Plan a CruiseGdynia Cruise Port Guide
Gdynia is a modern and rapidly developing port city, renowned for its stunning sea views, extensive promenades, and vibrant waterfront. Founded in 1926, it offers both tourist attractions and shopping opportunities.
Larger cruise ships typically dock at the Francuskie Pier in Gdynia, located in an industrial area without passenger facilities. This pier is about a 30-minute walk to Gdynia's city center and train station. For convenience, cruise shuttles are often available to the city center for 8 Euro per person, and taxis are plentiful. There is no Wi-Fi at Francuskie Pier.
Some smaller vessels may dock at the Pomorskie Pier, also in Gdynia. This pier is more conveniently located, within a 10-minute walk of Gdynia's city center and offers free wireless internet access. Alternatively, small ships might dock at Oliwskie Pier in Gdansk's New Port, which is about four miles from Gdansk's historic center.
While Gdynia itself has attractions, most independent cruise passengers choose to visit the historic city of Gdansk, approximately 45 minutes away by train.
Getting Around from the Port
From Francuskie Pier (Gdynia – Large Ships):
- Walking: The Gdynia city center and train station are approximately a 30-minute walk from the pier.
- Cruise Shuttles: If offered, these typically transport passengers to Gdynia city center for 8 Euro per person.
- Taxis: Taxis are readily available.
- Important: Only use taxis associated with a "corporation" (look for a phone number and logo on the side and top).
- Rates (from inside port gates): Approximately 5 Euro to Gdynia Center, 15 Euro to Sopot, and 30 Euro to Gdansk center. You can also rent a taxi for about 30 Euro per hour, or 100 Euro for a 5-hour trip. Rates just outside the port gates may be about 20% lower. Ensure your driver speaks some English.
- Train to Gdansk: To reach Gdansk, first take a taxi to Gdynia Glowna train station. From the pier, walk 100 meters to the right upon disembarkation to find taxis. A full taxi (four passengers) to the station costs approximately 16-20 Zlotys (around $5-6 USD). The dock is about 2 miles from the station.
- Tickets: Purchase tickets at the side kiosks, not the main long-distance train windows. A single ticket costs 4 Zloty ($1); it's advisable to buy a return ticket at the same time.
- Validation: You must stamp your ticket using the yellow machines located around the station before boarding to avoid a fine.
- Onboard Purchase: If faced with long queues, you can board the train and buy a ticket from the conductor, though a small surcharge (approx. 15 Zloty) will apply. Credit cards are accepted for onboard purchases.
- Frequency: Trains run 2-3 times per hour.
- Destination: Disembark at the "Gdansk Glowny" stop for the closest access to Gdansk's town center.
From Pomorskie Pier (Gdynia – Small Ships):
- Walking: The Gdynia city center is just a 10-minute walk away. From there, you can easily access the Gdynia Glowna train station for onward travel to Gdansk or Sopot.
Attractions and Activities
Most visitors venture beyond Gdynia to explore the historic cities of Gdansk and Sopot. All listed attractions are easily manageable within an 8-10 hour port stop.
- Gdansk Old Center: Immerse yourself in the beautifully restored historic core of Gdansk (Danzig). Spend an hour or two wandering its Hansa merchant-era streets, admiring stately mansions and the impressive Town Hall. Don't miss the Solidarity Monument, a powerful reminder of Poland's 20th-century struggles. Gdansk is very walkable.
- Oliwa Cathedral: Located between Gdynia and Gdansk, this cathedral houses a truly unique 110-pitch organ. Free 20-minute recitals are held Monday-Friday at 10:00, 11:00, 12:00, and 13:00. This is a must-see and hear experience.
- Sopot: Visit this upscale beach resort, known for its Grand Hotel and lively pier area. Stroll along Monte Casino Street (ul. Bohaterów Monte Cassino), a pedestrianized promenade. Sopot is nestled between the Tri-City Landscape Park and the sandy beaches of the Bay of Gdansk.
- Explore Gdynia: If you prefer to stay local, Gdynia itself offers pleasant promenades, marinas, and yacht clubs. Consider hiring a taxi driver for an hour or two to show you the highlights of this young, seaside city.
- Gdansk Museums:
- Gdansk Historical Museum: Housed within the lavishly decorated Town Hall.
- Maritime Museum: Features a model of every ship built in local shipyards since 1945, located in the original 15th-century Gdansk Crane, once powered by human treadmills.
- National Art Museum: Boasts a rich collection of local Gothic art, sculpture, textiles, and silverware, reflecting Gdansk's historical wealth. Its most prized possession is Hans Memling's colossal 'Last Judgment' (1473).
You can also compare independent options with organized tours offered by your cruise line or third-party providers like GetYourGuide and Viator.
Shopping
Gdansk's historic center is the main shopping area. Look for crystal, silver, and embroidered linens. Gdansk is particularly famous for amber, which can be purchased unset or crafted into silver jewelry. Be mindful of potential fakes when buying amber. Most shops in Gdansk are open seven days a week. Typical shopping hours are Mon-Fri 10:00-18:00/20:00, and Sat 10:00-13:00/16:00. Supermarkets and department stores usually operate daily from 10:00-19:00, with some "night shops" open 24 hours.
Dining
While specific restaurant recommendations near the port are not provided, both Gdynia and Gdansk offer a wide range of dining options, from local Polish cuisine to international fare. In Gdansk, the Old Town is bustling with cafes and restaurants.
Safety
When taking taxis, especially from the Francuskie Pier, ensure you use taxis associated with a "corporation" (identifiable by a phone number and logo on the vehicle) to ensure fair pricing and reliable service.
Currency and Language
The local currency in Poland is the Polish Złoty (zł, PLN). While Poland has not yet adopted the Euro, it may be accepted in some larger shops ("hypermarkets"); always check conversion rates if paying with Euro. Credit cards are widely accepted, including for onboard train ticket purchases (with a surcharge). ATMs are available, notably at the Gdynia Glowna train station.
Polish is the official language. However, most younger Poles (under 35) have a reasonable grasp of English.