Getting around in Poland

Upon moving to Poland, you will probably have queries regarding the means of transport available in the country. The Pole transport network may not be as wide as that of other countries, but it is very developed and modern, including bus, tramway, trains, taxis, etc. Carpooling is also a widespread practice in the country. So you don't really have to worry, wherever you want to go.

Bus and tramway

Bus and tramway are the most popular means of transport in the big Polish cities. The networks are dense, but very practical and accessible. However, you might have some trouble with the signs, most of which are written in Polish. It is thus a good idea to buy a city plan beforehand and take a look at bus and tramway schedules.

In smaller cities, you will typically find only bus networks, while medium-sized cities such as Gdynia, Lublin and Tychy are served by trolleybuses as well.

Bus and tramway tickets can be purchased either aboard or at newspaper stalls, stations and supermarkets. In some cities, long trip tickets are available and these can be used for a day, a week or a month, depending on the package chosen. Rates generally vary from one city to another.

You can also hop onto one of the international routes and visit other countries in Europe. For instance, FlixBus and Eurolines both provide bus routes to a number of cities across Europe ' and at very reasonable rates.

Train

The railway network is quite developed and modern, just like the bus and tramway networks, and the rates are quite affordable. The extensive railway network will let you easily connect to remote regions in big cities as well as travel to other cities in the country. You will find different types of trains in Poland including the modern Express Inter-City and Express Inter-City Premium, which will let you get to your destination faster.

There are also railway connections to other countries in Europe namely Germany, France, Italy, Hungary, and others.

The disabled

The disabled may find it quite difficult to travel by the public means of transport as most buses and tramways are not adapted to their needs. However, local authorities have encouraged transport networks to make the needed changes and bus and tramway fleets are being renewed in a progressive way.

Airplane

When time is of the essence, you can easily get to your destination by plane. In fact, the country's official airline, LOT Polish Airlines, has developed a large network of domestic flights helping you get to some of the country's major cities like Krakow, Wroclaw, Warsaw, and other. The country's main airport is Warsaw Chopin Airport.

Carpooling and auto-stop

Auto-stop and carpooling are quite common in Poland like in the rest of the world. Hence, you can find carpoolers on the Internet provided you understand and speak some Polish. As regards to auto-stop, you are more likely to find truck drivers driving out of the cities. Note that you are not allowed to stop cars by the roadside.

Taxi

Taxis are probably the most convenient way of getting around town. Taxi fares are quite reasonable even in big cities ' but keep in mind that you will be charged extra for trips on the weekends and late at night.

When looking for a taxi on the street, make sure to go for the official taxis that have the company's logo on them. So-called 'grey' taxis may often overcharge you, especially if you don't speak any Polish or are not familiar with the area.

You can also use one of the popular taxi apps. Both Uber and Taxify are available in major Polish cities as well as iTaxi, which is available in over 150 cities in the country.

Useful links:

E-podroznik ' Bus schedules
Polskibus ' Bus company
Rozklad PKP ' Information on the Polish railway network
Intercity ' Train schedules