Who can use free public transport in Warsaw?

8 September 2026 Poland Radar 0 Comments

From 8 July 2026 selected veterans, transplant donors and seniors can use free public transport in Warsaw. Learn who and what to show.

From 8 July 2026 Warsaw widened eligibility for free public transport in Warsaw. Therefore the city published binding rules about who rides free and which documents prove that right.

Who qualifies for free public transport in Warsaw

The change stems from council resolution XXXVI/1465/2026 of 11 June 2026. Consequently the rule applies to veterans and transplant donors as well as to those aged 70 or older. Moreover the city keeps many earlier categories, such as certain disabled people and former political prisoners. However each group needs specific proof during ticket checks.

Veterans must show a veterans identity card or a veterans injured-in-action card. In addition they need an ID document that proves identity. Furthermore the veteran card may be issued by the defence minister, the interior minister or the heads of security agencies. Therefore the right is not limited to former soldiers only. Also the Veterans Centre confirmed that visiting eligible veterans may use the system. Consequently frequent riders can load the entitlement onto the Warsaw City Card, the WKM.

Transplant donors qualify if they hold a Donor Card or a Distinguished Donor Card. In addition they need to present a photo ID. Moreover the donor document comes from the transplanting facility or the health minister, depending on status. Therefore do not rely on informal statements about donation. Also the national Patient portal (the NFZ is Poland’s National Health Fund) explains which body issues each card.

Honoured blood donors must meet volume thresholds. For men the requirement equals at least 18 litres of full blood donated. For women the threshold stands at 15 litres. In addition donors can qualify after giving equivalent volumes of other blood components. Therefore mere membership in a donor program does not guarantee free travel. Also inspectors accept the right badge or a qualifying entry in the donor booklet, plus a photo ID.

People aged 70 and above ride free on proof of age. For this group a passport or an ID card suffices. In addition the city may record the entitlement on a WKM card until 31 December 2050. However that expiry date refers to the card inscription validity, not to the policy end.

Visitors without a WKM card still access the metro. Instead they may use an entry pass issued at a Passenger Service Point. Moreover they can use elevators to reach platforms when staff assist. Therefore lack of a plastic card does not block legitimate travellers.

The municipal list also names other exempt groups. For example it includes certain people repressed for political reasons during the communist era. In addition it covers specific war invalids, MPs and others under separate laws. However each category has unique document requirements.

💡 GOOD TO KNOW: If you are an expat, carry original documents. Also bring your passport or PESEL if you have one (PESEL is the national ID number). Remember ZUS is Poland’s social insurance office and NFZ is the national health fund. Keep a printed copy of any veteran or donor card. Therefore load your right onto a Warsaw City Card (WKM) or mobiWAWA app for daily convenience. If inspectors request proof, show the specific card that grants exemption. Finally, a “mandat” means a fine in Polish.

Public transit staff load entitlements at any Passenger Service Point. Since 3 August 2021 staff apply rights immediately. Moreover veterans and donors may also ask for a digital entry via the mobiWAWA app. Therefore prepare documents before you visit a POP.

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