Best Way to Get Around Gdansk: Transport Guide for Visitors

Gdańsk is one of Poland’s most charming and walkable cities, but figuring out the best way to get around Gdansk can still save you time and stress. Whether you’re planning to explore the Old Town, head to the beach, or hop between nearby cities, this guide will help you navigate in the best way possible.

From efficient public transport to affordable ride-shares and scenic bike routes, Gdańsk makes getting around surprisingly easy. You don’t need a car here, and in many cases, walking might be the most scenic option of all.

In this guide, we’ll cover every transport option available, how to buy tickets, what to expect, and a few tips to help you get around Gdansk like a local.

The Best Way to Get Around Gdansk, Poland: A Brief Intro

Gdańsk, a coastal gem on Poland’s Baltic Sea, is a city that mixes rich history with modern convenience. From the colorful facades of the Old Town to the waterfront promenades and beyond, it's a place that’s both scenic and surprisingly easy to navigate.

Whether you’re exploring charming cobblestone streets or planning a trip out to the seaside, knowing the best way to get around Gdansk will help you make the most of your time here. With multiple transport options available, getting around the city is simple, efficient, and won’t break the bank.

There are a few different ways to travel through Gdańsk, making it accessible no matter your budget or travel style.

Here are the different options for how to get around Gdańsk, Poland:

• Walking

• Taking public transportation (buses, trams, and commuter trains)

• Using taxis

• Ordering rideshare services (Uber or Bolt)

• Biking or scootering

• Using ferries

The Best Way to Get Around Gdansk, Poland: Comparing Options

Now that you know some of the Gdańsk transportation options, let’s dive into each one so that you can understand which is best for different areas of the city.

Walking Around Gdansk

One of the best ways to explore Gdańsk is simply on foot, especially in the city’s historic Old Town. With cobbled streets, colorful buildings, and charming canals, walking allows you to soak in the city’s atmosphere and stumble upon hidden gems.

The main attractions in central Gdańsk are pretty close together, and the city is pedestrian-friendly with wide walkways and plenty of signage. Just like in many other European cities, you’ll want to wear comfortable shoes—especially if you plan to wander for hours.

While much of the action is centered downtown, heading to places like the beach in Brzeźno or the shipyards in Nowy Port will require another form of transport. But if it's your first time in the city and you're looking to experience the highlights, this is definitely the best way to get around Gdansk.

Public Transportation Around Gdansk

Gdańsk has a reliable and affordable public transportation system that includes buses, trams, and SKM commuter trains. The trams are especially handy for getting around the main parts of the city, while buses serve further-out areas.

Services typically run from around 5:00 am to 11:00 pm, and the schedules are posted at stops or available via local apps. The Jakdojade app is the easiest way to plan your route and buy tickets digitally.

You don’t need to validate tickets when using the app, but if you’re buying paper tickets from a kiosk or machine, make sure to stamp them once onboard to avoid fines.

Public Transport Discounts

There are several ticket types available depending on how long you’ll be using public transit. Here are the standard options:

• 75-minute ticket: 4.80 PLN (about €1.10)
• 24-hour ticket: 18 PLN (about €4.20)
• 72-hour ticket: 45 PLN (about €10.50)
• Monthly passes and family discounts are also available

You can buy tickets at kiosks, vending machines, or directly through the Jakdojade or ZTM Gdańsk app.

Here are the normal prices for the different public transport ticket options:

• 90-minute ticket: €1.50
• One-day ticket: €5 
• Three-day ticket: €8
• Five-day ticket: €10
• 30-day ticket: €30 

Biking in Gdansk, Poland

Looking for an active way to explore? Biking is a great option in Gdańsk, especially in areas like the beach promenade or along the Motława River. While biking through the Old Town can be tricky due to crowds and cobblestones, the city has a growing network of bike lanes in other neighborhoods.

You can rent bikes using city bike systems or through apps like Nextbike and Bolt, and some shops near the waterfront offer daily or hourly rentals.

Bike tours are also available if you’d rather have a local guide show you the best routes and stories behind the sights.

Taxis and Ride-Sharing Services

If you’re not up for navigating public transport or want a faster option at night, taxis and rideshare apps are great alternatives. Uber and Bolt both operate in Gdańsk and are typically more affordable than traditional taxis.

Taxis are easy to find around train stations and tourist areas, but be sure to check the meter or agree on a price before starting the ride. Bolt is what we used most, and we found it convenient, quick, and cheaper than expected.

Do Taxis in Gdańsk Take Credit Cards?

Most rideshare apps let you pay with your card directly, but not all taxis accept card payments, especially the older ones. If you’re hailing a taxi on the street, it’s best to ask first or just use an app to be safe.

Using Scooters to Get Around Gdank

Electric scooters are another fun way to get around Gdańsk. You’ll find them parked around the city center, especially near major sights and tram stops. Apps like Bolt and Lime let you rent one on the spot.

They’re best for short distances or reaching places that are too far to walk but too close to justify a car or tram.

Renting a Car in Gdansk

You don’t need a car to explore central Gdańsk, but if you plan on doing day trips to spots like Malbork Castle, Sopot, or the Hel Peninsula, then renting a car could be a great idea.

There are several rental agencies at the airport and train station. Just keep in mind that parking in the Old Town is limited and can be pricey, so it’s best to only rent a car if you’re heading out of the city.

 Getting Around Gdansk by Ferry

If you're visiting during the warmer months, ferries and water trams are a unique and scenic way to get around Gdańsk. Seasonal water trams run along the Motława River, connecting the historic Old Town with places like Sopot and Westerplatte. Tickets can be purchased at the booth near the Green Gate.

Sightseeing cruises are also popular, offering everything from eco-boat rides to sunset tours past the iconic Crane and former shipyard areas. This is definitely the best way to get around Gdansk in a fun and unique way.

For those looking to explore farther, there is a ferry from Gdańsk to the Hel Peninsula that operates on weekends in May and June, and daily in July and August.

Long-distance ferries usually arrive in nearby Gdynia instead of Gdańsk, but you can easily reach the city by local train or bus in under an hour.

 What is the Best Way to Get Around Gdańsk?

There are plenty of Gdańsk transportation options, and the best way to get around really depends on your plans. For most travelers, we’d recommend walking as much as possible within the city center, using trams or buses when needed, and taking Uber or Bolt for convenience.

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The Best Way to Get Around Gdansk, Poland: Final Thoughts & Tips

There are a bunch of different options for the best way to get around Gdansk, Poland. In case you missed anything, here is a recap, as well as some tips for getting around in the best way.

What's Next?

Now that you know the best way to get around Gdansk, Poland, you'll probably want to know more about visiting there. Right now we have a guide about the best things to do in Gdansk, and how to get to Gdansk. We  also have a few more guides coming up each week, which we'll then be linking as we go!

So are you ready for an amazing trip to one of Poland's most beautiful cities? We hope now that now know the best way to get around Gdansk for you and your group.

Want to learn more about Gdansk and some nearby cities? We have a couple of other Gdansk guides coming up, as well as many Tallinn travel guides, Riga travel guides, and Vilnius travel guides for you to browse. Make sure to subscribe to our newsletter for all of our weekly updates, along with exclusive content and discounts saved just for our email list.

Ready to start planning the best getaway to Gdansk and some other European cities? Well, we're here to help! Scratch Your Mapa offers customized travel planning services, providing specially-curated itineraries with unique hotels and activities. Ready to learn more? Simply send us an email for your free consultation!

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