main galleries free of charge. Inside you'll see the Rosetta Stone, Egyptian mummies and sculptures from the Parthenon, among other things. The tour takes 2.5-3 hours. There are fewer people on weekdays than at weekends.

Big Ben and the Palace of Westminster

The 14th century Gothic palace is the seat of parliament. You get a view from Westminster Bridge or the South Bank free of charge. Tours of the interior are chargeable and only take place on selected dates.

London Eye

The 135-metre-high observation wheel stands above the River Thames. One spin takes 30 minutes. There is a fee to enter and you can usually buy tickets online at a lower price than at the box office. Best to enter at sunset.

Tower Bridge

Dating back to 1894, this bridge is one of the most recognisable landmarks in the city. You will cross the bridge free of charge. There is a fee to enter the glass walkway. You'll get good photos from the South Bank.

Tate Modern

One of the largest contemporary art museums in the world. You will enter the main galleries free of charge. From the upper floors you'll see the Thames and St Paul's Cathedral. The tour takes 2-2.5 hours.

Westminster Abbey

This 13th century Gothic church is the site of the coronation of British monarchs. Darwin, Dickens and Chaucer, among others, are buried here. There is an entrance fee and you will enter for prayer without charge.

Plan for day 1

Start the morning with Westminster Bridge and Westminster Abbey. You'll see Big Ben and Parliament first and then enter the Abbey. Before noon, drive to the Tower of London. In the morning you'll find it easier to view the Crown Jewels without the biggest queues. For lunch, stop off at Borough Market in Southwark. You'll eat street food from around the world and buy fresh produce there. Spend the afternoon at the Tate Modern and walk along the South Bank along the Thames. Along the way you'll cross Millennium Bridge with views of St Paul's Cathedral. In the evening, climb the London Eye. One spin takes 30 minutes and closes the day well with a panoramic view of the illuminated city.

Plan for the weekend

Friday evening: take a stroll through Soho, where you'll find pubs, restaurants and a typical London evening vibe. If you like theatre, you can go to a play in the West End in the evening.

Saturday: visit the British Museum in the morning and spend 2.5-3 hours in the main galleries. Then walk down Regent Street and Oxford Street. In the afternoon, plan an afternoon tea in Mayfair and in the evening a play in the West End or dinner in Covent Garden.

Sunday: start with brunch at Borough Market, then see the Tower of London and Tower Bridge. Spend the afternoon at the Tate Modern and the view from the upper floors of the museum. Finally, walk the South Bank with views of Parliament.

What to eat

Fish and chips - fried fish with chunky chips and vinegar. This is a classic of British cuisine. Best ordered in a small local chippy bar. It costs a couple of dozen zloty.

Sunday Roast - roast meat with Yorkshire pudding and gravy. This is a traditional Sunday lunch in pubs.

Afternoon Tea - tea with sandwiches, scones and cakes. It costs a couple of hundred per person in hotels and clearly less in a regular café.

Curry on Brick Lane - you'll eat Indian and Bangladeshi cuisine in the East End. Try the biryani, tandoori and different versions of curry.

Where to eat:

• Borough Market (Southwark) - a legendary market hall with food from around the world. Buy street food, fresh produce and local delicacies here.

• Brick Lane (East End) - a street known for Asian cuisine, vintage shops and a more alternative atmosphere.

• Soho - a neighbourhood full of pubs, restaurants of different cuisines and classic bars. This is a good destination for an evening stroll combined with dinner.

Souvenirs

• PG Tips or Twinings tea - in a supermarket such as Sainsbury's or Tesco, often costs less than in Poland.

• Scotch whisky - to be bought in liquor shops.

• Gadgets with a red bus or Big Ben motif - you'll find these at the main attractions, but prices are higher there.

• Oxford Street and Regent Street - the main shopping streets. On Carnaby Street you'll find independent brands.

• Camden Market - a good place for alternative and vintage stuff - from clothes to vinyl and jewellery.

London has a big budget advantage because you can get into top museums such as the British Museum, Tate Modern and National Gallery for free. If you plan 1–2 paid attractions per day, it is easier to keep your spending under control.

You can pay almost anywhere with a contactless card – from the underground to pubs. Cash in pounds is rarely needed.