Student discounts Premium
Student Discounts in Poland – How to Save on Transport, Food, and Entertainment with an ELS ID Card
The Electronic Student ID (ELS) – Your Ultimate Discount Card
Starting your university studies comes with receiving your most important document – the Electronic Student ID (Elektroniczna Legitymacja Studencka – ELS). Aside from proving your student status, it is a powerful financial tool. Student discounts in Poland are among the most attractive in Europe.
If you learn how to use them wisely, your monthly budget will breathe a sigh of relief. Having a valid hologram on your ID card allows you to cut your daily living costs in half – from your morning commute to university, to lunches, right through to evening nights out with friends.
Where are you legally entitled to a student discount?
- Railways and trains (PKP Intercity, Polregio) – an absolute lifesaver for those heading home for the weekend. Students under the age of 26 are legally entitled to a 51% discount on single and monthly tickets.
- Public transport (trams, buses, metro) – regardless of your university city, showing your ELS entitles you to a 50% discount on short- and long-term tickets (such as a semester pass).
Cheap eats and nights out – student discounts in practice
Student life isn’t just about studying; it’s also about socialising. University cities are perfectly tailored to the budgets of young people, offering special discounted rates across dining and culture.
- Iconic milk bars (bary mleczne) and canteens – if you are looking for a wholesome, home-cooked dinner for pennies, state-subsidised milk bars are the place to go. On top of that, many restaurants and pizzerias around campuses offer permanent discounts (e.g., 15% or 20% off) upon showing your ID.
- Clubs, discos, and pubs – “Student Thursday” is legendary. Most clubs in university cities host dedicated student nights where you can get in completely free or pay half price for a ticket. Cheap drinks deals with an ELS card are also standard practice.
- Culture and sport on a budget – cinemas (both independent arthouse cinemas and major chains like Cinema City or Multikino), theatres, museums, as well as swimming pools and gyms, all offer special, significantly cheaper student tickets.
Student discounts also work online. Platforms like Spotify, YouTube, or Apple Music offer student plans that are about 50% cheaper – bear in mind, however, that you will need a photo of a valid ELS card to verify your status (e.g. via systems like SheerID or UNiDAYS). Furthermore, before buying any academic software, check what your university offers – very often, suites like Microsoft 365 or Adobe and Autodesk licences are provided to students completely free of charge.
International discount cards: ISIC and Euro26
Planning a holiday or an Erasmus exchange? Your Polish ELS card alone might not be enough abroad. It is well worth getting an international ISIC (International Student Identity Card) or Euro26 card. They cost very little, provide extra medical insurance, and open doors to transport and cultural discounts in thousands of places worldwide.