Warsaw is a mixed bag when it comes to traveling on foot. It is fairly flat, and compact areas like the Old Town and the New Town are perfect for strolling and exploring. The further south and west you go, particularly when it comes time to reach sites like Lazienki Park, Wilanow Palace, and the POLIN Museum, you will find that walking should be used as a form of transport in conjunction with the city`s extensive bus and tram services.

Warsaw`s massive tram system is operated by Tramwaje Warszawskie (TW), a subsidiary organization of Zarzad Transportu Miejskiego w Warsawie (ZTM). There are 27 tram lines which run through all parts of the city, stopping at least twice an hour on every route, even during limited service between midnight and 5 a.m. The closer to the city center you are, the more frequent the trams run during the daytime (sometimes as many as 20 times per hour). There are two ways to buy a tram ticket (under 10 zl for a one-way fare): at an automated kiosk or on the tram itself. The automated kiosks should have the option of explaining the purchasing process in English when requested on the home screen.

By bus

Warsaw`s exhaustive bus system, which consists of over 200 routes, is also managed by ZTM. Over 25 routes are limited to running outside of peak hours (i.e. 11 p.m. to 4 a.m.), so there is always a public transport option in Warsaw`s city center. The city buses reach every part of Krakow and the routes also fan out to reach suburbs within 40 miles. Tickets are priced by zone and can be purchased at any bus station, either from a staffed window or kiosk (English instructions available). Most of the districts in Warsaw (except for perhaps Wilanow) can be reached in one zone. Look to spend under 10 zl for each trip.

By taxi

Taxi stands are located throughout the city center. Simply walk up to the taxi stand, get in line, and wait for your turn to take the next available cab at the stand. There is still an issue with unlicensed taxis in Warsaw, so do not attempt to hail a cab from the street, and definitely don`t respond to cab drivers who try to solicit you for business. If you`d like to find a list of taxi companies in Warsaw you can call, visit the Teletaxi service at www.teletaxi.pl. You will find that with many taxi companies in Warsaw that it is cheaper to call ahead for a taxi than to take one at a queue.

By Metro

The Warsaw Metro consists of two lines which run north to south on the western side of the River Vistula and from west to east, crossing the Vistula. The subway trains run once every ten minutes from 5 a.m. to midnight on weekdays (to 3 a.m. on weekends and some public holidays). We recommend sticking with the tram system which is more extensive and just as modern. For more information, visit www.metro.waw.pl.

By bicycle

Apart from testy drivers, Warsaw is fairly friendly to people who decide to rent a car. Parking is plentiful and cheap, and public transport works in a pinch in the few areas where a car is not feasible or allowed (for example, portions of the Old Town). You can rent cars from all the typical European and North American companies for approximately $40 to $60 per day; check out Aleje Jerozolimskie across from Warsaw Central railway station if you wish to rent a car in the capital and not at Chopin Airport (which also offers car rental options).