Warsaw Airport Guide 2026: WAW, WMI, Transport, and Arrival Tips

Warsaw has two airports: Chopin Airport (WAW), the main international hub 8 km south of the city centre, and Modlin Airport (WMI), a budget airline facility 40 km north. They are completely separate and require different transport strategies.

This guide covers both airports, every transport option, exact PLN prices, and the specific traps to avoid.

Chopin Airport (WAW): The Main Airport

About the Airport

Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport (IATA: WAW) handles the vast majority of international traffic, including all long-haul routes. Airlines operating here include LOT Polish Airlines (hub carrier), Lufthansa, KLM, Air France, British Airways, Wizz Air, Ryanair, and Eurowings, plus long-haul services from the US, Middle East, and Asia.

The airport has two terminals (Terminal 1 and Terminal 2/A connected by a walkway), both served by the same transport options. The distance from the arrivals hall to the transport connections is manageable.

Transport from Chopin Airport to Warsaw Centre

Option 1: Bus 175 (Cheapest)

The most straightforward public transport route. Bus 175 runs from the airport bus stop (exit arrivals, follow green ZTM bus signs) to Warsaw city centre via Centrum metro station and ending at pl. Piłsudskiego (central Warsaw).

Detail	Information
Cost	4.40 PLN (standard 75-minute ZTM ticket)
Journey time	25–35 minutes to Centrum (without traffic)
Frequency	Every 15–20 minutes (04:58–23:58)
Night service	Bus N32 runs after midnight
Ticket purchase	Machines at the stop (card/cash), mobile app, or from the driver

Watch out: Bus 175 is the route most frequently targeted by pickpockets. Keep bags in front, wallet in a front pocket. The bus is fine — just apply standard city awareness.

Option 2: SKM Train (Faster)

The SKM (suburban rail) S2 and S3 lines stop at a station directly below the airport terminal — follow signs to “Kolej/Train” from arrivals. Trains run to Warszawa Centralna (Central Station) and Śródmieście in the city centre.

Detail	Information
Cost	4.40 PLN (same ZTM ticket)
Journey time	~28 minutes to Warszawa Centralna
Frequency	Every 30 minutes approximately
Hours	Early morning to late night

The train is faster than the bus when traffic is heavy (rush hours 7:30–9:30 and 16:00–18:30) and avoids road congestion entirely.

Option 3: Bolt / Uber (Easiest)

Both Bolt and Uber operate from the airport. Set your destination in the app before leaving arrivals. Do not negotiate with drivers; the app price is fixed.

Detail	Information
Cost	90–120 PLN to city centre
Journey time	20–25 minutes (no traffic), 35–50 minutes (rush hour)
Pickup point	Follow “Ride-sharing / Uber / Bolt” signs from arrivals

Important: Do not accept offers from drivers who approach you in the arrivals hall. These are unlicensed operators who charge 200–400 PLN for the same ride. Only use the official Bolt/Uber pickup zone, reached by following signs from inside the terminal.

Option 4: Official Taxi

Official Warsaw taxis from the airport use a metered fare. The regulated rate from Chopin Airport to central Warsaw is around 30–35 PLN on the meter, but wait times and distance can push it to 50–70 PLN in traffic.

Use the official taxi rank (marked with the airport’s approved taxi companies: iTaxi, ELE, Super Taxi). These taxis display the company name and rate card on the door. Reputable dispatch companies can be called from the arrival hall payphones.

Never: Get in a cab from someone who approaches you inside arrivals. This is the single most reliably reported tourist scam in Warsaw.

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Option 5: Private Transfer (Pre-booked)

For group travel or large luggage, a pre-booked private transfer from the airport is sensible. Several tour operators and transfer companies offer fixed-price services. Prices start at around 100–150 PLN for 1–4 people.

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Chopin Airport Facilities

Currency exchange: Several kantors are in the arrivals hall. The rates here are generally poor. Use the ATMs in the terminal instead (PKO BP or ING machines in the terminal; avoid Euronet ATMs). See the currency advice in the Warsaw travel tips guide.

SIM cards: Polish mobile operators (Orange, T-Mobile, Play) have desks in the arrivals area. A prepaid SIM with data costs 20–35 PLN — useful if your home plan does not cover Poland at reasonable roaming rates.

Left luggage: Przechowalnia bagaży (left luggage) is in Terminal 1 departure level. Around 20 PLN per item per day.

Lost property: Contact the airport’s information desk (+48 22 650 42 20) or the airline directly.

Modlin Airport (WMI): The Budget Alternative

About Modlin Airport

Warsaw Modlin Airport (IATA: WMI) is 40 km north of central Warsaw, near the small city of Modlin. It is used primarily by Ryanair and Wizz Air for routes to Western Europe and the Mediterranean. The airport is significantly smaller and more utilitarian than Chopin — one terminal, limited facilities.

Key point: Modlin is not near Warsaw. Transport to the city takes 60–90 minutes and cannot be done cheaply. Factor this into your ticket price calculations when comparing budget flights to Chopin vs. Modlin.

Transport from Modlin Airport to Warsaw Centre

Option 1: FlixBus / ModlinBus (Cheapest)

Direct buses run from Modlin Airport to Warsaw West Bus Station (Dworzec Zachodni) or the Młociny metro terminus. ModlinBus is the dedicated shuttle; FlixBus also serves this route.

Detail	Information
Cost	25–35 PLN
Journey time	45–60 minutes to Młociny metro
From Młociny	Metro M1 south to city centre (another 15–20 minutes)
Total cost	~30 PLN bus + 4.40 PLN metro ticket

Option 2: Shuttle + Train Combo

A dedicated shuttle connects Modlin Airport to Modlin railway station (5 km away), from where PKP trains run to Warszawa Centralna.

Detail	Information
Shuttle cost	~12 PLN
Train to Centralna	~10 PLN
Total cost	~22 PLN combined
Journey time	60–75 minutes total
Frequency	Shuttle every 20–30 minutes; check train timings align

Option 3: Taxi or Bolt from Modlin

A Bolt or Uber from Modlin Airport to central Warsaw costs 90–110 PLN. This is similar to the Chopin Airport fare despite the greater distance, because the highway connection is faster.

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Modlin Airport Facilities

Modlin is basic. There is one café/restaurant, an ATM (limited), and a small duty-free. Plan your food and exchange needs in advance. The Bolt/Uber signal is adequate but the ride-sharing pickup area is outside and unmarked — use the app and wait at the designated area.

EES (Entry/Exit System) — New for 2026

Since April 10, 2026, the EU’s Entry/Exit System (EES) is fully operational at Warsaw Chopin Airport. Non-EU visitors (including US, UK, Canadian, Australian passport holders) now register biometric data (fingerprints, facial scan) at self-service kiosks on their first entry into Schengen.

Practical impact:

• First entry through Schengen takes slightly longer due to biometric registration (5–10 minutes at the kiosk)
• Return visits are faster — facial recognition at border control
• EU/EEA citizens with national ID are unaffected
• The queues at immigration may be longer than in previous years for first-time Schengen arrivals

Allow extra time in your airport plan if arriving from outside Schengen.

ETIAS: Expected to launch later in 2026. Once active, non-EU visa-exempt nationalities (US, UK, Canada, Australia) will need pre-authorisation. Not required as of June 2026 — but monitor travel advisories for your nationality.

Practical Airport Tips

Which airport is better for first-time visitors? Chopin (WAW), without question. Better transport connections, shorter journey time, more facilities, and more airline options.

Can I use a ZTM transit pass at Chopin Airport? Yes. The 75-minute ZTM ticket (4.40 PLN) covers all buses and trains from Chopin Airport in Zone 1. A 24-hour pass (15 PLN) is even better value if you are arriving and planning to move around the city on the same day.

How long before my flight should I arrive at Chopin? For international flights: 2 hours minimum for economy, 2.5 hours in peak season (July–August). Chopin is not enormous but security queues in summer can be significant.

Luggage storage in the city: If you want to explore Warsaw without luggage before check-in, several private luggage storage services operate near Warsaw Central Station and the Old Town. Prices around 20–30 PLN per item per day.

For the full transport guide within Warsaw, see getting around Warsaw and Warsaw public transport tickets.

Frequently Asked Questions About Warsaw Airports

Which Warsaw airport should I fly into?

Chopin Airport (WAW) for convenience. Modlin (WMI) only if the flight price difference significantly outweighs the extra 30–45 minutes travel time and higher transport cost.

How much is a taxi from Warsaw Chopin Airport?

Legitimate metered taxis cost 30–70 PLN depending on traffic. A Bolt or Uber costs 90–120 PLN with a fixed price. Never pay more than 120–130 PLN.

Is the bus from Chopin Airport safe?

Yes. Bus 175 is standard city public transport. The specific risk on this route is pickpocketing in crowded buses; keep valuables secured.

Can I buy a ZTM transport ticket on arrival at the airport?

Yes. Ticket machines are at the bus stop outside arrivals (accepts card and cash). Alternatively, purchase via the Warsaw ZTM mobile app before arriving.