Getting Around in Gdańsk

This page is your guide to getting around Gdańsk and the Tri-City area using various modes of transport. We'll walk you through the city's public transport network, which includes trams, buses, and local trains (SKM), plus water buses that can whisk you off to places like Westerplatte and Sopot.

You'll also discover golf cart tours, a fun and easy way to check out the sights, along with taxi services and ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt.

If you're keen on cycling, we've got you covered with info on bike routes and the MEVO bike-sharing system. We'll also fill you in on electric scooters and how to use them, plus car rental options if you prefer four wheels.

Getting Around on Foot

Exploring Gdańsk's city center on foot is a breeze. You can easily stroll from the train station to the gates of the Old Town, which most people consider the heart of the city. The railway station sits conveniently close to the historic quarter, and you'll find most tourist attractions on this side of the tracks, scattered between the former shipyard area and the Długa pedestrian street.

While walking around, make sure to follow local traffic rules. Don't cross streets against red lights or jaywalk outside designated crossings. Local police are quite keen on fining tourists 200 złoty (roughly 50 euros) for these infractions. If you're not a local, you'll need to pay the fine on the spot.

Your route choices in Gdańsk can make a huge difference in walking distances. If you're venturing beyond the central area, consider hopping on public transport, grabbing a taxi, renting a bike, or trying an e-scooter.

Getting Around on Public Transport

Gdańsk has a really well-organized public transport network that makes getting around the city a breeze. While you can easily explore the sights and beautiful buildings in the city center on foot, public transport is your best bet for covering longer distances.

The city has about ten tram lines, and the great thing is that trams mostly run on their own dedicated tracks, separate from regular traffic. This makes tram travel smooth and reliable. Besides trams, there's also an extensive bus network covering the whole city. The same ticket works for both trams and buses, which is super convenient. You can buy tickets from the driver or from ticket machines. Just remember to validate your ticket when you start your journey!

There's also the Szybka Kolej Miejska (SKM) local train system that connects Gdańsk with neighboring cities like Sopot and Gdynia. SKM trains run frequently, especially between Gdańsk and Gdynia, making them a quick and efficient way to explore the Tri-City area. If you're heading to or from the airport, the Pomeranian Metropolitan Railway (PKM) has got you covered. Just note that these two train systems have slightly different ticketing rules.

For a more leisurely pace, try the water buses, they're perfect for relaxed sightseeing. They run to Westerplatte and other destinations from spring through fall.

A word of caution when using Gdańsk's public transport: pay attention to where you are! Make sure you're at the right stop or platform, as there can be several stops close together in the city center. The same goes for trains. Platforms are divided into different sectors, and especially at the main railway station, double-check you're in the right sector before boarding a long-distance train.

Tickets for buses, trams, trains and water buses

You can buy tickets from various sales points like kiosks, ticket machines, and directly from drivers. Credit and debit cards are widely accepted.

Local trains in the Gdańsk area are operated by SKM and PKM. SKM covers the entire Tri-City area, while PKM serves the airport and western parts of the city. You can get train tickets from station vending machines, ticket offices, or kiosks marked with the SKM logo. While locals who are students or pensioners can get discounts, tourists should expect to pay full fare. Don't forget to validate your tickets before boarding! Look for the yellow validation machines on platforms or between the tracks. Ticket inspectors patrol the trains around the clock, and traveling without a ticket or with an unvalidated one will earn you a fine.

Local buses and trams in Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia are run by ZTM Gdańsk and ZKM Gdynia. You can grab tickets for these from ZTM-marked kiosks, vending machines at busy stops, or directly from the driver, just make sure you have exact change if buying onboard. Remember to validate your ticket as soon as you hop on using the orange or yellow validation machines.

Ticket prices depend on how long they're valid for. If you're planning to use public transport several times in one day, a 24-hour ticket might save you some money. For tourists, there's also the special Gdańsk Tourist Card that comes in different package options. The card gets you free or discounted entry to popular attractions and restaurant discounts, plus you can ride public transport for free. Cards are available for different durations, from one day to several days.

From spring through fall, Gdańsk also runs water buses, a great way to explore the city from the water. Just note that water bus tickets are separate from other public transport tickets and need to be purchased independently.

Local Trains

Getting around by train is handled by SKM (Szybka Kolej Miejska), which connects Gdańsk, Sopot, and Gdynia. Together, these three cities form what locals call the Tri-City or Trójmiasto. SKM trains run frequently, every 7 to 15 minutes during rush hour, making it super easy to zip between these cities. This means you can easily base yourself in Gdańsk and take day trips to explore the neighboring towns.

Train Schedules

skm.pkp.pl is the official SKM website where you'll find current timetables, routes, and ticket info. The site is mainly in Polish, but if you're using Google Chrome, the built-in translation feature works pretty well for getting the gist in English.

Portal Pasażera is the official schedule search run by PKP Polskie Linie Kolejowe S.A., showing both long-distance and local trains. Good news, this one's available in English too.

Water Bus

Water buses offer a convenient way to reach several fascinating destinations from Gdańsk. You can hop on routes that take you to historic Westerplatte, the harbor district of Nowy Port, the beaches of Brzeźno and Jelitkowo, and even all the way to Sopot.

The water bus season kicks off around April and runs through early September. You can buy tickets right at the pier before departure. Make sure to arrive early, especially during peak season, as seating is limited. You'll find a pier at Targ Rybny square, for instance [on map].

Keep in mind that water bus schedules can change depending on weather conditions, so it's worth checking the latest info before you head out to avoid any surprises.

Golf Cart Tours

Electric golf cart tours in Gdańsk are a fun and eco-friendly way to explore the city's attractions. For instance, at Targ Rybny square [on map], where there's plenty to see, you can hop on a golf cart and zip around the city's sights quickly and effortlessly. Many drivers speak English and are happy to share fascinating tidbits about the attractions and the city itself.

Golf cart tours have become a staple of the tourism scene in Gdańsk and many other Polish cities, like Kraków. They're perfect for travelers of all ages, including families. This makes them an excellent option if you're looking for an easy and accessible way to experience Gdańsk's historic sites. During the tours, you can visit places like St. Mary's Church, one of the world's largest brick churches, and the Museum of the Second World War, which offers a profound perspective on wartime history.

Golf cart prices vary slightly between drivers, but last time I checked, renting an entire cart was running around 150-250 złoty per hour. There are several pre-planned routes available, but you can also customize your tour based on what interests you most. In two hours, you'll have enough time to cruise through all the major highlights both in the Old Town and the surrounding areas.

Taxi

Taxis are one of the most popular ways to get around Gdańsk. Besides traditional cabs, the city also has app-based ride services like Uber and Bolt. These are popular choices that make ordering a ride, tracking your car in real-time, and paying for your trip super easy, all from your phone. With the Bolt app, you can also rent electric scooters and zip around on short trips.

Among traditional taxi companies, Neptun Taxi is the official and trusted partner at the airport. Their cabs are waiting right in the arrivals hall, and while prices might be a bit higher, the service is quick and reliable. Hallo Taxi and Super Hallo Taxi also have good reputations as trustworthy companies.

Avoid hailing taxis directly from the street, especially near nightclubs and busy tourist spots, and particularly at night. These can charge significantly more than taxis ordered through an app or by phone. Generally speaking, taking a taxi in Gdańsk is affordable, though prices do vary between companies. You can check the rates on the side of the taxi.

Biking and Bike Rentals

Hopping on a bike is a fantastic way to get to know Gdańsk. The city boasts hundreds of kilometers of bike paths, and they're constantly adding more. The city is really pushing to get more people cycling and make the roads safer for everyone. They've even appointed a dedicated cycling representative, that's how seriously they take it! Plus, over 60% of the streets have been calmed with 30 km/h speed limits. Renting a bike is super easy, you can grab one from the MEVO city bike system or check out private rental shops [on map].

To use the MEVO bike-sharing system, just sign up through their app. Once you're registered, simply scan the QR code on any bike to unlock it. The app also shows you where to find available bikes nearby and where you can drop them off. They've got different pricing options to suit your needs, monthly passes, 48-hour rentals, or pay-by-the-minute rates.

Gdańsk has some amazing cycling routes that let you take in the views while discovering the city on your own schedule. Some favorites include the coastal routes from Brzeźno to Jelitkowo, and out to the Westerplatte peninsula and Stogi. In the city center and Old Town, you can cruise along the Motława River. For longer adventures, try regional routes like Velo Baltica, the Vistula River trail, or the paths connecting to Sopot and Gdynia. Want more route info? Check out rowerowygdansk.pl and velomapa.pl.

E-scooters

Getting around Gdańsk is a breeze with shared e-scooters available throughout the city.

Bolt, for instance, offers e-scooters in Gdańsk as part of their broader micromobility services. Finding and renting a scooter is super easy with the Bolt app. The service caters to both locals and tourists alike, and it's just one piece of Bolt's bigger picture that includes food delivery and ride-hailing services.

Car Rental

Gdańsk has plenty of car rental companies with offices [on map] at the airport and scattered around the city as well.

Before renting a car, it's worth shopping around and comparing deals from different companies. Book ahead, especially during peak season, to ensure availability and snag the best rates. Make sure to read through the rental terms carefully, check what's included in the insurance and watch out for any hidden fees to avoid nasty surprises.