Poznań is criss-crossed by dozens of tram and bus routes, which represent your best method for getting across town and beyond between 05:00 and 23:00 (night trams and buses run less frequently outside of these hours). The skeleton key to unlocking this system is Jakdojade (jakdojade.pl/poznan) - Poland’s best transport website/app. This free service (we recommend downloading the app) will tell you (exactly how to get to your destination using live transit connections based on your location. It includes trams and buses (you’ll need the latter to get to the airport), and will even guide you to the necessary transit stop on foot, and tell you exactly what kind of ticket you need. If you enter your bank details you can also buy your ticket and validate it through the app, which is truly handy.

If you prefer a more offline approach, paper transport tickets can be purchased by card from automated machines on most trams and buses (tickets are the same for both), as well as at many transit stops. Like the routes themselves, the galaxy of ticket options is far too complex to discuss here; know that you likely won’t be leaving ‘Zone A’ unless you’re travelling far outside of the city-centre (even Lake Malta is within Zone A). Tickets are timed, and the cheapest option is a not-very-cheap 4zł for only 15mins - which might only get you 5 or 6 stops. A 45min ticket for 6zł may be the safer bet, but if you plan on travelling often, you may also want to consider a 24hr or 48hr ticket. Another option if you are here for a few days is the Poznań City Card which gives you free unlimited use of the public transport system as part of the price.

Note that if you purchase a paper ticket, you must stamp it immediately upon boarding the tram or bus in the small machines on-board (even if you bought your ticket on-board; ask a stranger if you aren’t certain how to do it). Plainclothes inspectors regularly patrol the lines handing out costly fines to those without valid tickets.

Lastly, those over the age of 70 ride for free, as do kids until age 5 (no ticket required!). ISIC and student cards are valid for discounted tickets, but you must carry your ID and be under 26.