Public transport in Gdansk

written by Maciek Bogdanski

Public transport in Gdansk is a convenient way to explore the city. The fares are acceptable, and if there are no traffic jams caused by some roadworks, accidents or extreme weather, it’s pretty punctual. All the buses and most of the trams are modern, with air-conditioning in summer and heating in winter. All buses and most trams are equipped with wheelchair ramps (serviced by the driver after pressing the button). For longer routes, there is the SKM Gdansk – Gdynia train that has stops along Gdansk, Gdynia and Sopot.

Tip: download Jakdojade mobile application for Android or Iphone. You may check schedules, real-time departures, routes, maps, and buy tickets in this app. It also works for transport in other cities.

The bus and tram network allows you to get to any place in the city – beaches, museums and the Oliwa district, although it sometimes takes time to get there. To find buses and tram maps, look at the official public transport page of Gdansk, but you will find the best routes easier in the Jakdojade App.

Modern tram in Gdansk
Modern tram in Gdansk

Buses and trams

Where to buy bus and tram tickets

Public transport in Gdansk - Ticket machine
Ticket machine in Gdansk

Tickets for buses and trams are the same. They may be obtained from kiosks, ticket booths (rare), vending machines or from the driver. After entering the bus/tram, you need to validate the ticket. You only need to do it once. It is also possible to buy tickets using the Android App (Jakdojade, Mobilet), but it is better to do it before you enter the vehicle. If you buy in the Apps don’t need to be validated, and they appear in the App.

Gdansk Airport to Gdynia or Sopot
Read also

Tip: if you can choose between tram and bus on your route, choose tram during rush hours, and bus outside rush hours. Trams are fast, but have too many stops. Unless there are traffic jams – buses are faster.

Types of bus and tram tickets in Gdansk

There are one-ride tickets, that are only valid for one ride – after you leave the bus/tram you must buy another one to go further.
There are also time tickets, that allow you to change buses and trams until the ticket runs out of time. Unfortunately, there are no tickets valid for more than 72 hours. There are, of course, monthly cards, but it is highly unlikely that you’ll need them.

To use night buses or trams (those with the letter N in the beginning, for example, N1) you needed to buy a separate ticket, which was a bit more expensive. However, since the 1st of April 2020, there has been no distinction between day and night tickets.

Ticket prices

The ticket prices are as shown below:

Type of ticketRegular ticket priceReduced price*
One ride4,80 PLN2,40 PLN
75 minutes6 PLN3 PLN
24-hour valid on all lines22,00 PLN11,00 PLN
Gdansk Tourist Card
Read also

If you travel without a valid ticket, the fine is 154 PLN if you pay it within 7 days. Otherwise, it rises to 220 PLN

*You are entitled to buy a reduced ticket when you are a student up to 26 years old, and you have an ISIC or EURO26 STUDENT card that was issued outside Poland.

SKM Gdansk – Gdynia train

Gdansk has no metro, but there is SKM train, which is a fast way to travel within the main communication route. It is frequently called Gdansk – Gdynia train, but some trains go further, even beyond Wejherowo. SKM trains stop at every station, so it is also a good way to get from Gdansk to sightsee or party in Sopot. Travelling from Gdansk to Gdynia with SKM train lasts only 33 minutes and costs 6,5 PLN, while to Sopot it’s only 20 minutes and 4,2 PLN. Since 2013 there has also been a second line of SKM (PKM) that goes to the airport and Kaszuby. This is much faster than the bus, and the punctuality is not dependable on traffic. Gdansk – Gdynia train usually leaves every 10–15 minutes until evening, then every 30 minutes until night, and every 2 hours during the night.

SKM Gdansk-Gdynia train
SKM Gdansk-Gdynia train

There is a variety of tickets to travel on SKM, including one-ride, 24-hour, return, group/family and zone tickets. You need to consult their website to check, which ticket is best for you. Skycash App will automatically hint you with the ticket that best suits your needs.

Best things to do in Gdynia
Read also

SKM train tickets

Tickets are sold at the railway stations, automatic ticket machines on the phone (Skycash App) or on the board. If you buy the ticket from the cash desk at the railway station, make sure to validate it before you get on board. Tickets bought in the automatic ticket machine or by Skycash App don’t need to be validated. There are no validators inside the trains.

SKM train ticket validators
SKM train ticket validators

To buy the ticket on the board (there is an extra fee), you need to get in through the first door. Otherwise, the ticket inspector may stop you on your way to buy a ticket and fine you for not having one.

Unless you are a Polish citizen or have a permanent residence card, you can’t buy SKM reduced tickets.

SKM train ticket machines
SKM train ticket machines

MZKZG tickets (Metropolitarny ticket)

What is MZKZG? It is an association of cities around Gdansk, that decided to make it more convenient to travel in the area. MZKZG includes Gdansk, Gdynia, Sopot and a couple of smaller cities around Tricity.

If you want to travel both bus/tram and SKM, or you plan to use public transport in Gdansk and other cities within MZKZG, you should consider buying a combined ticket. Using that ticket, it is possible to go by bus/tram and SKM train. One more advantage of this ticket is that one of them is valid for 72 hours! The types of tickets and their prices are as follows:

Gdansk passenger ferry terminal to city centre
Read also

*You may buy a reduced MZKZG ticket for buses with your ISIC/EURO26 Student card, but unfortunately, unless you are a Polish citizen or have a permanent residence card, you are not entitled to buy SKM reduced tickets. Combined tickets are difficult to buy. Usually, they are available in the main SKM stations, but the most convenient way is to install the Jakdojade app on your phone and buy it inside the application.

Some useful tips

On-demand bus stops

At some bus stops, those marked “Na zadanie” or “NZ” you need to show the driver that you want to get on/off the bus. While inside, you need to press the “Stop” button, while waiting at the bus stop, you have to waive for the bus to stop.

Note that during the night, all the bus stops are “Na zadanie”

Time tickets expiry

Theoretically, you have to leave the bus after your ticket runs out of time. But if according to the schedule, the bus was supposed to come to your destination within the validity of your ticket, but is late because of traffic, you can ride with that ticket even after it is void. But beware, that some ticket inspectors will not be willing to apply that rule (even though it’s stated in the terms). Furthermore, if you use the mobile app to buy the ticket, make sure to capture the screen with the ticket, as it may disappear once the ticket validity is over.

Hitchhiking from Gdansk
Read also

Bus stop boards

At some main bus and tram stops, there are electronic boards showing departures from the bus stop. If the information is “za XY min“, this is the real-time from GPS installed on the bus. If it shows the exact time of departure, this is the time according to the schedule, not the real-time info.

Bus stop board
Bus stop board

Airport connection

It’s easy and cheap to reach Gdansk airport by bus or train. You just need a normal ticket, no extra fee is charged. Check Getting from Gdansk airport to the city centre by bus, train and taxi for more information.

Alternative to public transport?

Car sharing is getting more and more popular. It’s cheaper than taking a taxi and faster than bus, so many people use it. Moreover, you may use the public bike system  – Mevo – for a short distance.

For more information and a voucher code for some minutes scooter ride, check our article on car motorbike and scooter sharing in Gdansk and Mevo – a public bike system in Tricity and surroundings.

Public transport in other Polish cities

If you are considering going to other Polish cities, check our articles on public transport in Warsaw, Krakow, Wroclaw, and Poznan.

Mevo - Public bike rental system in Gdansk
Read also

You may also like

32 comments

Kjartan Kjartansson May 22, 2019 - 2:42 am

Dear Sirs,

What’s the difference between Regular and Reduced prices?
Smething to do with age?

Hope to hear from yuo soon.

Best fregards

Reply
admin May 23, 2019 - 5:48 pm

Hello

As foreigner, you are entitled to a reduced ticket for buses (only!) if you are a student up to 26 years old, and you can prove it with an ISIC card or EURO26 “Student” card – those cards must be issued outside Poland.

Cheers
Maciek

Reply
admin May 23, 2019 - 6:04 pm

Thanks Jeff, I’ll update the info. When you purchase the ticket, it’ll appear in the application under “show to control” menu. And yes, you may buy two tickets on a single phone – just need to follow the buying procedure once again. Both tickets will be visible in the app.

Cheers
Maciek

Reply
Marianne Olsen September 4, 2019 - 4:16 pm

We are to people having a holliday in Gdansk. One is 70 years old. For our stay we want to buy 72 hours ticket for bus and tram. Where do we buy this tickets?
Can we use this also in our trip from the airport to the city?

Regards Marianne

Reply
admin May 29, 2019 - 1:12 pm

Hello Mrs Thompson,

If you are over 70 you don’t need to buy tickets for buses and trams within Tricity – just have your ID with you. As for the SKM trains – I would buy one-ride/return tickest (or other depending on where you want to go). 25% discount applies to You.

Have a nice stay in Gdansk!

Reply
Laura February 24, 2020 - 5:43 pm

Hi there,

How old are children free up to on the Gdansk trams please? I have a 4 year old. Thank you.

admin February 24, 2020 - 8:19 pm

Hi Laura,

Children under 4 don’t need tickets on buses and trams.

Kjartan Kjartansson May 22, 2019 - 2:38 am

Dear Sirs,
What’s the difference between regular and reduced fared?

Best regards

Reply
JeffC May 22, 2019 - 1:24 pm

Thanks for providing this resource. We are currently in Gdansk and are planning to purchase an “24hour ticket (all MZKZG+SKM train)” for each of us. I downloaded the Jakdojade app for Android and can see how to purchase the ticket (BTW – it does come up in English after the “Accept Terms” page). The question is how to use the ticket once it’s purchased and is there a way to buy tickets for two people on a single phone?

Thanks in advance for the help.

Reply
Eddy Privitera May 25, 2019 - 11:54 am

We are going to Gdansk on 29 May for 1 week. Which is the best public transport ticket to buy so we can travel by Bus, Tram and Train in Gdansk, Sopot & Gdynia , And which we can use also late evening ?

Reply
admin September 4, 2019 - 4:51 pm

Hello Marianne
If you are 70 years old and have your ID with you, you don’t need tickets for buses and trams – but still you need ticket for PKM and SKM trains!.
The best way to buy 72 hour ticket is to use Jakdojade App. But if you want to buy paper ticket, you should ask at the Gdansk Train Station underground passage (look for ZTM Customer Service nr 3 or try at the train tickets cash desk) or at the post office in Dluga Street). The complete list where you can buy this ticket is here: https://mzkzg.org/punkty-sprzedazy-biletow-jednorazowych-24-i-72-godzinnych
Yes, this ticket allows you to go to the airport with the bus, and if you buy the 46PLN/23PLN ticket, also with the PKM/SKM Train.

Reply
Mrs Thompson May 28, 2019 - 6:03 pm

We are going to gdansk for 2 weeks we are over 70 so we need to jump on and off transport what is best ticket to buy for all holiday,thank you

Reply
admin May 25, 2019 - 6:47 pm

The easiest way is to buy two 72hours MZKZG tickets (46 PLN each) – this is the only ticket that allows you to use Bus, Tram and Train in Gdansk, Sopot & Gdynia and you don’t need to worry about it any more. But of course, it depends on how you plan your stay here. Maybe it is enough for you to buy Bus&Tram tickets and one-ride train ticket when you really need it.

Cheers
Maciek

Reply
V. Kunkel November 27, 2019 - 6:07 pm

So, there is no reduction for people over 70 on public transportation?

Reply
admin November 27, 2019 - 6:55 pm

If you are over 60, there is 25% reduction on SKM trains. If you are over 70, you don’t need any ticket for buses or trams. You just need to carry your ID with you.

Reply
Maria January 13, 2020 - 12:26 am

What is the name of your app on Apple devices for buying tram tickets? What is the cost of monthly Cards for students?

Reply
admin January 13, 2020 - 8:09 pm

The App I use is Jakdojade and it works perfect.
Monthly card for students for trams and buses costs 41-48 PLN, depending on whether you want it to be valid also on night buses.

Reply
Inioluwa ❤️ May 5, 2024 - 5:43 pm

How can I get the monthly card that is valid for both bus and tram

Reply
Maciek Bogdanski May 6, 2024 - 7:32 pm

All the tickets are valid both on buses and trams. The easiest way to buy monthly ticket is to use Jakdojade App. Choose Gdansk as the city, then go to tickets, Choose Gdansk again, and there, at the bottom of the page you’ll find Long term tickets.

Reply
mattias January 22, 2020 - 4:57 pm

hello if I buy the ticket MZKZG for 46zloty in the jakdojde app is it valid for all trams, busses and skm trains then? in just one city or in all 3? Gdansk , Gdynia and Sopot? I want to get around a bit so want to buy the best ticket for my reason

and what’s the difference between the 72hour ticket for 30 zloty and 46? on the 30 zloty ticket its say ztmgda+zkmgdy+mzkwej

have a nice evening
mattias

Reply
admin January 22, 2020 - 10:24 pm

Hello Mattias,
46 PLN ticket is valid on buses, trams and trolleys in Gdansk, Sopot and Gdynia, and SKM nad PR (Przewozy regionalne) trains that run in Tricity.
The difference between 46 PLN ticket and 30 PLN ticket is that 30 PLN ticket is NOT valid on the trains.

Reply
Melvin February 19, 2020 - 2:50 am

Could you be so kind to link to the time tables for the bus going from and coming to the airport? The public transport website is not in English and translates poorly using google.

Many thanks!

Reply
admin February 19, 2020 - 7:53 am

Good idea, I’ll link them in the article. But to be quicker than that:

This is bus 210 going from the opposite Main train station in Gdansk:
https://ztm.gda.pl/rozklady/rozklad-210_20191123-8-2-dzien-20200219.html
(all of them pass by airport, those with letter “a” end there.

This is the same bus going from the airport:
https://ztm.gda.pl/rozklady/rozklad-210_20191123-17-1-dzien-20200219.html

This is the bus going from Gdansk Wrzeszcz train station to the airport:
https://ztm.gda.pl/rozklady/rozklad-110_20191215-1-2-dzien-20200219.html

And this is the same bus going from the airport to Gdansk Wrzeszcz
https://ztm.gda.pl/rozklady/rozklad-110_20191215-1-1-dzien-20200219.html

Reply
Marta March 11, 2020 - 8:12 pm

I bought a 72 h ticket from the red machine for 28 PLN then I was stopped by a ticket inspector saying this is only a train ticket. How in the hell that is possible that a 72 h from that machine works only on trains and not on trams. These companies need better user interfaces.

Reply
admin March 11, 2020 - 8:25 pm

I doublechecked on their website as I was afraid that I may have not updated the prices – but I can’t see any 72h ticket that costs 28 PLN. May you upload the picture somewhere? Were you given a fine or just a warning?

Reply
Jessica April 1, 2021 - 6:10 pm

Can someone send an official link about the fine charges /price list .I was charged 156zl from the discounted 222zl and I see people say it should be way lesser .Lady at the counter said its standard amount and that I should check it on the website .It seems like the guy just charged me anything he felt like charging me .I can’t seem to find any precise data on all this .Thanks for the help.

Reply
Maciek April 2, 2021 - 9:06 pm

Here is the link to official charges: https://ztm.gda.pl/bilety/oplaty-dodatkowe,a,3151
As I can see, you were charged according to that list.

Reply
Warsaw public transport - ticket information, tips - Explore Warsaw June 27, 2021 - 1:40 pm

[…] you are considering going to other cities in Poland, read our guides on public transport in Krakow, Gdansk, Poznan and Wroclaw. You may also read our articles on how to travel around […]

Reply
Xyz June 26, 2024 - 9:46 am

Hi
If I am on a connecting tram , do i have to buy ticket again? And if I have validity for ticket like 75 mins, does that mean that I can use any bus or tram within that time??

Reply
Maciek Bogdanski June 26, 2024 - 11:21 am

Yes, you may use any bus/tram within this time.

Maciek

Reply
sean cotter October 7, 2024 - 3:10 pm

hi there

we are getting the train from Gdansk Airport to Gdansk Glowna (one stop) then hoping to get the tram to Brama Wzyanna – which ticket must we purchase for this trip i’m thinking will the 75 minute ticket suffice

Reply
Maciek Bogdanski October 7, 2024 - 7:20 pm

Time tickets are not valid on trains (except for 24/72 hour combined tickets). If you are going by train, you’ll need to change at Gdańsk Wrzeszcz train station. Buy tickets “Taryfa pomorska”, it’s valid both on train to Gdańsk Wrzeszcz and then SKM train to Gdańsk Główny (or Gdańsk Śródmieście which is close to Brama Wyżynna).

Reply

Leave a Comment