Getting Around in Warsaw

Thanks to a well-established transport system, getting around in Warsaw is relatively stress-free. While many expats choose to have their own car, the city offers an efficient public transport system that makes it easy and convenient to move around Warsaw.

Public Transport and Driving in Poland

Public transport in Warsaw

Public transport in Warsaw is operated by ZTM (Zarząd Transportu Miejskiego) and consists of buses, trams and a metro system, all of which work on an integrated ticketing system. Tickets are time-specific, so you can buy a ticket valid for a certain period and then travel as far as you need within that time frame. The ticket validity can range from 20 minutes to one- or three-day passes. There are also weekend passes available.

Tickets can be purchased at ZTM points, newspaper kiosks, ticket machines in metro stations, and mobile phone apps. Children under the age of seven and seniors over 70 can travel free of charge on public transport. Students are also entitled to discounted rates.

Metro

Warsaw’s metro system consists of two lines, with construction planned for a third line (M3). The north-south line (M1) runs through the city centre from Ursynów to Młociny. The second line (M2) runs east-west from Rondo Daszyńskiego in the west to Dworzec Wileński in Praga, on the right bank of the Vistula River. Both lines intersect at Świętokrzyska Station. The metro runs till midnight on weekdays and until 3am on weekends.

Buses

Warsaw has an extensive and well-run bus system, with buses covering a larger area than the metro. The network includes over 300 lines and features a growing fleet of electric and hybrid buses. Buses operate from around 5am till midnight, after which a night bus system is in operation, running from the city centre to major suburbs.

Trams

One of Warsaw’s oldest forms of public transport, the tram system is a convenient means for getting around the city and is especially ideal for sightseeing. The tram system consists of about 27 lines, most running until midnight. A new tram route to Wilanów was recently completed, expanding the network further.

Useful links

• Warsaw Public Transport (WTP)
• Jakdojade.pl – Journey Planner

Taxis in Warsaw

Taxis in Warsaw are readily available and are relatively inexpensive when compared to other European cities. All official taxis are metered, and you should be sure to check that the meter is set correctly before embarking on a journey.

Legitimate taxis always display their company logo and telephone number on the vehicle. There are some reports of illegitimate taxi operators trying to take advantage of unsuspecting foreigners, so you should be aware of this before getting into just any taxi. While it’s possible to hail a taxi off the street, ordering one ahead of time via the telephone is safer.

Ride-hailing apps such as Uber and Bolt operate in the city and have become a popular means to get around Warsaw, often helping you avoid potential overcharging issues.

Useful links

• Uber Warsaw
• Bolt Warsaw
• FREE NOW (formerly mytaxi)
• MPT Taxi Warsaw
• ELE Taxi Warsaw

Driving in Warsaw

Driving in Warsaw can be challenging. The city ranks among Europe’s worst for traffic congestion. The road system is generally well-maintained, but rush hours can be particularly frustrating. Many expats find having a car useful for trips outside the city, while relying on public transport for daily commuting within Warsaw.

Parking in the city centre operates on a paid zone system, with multiple payment options including six mobile apps: MobiParking, mobilet, Flowbird, AnyPark, mPay and CityParkApp. Street parking is typically free on weekends and outside business hours (8am to 6pm) on weekdays.

Warsaw implemented Poland's first Low Emission Zone (LEZ) in July 2024, restricting certain vehicles from entering the city centre based on their emission standards. Vehicles with diesel engines need to meet at least the Euro 6d standard or be manufactured no earlier than 2020. Notably, Warsaw residents (both permanent and temporary) who pay taxes in the city are exempt from these restrictions until January 2028, meaning the LEZ primarily affects visitors from outside Warsaw and newer vehicle registrations.

Driver’s licences

For expats in Poland, driver’s licence requirements depend on your country of origin. EU and EFTA driving licences remain valid indefinitely in Poland without any need for exchange. If they choose to exchange, EU citizens can do so after residing in Poland for 180 days with proper documentation.

Non-EU residents may drive using their home country licence for six months from the date of obtaining their residence permit, after which they’ll need to exchange it for a Polish driving licence. The exchange process varies depending on whether your country is a signatory to the 1968 Vienna Convention on Road Traffic:

• For licence holders from Vienna Convention countries: You can usually exchange your licence without additional tests, though sometimes a theoretical exam may be required due to differences in licence formats.
• For licence holders from non-Convention countries (including the USA, Canada, Australia, China, India and Japan, among others): You'll need to pass the theoretical part of the Polish driver's exam in addition to submitting the required documentation.

The exchange process involves gathering several documents, including your original licence with a certified Polish translation, proof of legal stay in Poland, a medical certificate, a recent photograph, completed application forms, and payment of the required fee. The first Polish driving licence issued is valid for 5 years, with subsequent renewals valid for 15 years.

Read more: Driving and Driver's Licences in Poland

Useful links

• Polish Government Portal: Driving Licence Information
• Warsaw Low Emission Zone (LEZ) Information
• Warsaw Road Management: Parking Payment Information

Cycling in Warsaw

Cycling in Warsaw has become increasingly popular as the city develops its bike-friendly infrastructure. Warsaw operates a public bicycle scheme called Veturilo Warsaw Public Bike from March to November every year. The system has been upgraded with new bikes featuring GPS and automatic wheel locks, with 300 stations across all 18 districts. The first 20 minutes are free, after which an hourly fee is charged for a maximum of 12 hours. You don’t have to return bikes to the original location but can return them to any station in the city (with a small fee for returns outside stations).

On weekends between April and October, Krakowskie Przedmieście is closed to cars, creating a pleasant cycling environment. With dedicated paths crossing the Vistula River and an expanding network of cycling routes, getting around Warsaw by bike has never been easier or safer.

Useful links

• Veturilo Warsaw Public Bike
• Warsaw Bike Path Map

Walking in Warsaw

Walking in Warsaw is a pleasant way to explore the city, especially in pedestrian-friendly areas like the historic Old Town and Krakowskie Przedmieście – often called Warsaw’s most famous pedestrian street. The Mariensztat area, just down the hill from the Old Town, offers a quieter, peaceful walking experience with European charm. The city centre is fairly compact, with wide pavements in most areas.

The Vistula River area features popular walking paths that locals and visitors alike enjoy. During summer, you’ll find many people taking advantage of the pedestrianised zones.