Łódź can boast a well-developed network of bus and tram routes that traverse the city.  The comprehensive website at www.mpk.lodz.pl features full English translation of content, including timetables for all routes, general information and ticket prices. A brief exploration of the website will reveal that venomous animals are banned from public transport, as are people who are ‘slovenly, scruffy or give off an offensive smell’. Reassuring, but in reality completely untrue. Tickets (bilety) can be purchased from most automatic ticket machines at stops, street kiosks, or some onboard machines, and must be validated on boarding the tram or bus by punching them into the metal boxes (kasowniks) found next to the doors. Failure to do so will result in a 70zł fine (if paid in 7 days; after it goes up to 200zł) if you’re caught by one of the ticket inspectors. Prices are as follows:

2.80zł (1.40zł) 20 minutes
3.60zł (1.80zł) 40 minutes
4.40zł (2.20zł) 60 minutes

One day passes (valid till 23:59 that day) can be purchased from kiosks (Zone I: 11zł / 5,50zł Zone I + II: 13,20zł / 6,60zł). Both trams and buses usually operate from 05:00 until 23:00 after which night buses (marked with an N) serve the city.