Travel information

Wrocław is the most beautiful, exciting and dynamically developing city in Poland; the EU has designated it 2016’s European Capital of Culture. With a marvelously restored Old Town laid out over a maze of bridges, islands and church spires, Wrocław’s location on the Odra River affords it no shortage of scenic views and recreation spaces. Make sure that you find some time to explore the city. We highly recommend a free, thorough, trusted, informative and up-to-date Wrocław online guides such as http://www.inyourpocket.com/poland/wroclaw. Please make good use of it ;-)

Wrocław is located in the geographical centre of Europe and is easily accessible from all directions – whether you travel by plane, train, bus or car. You might find the google route planner https://www.google.ch/maps/place/Hotel+HP+Park+Plaza/@51.1172306,17.0356556,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m2!3m1!1s0x470fe9ddd24872ff:0x501d32d379f05567 helpful.

It is convenient to arrive is by plane. Wrocław airport (port lotniczy Wrocław) is one of Poland’s most modern airports, with a new terminal opened in March 2012. The airport is located 13km west of the city centre. For more informations please visit http://airport.wroclaw.pl/en/passager/route-map/

The most reasonable way to get to the city centre is to take one of the taxis from outside the terminal – expect a 20min drive.  Pick-ups are restricted to three vetted firms (but others are waiting nearby): ZTP Radio Taxi (tel. 71 196 22), Taxi Plus (tel. 601 70 07 53) and Partner Taxi (tel. 71 196 27). The tariffs are quite similar and you should expect to pay not more than 70PLN for a drive to the city centre (in general, you pay an initial 6PLN fee, before being charged from 3 PLN per kilometer. Note that after 22:00 you’ll be paying a premium night tariff. Prices also rise on Sundays and if travelling outside the city limits).

Alternatively, you can take the bus 406, which runs roughly every 20mins from 05:13 – 23:34 between the airport and the train station. Bus tickets cost 3PLN and can be bought from the press store inside the terminal building or from the machine next to the bus stop (please see ‘public transport for details). The journey takes 30-40mins.

If you plan to arrive by train, please visit the Polish railways website at rozklad.pkp.pl. Please check departure times and the number of the platform (peron) before travelling. The train station is almost in the city centre, with numerous hotels and hostels within 15mins walking distance.

If you plan to arrive by car, please exercise caution while driving. The attitude of some drivers towards driving rules and the quality of roads leave much to be desired. The speed limit in Poland is generally 50km/hr in cities (60km/hr between 23:00 and 05:00), 90km/hr outside urban areas, 120km/hr on dual carriageways and 140km/hr on motorways. All cars must have their headlights switched on at all times and carry a red warning triangle, first aid kit, replacement bulbs, a national identity sticker and proper registration and insurance documents. Poland also has strict drunk-driving laws: 0.2‰ is the maximum blood/alcohol limit. EU citizens may use their home driving licenses.

PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Wrocław’s public transport system is easy to use and fairly extensive, with 120 bus lines and 23 tram lines. You’ll rarely need trams or buses to get around the Old Town.

Wrocław’s public transport system runs on a modern ‘Urban Card’ automated system, which has largely replaced the purchase of individual tickets for locals. Tourists can still buy single fare tickets from many kiosks/ newsstands (such as ‘RUCH’) or from automated machines now stationed at most transit stops and on all trams and buses.

A single fare ticket is 3PLN (3.20PLN for a night bus). 24-hr (11/5.50PLN), 48-hr (20/10PLN) and 72-hr (26/13PLN) tickets are also available. ISIC or other non-Polish student IDs are valid for student discounts.

Please remember that tickets are not valid until you validate them inside the tram or bus.