Transportation in Warsaw
Underground
Warsaw's one-line Metro system runs from north to south and is more useful for commuters than tourists. An east-west extension of the Metro is planned, but is not expected to open until 2014. The Metro is part of Warsaw's integrated transport system. It runs between 5am and 1am, and accepts the same tickets as trams and buses.
Taxi
Taxis are relatively cheap by Western standards and can be hailed on the street, although it can work out cheaper to order one by phone. Always use an official taxi, which will display its company name and phone number on top, and make sure the meter is turned on after you get in.
Coach
Warsaw's buses are often less crowded than the trams and cover a wider area, though they often get bogged down in heavy traffic. Like the trams, they run between 4am and 12am, although a less frequent night service operates between 11pm and 5.30am. Tickets are also valid for travel on trams and the Metro.
Rent your car
There are several car-hire companies in Warsaw and in the city centre you need to keep street parking meters topped up to avoid fines. When driving through the city, you need to keep your headlights switched on, watch for crossing traffic at junctions and keep to the 50km/hr (31 mph) daytime speed limit.
Transportation tips
Buy a travel ticket valid for one, three or seven days for unlimited travel on the city's buses, trams and Metro line. Punch your ticket in the little machines as soon as you board. You may be fined if you are caught travelling without a validated ticket. The best bus for sightseers is number 180, which links many of the major attractions. Driving in Warsaw can be a nightmare thanks to poor road conditions, traffic jams, lack of parking in the city centre, aggressive drivers and a growing car-theft problem.
