How does PKM work in the Tricity? A guide for tourists and residents

If you are planning a stay in Gdańsk or arriving at Lech Wałęsa Airport, you will certainly come across the abbreviation PKM. For many visitors to the Tri-City, it is one of the most convenient ways of traveling between Gdańsk, Gdynia, the airport, and Kashubia.

How does PKM work in the Tri-City, where does it run, and why is it worth using it? Here is a practical guide.

What is PKM?

PKM, or the Pomeranian Metropolitan Railway, is a modern railway line launched in 2015. Its main task was to connect the western districts of Gdańsk and Gdańsk Airport with the existing railway network of the Tri-City. The project significantly improved communication in the region and enabled quick travel to the airport both from Gdańsk and Gdynia.

It is worth knowing that PKM manages the railway infrastructure itself, while passenger transport is carried out by the SKM Tri-City and POLREGIO carriers.

Where does PKM run?

The PKM line runs through the western part of Gdańsk and includes, among others, the stops:

• Gdańsk Wrzeszcz
• Gdańsk Strzyża
• Gdańsk Niedźwiednik
• Gdańsk Brętowo
• Gdańsk Jasień
• Gdańsk Kiełpinek
• Gdańsk Airport
• Gdańsk Osowa

Thanks to connections operated by SKM and POLREGIO, passengers can travel on routes such as:

• Gdańsk Wrzeszcz – Gdynia Główna via the airport,
• Gdańsk Główny – Kartuzy,
• Gdynia Główna – Kościerzyna,
• Gdańsk Wrzeszcz – Kościerzyna.

How to get to the airport in Gdańsk using PKM?

This is one of the most frequently asked questions by tourists.

The Gdańsk Airport station is located directly next to the airport terminal. It takes just a few minutes on foot to get from the platform to the departures or arrivals hall.

Traveling from the center of Gdańsk usually takes about 20–25 minutes, and from Gdynia about 25–35 minutes, depending on the chosen connection. PKM is often the fastest alternative to a car or taxi, especially during peak hours.

Are PKM and SKM the same?

Not exactly.

Many people use these names interchangeably, but they are two different elements of the transport system:

• PKM (Pomeranian Metropolitan Railway) – railway infrastructure, i.e., the line, tracks, and stops.
• SKM (Fast Urban Railway) – carrier operating some passenger services.
• POLREGIO – the second carrier operating on PKM routes.

However, for the passenger, the most important thing is that all these connections form one coherent system enabling convenient travel across the Tri-City and Pomerania.

How to buy a ticket for PKM?

Tickets can be purchased:

• from ticket machines at stations,
• via mobile applications,
• through the FALA system,
• at ticket offices at larger stations.

Depending on the ticket type, you can travel both with SKM and POLREGIO trains on the chosen route.

Why do tourists willingly use PKM?

PKM has several important advantages:

• Quick access to the airport. No traffic jams or parking problems.
• Convenient connection with Kashubia. Thanks to PKM, you can easily visit towns like Kartuzy or Kościerzyna.
• Easy transfers. At stations, you can conveniently transfer to SKM, trams, buses, and other regional trains.
• Eco-friendly transport. The line has been electrified, allowing the use of modern electric trains and reducing exhaust emissions.

PKM – the best way to explore the Tri-City?

For many tourists, the answer is yes.

If you are staying in Gdańsk and plan to visit the airport, Gdynia, the western districts of the city, or Kashubia, PKM is a fast, convenient, and predictable means of transport. Thanks to frequent connections, you can avoid traffic jams and move efficiently around the entire region.

That is why the Pomeranian Metropolitan Railway has become one of the most important elements of the Tri-City transport system, used by millions of passengers every year.

For guests visiting Gdańsk, PKM is one of the most convenient ways to get from the airport to the city. Guests staying at the Milo Gdańsk Airport Hotel can travel by train to Gdańsk Wrzeszcz station and then quickly continue their journey by city transport or taxi. This way, even during seasonal traffic jams, travel is smooth and predictable.