The Complete Warsaw Metro Guide: Navigate Poland's Capital Like a Local

Warsaw Metro Overview: Two Lines, Endless Possibilities

Warsaw's metro system consists of two main lines that intersect at the heart of the city, making it incredibly tourist-friendly. Unlike complex subway systems in other European capitals, Warsaw's network is straightforward and easy to master.

Line M1 (North-South): Runs from Kabaty in the south to Młociny in the north
Line M2 (East-West): Connects Bemowo in the west with Bródno in the east

The lines intersect at Świętokrzyska station, Warsaw's main interchange hub where you can switch between lines seamlessly.

Essential Stations for Tourists
Your Warsaw Metro Map to Top Attractions

Line M1: From Parks to Palaces

Pole Mokotowskie Station Step out to discover Pole Mokotowskie Park, perfect for morning jogs or picnics. The nearby National Library showcases stunning modern architecture, while the Geological Museum offers a surprising collection of dinosaur exhibits right in the city center.

Politechnika Station Exit here for Warsaw University of Technology's impressive main building and Constitution Square, a prime example of Socialist Realist architecture. Marszałkowska Street bustles with shops, cafes, and authentic Warsaw street life.

Centrum Station Your gateway to Warsaw's most iconic landmark - the Palace of Culture and Science. The observation deck offers breathtaking city views. Adjacent Golden Terraces shopping center provides retail therapy and dining options, while Roma Musical Theatre hosts popular shows.

Świętokrzyska Station (M1/M2 Interchange) Warsaw's transportation heart connects you to the Museum of Modern Art, historic Saxon Garden with the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and atmospheric Grzybowski Square, home to Warsaw's synagogue and trendy cafes.

Ratusz Arsenał Station A short walk leads to the Independence Museum and tranquil Krasinski Gardens. Old Town, including the Royal Castle and Sigismund's Column, lies just minutes away on foot.

Plac Wilsona Station Discover Żoliborz district's local charm with Żeromski Park's green spaces, the cult Wisła Cinema, and Słowackiego Street's local shops and distinctive architecture.

Line M2: University to Science

Nowy Świat-Uniwersytet Station Exit onto Nowy Świat Street, one of Warsaw's most elegant thoroughfares lined with restaurants, cafes, and boutiques. Warsaw University's historic campus and Holy Cross Church, where Chopin's heart rests, are within walking distance.

Centrum Nauki Kopernik Station Perfect for families, this station provides direct access to the interactive Copernicus Science Centre. The modern Vistula Boulevards offer riverside bars and relaxation zones, while the University Library's rooftop garden showcases contemporary architecture.

Warsaw Metro Tickets: Pricing and Options for Every Traveler

Understanding Warsaw's ticket system ensures smooth travels throughout the city.

Short-Term Options

• 20-minute ticket (Zones 1+2): 3.40 PLN (1.70 PLN reduced) - unlimited transfers

• 75-minute ticket (Zone 1): 4.40 PLN (2.20 PLN reduced) - perfect for quick sightseeing trips

• 90-minute ticket (Zones 1+2): 7.00 PLN (3.50 PLN reduced) - covers the entire metro network

Tourist-Friendly Passes

• 24-hour pass (Zone 1): 15 PLN (7.50 PLN reduced) - ideal for day-long exploration

• 72-hour pass (Zone 1): 36 PLN (18 PLN reduced) - perfect for weekend getaways

• Weekend pass: 24 PLN (12 PLN reduced) - valid Friday 7 PM to Monday 8 AM

Group Options

• Group weekend pass (up to 5 people): 40 PLN - excellent value for families or friends traveling together

How to Buy Warsaw Metro Tickets

Ticket Machines

Located at every metro station, these multilingual machines accept:

• Cash - but remember not all of them! (coins and banknotes)

• Credit/debit cards

• Contactless payments (phone, watch)

Mobile Apps

Jakdojade - Popular with tourists, shows routes and enables ticket purchases
SkyCash, moBILET, mPay - Quick electronic ticket options

Important: Activate mobile tickets immediately upon entering the metro by scanning QR codes displayed on train windows or ceilings.

Retail Locations

Purchase tickets at convenience stores (Żabka, Carrefour Express) and kiosks displaying the ZTM logo.

Navigating Warsaw Metro Stations: Pro Tips

Most Warsaw metro stations feature a single platform serving both directions, making navigation simple. Check the digital display above tracks showing destination names like "Młociny" (north) or "Kabaty" (south).

Exception: Centrum station (Line M1) has separate platforms. Choose your entrance carefully:

• Młociny direction (north): Enter from Aleje Jerozolimskie side

• Kabaty direction (south): Enter from Marszałkowska Street side

No platform transfers exist once underground, so select correctly before descending.

Warsaw Metro Schedule and Accessibility

Operating Hours:

• Monday-Friday: 5:00 AM - 12:00 AM (midnight)

• Weekends: 5:00 AM - 1:00 AM or 3:00 AM (verify with Jakdojade app)

Accessibility Features:

• Elevators at all major stations

• Escalators for easy platform access

• Audio announcements and tactile guidance

• Level boarding between platforms and trains

• Emergency assistance buttons

• Wheelchair-accessible restrooms at key stations

Key Transfer Points for Travelers

Świętokrzyska (M1 ↔ M2): Primary interchange between metro lines
Centrum: Connect to Central Railway Station, trams, and buses
Rondo Daszyńskiego (M2): 10-15 minute walk to Warsaw West Station
Stadion Narodowy (M2): 5-7 minute walk to Warsaw East Station
Dworzec Gdański (M1): Direct connection to Gdańsk Railway Station

Hidden Gems Near Metro Stations

While following this Warsaw metro guide, don't miss these local favorites accessible by metro:

• Praga District (via Dworzec Wileński): Authentic pre-war architecture and emerging art scene

• Pole Mokotowskie Park (Pole Mokotowskie station): Local picnic spot with seasonal events

• Saxon Garden (Świętokrzyska station): Historic park with free outdoor concerts

• Vistula Boulevards (Centrum Nauki Kopernik): Riverside bars and food trucks with river views

Warsaw Metro Etiquette: Blend In Like a Local

• Stand right on escalators, walk left

• Allow passengers to exit before boarding

• Offer priority seating to elderly, pregnant, or disabled passengers

• Keep backpacks in front during rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM)

• Validate tickets immediately upon entry

Final Tips for Your Warsaw Metro Journey

The Warsaw metro system serves as more than transportation - it's your gateway to authentic Warsaw experiences. Each station connects you to different neighborhood personalities, from academic Żoliborz to bustling city center districts.

Download the Jakdojade app before traveling for real-time schedules and route planning. Consider purchasing day passes for flexibility, especially when combining metro travel with trams and buses throughout Warsaw.

With this Warsaw metro guide in hand, you're ready to explore Poland's capital efficiently and affordably. The metro opens doors to Warsaw's rich history, vibrant culture, and hidden local gems - all just a ticket scan away.

Remember: Warsaw's metro may be smaller than systems in Paris or London, but it efficiently connects you to the city's essential experiences. Use this guide as your roadmap to discovering why Warsaw captivates millions of visitors annually.