Warsaw Mazovia, Poland Travel Guide
The main international airport, approximately 10 km (6 miles) south-west of the city center. WAW serves full-service airlines and some low-cost carriers. LOT Polish Airlines operates its hub here, alongside Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, British Airways, A Low-cost european airline, Ryanair, SAS, Turkish Airlines, Swiss, Emirates, and Qatar Airways. Routes span major European cities, North America, the Middle East, and Asia.
A smaller airport, about 35 km (22 miles) north of Warsaw. WMI mainly serves low-cost carriers, specifically Ryanair, with flights to various European cities. Facilities are basic, including duty-free shops, cafes, and car rentals.
Direct flights are often available from major North American style cities (NYC, Chicago, Toronto) and numerous European, Asian, and Middle Eastern hubs. Explore options through Dollar Flight Club and Skyscanner.
Expect higher flight frequency and prices in high season (June-August). Travel in the shoulder season offers reasonable prices. Lower prices are common in winter, outside of public holiday periods.
WAW provides duty-free, restaurants, car rentals, currency exchange, ATMs, lounges, and free Wi-Fi. WMI offers basic services including shops and cafes.
Offers duty-free shopping, restaurants, cafes, lounges, currency exchange, ATMs, baggage wrapping, and customs for VAT refunds.
Features basic shops and cafes for departing travelers.
Provide shops, eateries, waiting rooms, ticket offices, and luggage lockers.
Warsaw is a major rail hub in Central Europe. Main stations: Warszawa Centralna (long-distance, international), Zachodnia (transfers), Wschodnia (east side of Vistula). Domestic connections link to Kraków, Gdańsk, Wrocław. International connections reach Berlin, Vienna, Prague, Budapest, Kyiv, Vilnius.
Warszawa Zachodnia bus station serves as the main hub for domestic and international long-distance buses. FlixBus operates numerous routes across Poland and Europe. Other companies also provide services.
A valid national driving license and an International Driving Permit (IDP) are necessary if your license is not in English or Polish. Vehicle registration and proof of insurance are also important. Road conditions are generally good, specifically on major highways. City roads can experience congestion.
Road quality generally rates as good, but some rural roads may be less maintained. Driving in Warsaw city center can be busy and demanding, with trams, buses, and numerous pedestrians. Watch for potholes, specifically after winter.
No special exit charges or taxes exist for departure from Poland; these costs typically merge into your airfare or ticket price. Arrive at Chopin Airport (WAW) 2-3 hours before international flights; 1.5-2 hours for domestic or Schengen flights. For Modlin Airport (WMI), 2-2.5 hours usually suffices.
WAW provides duty-free shopping, restaurants, cafes, lounges, currency exchange, ATMs, baggage wrapping services, and customs for VALUE-ADDED tax refunds. WMI provides basic shops and cafes. Major public transport by train and bus stations feature shops, eateries, waiting rooms, ticket offices, and luggage storage facilities.
Allow extra time for airport check-in and security during peak travel periods.
Duty-free shops at WAW create openings for souvenirs and gifts.
Baggage wrapping services at WAW provide extra protection for your belongings.
Ferry services and cruise ports do not apply for Warsaw's inland location. The city is far from any major sea or ocean.
Seasonal recreational river excursions and water trams operate on the Vistula River during warmer months (May-September). These offer scenic city views. They serve mainly as tourist attractions, not a main mode upon arrival.
Immigration procedures at seaports do not apply to Warsaw owing to its geographical location.
Warsaw's position inland means sea-based entry points are not relevant.
Concentrate your travel planning on air and land routes for arriving in Warsaw.
