can I get your guys opinions? anyone ride this specific route that Im taking?
Is cost a factor? If not, you should try and get tickets for the overnight sleeper train - it's the most civilised way to do the 9 hour journey. As I recall, you can either take the Polish train that terminates in Szczecin, or there's also the sleeper train that comes from Lviv. Both go through Wroclaw and are really a much, much more civilised way to travel and certainly safe as houses. But - I would advise against travelling in the normal compartments on the overnight train. I've done it, it's safe - but it's utterly unpleasant and you're bound to end up stuck in a compartment with moaning students.
Otherwise, take the TLK. If you go 1st class, you can make a reservation - which is highly recommended at this time of the year.
Having said this, InterRegio can be fine as well - the only issue is that you're not guaranteed any quality on the train. I've travelled on IR trains that were superbly comfortable (double deck, with ridiculously comfy seats) - and also ones that had plastic seats, it's really hit or miss.
But you pay for more than you get i.m.o.
I dunno - during peak times, the guaranteed seat and compulsory reservations for all make it a much, much better way of travelling. I wouldn't dare travel on Friday afternoons or Sunday evenings on anything but EIC.