Ciuchcia Express Ponidzie narrow-gauge railway

The Świętokrzyska Narrow-Gauge Railway, better known as the "Ciuchcia Express Ponidzie", is a heritage line running from Jędrzejów towards the Nida river. The tourist train rolls through the meadows, fields and woods of Ponidzie, and the first section of track was laid back in February 1915, during the First World War. It makes a good Sunday outing with children or a relaxed car-free trip.

History: a line built for the front

The Austro-Hungarian army began the line as a military field railway. The first section, from Jędrzejów to today's Motkowice, was finished in February 1915, and in May work was under way on the bridges over the Nida which, according to the operator, the railway still uses. Later the tracks were extended towards Chmielnik and Bogoria.

Between the wars the network was merged into the Jędrzejów Narrow-Gauge Railway, which at its peak covered about 340 km. It carried sugar beet, sugar, coal, gypsum and timber, as well as passengers, since the region lacked paved roads. Around 1950/51 the track was regauged from 600 to 750 mm. Services were suspended on 1 February 1993, and in 2002 a company set up by local authorities took over the line.

The route and the stop in Motkowice

Today's route runs from Jędrzejów via Jasionna and Motkowice towards Pińczów. The operator has set up picnic areas in Jasionna and Motkowice, and during the 2026 season women from the local rural housewives' association sell regional snacks at the Sunday picnics in Motkowice (cash only). In spring 2026 two restored open carriages joined the train, adding 53 seats.

Did you know?

• Near the village of Wygoda the narrow-gauge line crosses the broad-gauge LHS freight railway – one of only a few such crossings in Poland.
• During the occupation members of the resistance used the line, as its staff were exclusively Polish.
• A Lyd2 locomotive stands as a monument at the Jędrzejów station.

Tripto tips

Jędrzejów Wąskotorowy station is at ul. Dojazd 1, with the entrance from ul. Armii Krajowej. Tickets for individual travellers go on sale in cycles, two weeks before each trip, on the operator's website – for popular Sundays buy them straight away. Check the timetable, fares and route before you go, as they vary by season and type of trip. Set aside most of the day and bring cash for snacks in Motkowice.