Walking is the most enjoyable mode to see the city's historical sites. To get to Sopot, Gdynia, or farther afield, use the city's good network of public transportation or ferry services targeted at tourists. If you plan to use the trams and buses (run by ZTM) and the SKM commuter trains throughout the Tri-City, you can get a day ticket (18 z). The newly launched Gdansk Tourist Card (www.gdansk4u.pl) packages together access to the city's public transportation and discounts at selected museums, restaurants, and hotels. They're sold at the GTO offices and are available in 24-hour (35 z) or 72-hour (65 z) formats.
ON FOOT --
Much of central Gdansk, including ul. Duga and the walkway along the Motawa Canal, is closed to motor vehicles. The center is compact and easy to manage on foot.
By Tram
Gdansk has an efficient network of trams (tel. 58/341-00-21; www.ztm.gda.pl) that whisk you from the center of the city to the suburbs of Wrzeszcz and Oliwa in a few minutes. Note that trams do not run to Sopot and Gdynia. Tickets cost 3 z for a 15-minute ride; a day ticket costs 9 z. Buy tickets at Ruch kiosks, newspapers counters, and from the ticket machines.
By Bus
City buses (www.ztm.gda.pl) are useful for getting to some of the suburbs. Bus nos. 117, 122, and 143 go to Sopot, while bus no. 171 gets you to Gdynia. Ticketing is the same as for the trams.
By SKM Commuter Train
The SKM (Szybka Kolej Miejska; tel. 58/721-21-70; www.skm.pkp.pl), nicknamed Kolejka, is a quick and reliable local "urban train" service, linking the main stopovers of the Tri-City. The SKM runs at about 10-minute intervals from 5am to 7pm through the Tri-City. Get tickets in any of the main stations or from the ticket vending machines located on the platforms. (Note: Ticket machines are prone to breaking down. You can also buy the tickets from the conductor at the front of the train.) Validate your tickets before boarding. From Gdansk, it takes about 20 minutes and a 4-z ticket to reach Sopot, and 30 minutes and a 4.50-z ticket to Gdynia.
By Taxi
Taxis are a good way to get to your hotel from the bus or train stations, but you won't need to use them much once you've sorted out the public transportation system. Figure on about 25 z for rides in town.
By Boat
It's fun and relaxing to hitch a boat from Gdansk to several local and regional destinations, such as Westerplatte and Gdynia. The service is run by Zegluga Gdanska (Dugie Pobrzeze; tel. 58/301-49-26; www.zegluga.pl). The main ferry landing and ticket office is near the Green Gate, at the intersection of the Dugi Targ and the Motawa Canal. In the summer months, the ferry trams (tramwaj wodny; Nabrzeze Motawy; tel. 58/309-13-23; www.ztm.gda.pl) go to Sopot and the Hel Peninsula. Note that the ferry trams offer daily service June through August. Tickets, sold at Targ Rybny 6, cost 10 z to Sopot and 18 z to Hel.
By Bike
Gdansk is navigable by bicycle, and several new bike lanes now connect the center with the suburbs of Wrzeszcz and beyond, toward Sopot. That said, the network is spotty, and there are plenty of places where you'll still have to contend with stairways, sidewalks, heavy traffic, and Polish drivers unaccustomed to cyclists. The rental of choice is Rowerownia (Fieldorfa 11/3; tel. 58/320-61-69; www.rowerownia.gda.pl), which also issues sturdy locks.
Note: This information was accurate when it was published, but can change without notice. Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
