Chopin Airport is Poland's primary aviation hub, located approximately 10 km from Warsaw city center.
It is the country's most congested airport, gateway to the reconstructed Old Town, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
How to get to Warsaw Chopin Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to WAW
Parking near Warsaw Chopin Airport
The parking, distributed over multiple levels, is located next to the terminal.
Rates are in line with those of a major European hub.
How to get to Warsaw from WAW
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Airport transfers you can book in advance
Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.
Car rental at Warsaw Chopin Airport
The major car rental brands have desks in the arrivals area.
EU citizens do not require an International Driving License: a driving license, passport, and credit card are sufficient.
Hotels near Warsaw Chopin Airport
Mokotów and the 'Mordor' business district
The Mokotów district, nicknamed 'Mordor' for its concentration of office towers along Domaniewska and Wołoska streets, lies 6-12 km from the terminal depending on the exact spot: 15-30 minutes by taxi or car depending on traffic. There is no direct bus or train between Mokotów and the airport.
Best for: Business meetings in the Mokotów office district or very early morning flights, when you'd rather stay a few minutes by taxi from the terminal.
- A few minutes by taxi from the terminal, handy for business meetings or dawn flights
- Neighbourhood with restaurants and bars frequented by employees of the area's multinationals
- No direct train or bus link to the airport: you always depend on a taxi or your own car
- In the evenings and on weekends the offices close and the area empties out almost completely
Recommended hotels
- Hampton by Hilton Warsaw Mokotów In the heart of the Mokotów office district, 6-8 km from the terminal; buffet breakfast included in the rate and a gym, designed for those working at the nearby multinational offices. View availability
- Four Points by Sheraton Warsaw Mokotow Same Mokotów office area, with a gym and an in-house restaurant; designed more for business stays than for tourism. View availability
Central Station
The SKM S2 train links the terminal to Warszawa Centralna in 25 minutes, with departures every 20-30 minutes from 6 to 23 (3.40 zloty); at night the only alternative is bus 175, running round the clock.
Best for: Those who want the airport train a few steps from the room and the chance to get around the rest of the city on foot or by metro.
- Direct train to the airport with no changes, running almost all day
- Metro line M1 in the same area for getting around the rest of the city
- Around the station, traffic and the flow of commuters make the area not very quiet in the evening
- The night bus 175 is slower than the train, 30-40 minutes depending on traffic
Recommended hotels
- InterContinental Warszawa Right next to Warszawa Centralna and the Palace of Culture, with a panoramic pool on the 43rd floor; among the tallest hotels in the city. View availability
- Novotel Warszawa Centrum A few steps from Warszawa Centralna and the Palace of Culture, with an indoor pool and gym; one of the most central options among the big international brands. View availability
Old Town
No direct train: you first need to reach Warszawa Centralna or a stop on the S2 line by tram or metro (10-15 minutes), then the airport train in 25 minutes; by taxi the direct route takes 20-30 minutes depending on traffic.
Best for: Those who want the Old Town and the Market Square within walking distance and accept one extra change to reach the airport train.
- Old Town, Market Square and the Royal Castle within walking distance
- A largely pedestrian area, away from the traffic of the main roads
- No direct link to the airport: a change of transport is always needed
- Touristy alleys, so higher prices at the venues around the hotel
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The main terminal is modern and efficient, handling Poland's busiest traffic.
The recommended advance time for international flights is 2.5–3 hours.
Map of Warsaw Chopin Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Do you tip at restaurants in Warsaw?
It's not mandatory: about 10% of the bill for good service is the norm at restaurants, often not included automatically; at bars and cafés, rounding up is enough.
Q. How much does a taxi from Chopin to the centre cost?
The official taximeter for Zone 1 (city centre) applies fixed fares of indicatively 50-70 PLN.
Q. What are the biometric e-gates in Warsaw?
Automated gates that carry out passport control via facial recognition for EU/EEA citizens, completing the procedure in under 30 seconds with no interaction with an officer.
Q. Is Chopin the base of LOT Polish Airlines?
Yes, it is the main hub of Poland's flag carrier, with connections worldwide.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
