A word about the City of Gdańsk

Gdańsk is the most picturesque place in Poland. This one thousand year old city has played an important role in the history of Poland and the neighbouring states. Its convenient location at the mouth of Poland’s principal river – Wisła (the Vistula) – discharging its waters to the Baltic Sea, chiselled the character of the city turning it into one of the most lively centres of trade in this region of Europe. Gdańsk was a highly important member of the Hanseatic League (13-17. centuries), and was conferred the status of a Free City in the period between the two World Wars of the 20. century.

The city became home to many German and Polish settlers, just as to the Flemish, Scots, Jews, Dutch, Italians, French, and the Scandinavians. The celebrity annals of Gdańsk list famous scientists to name e.g. Jan Hevelius, astronomer who was born in the city and worked here, Daniel Fahrenheit, inventor of the thermometer and temperature scale still used in America, or Arthur Schopenhauer, world famous philosopher. Klaus Kinski, the famous actor, was born in the nearby Sopot. Günter Grass, winner of the Nobel Prize, comes from Gdańsk and his books convey visions of the city in its former days and contemporary times. The idea of “Solidarity” or the first free trade union in the countries of the Eastern block dominated by the Soviet Union, which triggered a powerful social movement, was also born in our city. The live symbol, spokesman and herald of the idea of solidarity, the first democratically elected President of the Republic of Poland and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize, Mr Lech Wałęsa is also a resident of Gdańsk.

Combined with Sopot and Gdynia, Gdańsk forms the agglomeration called the Tri-City (Polish: “Trójmiasto”). The cities are situated but a stone throw away from one another on the coast of the Gdańsk Bay of the Baltic Sea, each emanating its own, unique atmosphere and all three offering a wealth of attractions to visitors.

How to get

The Tri-city has a well-developed public transport system. Tickets can be bought at kiosks and in some cities from drivers of buses, trams and trolleybuses. Usually, you also need a ticket for your luggage. Tickets must be punched just after you get on a bus, tram or trolleybus. Depending on the city, buses, trams and trolleys operate from 4 a.m. to 11 p.m.; there are also night lines operating between 10 p.m. and 4 a.m. However, whenever you travel late at night, we would advise you to take a taxi. Usually, it is cheaper if you order a taxi by phone.

Airport Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport is one of the three main Polish international airports. Its position is associated with a well-developed network of domestic and international transport connections provided in response to the growing demand for business and tourist travel. Gdansk Airport is located a mere 10 km from the centre of Gdansk. The continually expanding road system which connects the airport with the city centres allows drivers to cover these distances in about 15-20 minutes.

• to/from Gdansk Wrzeszcz – line 110
  
• to/from Gdansk – line 210
  
• to/from Gdansk Wrzeszcz/ Gdansk Central Train Station – night line N3
  
  

Taxi
A taxi is the best solution when returning from late-night parties. When taking a taxi, it is better to phone one than to take one from a taxi rank – you get a cheaper rate.
Citi Plus Taxi tel. +48 58 9686
Dajan Taxi tel. +48 58 9628
Hallo Taxi tel. +48 58 9666
Super Hallo Taxi tel. +48 58 9191

Buses
The variety and number of connections makes travel around the Tri-City and surrounding areas very easy. One of the most popular means of transport in the Pomerania province is the public bus. There are a great number of bus lines and they cover every district of the three cities of the metropolis.

Tram (Tramwaj) www.zkm.pl
This is the most popular means of transport in Gdańsk. The network provides excellent links between the north and south of the city. Moreover, its lines reach most districts. Tickets for trams and buses in Gdańsk are priced according to the length of travel time they offer. The basic ticket is valid for a 10-minute journey; its multiple allows longer travel (for details see the table on the side). Switching trams or buses is allowed unless the time has expired. Therefore, for longer trips it is better to buy a ticket valid for the whole day (5 times the price). Tickets can be bought in every kiosk. Moreover, the tram driver sells a set of 3 basic tickets. Students have the right to use half-price tickets, yet a student card is requested during ticket control.

Municipal Railway (SKM) www.skm.pkp.pl
This is an excellent means of transport for short trips across the Tri-City. The network provides easy access to most districts of northern Gdańsk, Sopot and Gdynia. Tickets can be bought only at the Ticket Office at every station and must be stamped before entering the train in the yellow stamping machine on the platform. Late in the evening tickets are available directly from the ticket inspector at the head of the train.