Have you ever ridden a bike on rails? Neither have we. Until one Saturday afternoon, when in Regulice (small village in Poland) we took a ride on a railbike. We used our experience from numerous rail journeys and a bike trip along the Baltic Sea coast.
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Local Handcar Railway in Regulice, Poland – route / photos
What is a ride on the handcar railway in Regulice like? Let us tell you! After arriving at the starting station — which is clearly marked and looks just like a real Polish railway station — you’ll need to head to the ticket booth to purchase your ticket. There are two route options to choose from: a longer one, measuring just over 13 kilometers (Regulice – Nieporaz – Puszcza Dulowska – Alwernia – Regulice), and a shorter one, 8.5 kilometers long (Regulice – Nieporaz – Puszcza Dulowska – Regulice).
Once you’ve purchased your ticket, you can head to the platform and patiently wait for the adventure to begin. First, you’ll receive a short briefing on how to operate the handcar — and of course, how to do it safely. There’s no need to worry; it’s all very simple. Naturally, a group supervisor will accompany you throughout the ride, so if anything comes up, help will be close at hand.
The sight of a bike on rails surprised us a bit at first. But we quickly got used to it and hopped onto the seats. Since there were only two of us, we both had to pedal the entire route. If you’re going with a larger group, some of you can take a break while two people power the handcar — and then you can switch.
The route takes you through beautiful landscapes — forests, rock formations, and open fields. The atmosphere is wonderfully peaceful. Add the warm sun on your face and the lush greenery all around, and you’ve got the perfect mix of deep relaxation and physical activity. We don’t know about you, but for us, that’s the best kind of getaway!
During the ride, there’s no need to rush. Above-average fitness isn’t required — but if there are several handcars on the track, you’ll need to keep a steady pace. The highlights of the trip? The turnaround at the end of the route, crossing a busy road, and… admiring dams built by beavers. Time flies — unfortunately — far too fast. Before you know it, you’re back at the final station, where you return the handcar. And then it’s time to head home, in great spirits and with wonderful memories.
Local Handcar Railway in Regulice, Poland – price list / tickets
The fee is charged per handcar rental, not per person. Each handcar can accommodate a maximum of 4 adults and 1 child up to 10 years old.
- 13.1 km route (Regulice – Nieporaz – Puszcza Dulowska – Alwernia – Regulice) – 100 PLN per handcar.
- 8.5 km route (Regulice – Nieporaz – Puszcza Dulowska – Regulice) – 70 PLN per handcar.
- 5 km route (for groups with children under 10) and trips for organized groups – price arranged by phone or email.
Local Handcar Railway in Regulice, Poland – timetable / schedule
The handcar railway schedule isn’t fully regular. You can check it by clicking here: CLICK!
Local Handcar Railway in Regulice, Poland – travel time
- The ride on the 13.1 km route (Regulice – Nieporaz – Puszcza Dulowska – Alwernia – Regulice) takes approximately 2 hours.
- The ride on the 8.5 km route (Regulice – Nieporaz – Puszcza Dulowska – Regulice) takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes.
Local Handcar Railway in Regulice, Poland – how to get?
The starting station of the Local Handcar Railway is located at 6 Kolejowa Street in Regulice.
- By bus. Local buses run to Regulice from nearby towns — it’s best to check the detailed timetable on regional transport websites. From Kraków, you can take a Koleje Małopolskie bus to Alwernia — from there, it’s about a 30-minute walk to the starting point of the Local Handcar Railway.
- By train. The nearest train station is in Chrzanów. From there, you can continue your journey to Regulice using local transportation or by bike.
- By car. Regulice is located near the A4 motorway (Rudno junction), making it easily accessible from various cities (Kraków – approx. 35 minutes, Katowice – approx. 30 minutes, Chrzanów – approx. 15 minutes, Zator – approx. 20 minutes). Free parking is available for both cars and buses at the starting station.
Local Handcar Railway in Regulice, Poland – interesting facts & tips
- The name handcar comes from the German inventor Karl Drais, who, in 1817, created the prototype of the vehicle — a road-and-forest handcar.
- If you’re in the mood for a little bonfire after your ride, good news! You can arrange one either by the starting station building or next to the Triassic Spring (Źródełko Triasowe). The cost is 4 PLN per person, and it includes sticks for roasting, firewood, and kindling.
- Also, learn from our mistake — dress appropriately! We happened to be on our way to another event, so our outfits weren’t exactly outdoor-ready. We recommend wearing comfortable, sporty clothes. On warm days, bring water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat. It’s also not a bad idea to spray yourself with bug repellent to ward off mosquitoes and ticks.
- The Local Handcar Railway isn’t the only attraction around! Besides the aforementioned Triassic Spring, in Regulice you can also visit Grzmiączka Hill with its Millennium Cross viewpoint, or Puszcza Dulowska, a vast forest perfect for hiking and cycling. Nearby, you can explore the Małopolska Firefighting Museum in Alwernia with its amazing collection of historic fire engines, Lipowiec Castle in Wygiełzów, and the Szembek Palace in Poręba Żegoty. If you fancy relaxing by the water, head to Skowronek Reservoir in Alwernia or Balaton Swimming Area in Trzebinia.
Local Handcar Railway in Regulice, Poland – opinions / reviews
- Patrix –
- Wiolczix – 10/10. A handcar ride in Regulice is truly a fantastic attraction for everyone. We ended up in Regulice somewhat by chance, dressed in outfits not exactly suited for pedaling — and still had an amazing time. Along the way, we passed charming views surrounded by calming greenery. Active relaxation in nature is just the best. As a bonus, we were accompanied by a very friendly guide who made sure the trip was safe from start to finish.
Local Handcar Railway in Regulice, Poland – frequently asked questions
What is a handcar?
A handcar, is a lightweight rail vehicle originally used for railway track inspection and maintenance. Its design allows for quick travel along tracks without the need for full-sized trains. Handcars can be powered in various ways — manually (e.g., by pumping a lever), by pedaling (like a bicycle), or using a combustion engine. Today, handcars are increasingly popular as tourist attractions, giving railway enthusiasts and nature lovers a chance to enjoy active time outdoors.
How fast does a handcar go?
The speed of a handcar depends on its type. Manual or pedal-powered handcars (like the ones in Regulice) typically travel at around 10–15 km/h, depending on the strength of the riders. Engine-powered handcars can reach speeds of up to 50–60 km/h, though they usually go slower due to the nature of their work.
How much does a handcar ride cost in Regulice?
In Regulice, prices depend on the chosen route. The longer route (13.1 km) costs 100 PLN, while the shorter route (8.5 km) costs 70 PLN. The price includes rental of one handcar, which can accommodate four adults and one child under the age of 10. It’s a great value considering the unique experience, scenic views, and originality of this outdoor activity.
How long does a handcar ride take in Regulice?
The duration depends on the route and your pedaling pace. The longer route (13.1 km) takes about 2 hours, while the shorter one (8.5 km) lasts around 1 hour and 20 minutes. In practice, the time may vary depending on how hard the riders pedal. It’s designed as a relaxed, family-friendly experience — there’s no need to rush. Organizers encourage you to enjoy the ride and take in the natural surroundings.
Local Handcar Railway in Regulice, Poland – map
Regulice is a village located in the Małopolska (Lesser Poland) region, near Alwernia and Chrzanów.
