Cars & Transportation Poland

Buses: Bus routes cover all cities and most settlements in Poland. PKS buses and private companies like Flixbus offer intercity transportation, often being a cheaper and faster option compared to trains.

 

Trams: The tram network is widely developed in major cities such as Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, Lodz, and Poznan. They often operate in conjunction with buses, allowing the use of the same ticket for both modes of transport.

   

Metro: Warsaw has the only metro system in Poland, which includes two lines and 39 stations.

 

Suburban trains: Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, and other major cities have well-developed suburban train systems that allow quick access to nearby settlements.

 

Air travel: Poland boasts a well-developed network of domestic air transportation connecting major cities and regions of the country, as well as actively developing international air travel, providing convenient routes to Europe and other parts of the world. The main airports providing domestic and international flights include: Warsaw Chopin Airport, Krakow Balice Airport, Gdansk Airport, Wroclaw Airport, Katowice Airport.

Ticket machines and kiosks: In most cities, tickets can be purchased from machines located at stops and stations, as well as kiosks. Such machines accept cash and bank cards. In some machines, you can select the interface language, including English.

 

Purchase from the driver: In some cities, like Krakow, you can buy a ticket from the bus or tram driver. Usually, such tickets are valid only for short trips and may cost a little more.

 

Mobile applications: One of the most convenient ways to purchase tickets is using mobile applications. Popular apps include SkyCash, MoBilet, mPay, and JakDojade. These apps allow you to quickly buy a ticket, pay for it with a bank card, and check the transport schedule in real-time.

 

Long-term tickets and travel passes: For those who regularly use public transport, there are long-term tickets and travel passes. For example, monthly and annual passes can be purchased at transport offices or online services. Students can get discounts.

 

Types of tickets

 

Short-term tickets: Time-limited tickets (e.g., 20, 40, 75, or 90 minutes) allow unlimited travel during the specified time. These tickets are often used for short trips around the city.

   

Long-term tickets: One-day, three-day, and weekly tickets are suitable for tourists and allow for savings on travel expenses.

 

Combined tickets: In some cities, such as Krakow, combined tickets are available, valid on buses, trams, and trains. This is convenient for those who often switch from one type of transport to another.

 

Special offers

City cards: In some cities, such as Krakow and Gdansk, tourist cards are offered that include free public transport and discounts to visit attractions.

 

Ticket validation

All tickets purchased from machines, kiosks, or drivers must be validated upon entering the vehicle. To do this, insert the ticket into the validator, which is usually located at the entrance. Tickets purchased through mobile applications are automatically validated at purchase, but they may also be checked by controllers.

Taxis

Traditional taxis: are regulated by local authorities, and each driver must have the appropriate license. A licensed taxi can be identified by: the presence of a sticker with the city coat of arms (e.g., the coat of arms of Warsaw, Krakow, etc.); yellow license plates; a taximeter inside the vehicle.

 

Taxis can be hailed on the street, called by phone, or found at taxi stands, which are usually located in central parts of the city, at train stations, and airports. In smaller towns and rural areas, taxi services are less developed, so calling by phone is the primary method.

Taxi-hailing Apps

iTaxi: A popular app that allows you to order a taxi through a mobile app or website; covers over 100 cities and provides real-time vehicle tracking.

Taxi Polska: Another popular app that makes it easy to hail a taxi using GPS and manually enter the pick-up address.

 

In recent years, the popularity of taxis has declined due to the spread of ride-hailing apps such as Bolt, Uber, and Free Now. These services are often cheaper and more convenient.

Uber provides its services in major cities such as Warsaw, Kraków, Wrocław, Poznań, and Gdańsk. The service offers various ride options, including standard and premium classes.

Bolt is also available and offers its services in major cities, including Warsaw. Bolt provides taxi services, rental of electric scooters and cars, as well as food delivery. 

 

Car-sharing

Free Now: The app offers not only taxis but also car-sharing; it allows you to book cars in advance, track their locations, and pay for trips through the app.

Ecocar: An eco-friendly taxi service that also offers car-sharing and limousine rentals; vehicles of this service are no older than three years.

Other apps: Panek CarSharing, Traficar.

 

Scooter and Bicycle Rentals

Nextbike: The app allows you to rent a bicycle for a short period and pay the rental fee using the mobile app.

Electric Scooters: Apps such as Lime and Bird provide rental services for electric scooters. Rentals are made via a mobile app, and the fee is charged based on the usage time.

 

Life Hacks and Tips

Using Mobile Apps: Mobile apps such as Jakdojade, SkyCash, and MoBilet help not only to purchase public transport tickets but also to rent cars and scooters, track their location, and plan trips.

Safety and Convenience: When using taxi and car-sharing services, it is recommended to check the ratings of drivers and vehicles, and to follow all safety rules, such as wearing helmets on scooters and bicycles.

Living in Poland without owning a car is not only possible but quite convenient due to the well-developed public transport system and other alternative means of transportation.

Pedestrian Accessibility: In major cities, pedestrian infrastructure is well developed, including sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, and rest areas, making walking safe and convenient.

Exchange of a Foreign Driving License

If you already have a driving license issued in another country, the exchange process depends on your country.

 

Citizens of EU and EEA countries: Driving licenses issued in EU and EEA countries are recognized in Poland and can be used until their expiration. However, after 185 days of residence in Poland, they must be exchanged for a Polish license to avoid insurance issues.

 

Citizens of countries that signed the Vienna or Geneva Conventions: Foreigners from countries that signed the Vienna or Geneva Conventions can use their national driving licenses in Poland for 6 months from the entry date. After this period, the license must be exchanged for a Polish one.

 

Other countries: If your country did not sign the mentioned conventions, you need to obtain an international driving permit for use in Poland. However, after 6 months of residence in Poland, you must pass a theoretical exam and exchange the license for a Polish one.

 

License Exchange Process

Required documents:

   - Original driving license.

   - Certified translation of the license into Polish.

   - Proof of legal residence in Poland (minimum 6 months).

   - Two photographs, size 35×45 mm.

   - Completed application form (available in offices or online).

   - Payment of the administrative fee.

   - Medical certificate.

Submission of documents: Documents are submitted to the municipality or district office. In some cities, such as Warsaw and Gdańsk, you can schedule an appointment online.

Document verification: Polish authorities send a request to your country to verify the driving license. This process may take several weeks or months depending on the response speed of your national road agency.

Obtaining a Polish driver's license: After a successful verification and the completion of all formalities, you will receive a Polish driver's license, which is usually issued within two weeks of the application approval.

 

 

Obtaining a new driver's license

If you do not have a driver's license or it cannot be exchanged, you need to go through the process of obtaining a new license in Poland.

Enrollment in a driving school: You must complete courses at a driving school, which include 30 hours of theoretical classes and 30 hours of practical driving. The courses cost about 1000 PLN.

Medical examination: Undergo a medical examination to confirm your fitness for driving.

Exams: Pass the theoretical and practical exams at the local road traffic center.

Purchase and registration of a vehicle

Purchasing a car: Foreigners are free to purchase cars in Poland. The following documents are required: identification (passport or residence permit), proof of car ownership (sale contract or invoice), the vehicle's registration documents, license plates, and temporary registration at the place of residence.

Registration: The vehicle registration is carried out at the local transport authority office. Documents must be translated into Polish and notarized if they are originally in another language.

 

Insurance: Poland has mandatory civil liability insurance, which covers damages caused to third parties. Additional types of insurance, such as comprehensive coverage, are also available.

 

Main traffic rules

Right-hand traffic: In Poland, driving is on the right side of the road.

Use of headlights: Low beam headlights must be on around the clock throughout the year.

Safety: The use of seat belts is mandatory for all passengers. The car must have a fire extinguisher, warning triangle, and first-aid kit. Children under 12 years old must be in child seats or boosters.

Speed limits:

In urban areas: 50 km/h (from 5 am to 11 pm), 60 km/h (from 11 pm to 5 am).

Outside urban areas: 90 km/h.

On highways: up to 140 km/h.

Driving under the influence: The permissible blood alcohol level is 0.2 per mille.

 

Technical inspection and taxes:

Cars must undergo regular technical inspections at accredited vehicle control stations. The inspection is conducted annually for vehicles older than five years.

Car owners are obliged to pay a road tax, which is included in the fuel cost.

In Poland, various fines and penalties are imposed for traffic violations, depending on the degree and type of violation. Here are the main categories of violations and the corresponding penalties:

 

Speeding — one of the most common violations on the roads. Fines depend on the magnitude of the excess:

Up to 10 km/h: 50 PLN and 1 penalty point.

11-15 km/h: 100 PLN and 2 penalty points.

16-20 km/h: 200 PLN and 3 penalty points.

21-25 km/h: 300 PLN and 5 penalty points.

26-30 km/h: 400 PLN and 7 penalty points.

31-40 km/h: 800 PLN (1600 PLN for repeat offenses) and 9 penalty points.

41-50 km/h: 1000 PLN (2000 PLN for repeat offenses) and 11 penalty points.

More than 50 km/h: from 1500 to 2500 PLN (up to 5000 PLN for repeat offenses) and up to 15 penalty points.

 

Other violations

Running a red light: from 300 PLN.

Violation of overtaking prohibition: from 1000 PLN.

Parking violations: from 100 PLN, parking in handicapped spots — 800 PLN.

Not using seat belts: 100 PLN.

Using a mobile phone while driving without a headset: 500 PLN.

Refusal to provide documents for inspection: up to 30,000 PLN.

 

Driving under the influence

Blood alcohol level from 0.2 to 0.5 ‰: fine up to 5000 EUR and a driving ban from 6 to 36 months.

Blood alcohol level over 0.5 ‰: criminal charges, possible penalties include a fine, imprisonment, or a driving ban.

 

Point system

Penalty points are assigned for various violations. The maximum number of points for a single violation is 15.

If a driver accumulates 24 points (or 20 points for drivers with less than one year of experience), the driver's license may be revoked, and to restore it, the driver must retake the theoretical and practical exams.

 

Payment Methods and Contesting Fines

Fines can be paid in cash, via postal transfer, or online through a bank account.

If you disagree with the imposed fine, you can appeal to the court. However, if the court does not satisfy the appeal, the fine may be increased.

Technical Inspection

Vehicle technical inspection in Poland is mandatory and conducted at accredited inspection stations.

 

Frequency: New vehicles undergo their first inspection three years after registration, then every two years, and annually thereafter. Vehicles older than five years are inspected annually.

 

What is checked: The inspection includes checking the braking system, lighting equipment, condition of the body and suspension, emission levels, and other safety systems. If defects are found, the vehicle must be repaired and re-inspected.

 

Documents: The owner's passport or identification card; Current registration card; documents of road tax payment and insurance (if applicable).

 

Vehicle Registration

Vehicle registration in Poland is a mandatory procedure.

Required documents:

   - Application for vehicle registration.

   - Document confirming ownership of the vehicle (purchase agreement, invoice).

   - Vehicle registration card.

   - Compulsory civil liability insurance policy (OC).

   - Technical inspection certificate.

   - Owner's passport or identity card.

   - Proof of excise tax payment (for imported vehicles).

   - Temporary registration at place of residence in Poland.

 

Registration Procedure

Prepare all necessary documents and translate them into Polish if they are in another language.

Visit the local transport administration office to submit your application and documents.

Pay all necessary fees and taxes.

Receive temporary license plates and a temporary registration card, which is valid for 30 days.

During this time, a permanent registration card will be prepared, which can be collected at the same office.

Deadlines: The vehicle must be registered within 30 days of purchase or import into the country. Late registration may result in fines.

Temporary Use

Foreign vehicles can be temporarily used in Poland for up to 6 months without the need for registration. During this time, you must carry valid documents such as the vehicle's registration certificate, insurance policy, and driver's license. If you plan to stay in Poland for more than 6 months, you will need to register the vehicle with Polish authorities.

 

International Driver's License: If you are using a foreign driver's license, ensure that it is valid in Poland. Some countries require an international driving license in addition to a national one.

 

Registration of Foreign Vehicle

Registration deadlines: A vehicle imported to Poland must be registered within 30 days of entry. Failure to comply with this requirement may result in a fine.

 

Required Documents:

   - Completed registration form.

   - Document confirming ownership of the vehicle (purchase agreement or invoice).

   - Vehicle registration certificate.

   - Owner's passport or identity card.

   - Temporary registration at place of residence in Poland.

   - Certificate of technical inspection in Poland.

   - Document confirming excise tax payment (if applicable).

   - Translated and notarized documents in Polish (if originally in another language).

 

Taxes and Fees

Excise tax: 18.6% for vehicles with an engine capacity over 2000 cm³ and 3.1% for vehicles with a smaller engine capacity.

Value Added Tax (VAT): 23% when purchasing a new vehicle from a professional dealer.

Registration fee: includes the cost of license plates and a temporary registration certificate.

 

Registration Process

 Visit the local transportation office with a complete set of documents.

 Pay all necessary fees and taxes.

 Receive temporary license plates and a temporary registration certificate, which is valid for 30 days.

 In 2-4 weeks, receive a permanent registration certificate and license plates.

Poland is actively developing infrastructure for electric vehicles, providing convenience and accessibility for owners of such vehicles. 

Charging Stations

By the end of 2023, Poland had approximately 5,933 public charging points. Of these, 66% were charging devices with a capacity of up to 22 kW, and the number of fast DC stations (over 50 kW) reached 575 units.

The largest cities by the number of charging stations include Warsaw, Gdansk, Szczecin, Poznan, and Krakow.

Service Centers

Support and service: In Poland's major cities, there is a network of service centers specializing in electric vehicle maintenance, including centers of official dealers of brands such as Tesla, BMW, and Nissan.

Government programs and initiatives: The Polish government actively supports the development of electromobility, including through subsidy programs and financing the creation of charging infrastructure. This includes initiatives for installing charging stations in residential and public areas, as well as along highways.