Warsaw Transport
The public transport system in Warsaw is fairly extensive, with over 200 bus routes and 30 tram lines. Travel times can be long if the destination is far from the city centre. The route maps are easy to understand and ticket prices are relatively low. There is currently only one underground line running from north to south on the left bank, with plans to build a further line connecting the east and west districts. Taxis are a very popular way of getting around, as there are over twenty companies operating and fares are cheap.
By subway
The underground system, or Metro, as it is known locally, is a relatively new development for the city. It is one of the newest systems in Europe and is clean and efficient. Unfortunately, at this stage, there is only one line with 14 stops and many of them are useless for tourists. It runs from Ratusz (just west of the Stare Miasto) in the north to the suburbs of Kabaty, 14kms to the south.
There are a few useful points where the underground connects with overground public transport. These are plac Bankowy and Centrum in the commercial centre, a loosely defined area around the Palac Kultury i Nauk, just 400 metres east of the Warszawa Centralna train station. The underground operates from early morning until midnight and trains run every five to 10 minutes.
By train
The suburban rail network is not really suitable for touring the city. The recently introduced Rapid Urban Railway (Szybka Kolej Miejska) has proved to be a big disappointment. The trams are a much better option, although they aren't as fast as the buses. It's usually quite easy to work out where they are going, as they rarely have to turn.
Tickets cover all forms of transport and should be purchased before boarding. They are available at the green Ruch kiosks and at post offices. You need to validate your ticket in the metal boxes inside the bus or tram, or before entering the platform on the underground. It may be possible to buy some tickets on a bus, but there is usually a surcharge. One-day and one-week passes are available from the City Transportation Office at ulica Senatorska 37.
By bus
Normal bus services usually operate from 05:00 to 23:00, and there is a night service covering a smaller number of routes. Buses run frequently in the city centre, but less often in the suburbs. Some bus stops are request-only and you need to wave your hand to attract the approaching driver's attention.
To get off a bus, just press the red stop button. Sometimes the door will not open automatically, so you need to then locate and press the blue button near the door. The night buses operate on 14 routes at 30-minute intervals and cover most of the city. Most of them are request-only stops, so be sure to signal to the driver that you want to get on well in advance.
Taxis
Taxis are metered and can be hailed on the street, although fares are usually cheaper if the taxi is ordered by phone. There are also private taxi drivers, who work on their own, but these should generally be avoided, as they are notorious for overcharging.
Look out for taxis that have their logo and phone number on the top of the car as well as a price list in the window. Most of the cowboy operators work around the airport, Central Station, the Old Town or near the larger hotels. Recommended companies are MPT, SAWA TAXI and MERC. They all have standard fares and are usually reliable. Radio-taxis can be called on: 919.
Tourist services
Warsaw has a number of special services aimed at tourists. These include bus lines 100 and 180, which travel through the most interesting parts of the city. Bus line 180 runs every day at 15 to 30-minute intervals and bus line 100 runs hourly at the weekends.
The tourist tramway operates in July, August and on Saturdays and Sundays. This historic tram runs along a set route beginning and ending at Narutowicza Square. There is also an Old Town streetcar that can be caught at Castle Square. The 30-minute trip has the benefit of a guide that gives information on various attractions. It operates throughout the year from 09:00 to 16:00.
The Warsaw card allows you to visit museums free of charge or at a discount. It offers free public transport and discounts to various art galleries, accommodation, sightseeing tours within the city and surrounding area, restaurants, shops and car hire.
From the airport
Transport from the airport to the city is either by bus or taxi. The bus stop is located in front of the Arrivals Hall and buses 188 and 175 can be taken for the 30-minute journey into the city. Tickets can be purchased at the kiosks and the tourist information office in the Departures Hall. Taxis are more expensive, but an easier option and will deliver you to your hotel door. Ignore all of the touts that approach you inside the terminal and take a taxi from the stand located in front of the Arrivals Hall.