Gdańsk Główny to Sopot by SKM Train – Quick and Cheap

Sopot is the seaside resort between Gdańsk and Gdynia, known for its sandy beach and the wooden pier (Molo) – at over 500 metres the longest of its kind in Europe. The SKM commuter train takes you from Gdańsk Główny to Sopot in about 20 minutes for 6.50 zloty, with trains running every 10 to 15 minutes for most of the day – only between about 2:00 and 4:00 at night are the gaps longer.

Finding the platform

The SKM trains use their own platforms in the northern part of Gdańsk Główny station, separate from the long-distance trains on platforms 1 and 2. Trains towards Sopot usually depart from platform 3 ("Peron 3") – check the departure boards, as platform assignments can vary. The yellow-and-blue SKM trains are easy to spot.

SKM Train, Credits: kanpoan.net

Where to buy tickets

I bought my ticket at one of the ticket machines at the station and paid by card. You can select English as the language. A single journey to Sopot cost 6.50 zloty. Tickets are also sold at the counters inside the station (look for "Kasa Biletowa") and via the Jakdojade and Skycash apps. Buying from the conductor on the train costs an extra 2.80 zloty and is only allowed if there was no machine or open counter at your station. Important: tickets bought at the counter must be stamped in the yellow validators on the platform before boarding – and if your machine ticket has no printed time stamp, validate it as well to be safe. Inspections do happen on this line.

The journey

The ride to Sopot takes about 20 minutes, with a handful of stops along the way. Get off at "Sopot" station – the main station, not Sopot Wyścigi or Sopot Kamienny Potok. From the station, the pedestrian street Monte Cassino leads straight to the pier and the beach; I walked it in about 10 minutes.