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Public Transport
Wrocław's public transport system is easy to use and fairly extensive, with 120 bus lines and 23 tram lines. You'll rarely need trams or buses to get around the Old Town, but many affordable hotels and some sights (like Centennial Hall) are located outside the centre. Major hubs for trams and buses include the main train station, Pl. Dominikański, and Pl. Jana Pawła II. Buses and trams run roughly from 04:00 to 24:00, with irregular night buses running after that.Wrocław's transport system now runs on a modern 'Urban Card' automated system, which has largely replaced the purchase of individual tickets for locals. Tourists, however, should have no trouble using the English option on the ticket machines now stationed at most transit stops and on all trams and buses. Note, however, that while ticket machines at transit stops accept coins and cash, those on board trams and buses only take plastic.
A single fare ticket is 3zł, though note that night buses cost 3.20zł. 24-hr (11/5.50zł), 48-hr (20/10zł) and 72-hr (26/13zł) tickets good for all public transport in and around the city are also available and might be clever if you plan on riding often. ISIC or other non-Polish student ID is valid for a significant student discount, but you must carry your ID.
Most importantly, remember that tickets are not valid until you stamp them once inside the tram or bus. If you're caught without a properly punched ticket, you'll owe the city of Wroclaw 120zł, or 150zł if they don't get the money within seven days, plus the price of the original ticket.
Schedules posted at each stop tend to be right on the money. 'W dni robocze' means Monday through Friday and 'w dni wolne' means Saturday and Sunday. For route planning, check out the super helpful website: www.wroclaw.jakdojade.pl
Taxis
Rogue taxis are still a bit of a problem in Wrocław, especially around the train station. Make sure that your cab is clearly marked, has a rate card in the window and that the driver turns the metre on and you should be fine. Under Polish law the driver is now obliged to give you a printed receipt for your fare. In some instances it is possible to pay by credit card but do ask beforehand. On the whole you'll pay an initial 6zł fee, before being charged from 3zł per kilometre. Note that after 22:00 you'll be paying a premium night tariff. Prices also rise on Sundays and if travelling outside the city limits.Whether or not to tip your taxi driver is a bit of a point of contention. Many Poles do not consider taxis a service that necessitates a tip and thereby, if you're Polish, the driver may not expect one. But double standards being what they are, it's anticipated that foreigners will leave a tip, in which case 10% is appropriate, or simply rounding up the bill. We leave it to you.
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 Ukraine, Belarus or Lithuania in a rental car.
