Poland Info
Joined: 20 Apr 2007
Posts: 23
Home Country: poland
|
 Posted: Thu May 24, 2007 7:43 am Post subject: GETTING AROUND IN POLAND / POLAND TRANSPORTATION GUIDE |
 |
|
GETTING AROUND IN POLAND
BY AIR
All internal airlines are operated by LOT Polish Airlines (website: www.lot.com) and there is a comprehensive network linking all major cities.
BY RAIL
In Poland, the national railway carrier PKP has recently been divided into several different companies, among them are: PKP InterCity (Intercity, Express, Night Express, TLK), PKP Przewozy Regionalne (pospieszny and osobowy) and PKP Cargo (which incidentally owns all the locomotives). There are also some local competitors emerging (KM Koleje Mazowieckie). Tickets are valid for trains operated by the issuing company only. There are two classes of travel. The Polrailpass (and Junior Polrailpass for travellers under 26) is available for eight, 15, 21 or 30 days. This pass is available from travel agents and international rail ticket outlets, as well as from railway stations and travel agents within Poland. Children under four years of age travel free. Children aged four to 10 pay half fare.
Sometimes it's not very safe to travel by train, especially on some non-express suburban routes - it is recommended to travel close to the front of the train (where train staff is more likely to provide assistance), and to avoid traveling by night. Express and InterCity routes are much safer than slower connections.
You can expect a fast connection on modernised routes, such as the Warszawa - Katowice, the Warszawa - Kraków and the Warszawa - Poznań lines.
BY ROAD
Traffic drives on the right. Poland has a dense network of filling stations. Unleaded petrol is available in most of the petrol stations. Most filling stations located along international routes are open 24 hours a day. The Polish Automobile and Motorway Federation Polski Zwiazek Motorowy (PZM) can be called on 9637 nationwide for assistance. Starter emergency breakdown service can be called on (0801) 122 222. For further information, contact Polski Zwiazek Motorowy, ul Kazimierzowska 66, 02-518 Warsaw (tel: (22) 849 9361; website: www.pzm.pl).
Bus
There are good regional bus and coach services operated by Polish Motor Communications (PKS) as well as the Polski Express connecting most towns.
Car rental
Self-drive cars are available at the airport or through various car rental offices in town centers. The minimum age is 21. Charges are usually based on a daily rate plus a kilometer charge. Minimum driving age is 17. The speed limit is 60kph (40mph) in built-up areas, 90kph (57mph) on major roads and 110kph (69mph) on motorways. Seat belts and warning triangles are compulsory. Trams have the right of way. From 1 October to 1 April, all vehicles should have their lights switched on at all times.
Documentation: Tourists travelling in their own cars should have car registration cards, their national driving licence (driving licences of EU nationals are accepted) and valid Green Card motor insurance. An International Driving Permit is also required.
URBAN TRANSPORTATION
There are good bus services in all towns, with additional trams and trolleybuses operating in a dozen of the larger urban areas. Warsaw has bus, tramway and rail services. A flat fare is charged and there are pre-purchase tickets and passes. Weekend and seven-day tourist tickets can be purchased for trams. Most public transport operates from 0530-2300.
Taxis are available in all main towns. They are usually found at ranks or can be ordered by phone. There is a surcharge from 2300-0500 and for journeys out of town, as well as at weekends. Taxi drivers may insist on payment in hard currency. Tipping is welcomed.
Never negotiate the fare with the driver as you will probably end up paying more than you should. Just make sure that the driver turns the meter on and sets it to the appropriate fare (taryfa):
* Taryfa 1: Daytime within city limits
* Taryfa 2: Nights, Sundays and holidays within city limits
* Taryfa 3: Daytime outside city limits
* Taryfa 4: Nights, Sundays and holidays outside city limits
When crossing city limits (for example, when travelling to an airport located outside the city), the driver should change the tariff at the city limit.
Every taxi driver is obliged to issue a receipt when asked. You can ask the driver for a receipt (rachunek) before you get into cab, and resign if his reaction seems suspicious or if he refuses. |
|
Register
Log in
FAQ
Search
Memberlist
