Overview
Warsaw's public transport system comprises four integrated modes: the Metro (rapid transit underground), SKM (Szybka Kolej Miejska, suburban rapid rail), trams, and buses. The network is managed by ZTM (Zarząd Transportu Miejskiego w Warszawie, Warsaw Public Transport Authority). As a visitor, you purchase a single ticket valid across all modes for a specified duration—typically 75 minutes for a standard single journey within the city. You can buy tickets at newsstands, ticket machines at metro and tram stops, or on buses and trams themselves. Validate your ticket immediately after boarding by scanning it at automated gates (metro) or on dedicated machines (buses and trams). The system divides the metropolitan area into Zone 1 (the city proper) and Zone 2 (suburbs); most tourist travel stays within Zone 1.
The network
Metro (Underground)
The Warsaw Metro currently consists of two lines. The M1 line runs north–south with 21 stations over 22.7 kilometres (14.1 miles), linking the densely populated northern and southern districts of Warsaw. The M2 line runs east–west and was expected to have 21 stations upon completion in 2026. A key interchange between M1 and M2 is at Świętokrzyska station in the city centre. Three additional lines (M3, M4, and M5) are planned for construction by 2050. Metro hours are until midnight on weekdays and until 3 a.m. on weekends.
SKM (Suburban Rapid Rail)
The SKM network provides rapid rail connections to the metropolitan area. The S3 line serves Warsaw Chopin Airport, with a journey time of approximately 20 minutes to central stations such as Warszawa Służewiec.
Trams
Warsaw operates approximately 40 tram lines throughout the city. Tram 17 serves the Mokotów district and runs toward the city centre. Tourist buses and route information can be found on the journey planner.
Buses
The system includes approximately 200 daily bus routes within the city and around 40 suburban services. Night buses, marked with the prefix "N," operate from 11:15 p.m. to 4:45 a.m. Line 180 is a tourist-oriented service that travels the Royal Route to Wilanów, with a journey time of approximately 60–70 minutes.
Tickets & fares
Ticket types and prices
All tickets are valid across trams, buses, metro, and SKM trains. Fares are approximate and subject to change; these prices are current as of the time of publication.
Time-based tickets (Zone 1):
- 20-minute ticket: approximately 3.40 zł
- 75-minute ticket: approximately 4.40 zł
- 90-minute ticket: approximately 7 zł
- Group 75-minute ticket (up to 10 people): approximately 22 zł
Time-based tickets (Zones 1 & 2):
- 20-minute ticket: approximately 3.40 zł
- 90-minute ticket: approximately 7 zł
Short-term passes (Zone 1):
- One-day (24-hour) pass: approximately 15 zł
- Three-day (72-hour) pass: approximately 36 zł
Short-term passes (Zones 1 & 2):
- One-day (24-hour) pass: approximately 26 zł
- Three-day (72-hour) pass: approximately 57 zł
- Weekend ticket (Friday 7 p.m. to Monday 8 a.m.): approximately 24 zł
- Group weekend ticket (up to 5 people): approximately 40 zł
All short-term passes include access to ZTM park-and-ride parking facilities.
Purchasing tickets
Tickets are sold at newsstands, passenger service centres, ticket machines at metro and tram stops, on buses and trams, and via mobile phone apps. Ticket machines accept coins and cards, and support five languages: Polish, English, German, Russian, and Ukrainian. You must validate your ticket immediately after boarding by scanning it at automated gates (metro entrance) or on dedicated machines (buses and trams).
Free and discounted fares
Children born by 30 September in the year they turn seven travel free; elementary school students attending Warsaw schools travel free; and adults over 70 years old travel free (with photo identification). Children from 1 October in the year they turn seven until age 16 receive half-fare tickets. Foreign school students holding an ISIC card valid until age 26 receive half-fare (subject to presentation of a photo document).
Penalties
Travelling without a valid ticket incurs a fine of 266 zł, reduced by 30 per cent if paid within seven days.
Luggage and animals
Luggage and animals travel free on all public transport modes.
From the airport
Warsaw Chopin Airport
Chopin Airport (Lotnisko Chopina w Warszawie, WAW) is located 8 kilometres south of the city centre in the Okęcie district. The fastest public transport option is the SKM S3 suburban rapid-rail line, which reaches the city centre in approximately 20 minutes, serving stations including Warszawa Służewiec. You may also purchase a standard Zone 1 ticket valid for 75 minutes of travel.
Warsaw Modlin International Airport
Modlin Airport (WMI) is located 40 kilometres north of Warsaw in Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki and is used primarily by low-cost carriers.
By train: A yellow shuttle bus connects Modlin Airport to Modlin railway station, 4.5 kilometres away. From there, regional trains serve Warsaw, with journey times up to 90 minutes. A combined airport ticket (Bilet Lotniskowy) costs approximately 22.40 zł and includes a single trip to the station plus 75 minutes of Zone 1 public transport use in Warsaw. As of April 2026, Warszawa Gdańska station is undergoing maintenance and trains may stop at an unexpected platform. Tickets can be purchased online or via the Jakdojade app.
By bus: Contibus operates buses from the airport to the city centre with a journey time of approximately 60 minutes. Tickets cost approximately 40 zł and can be purchased at the airport arrivals hall, on the bus (cash or card), or online. Flixbus also serves the airport with connections to other cities including Gdańsk.
Etiquette & customs
When using Warsaw's public transport, queue in an orderly fashion at tram and bus stops and when entering the metro. On escalators in the metro, stand on the right side to allow others to walk on the left. Priority seating marked in tram and bus cars should be vacated for elderly passengers, pregnant women, and passengers with disabilities. Eating and drinking are not permitted on metro trains; food and beverages may be consumed on trams and buses, though this is generally discouraged. During rush hours (typically 7–9 a.m. and 4–7 p.m. on weekdays), expect crowded conditions and be prepared to move toward the centre of vehicles to make room for boarding passengers.
Official links
Survival terms
- Metro Warszawskie (metro-VAR-shav-skee) — Warsaw Metro, the underground rapid transit system
- Bilet (bee-YET) — ticket
- Linia (LEE-nee-ah) — line
- Wejście (VAY-shcheh) — entrance
- Wyjście (VY-shcheh) — exit
- Przesiadka (psheh-SHYAD-kah) — transfer
- Bilet jednorazowy (bee-YET yed-no-RAH-zo-vy) — single-journey ticket
- Karnet dobowy (KAR-net DO-bo-vy) — day pass
Download the Jakdojade app before your trip to access real-time timetables, journey planning, and mobile ticket purchase in multiple languages.