Public transport in Warsaw is run by Zarzad Drog Miejskich (Warsaw Transport Authority). It operates dense network of buses and trams and one-line metro. Tickets can be purchased in most kiosks and small shops, post offices and hotels. They are valid for all modes of transport and should be purchased before boarding. It is also possible to buy them directly with a driver, but surcharges will apply.
Please visit ZDM website at www.ztm.waw.pl for detailed pricing (English, German and Russian versions available).
Metro
The metro in Warsaw is one of the most modern in the world. However it is hard to describe it as a metro system , as there is currently only one metro line. It has 17 stations and connects north and south parts of Warsaw with a central part coming directly through a city center.
Over 500000 people use the Warsaw metro every day.
First line is still being extended in north and the construction work is about to start on the second line. The central part of the second line is scheduled to be opened between 2008 - 2012.
The whole journey from the very south metro station (Kabaty) to the very north (Marymont, soon to be extended to Mlociny) takes approximately 30 minutes.
Bus
There are around 200 bus routes in Warsaw. Although the bus network is dense and spread across the whole city, it is quite crowded, especially during peak hours. Daily buses usually operates between 5AM and 11PM. Night buses routes converge on Emili Plater street, next to the Palace of Culture and Science and operates from 11PM until the early morning hours.
Regional and long distance bus routes are operated by various private companies. They are commonly known as PKS. One of the biggest in Warsaw is PKS Warszawa [http://www.pks.warszawa.pl] with connections to most of Polish cities.
Most PKS buses arrive and depart from either of two major terminals: Dworzec PKS Warszawa Zachodnia or Dworzec PKS Warszawa Stadion.
Trams
Part of the public transportation system in Warsaw is an extensive tram network. Because there is only one metro line in Warsaw, trams are the best option to travel around the city. They are quicker than buses and operate between 5 a.m. and 11 p.m on working days.
There are 470 kilometers of track and over
twenty tram lines in the city.
Map of tram network in Warsaw: http://www.ztm.waw.pl/
Trains
The most important railway station in Warsaw is Dworzec Centralny or Warszawa Centralna on Emili Plater street. It is the best place to start a trip outside of Warsaw, as all the long-distance connections pass through this station. The rail station has 4 underground platforms and is served by PKP (Polish State Railways).
To plan your route please visit online route planner at http://rozklad-pkp.pl (available in English, German and French). Search results include all kinds of trains operating in Poland.
Airports
Warsaw is serviced by only one airport - Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport (IATA: WAW). It operates domestic and international destinations and has 3 terminals:
- Terminal 1 - is the oldest terminal at the airport, always overcrowded it used to service almost all international connections, there is Domestic Terminal located within this terminal
- Terminal 2 - newly build terminal, modern and spacious will relieve Terminal 1 from excessive traffic, operates most of the international flights
- Etiuda Terminal - small terminal used by low-cost airlines and charters, offers very limited facilities; while flights depart from the Etiuda terminal, all arrivals are handled at Terminal 2.
Please visit airport website for more details:
www.porty-lotnicze.com.pl
The following bus lines operates from the airport to the city center:
- Line 175 - operates everyday 4:50 AM - 11:00 PM to Dworzec Centralny and Centrum metro station (around 30 min)
- Line 188 - operates everyday 4:43 AM - 11:13 PM to Metro Politechnika metro station or to Praga district (respectively 22 and 37 min)
- Night line N32 - operates every night 23:09 PM - 4:39 AM to Dworzec Centralny
Taxis
Taking a taxi is one of the most convenient ways of getting around in Warsaw. If you want to avoid being overcharged, you should use only brand taxis from big taxi companies. Taxi drivers generally haven't good reputation when it comes to charging - so you should always be careful and make sure that your trip doesn't take longer than necessary.
Please visit the website for a list of taxi companies in Warsaw:
http://www.infotaxi.org/city-2157.htm
Boats
Tourists can enjoy White Fleet (Biała Flota) boat trips on the Vistula River in Warsaw. The boat operates daily from 1st May to the end of September, every ninety minutes. The first trip is at 9.30 a.m. Boats leave from the quay by the Śląsko-Dąbrowski Bridge (near the Royal Castle).
Tickets: regular 14 zł, reduced (children up to the age of 14) 10 zł. Rent a boat: 960 zł Telephone: 629 68 85, 0 501 020 317
Car
Heavy traffic and traffic jams are one of the biggest problems in the Polish capital. The city lacks a good circular road system and most traffic goes directly through the city centre. Especially during peak hours driving through the city can be really stressful experience.
It is mandatory to insure your car as soon as it is in the public street.
There are many car rental companies in Warsaw. The prices vary between 200 and 1000 PLN for a car per day.
For a full list of car rental companies please visit:
http://www.warsawtour.pl/
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