Getting to Warsaw
The international airport is located just six miles east of the city and handles direct flights from many major European destinations as well as from a number of US cities. Flying is definitely the most convenient and cost effective option of reaching the city, especially as some of the discounted tickets compare with rail and bus prices.
Poland’s rail network has vastly improved and trains are becoming more comfortable and punctual, especially to international destinations. There are now rail connections to most neighbouring countries. Several bus companies provide long distance and international services, covering most European cities. Driving is also an option, as the roads are adequate; however, distances can be too great for many people.
By car
The road system is vastly improved and driving is a possibility, depending on how far you have to travel. The E30 is the main route to the city running east-west, connecting Warsaw with Lodz, Poznan and Berlin to the west, and Belarus to the east. The E77 runs north-south and links Gdansk with Kracow. Watch out for border delays, especially when crossing from other Eastern European countries. Traffic drives on the right and standard international traffic signs are used.
By rail
There are four main railway stations in the city, but the one that most travellers will use is Warszawa Centralna (Central Station). It handles the majority of international trains and also domestic arrivals and departures. It is located just west of the central shopping area and about a 30-minute walk from the Stare Miasto.
Facilities include a 24-hour left-luggage office, situated downstairs from the main ticket hall. Although it is close to many upmarket hotels, the area attracts petty criminals and beggars, so keep a close eye on your luggage at all times. Warszawa Wschodnia (Warsaw East) and Warszawa Zachodnia (Warsaw West) handle mostly domestic trains. Warszawa Gdanska is the station for trains to old eastern bloc destinations.
By bus
International bus services are provided by several different operators and cover the majority of European cities. Eurolines and the state-owned PKS are the most popular bus companies. The main bus terminal for international arrivals and departures is Dworzec Warszawa Zachodnia (Western Bus Terminal) and it is housed in the same building as the Warszawa Zachodnia train station.
A short train or an east-bound municipal bus ride will take you to Warszawa Centralna. On the east side of the river is Dworzec Warszawa Stadion (Stadium Bus Terminal), which handles all domestic bus traffic. Polski Express coaches run domestic services to many Polish cities. They have their own bus stop on al Jana Pawa II, near Warszawa Centralna train station.
By air
The Fredric Chopin International Airport is located six miles south of the city centre. It serves over six million passengers every year, with over 80 routes to Europe and America. The smaller Etiuda Terminal tends to cater for budget airlines and domestic traffic. Buses and taxis are available for connections to the city.
By ferry
There are ferry routes from the UK and Scandinavia to the Polish Baltic ports of Gdansk, Gdynia and Swinoujscie. Details on schedules and fares can be obtained from individual ferry companies operating along these routes.
Fredric Chopin International Airport
All international and many domestic flights arrive at Fredric Chopin Airport. Facilities at the airport include shops, bars and restaurants at the single terminal building. Other facilities include banks, bureaux de change, ATMs, a post office and a tourist information and hotel reservations service. There are good facilities for disabled travellers including lifts and adapted toilets. Wheelchairs are available on request from a handling agent.
Fredric Chopin airport transportation
There are reasonable connections to the city centre by bus and taxi. Municipal buses 188 and 175 operate all week from 04:50 to 23:00, and the journey takes approximately 30 minutes, stopping at the train station, the Old Town and the city centre along the way. The bus stop is located in front of the Arrivals Hall and tickets can be purchased at the kiosks and at the tourist information office in the Departures Hall.
Some hotels run a shuttle bus on for guests, on reequest. The Intercity Polski Express bus company provides direct regular bus connections from the airport to 30 towns in Poland. Tickets for these journeys can be purchased directly from the driver.
The taxi stand is located in front of the Arrivals Hall. Make sure that you take a licensed taxi that has the name of a company displayed on its roof-top. Ignore all of the touts that approach you inside the terminal, as they will charge you far more. Fares in Warsaw are normally inexpensive, but you will certainly pay a surcharge for the airport journey, which will cost considerably more than taking the bus.