Quick answer
Katowice and the surrounding cities share one public transport network, Transport GZM, covering buses, trams and trolleybuses across the Upper Silesian–Zagłębie Metropolis. One ticket works in all its cities. Time tickets cost 4.60 zł (20 minutes), 5.60 zł (40 minutes) and 7 zł (120 minutes) on paper, slightly less in the app. The Metrobilet 24h (24 zł) also covers regional trains of Koleje Śląskie and Polregio within the metropolis, which makes it the best day ticket for visitors.
Upper Silesia is unusual: Katowice, Chorzów, Gliwice, Zabrze, Bytom, Sosnowiec and a dozen other cities run into one another, forming one large urban area. Instead of a separate network in each city, they share a single metropolitan system, so you can cross several cities on one ticket. This guide to public transport in Katowice explains tickets, apps and the best ways to reach the region’s sights.
How the network works
- Transport GZM is the metropolitan authority behind buses, trams and trolleybuses in the Upper Silesian–Zagłębie Metropolis (Górnośląsko-Zagłębiowska Metropolia, GZM).
- Metrolines (lines with an M in front of the number) are faster bus lines linking cities, including several to Katowice Airport.
- Regional trains of Koleje Śląskie and Polregio connect the bigger cities and are often the fastest option, for example between Katowice, Chorzów, Zabrze and Gliwice.
Tickets and prices
| Ticket | Paper | Electronic (app) | Good for |
|---|---|---|---|
| 20 minutes | 4.60 zł | 4.20 zł | A short hop within one city |
| 40 minutes | 5.60 zł | 5.20 zł | Most journeys within Katowice |
| 120 minutes | 7.00 zł | 6.60 zł | Longer trips between cities, the airport |
| Day ticket (Dzienny) | 13.00 zł | – | Several bus and tram rides in one day |
| Metrobilet 24h | 24.00 zł | – | Buses, trams and regional trains for 24 hours |
- Electronic tickets are 40 groszy cheaper and valid from the moment of purchase. Buy them in the Transport GZM app or at selected validators on board.
- Paper tickets are sold at ticket machines and sales points, and must be validated when you board; their validity starts then.
Metrobilet: one ticket for buses, trams and trains
The Metrobilet is the most useful ticket for anyone exploring the region. Since 1 March 2024 Metrobilets have covered Transport GZM buses, trams and trolleybuses as well as Koleje Śląskie and Polregio trains within the metropolis.
- Metrobilet 24h: 24 hours of unlimited travel on buses, trams and regional trains in the metropolis. Ideal for a day visiting the Silver Mine in Tarnowskie Góry, the Guido Mine in Zabrze or the Silesian Park in Chorzów.
- 30-day Metrobilets for residents come in several versions: one city, two neighbouring cities, an area of several towns, or the whole network.
- Since 1 August 2026, 30-day Metrobilets are also valid in second class on PKP Intercity trains within the metropolis, including Pendolino services, on the sections covered by the ticket. Show the QR code in the Transport GZM app if asked.
Getting to the main sights
| Destination | From central Katowice |
|---|---|
| Culture Zone: Spodek, NOSPR, Silesian Museum | Within walking distance of the centre |
| Nikiszowiec | City bus from the centre; check lines in Jakdojade |
| Silesian Park, Chorzów | Tram or bus to Chorzów; plan in Jakdojade |
| Guido Mine, Zabrze | Regional train to Zabrze (on the Katowice–Gliwice line), then a city bus or walk |
| Historic Silver Mine, Tarnowskie Góry | Regional train or bus; check current connections |
| Katowice Airport | Bus line AP |
Details of each place are in our guides to things to do in Katowice and the hidden gems of Silesia and the Polish Jura. Getting from the airport is covered in Katowice Airport to Katowice and Kraków.
Apps that help
- Transport GZM: the official app for buying electronic tickets and Metrobilets.
- Jakdojade: route planning across cities, in English.
- Koleo: regional and long-distance train timetables and tickets; see our guide to trains in Poland.
FAQ
Can I use one ticket in Katowice and Chorzów?
Yes. Transport GZM tickets are valid in all cities of the network; what matters is the time on the ticket, not the city.
Do bus tickets work on trains?
Ordinary time tickets do not. The Metrobilet does: it covers Koleje Śląskie and Polregio trains within the metropolis.
Which is the best ticket for a day of sightseeing?
If your day includes a train ride, for example to Zabrze or Tarnowskie Góry, the Metrobilet 24h. If you stay on buses and trams, the 13 zł day ticket.
Last checked: 17 October 2026. Fares are set by the metropolis and can change.
Sources
- Busy Śląsk: Transport GZM fares and where to buy tickets (June 2026) (in Polish)
- GZM Metropolis: Metrobilet covers regional trains from 1 March 2024 (in Polish)
- PKP Intercity: 30-day Metrobilets valid on Intercity trains from 1 August 2026 (in Polish)
- Transport GZM: airport and metropolitan lines (in Polish)