Warsaw tram disruption: 7 tram lines rerouted

18 October 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

A Warsaw tram disruption on 18 October forced seven lines onto detours. ZTM launched replacement buses and advises passengers to check routes.

Major disruption hit Warsaw public transport on 18 October. A Warsaw tram disruption in the area of al. Niepodległości and Nowowiejska forced seven tram lines onto detours. Passengers should expect route changes and delays while repairs proceed.

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Warsaw tram disruption: what happened

Shortly after 10:00 on Sunday morning the city transport authority, Zarząd Transportu Miejskiego (ZTM), reported damage to the overhead traction network near the intersection of al. Niepodległości and Nowowiejska. The damaged section lies on a key corridor between Rondo ONZ and Pole Mokotowskie. That stretch serves commuters heading to central offices, universities and the metro.

Which routes changed and how

ZTM redirected seven tram lines to avoid the damaged section. Affected lines include 10, 11, 14, 15, 17, 19 and 33. The authority provided detailed detours so trams could keep running. Lines 10 and 11 run via Prosta, al. Jana Pawła II, al. Solidarności, Plac Bankowy and then Marszałkowska before returning to their regular routes. Lines 17 and 33 travel along al. Jana Pawła II, al. Solidarności, Marszałkowska, Puławska and Rakowiecka, and then follow the amended circulation. Line 19 now goes via Goworka, Puławska, Marszałkowska, al. Solidarności and al. Jana Pawła II. The city altered some services on lines 14 and 15 depending on direction. For example, line 14 towards Miasteczko Wilanów runs from Banacha through Grójecka and Aleje Jerozolimskie to Plac Starynkiewicza. In the opposite direction it follows Goworka, Puławska, Rakowiecka, św. Boboli and Wołoska to Woronicza. Line 15 also uses different streets depending on travel direction. Passengers must check tram displays and stop announcements. A tram with a familiar number may not reach the usual stop.

Replacement buses and other options

ZTM launched a replacement bus service between Rondo ONZ and Metro Pole Mokotowskie. The bus route starts at Rondo ONZ 01 and continues via al. Jana Pawła II, Chałubińskiego, al. Niepodległości, Batorego, św. Boboli, Rakowiecka and back to al. Niepodległości, ending at Metro Pole Mokotowskie 02. The buses aim to cover the section left without normal tram service. Riders should expect longer travel times on buses, especially if many people use them.

The metro offers an alternative for some journeys. Line M1 serves Pole Mokotowskie and Politechnika. Line M2 serves Rondo ONZ. You can change between M1 and M2 at Świętokrzyska. For longer trips, the metro may be faster than a tram on a detour. Still, detours concentrate traffic on a few streets. Expect delays where many trams share the same roads.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you rely on public transport, follow ZTM announcements and check stop displays. ZTM (Zarząd Transportu Miejskiego) manages Warsaw public transit. Carry a valid ticket because inspectors may check fares on replacement buses. For everyday Polish terms: PESEL is the national identification number, ZUS handles social insurance and NFZ runs public health services. These systems matter if you live here long term.

Repair timeframes remain uncertain. ZTM did not announce when normal tram traffic will resume. The authority will update routes and replacement services as work progresses. Meanwhile plan extra time for trips through Śródmieście, Ochota and Mokotów. If you travel through central Warsaw today, check live announcements from the city transport operator before you leave.

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