I travel to Europe yearly. I frequent travel to Poland each Fall. Train travel is cheaper in Eastern Europe. Pricing is very reasonable in Poland. You pay 150% of the 2nd Class rate for 1st Class, which I recommend. Not as crowded. They are basic trains, not luxurious like some trains in Western and Central Europe. Poland does have some InterCity trains. You gain more comfort in 1st Class; however, 2nd Class is still acceptable if you are on a real tight budget.
Some of the rail ticket agents don't speak English, usually the older ones. But you can either find one teller who speaks English, or at the very least ask another passenger in line, particularly the younger generations. They love practicing their English. Poles are happy to help once the ice is broken.
Note: Like anywhere you travel in Europe or elsewhere in the world, always watch your back. 2nd Class can be quite crowded with many budget minded people, particularly students. Pick pockets can occur when people crowd up against you. But with a watchful eye, Poland and other Eastern Europe countries are a delight. (I've never had a problem). You get the feel of the "old" Europe where you feel 50 years back in time.(Western Europe is so modern, like being back in the States).
As an earlier writer noted, there are a number of rail web sites where you can pull up not only the rail schedules, but the pricing as well in local currency.
Have fun!
