Poznań is criss-crossed by 20 tram routes (of which one runs at night), and 54 bus lines (21 at night). During the day these run from around 05:00 to 23:00 with trams running approximately every fifteen minutes in July and August (every ten minutes outside those months), and buses every twelve.

When buying a ticket travellers are presented with a galaxy of options. Fares are as follows but note that prices may change in 2012:

Ticket for normal and night tram/bus in A zone:
-up to 15 minutes - 2/1zł
-up to 30 minutes - 3/1.50zł
-up to 60 minutes - 4/2zł.

Ticket for express tram/bus (only in A zone):
-up to 15 minutes - 3/1.50zł
-up to 30 minutes - 4.4/2.20zł
-up to 60 minutes - 6/30zł.

Ticket for normal and night tram/bus for A, B and C zones:
-up to 30 minutes - 3.20/1.60zł
-up to 60 minutes - 4.20/2.10zł
-up to 120 minutes - 6/3zł.

24 hours ticket for normal, night and express tram/bus valid for A and B zones - 12/6zł.
24 hours ticket for normal, night and express tram/bus valid for A, B and C zones - 20/10zł.

7 day ticket for normal, night and express tram/bus valid in A and B zones - 32/16zł.
7 day ticket for normal, night and express tram/bus valid in A, B and C zones - 50/25zł.

One ride bus ticket for normal and night bus (in A  zone only) up to 10 bus stops - 2/1zł, over 10 stops - 3/1.50zł.

One ride bus ticket for express bus (in A zone only) up to 10 bus stops - 3/1.50zł, over 10 stops - 4.40/2.20zł.

One ride bus ticket for normal and night buses in B or C zone - 2.20/1.10zł.

One ride bus ticket for normal and night buses in zones A and B or B and C - 3.20/1.60zł.

One ride bus ticket for normal and night buses valid in A, B and C zones - 4.20/2.10zł.

Children under five and adults over 70 travel for free, and discounts are available for foreign students under age 26  in possession of an ISIC card. Tickets can be purchased from the newsagent kiosks around town, just ask for a ‘bilet’.

Our advice if you are here for a few days is to pick up the Poznan City Card which gives you free unlimited use of the public transport system as part of the price. It’ll save an awful lot of headaches.

It is extremely important that you remember to validate your ticket by punching it in the ‘kasowniks’ found by the bus/tram exit as soon as you board. If you don’t have a valid ticket and find yourself nicked by a plain clothes inspector you’ll be fined 130zł on the spot as well as the cost of the ticket you didn’t purchase/validate. Many don’t look very official so you are within your rights to ask for their ID. You can opt to pay within seven days (in which case the fine rises to 182zł), or within 14 days (260zł).

Foreigners thinking they can slip out of the country without paying up are in for a nasty surprise. Your passport details will have been noted, and border guards will gleefully place you in custody - it’s not worth the trouble, trust us. Finally, although crime is rare be on guard against pickpockets, particularly if making the journey to and from the airport.