Świętokrzyska Street in Warsaw with modern buildings and traffic

Świętokrzyska Metro Station

Świętokrzyska Metro Station: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide for Warsaw, Poland

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Świętokrzyska Metro Station is the heart of Warsaw’s public transit system, serving as the primary interchange between the M1 (north-south) and M2 (east-west) metro lines. More than just a convenient transfer point, the station stands out for its artistic architecture, historical significance, and strategic location, offering direct access to the city’s most important cultural, historical, and commercial attractions.

Whether you are a first-time visitor or a frequent traveler, this comprehensive guide provides everything you need to know about Świętokrzyska Metro Station: from its fascinating history and award-winning design to practical visitor details such as opening hours, ticketing, accessibility, and nearby points of interest. Use this guide to make the most of your journey through Warsaw’s vibrant city center.

October 2019 cityscape of Warsaw featuring modern skyscrapers and urban buildings

Świętokrzyska metro station entrance in Warsaw Poland

Underground passage at Świętokrzyska metro station in Warsaw

Warsaw Świętokrzyska metro station entrance to M2 line connector with prominent signage discouraging use and guiding to alternative route

Świętokrzyska metro station in Warsaw showing entrance to M2 line connector with signage discouraging use and directing to alternative route

Alstom Metropolis metro train at Świętokrzyska M1 metro station in Warsaw

Historical Overview
Architectural and Artistic Highlights
Visitor Information
Transit and Connections
Nearby Attractions
Practical Travel Tips
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
References

Historical Overview

The vision for a Warsaw metro dates back to the early 20th century, when city planners first discussed underground transport in 1918. However, a series of setbacks—including the Great Depression and the devastation of World War II—halted initial progress (mapametro.com). Construction resumed in fits and starts over the decades, with the communist government in the 1950s envisioning the system in part as a military asset. The eventual breakthrough came in the late 20th century.

The M1 line opened its first section in 1995, connecting southern and northern districts. Świętokrzyska Station was inaugurated in 2001 as part of the M1 expansion and attained its pivotal status in 2015 with the opening of the M2 line (urbanrail.net). Today, Świętokrzyska is the only interchange between Warsaw’s two main metro lines, symbolizing the city’s modernization and resilience (inyourpocket.com; um.warszawa.pl).

Architectural and Artistic Highlights

Świętokrzyska’s design is a collaboration between Polish and international architects, notably the B.P. Metroprojekt and AMC – Andrzej M. Chołdzyński consortium, and the Spanish firm Estudio Lamela (archdaily.com). The station is renowned for its spacious, multi-level layout—spanning 135 meters in length and 27 meters in width over four levels—and its attention to passenger flow and accessibility.

A defining feature is the vibrant art of Wojciech Fangor, a celebrated Polish artist whose colorful mosaics and abstract patterns help passengers navigate while adding a dynamic visual identity to the station (archdaily.com). The dominant yellow motif, set against black basalt and illuminated panels, creates a warm, welcoming environment. The recent modernization introduced a striking glass-and-steel canopy at entrance no. 8, shaped like the letter “M,” which has quickly become a local icon (naszemiasto.pl).

Materials and construction techniques emphasize durability, safety, and comfort, with tactile paving, wide gates, elevators, and escalators ensuring universal accessibility (heybus.com.ua).

Visitor Information

Operating Hours

Świętokrzyska Metro Station operates extensive hours to meet the needs of commuters and tourists alike:

M1 Line:
- Monday–Thursday, Sunday: 05:00–00:10
- Friday–Saturday: 05:00–03:00
M2 Line:
- Monday–Thursday, Sunday: 05:00–00:40
- Friday–Saturday: 05:00–03:00

Trains run every 2–4 minutes during peak times and every 7–10 minutes during off-peak hours (metrolinemap.com).

Tickets and Fares

Warsaw operates a unified ticketing system valid across metro, trams, buses, and suburban trains (ztm.waw.pl). Tickets can be purchased at vending machines, kiosks, or via mobile apps. Popular options include:

Single-ride tickets: Valid for 20, 75, or 90 minutes
Short-term passes: 24-hour and 3-day tickets
Long-term passes: Monthly, quarterly

Standard fares (June 2025):

20-minute ticket: 3.40 PLN
75-minute ticket: 4.40 PLN

Reduced fares are available for eligible groups. All tickets must be validated upon entering the paid zone.

Accessibility

Świętokrzyska is fully accessible for all travelers. Features include:

Elevators and escalators connecting all levels
Tactile paving for the visually impaired
Wide gates for wheelchairs, strollers, and luggage
Bilingual (Polish-English) signage
Audio announcements and digital displays

Amenities

Visitors benefit from modern amenities such as:

Free public Wi-Fi
Clean restrooms within the paid zone
Convenience stores, newsstands, and vending machines
Bicycle racks and adjacent cycling lanes
CCTV monitoring and on-site security staff

Transit and Connections

Świętokrzyska is the main interchange between M1 and M2 lines, providing quick and easy transfers. The station is surrounded by tram and bus stops serving central and outlying districts. Key connecting lines include:

Buses: 116, 128, 503, 151, 171, 178, N11, N14, N16
Trams: 9, 15, 16

The S1 suburban rail line stops nearby, and Warszawa Centralna (the main railway station) is a short metro ride or walk away, offering direct connections to the airport and national/international destinations (Moovit).

Nearby Attractions

Świętokrzyska’s central location offers effortless access to Warsaw’s most famous sites:

Palace of Culture and Science: Panoramic views, theaters, museums, and events (The Simple Travel)
Old Town (Stare Miasto): UNESCO World Heritage, medieval streets, Royal Castle
Nowy Świat Street: Shopping, cafes, and vibrant nightlife
Saxon Garden: Historic park for relaxation
National Philharmonic: World-class concerts
Warsaw Uprising Museum: Interactive history of the 1944 uprising
Copernicus Science Centre: Hands-on exhibitions, planetarium

All are within a 5–20 minute walk or short metro/tram ride from the station (Warsaw Tourism Official Site; Touropia).

Practical Travel Tips

Validate tickets before entering the paid zone to avoid fines.
Check real-time updates on the ZTM website or at station displays, especially during major events or planned maintenance (naszemiasto.pl).
Use the Moovit or Audiala apps for trip planning, live arrivals, and service alerts.
Travel light: Luggage storage is available at Warszawa Centralna.
Contactless payment is accepted at ticket machines and gates.
Safety: The area is generally safe; remain aware of your belongings during peak hours.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Świętokrzyska Metro Station’s operating hours?
A: M1 and M2 lines operate from 5:00 AM to midnight (extended until 3:00 AM Friday–Saturday).

Q: Where can I buy metro tickets?
A: At vending machines in the station, selected kiosks, or via official mobile apps.

Q: Is the station accessible for people with disabilities?
A: Yes. There are elevators, escalators, tactile paving, wide gates, and bilingual signage.

Q: What attractions are near Świętokrzyska?
A: Palace of Culture and Science, Nowy Świat Street, Saxon Garden, Old Town, and the National Philharmonic.

Q: Can I use one ticket for metro, trams, and buses?
A: Yes. All ZTM tickets are valid across metro, tram, bus, and suburban rail within the same zone.

Q: Is there Wi-Fi at the station?
A: Yes, free public Wi-Fi is available.

Conclusion

Świętokrzyska Metro Station is a showcase of Warsaw’s evolution—from early ambitions and post-war rebuilding to contemporary urban life. Its blend of modern design, accessibility, and vibrant public art welcomes both locals and visitors, serving as the ideal starting point for any Warsaw adventure. Make the most of your stay by exploring the nearby cultural and historical treasures, and enjoy the convenience, safety, and dynamism that define Świętokrzyska as the city’s true transit heart.