Travelling by motorhome in Poland - all you need to know

Writer: Helena Bergström

Updated: August 2026 | What is it like to travel by camper in Poland? We have traveled by camper through Poland many times and have experienced everything from the Baltic coast and the big cities to the Masurian Lakes, the Tatra Mountains and the Białowieża Forest in the far east. Poland is a large and varied camper country, with plenty of campsites, increasingly better roads and lots of interesting destinations. Here we collect our experiences and practical tips for those of you planning a camper trip in Poland.

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What is it like to travel by campervan in Poland?

Poland is very suitable for a road trip with a campervan. The distances are manageable, there are plenty of campsites and the country offers a great variety – from seaside resorts and sandy beaches along the Baltic Sea to historic cities, lake areas, mountains and national parks.

We have traveled by motorhome in Poland on many different occasions and generally find it easy to get around. At the same time, the conditions are somewhat different from Sweden and other parts of Europe, not least when it comes to road tolls and the possibilities of spending the night outside campsites.

Which ferries run from Sweden to Poland?

For those traveling from Sweden, a ferry is a convenient way to get directly to the Polish Baltic coast. Several shipping companies operate routes between Sweden and Poland, including POLSCA Baltic Ferries, Stena Line, TT-Line and Finnlines.

Lines and timetables are subject to change, so always check current departures with the shipping companies before your trip. You can usually travel:

• Nynäshamn - Gdansk
• Karlskrona – Gdynia
• Ystad/Trelleborg/Malmö – Świnoujście

How are the roads in Poland?

The road network in Poland has developed a lot in recent decades and today there is an extensive network of modern motorways and expressways. On the major roads it is usually easy and comfortable to drive a motorhome and there are plenty of rest areas and service stations.

In rural areas, the standard can vary considerably more. There we have sometimes ended up on narrow, uneven or patched roads, and through smaller communities the journey can be considerably slower than the distance on the map suggests.

How is the traffic?

Our experience is that traffic on the main roads works well, although the pace can sometimes be high. On smaller country roads, however, we have seen some optimistic overtaking.

As always, it's also important to be aware of animals, especially when driving on smaller roads through forest and rural areas. During our travels, we've seen everything from deer and foxes to signs warning of significantly larger animals.

Which traffic rules apply?

Here are some traffic rules in Poland that you might want to keep in mind:

• Seat belt – Everyone in the car must wear a seat belt, both front and back.
• Mobile phone – You are not allowed to use a hand-held mobile phone while driving. Hands-free is allowed
• Parking – Parking regulations must be followed.
• Alcohol and driving – The maximum permitted blood alcohol content is 0.2 per mille.
• Deck – It is prohibited to drive with studded tires.

Can you drive a large motorhome in Poland?

Yes, in general Poland is a relatively easy country to drive in, even with a larger camper. The major thoroughfares are well-suited for heavy traffic and in the countryside there are rarely the same problems with extremely narrow roads as in some parts of Southern Europe.

If the motorhome has a maximum permitted total weight of over 3.5 tonnes, however, you need to familiarise yourself with the rules for e-TOLL before your trip. You can read more at www.etoll.gov.pl, where you can register your car before departure.

Are there environmental zones in Poland?

Yes, in Poland there are environmental zones, so-called Clean Transport Zone (SCT), where special rules apply to which vehicles are allowed to enter. The rules are determined locally and can therefore differ between different cities. Warsaw has had an environmental zone since 2024 and Kraków introduced its environmental zone on 1 January 2026.

For those traveling by motorhome, the easiest option may be to choose a campsite outside the central areas and take the bus, tram or train into town. This will save you from having to worry about environmental zone regulations, registration and parking a large vehicle – and it is often more convenient for other reasons as well.

If you want to drive into an environmental zone, you should check the current regulations for that particular city before visiting. Keep in mind that regulations may differ depending on the age, emission class, weight and registration of the vehicle. Foreign-registered vehicles may also require registration in advance.

How does refueling work?

There are plenty of petrol stations along the major roads and it is easy to fill up all over Poland. Diesel is called diesel oil and may be marked on the pumps ON. Fuel prices are usually reasonable compared to other countries, but fuel prices change quickly, so we recommend checking current prices during your trip.

Can you fricamp?

Are there camping sites in Poland?

The range of motorhome pitches has increased in Poland, although camping is still a common and easy option. You can find everything from simple pitches without service to more well-equipped pitches with electricity, fresh water and drainage.

What are the campsites like?

Campsites in Poland vary from small family-run establishments to large modern holiday resorts on the coast. We have stayed at everything from very simple campsites, where you can pitch up ”anywhere” on a larger field, to well-organized facilities with modern service buildings, restaurants, swimming pools and direct access to the beach.

One thing we like about Polish campsites is the variety. Some of our most memorable overnight stays have been at small and personal campsites where the owner himself has received and welcomed us.

How much does it cost to camp in Poland?

Camping in Poland is often relatively affordable, but prices vary greatly depending on location, standard and season. Camping at popular seaside resorts during high season can of course cost significantly more than simple camping in the countryside. Keep in mind that prices are often structured so that you pay separately for vehicles, number of people and any electricity.

Do you need anything special with you?

When you go on a vacation, you often want to pack a lot. Here are some documents and safety items that are good to have in your camper:

• Warning triangle
• Fire extinguishers
• Driving licence
• Certificate of registration
• ID document
• Insurance
• Reflective vest
• First aid kit

Pay by card or cash?

You can often pay by card in Poland, but it's good to have some cash as well. Bear in mind that you may want to choose a card without an exchange surcharge if you don't want to incur unnecessarily high costs while travelling.

The Northmill card is an example of a card that is completely free of charges both at home and abroad. Travel insurance is included and you become a customer in 3 minutes with BankID. Click here to access the registration of a Northmill card.

Can you manage in English?

Yes, as a tourist you can generally get by with English, especially in cities and tourist areas. In smaller towns and rural areas, English may be more limited, but we have rarely had any major problems.

A few Polish words, a translation app and some creative gesturing usually do the rest. In the western parts of Poland, you can also use German, if you are fluent in it.

What is the situation in rural areas?

What we reflect on when we drive in the Polish countryside is that it is so incredibly green. The vegetation is magnificent and you often drive through a dense ”jungle” of deciduous trees. You encounter villages and villas, and there is also a lot of farming. It is also in the countryside that you get away from the most visited tourist destinations and see a completely different side of Poland.

What is it like to shop for food in Poland?

It's easy to buy food during a motorhome trip in Poland. There are both large international and Polish grocery chains and the selection is wide.

We also think that part of the fun of a motorhome trip is shopping locally – fresh and smoked fish from the Baltic coast, sausages, cheeses, bread and other regional products. And when you don’t feel like cooking yourself, there are of course plenty of restaurants where you can try classics like pierogi, żurek and bigos.

READ MORE: Polish food - 25 classic dishes you must try

What can you see and do with a campervan in Poland?

Poland is a fantastic country for a road trip as different parts of the country offer completely different experiences. Some of our favorites are:

Polish Baltic Sea Coast

The Polish Baltic Sea coast is stunning with long sandy beaches and a relaxed holiday atmosphere. For example, you can visit:

• Gdańsk
• Sopot
• Gdynia
• The entire peninsula
• Łeba

Polish cities

There are many incredibly beautiful and historically interesting cities in Poland, where you can experience everything from sights to cozy hangouts in squares and restaurants. Here you will find some of our favorites:

• Krakow
• Wroclaw
• Poznan
• Łódź
• Torun

Castles and fortresses

If you like discovering castles and fortresses, Poland is a gold mine. There is everything from historic brick castles to elegant Renaissance palaces.

• Malbork
• Baranów Sandomierski
• Kozłówka
• Castle Valley at Jelenia Góra

Experiencing nature

Poland also offers fantastic natural experiences, from mountains and lakes to wildlife. Here are some tips for your trip:

• Zakopane
• The Masurian Lakes
• Bialowieza Forest – with wild bison