Getting Around
Are there toll roads?
Quick answer
Only on a few private motorway sections. Since July 2023 state-run motorways are free for cars, while the A1 (Gdansk to Torun), part of the A2, and the A4 (Katowice to Krakow) still charge cars at a toll barrier by cash or card. The e-TOLL app applies mainly to vehicles over 3.5 tonnes.
For a car, Poland is mostly toll-free. Since 1 July 2023, motorway sections managed by the state road authority are free for cars, motorbikes and vehicles up to 3.5 tonnes. National and express roads carry no toll either.
The sections that still charge cars
Three privately operated concession stretches still take a toll from cars, collected at a plaza where you pay by cash or card:
- A1 between Gdansk and Torun (Amber One).
- A2 in the west, between roughly Nowy Tomysl and Konin (Autostrada Wielkopolska).
- A4 between Katowice and Krakow (Stalexport).
e-TOLL
The national e-TOLL system is a GPS-based scheme aimed mainly at vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. If you are driving a normal car, you do not need to register for it; just have a card or cash ready for the three concession sections above.
Sources
- Tolls for light vehicles abolished on state motorways (July 2023) , e-TOLL (gov.pl)
- A4 Katowice to Krakow tolls and payment , Stalexport Autostrada Malopolska
More on Getting Around
Fast, comfortable intercity trains (PKP Intercity) link the major cities, with Warsaw to Krakow in about 2.5 hours. Long-distance buses such as FlixBus are cheaper and reach smaller towns. Book train tickets in advance for the best prices.
Read the full answerTrains are faster and more comfortable between big cities; buses are cheaper and reach places trains miss. For Warsaw, Krakow, Gdansk and Wroclaw, take the train.
Read the full answerTrams, buses and the Warsaw metro are frequent and cheap. Buy tickets from machines, kiosks or apps like Jakdojade, and validate them on board. Most tickets are time-based, valid across any line for a set number of minutes, though single-ride and day passes are sold too.
Read the full answerA car is unnecessary in cities but useful for the mountains, the Masurian lakes and remote castles. Roads are good, most motorways are free for cars, dipped headlights must stay on day and night, and the drink-drive limit is very low, so do not drink at all before driving.
Read the full answer