Getting Around Warsaw

Travel within Warsaw using buses, metro and trams is efficient, fast and cheap; driving a car through the centre, on the other hand, can be confusing indeed, and the capital is best negotiated either on foot, public transport or by taking a cab. In this section you'll find all you need to know about getting around the city with general ease via bus, metro, tram and taxi.

Public Transport

When it comes to public transportation, Warsaw has a ton of options with varying availability/drop-off spots.

Our personal favorites are buses and trams. Both services wind throughout the city and can take you pretty much anywhere in the greater metropolitan area (including out to more suburban neighborhoods). Do not be afraid to take the bus! You have a lot of different options to go wherever you want. See more in the Bus and Tram link below.

Another good option is the train - though there aren't as many pick up and drop off spots, Warsaw's train system is robust and will take you to towns and cities outside of Warsaw easily. See more in a couple links below, or the full train rundown on our getting there page.

The metro is another beloved transportation offer but it comes with pros and cons. Cons: there are two main lines (east to west and north to south), meaning they wont take you everywhere. However they are super clean (no NYC subway flashbacks here!) and fast. If you're traveling along or near the metro line, we recommend taking this option. See more at the link below.

Taxis

The days when cash bells would ring whenever a cab driver would hear a foreign accent might have passed, but it’s still always better to ring ahead rather than just hailing a taxi in the street. In particular be vigilant when taking a cab to the centre from the arrivals hall of the airport; we’ve heard plenty of horror stories. The accepted fare from Warsaw Chopin Airport to the centre is 35-50zł; we suggest that you agree upon this price with your driver before setting off in order to ensure avoiding any shenanigans.

All the companies we list will usually have someone on their switchboard who can speak English. MPT, the state-run firm, can boast the most reliable reputation, but you won’t find many cheaper than Super Taxi. Find ELE taxis on the Marriott tower side of the central station; it’s the second row of cars. Tipping is not expected, but if your driver gets you from A to B without a detour through the countryside then by all means, feel free.

Bike Hire

Renting a bike in Warsaw has never been easier. Sign up with a smartphone and away you go!

Veturilo Public Bike

Car Rental

All most travellers need to rent a car in PL is 18 years of age, a credit card (not debit), and a valid foreign driver's licence. Be aware, however, that those from countries that didn't ratify the Vienna Convention on Road Traffic (tsk, tsk, United States, China, Australia...) cannot legally drive on their home licences; technically an International Driver's License is required in those cases (in the US these are issued by AAA for a fee). If you don't have a license in line with the Vienna Convention, or the required IDL, you may be denied the ability to drive a rental car. Though some car rental companies (the dodgier ones) will still rent you a car (since it's good for their business to ignore international law), be aware that you are assuming full liability if you get behind the wheel; not only can you get a citation from the police, but if an accident were to occur, you would be fully responsible for any damages, regardless of the circumstances.

If you're looking to leave the country in your rental car, be aware that you can't cross the borders into Belarus or Ukraine in a rental car. Although you shouldn't have problems crossing into other Schengen area countries, we advise you always check each hire company's policies about cross-border travel.

Private Transport

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