Guide · Warsaw
Warsaw public transport tickets (ZTM): prices, zones, visitor passes and how to validate
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In short
- A single 75-minute ticket for zone 1 costs 4.40 PLN; the reduced fare is 2.20 PLN.
- A 24-hour pass costs 15 PLN in zone 1 and 26 PLN in zones 1+2; a 3-day pass costs 36 PLN or 57 PLN.
- The weekend pass costs 24 PLN and runs from Friday 19:00 to Monday 8:00 in zones 1+2.
- Paper tickets are validated right after boarding; app tickets by scanning the QR code in the vehicle or before the metro gates.
- Travel without a valid ticket costs 266 PLN, or 159.60 PLN if paid on the spot.
A single 75-minute ticket for Warsaw's buses, trams, metro and SKM trains costs 4.40 PLN (zł), and a 24-hour pass costs 15 PLN (zone 1, prices as of October 2026). One ticket covers the lot, because they all belong to the city network run by ZTM (Zarząd Transportu Miejskiego) under the WTP brand.
How much does a ticket cost
Normal and reduced fares, as listed by Warszawa 19115, the city's official information portal:
| Ticket | Zone | Normal | Reduced |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20-minute | 1+2 | 3.40 PLN | 1.70 PLN |
| 75-minute single | 1 | 4.40 PLN | 2.20 PLN |
| 90-minute single | 1+2 | 7.00 PLN | 3.50 PLN |
| 24-hour | 1 | 15 PLN | 7.50 PLN |
| 24-hour | 1+2 | 26 PLN | 13 PLN |
| 3-day (72 hours) | 1 | 36 PLN | 18 PLN |
| 3-day (72 hours) | 1+2 | 57 PLN | 28.50 PLN |
| Weekend (Fri 19:00 to Mon 8:00) | 1+2 | 24 PLN | 12 PLN |
| Weekend group, up to 5 people | 1+2 | 40 PLN | |
| 75-minute group, up to 10 people | 1 | 22 PLN |
Time-based tickets let you ride and change as often as you like from the moment you validate them. One catch: the 20-minute and 75-minute tickets are not valid on local "L" bus lines.
Zones 1 and 2
Zone 1 is the city of Warsaw itself, including Chopin Airport. Zone 2 covers the surrounding towns served by ZTM buses and trains. Most visitors never leave zone 1, so the cheaper zone 1 tickets are usually enough. If your trip crosses the city boundary, buy a 1+2 ticket.
Which ticket is best for a short visit
- Four or more rides in a day: the 24-hour pass (15 PLN) pays for itself from the fourth ride.
- A long weekend: the weekend pass (24 PLN) covers zones 1 and 2 from Friday evening to Monday morning.
- Three busy days: the 3-day pass (36 PLN in zone 1) costs less than three 24-hour passes.
- A group of friends at the weekend: the group weekend pass covers up to 5 people for 40 PLN.
Long-term tickets for expats and students
If you live here, a personal 30-day or 90-day ticket on the Warszawska Karta Miejska (Warsaw City Card) or in the mobiWAWA app is far cheaper per ride:
| Ticket | Zone 1 | Zones 1+2 |
|---|---|---|
| 30-day | 110 PLN | 180 PLN |
| 90-day | 280 PLN | 460 PLN |
| 30-day with Karta Warszawiaka | 98 PLN | |
| 90-day with Karta Warszawiaka | 250 PLN |
The Karta Warszawiaka (Warsaw Resident Card) is available to adults who are registered for permanent residence in Warsaw, or who live in Warsaw and filed their previous year's income tax (PIT) at a Warsaw tax office. The youth version (Karta Młodego Warszawiaka) gives 30-day and 90-day tickets for 49 PLN and 125 PLN. Residents aged 65 and over can buy a yearly senior ticket for 50 PLN.
A reduced fare only counts if you carry the document that entitles you to it. The fare finder on the WTP prices page will tell you whether your student card qualifies. Ride on a reduced ticket without the right document and you pay a 196 PLN fee.
Who rides for free
- Children until 30 September of the year they turn 7.
- Primary school pupils with a Karta Ucznia (pupil card) or a valid school e-ID.
- People aged 70 and over.
- Honorary blood donors with the ZHDK title and several other groups; from 8 July 2026 also organ donors and veterans of military missions abroad.
Whichever group you belong to, carry the document that proves it.
How to validate your ticket
Paper ticket. Put it in the validator as soon as you get on the bus or tram. In the metro, validate at the entry gate to the platform or in the validator by the lift. A green light and a short beep confirm it.
App ticket. Buying it is only half the job: you also have to scan a QR code. On buses, trams and trains the QR stickers sit high up, opposite the doors, and your phone will read them from 2 to 3 metres away. Scan as soon as you board. In the metro, scan the code before the gates or the lift. An unvalidated app ticket is not valid.
Where to buy
- Ticket machines (biletomaty) at stops and metro stations.
- ZTM Passenger Service Points (Punkty Obsługi Pasażerów).
- Apps: moBilet, mPay, SkyCash, zBiletem, jakdojade.pl and GoPay sell short-term tickets; the city app mobiWAWA sells long-term ones.
The Gdzie Jest Kanar app shows live departures and is available in English (about the app). It does not sell tickets: buy them from one of the sellers above.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a single ticket in Warsaw?
A single 75-minute ticket for zone 1 costs 4.40 PLN, or 2.20 PLN at the reduced fare. It allows unlimited changes within 75 minutes of validation. A 20-minute ticket costs 3.40 PLN.
Is there a tourist pass for Warsaw public transport?
There is no separate tourist pass, but the 24-hour (15 PLN), 3-day (36 PLN) and weekend (24 PLN) tickets do the same job: they cover buses, trams, the metro and SKM trains, and the clock starts when you validate them.
Can I use one ticket for the metro and buses?
Yes. ZTM tickets are valid on buses, trams, the metro and SKM trains, and you can change freely within the ticket's time. A 75-minute ticket validated on a bus is still valid when you transfer to the metro.
What happens if I ride without a ticket?
You pay an additional fee of 266 PLN plus the fare, reduced to 159.60 PLN if you pay the inspector on the spot. Details are in our guide to ticket inspections and fines.
Sources
- Warszawa 19115: Short-term tickets
- Warszawa 19115: Long-term tickets
- Warszawa 19115: Buying ZTM tickets in mobile apps
- Warszawa 19115: Karta Warszawiaka
- Warszawa 19115: Karta Ucznia
- Warszawa 19115: Additional fees
- WTP: Ticket prices and types
- WTP: mobiWAWA app
Ride with a ticket.
Ride with a ticket
Live departures, inspections reported by passengers and what is happening on your route: the Gdzie Jest Kanar app, in English.