For anyone arriving in Poznań, the city’s public transport system is one of the first things to understand. Trams and buses make getting around relatively simple, but one small piece of local knowledge can make daily travel much easier: PEKA. Despite the name, PEKA is not a reference to a Pokémon. It stands for Poznańska Elektroniczna Karta Aglomeracyjna, the electronic public transport card used across Poznań and the surrounding area. For newcomers, students, international residents and anyone staying in the city for more than a few days, understanding PEKA can save time, money and the frustration of dealing with a ticket fine.
What is PEKA?
PEKA is Poznań’s electronic transport system, allowing passengers to use public transport services through an individual account and card.
A PEKA card can be used for:
- period tickets, such as monthly or longer-term passes
- the tPortmonetka travel wallet, where fares are calculated based on the journey
- storing travel information and discounts
Passengers can also use other ticket options, including contactless bank cards and mobile ticket solutions, depending on their travel needs. The most important thing to remember is simple: always have a valid ticket or activated travel option before boarding.
The quickest option: PEKA na okaziciela
If you have just arrived in Poznań and need a transport card quickly, the PEKA na okaziciela is often the easiest choice. This is a bearer card, meaning it is not assigned to one person and can be used by whoever holds it.
According to ZTM Poznań, the card costs 27 zł:
- 12 zł refundable deposit
- 15 zł initial tPortmonetka credit
The card can then be topped up and used for journeys around the city. You can buy a PEKA na okaziciela at ZTM Customer Service Points and selected ticket sales locations.
Where can you get a PEKA card?
ZTM Customer Service Points provide a range of services, including:
- buying and topping up PEKA cards
- purchasing period tickets
- applying for a named PEKA card
- activating travel discounts
- receiving help with PEKA services
- handling additional charges and ticket-related issues
Popular locations include service points near major transport hubs and neighbourhood centres, such as:
- Rondo Kaponiera
- Poznań Główny railway station area
- Rondo Rataje
- Ogrody
- Górczyn
- Dębiec
- Piątkowo
- Junikowo
- Dworzec Śródka
Opening hours and available services can change, so it is best to check the current ZTM information before visiting.
Named PEKA card: the best choice for regular residents
If you live in Poznań longer term, a named PEKA card is usually the better option. The imienna karta PEKA is linked to an individual user and is useful for residents, students and regular commuters.
Benefits include:
- personal period tickets
- access to registered discounts
- easier management through the PEKA system
The first named PEKA card is free, while a replacement card has a fee. Applications can be made online through the PEKA system or at a ZTM Customer Service Point. For people who need transport immediately, however, this is not the fastest option because collection takes additional time.
Can you use the PEKA app instead?
The PEKA app can be useful, particularly for passengers who use only period tickets.
The app allows users to:
- buy tickets
- show travel information during inspections
- manage their account
However, passengers who want to combine a period ticket with tPortmonetka generally need a physical PEKA card or another activated medium. It is also worth remembering that relying only on a phone has one practical disadvantage: if your battery runs out, presenting your ticket during inspection may become a problem.
No PEKA yet? You can still travel
Visitors and short-term guests do not always need a PEKA card.
Poznań’s trams and buses have ticket terminals that allow passengers to buy tickets using:
- contactless bank cards
- smartphones
- NFC-enabled devices
After boarding, passengers select the ticket option on the terminal and complete payment. During ticket inspection, the same card or device used for payment should be presented.
Why getting PEKA right matters
A forgotten ticket can turn an ordinary journey into an expensive mistake. From 1 September 2025, travelling without a valid ticket or document confirming free travel can result in an additional charge of 350 zł, reduced to 175 zł if paid quickly according to ZTM rules. Travelling without proof of entitlement to a reduced fare can also result in an additional charge. A few minutes spent choosing the right ticket option is well worth it.
Local tips for using PEKA in Poznań
- For visitors: Use contactless tickets on board if you only need occasional journeys.
- For people staying several weeks: Consider buying a PEKA na okaziciela and topping it up.
- For residents and students: A named PEKA card or the PEKA app may be the most convenient solution.
If you need help at a ZTM office, the phrase “PEKA na okaziciela” is the one most newcomers should remember.
PEKA is one of those small parts of everyday Poznań life that becomes essential once you understand it. Whether you are commuting to work, studying in the city or exploring Poznań as a visitor, choosing the right ticket option will make your journeys smoother. Get the bearer card if you need something quickly, choose a named card if you are staying longer, and always check that your travel is valid before boarding. A little preparation makes travelling around Poznań much easier.
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