# Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW)

> Warsaw, PL · 10 km (6 mi) southwest of central Warsaw

Web: https://airport.flights/airport/waw
JSON: https://airport.flights/api/airport/waw.json

## Facts

- **IATA**: WAW
- **ICAO**: EPWA
- **Timezone**: Europe/Warsaw
- **Runways**: 2
- **Terminals**: 1
- **Passengers**: 24.1M/yr
- **Worldwide rank**: #28
- **Hub for**: LOT Polish Airlines
- **Official site**: https://www.lotnisko-chopina.pl/

## Overview

## Welcome

Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) stands out in Europe for its compact yet comprehensive design, hosting all operations within a single Terminal A. This configuration often allows frequent flyers to make connecting flights in less than 40 minutes, facilitating swift transitions even between Schengen and non-Schengen zones. Complementing this efficient design, travelers can enjoy quick access to central Warsaw via a direct train link that takes 20-25 minutes and costs under €2. Unlike sprawling hubs, WAW provides a unique blend of efficiency and local flair, with Polish bakeries, vodka shops, and home-hub amenities in LOT lounges showcasing regional specialties.

## At a glance

- Passenger traffic: Approximately 24.1 million per year

- Runways: 2

- Terminals: A

- Distance to city center: 10 km (6 miles) southwest of central Warsaw

- Primary airlines: LOT Polish Airlines (hub), Lufthansa, British Airways

## Terminals & layout

Chopin Airport operates solely through Terminal A, an all-encompassing structure serving both Schengen and non-Schengen flights. This single-terminal approach simplifies navigation immensely compared to other major European airports. Gates are accessible from a central concourse, streamlining passenger flow and minimizing walking distances. Frequent travelers appreciate that most amenities, lounges, and dining options are concentrated near the central hub, facilitating quicker transitions through the airport.

## Getting to and from the city

Guests can opt for the SKM S2 line to Warszawa Śródmieście or the SKM S3 to Warszawa Central, both taking 18-25 minutes for a fare of about $1-2. These trains depart from a station directly beneath the terminal and offer a smooth, efficient ride to central Warsaw. For those preferring road transport, licensed taxis typically charge 40–60 PLN ($10-15) for the 20-40 minute trip to downtown Warsaw, depending on traffic. Ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt provide slightly cheaper alternatives, averaging 25–45 PLN ($6-11) under normal traffic conditions.

## Traveller essentials

Chopin Airport provides various car parking options: the Express Car Park at PLN 80/day and Komfort Car Park at PLN 70/day are popular for short stays, while remote parking is available at a lower rate of 50 zł/day. For those departing on early flights, it's recommended to arrive at the airport with ample time before departure, particularly during the 5–8 a.m. wave, as morning security checks can lead to lengthy waits. Tap-to-pay is widely accepted throughout the terminal, and most services do not require Polish currency, easing arrivals and departures.

## Dining & shopping highlights

Offering 31 restaurants within Terminal A, options like PAUL bakery present authentic Polish pastries and sandwiches, while international chains like McDonald's and KFC are in abundance. Coffee lovers can find solace in independent outlets like Espressamente illy, which rival the global franchises by offering higher-quality brews. Shopping options include Aelia Duty Free and Baltona La Maison Du Luxe, featuring a mix of local and international products.

## Lounges

LOT Business Lounge Polonez (Schengen) offers a distinct local flair, with Polish culinary delights and a welcoming atmosphere, while non-Schengen travelers can opt for the calmer LOT Mazurek Lounge, renowned for its panoramic runway views. Additionally, the Bolero Executive Lounge, available for PLN 130, is a quiet refuge in the non-Schengen area and is often less crowded than the pre-Schengen alternatives.

## Insider tips

- **Insider:** For 35-40 minute connections on LOT, rest easy: Terminal A's efficient layout makes such tight schedules feasible.

- **Time:** Beat rush hour by taking the SKM train from directly beneath the terminal, a reliable 20–25 minute ride to the city center.

- **Money:** Ride-hailing services like Bolt typically undercut airport taxis, with fares as low as 20 PLN to central Warsaw.

- **Avoid:** Pre-Schengen lounges are bustling in the mornings; opt for the Bolero Lounge if you can, for a more serene experience.

- **Quiet:** Discover plane spotting bliss at the nearly empty observation terrace above the terminal – a hidden gem for avgeeks.

- **Local:** Visit PAUL near the main departures hall for European-style pastries that stand out among chain offerings.

- **Local:** Browse the central souvenir shops for authentic Polish vodkas and sweets rather than generic duty-free items.

## Terminals (1)

- **Terminal A** — LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, British Airways, Air France
  Terminal A is the main terminal for international flights.

## Dining (31)

- **1 Minute Smacznego!** — A
- **Atmosphere** — A
- **Atmosphere Bistro** — A
- **Beer & Burgers** — A
- **Bierhalle** — A
- **Bijanka** — A
- **Bistro Okienko** — A
- **Bread & Co** — A
- **Business Shark** — A
- **Café Wedel** — A
- **Cavarious** — A
- **Costa Coffee** — A
- **Eat & Fly** — A
- **Espressamente illy** — A
- **Grycan** — A
- **Inmedio Cafe** — A
- **KFC** — A
- **McDonald's** — A
- **McDonald's Express** — A
- **Misa** — A · Local · Polish · $$
- **PAUL** — A · French · Bakery · $$
- **Pizza Dominium** — A
- **Podwale** — A
- **Premium Food Gate** — A
- **Samo Obsluga** — A
- **Schabowy Bar** — A · $
- **Seasons** — A
- **So! Coffee** — A
- **Subway** — A · Fast Food · Sandwiches · $
- **Tchibo Coffee** — A
- **Wine Bar** — A

## Lounges (8)

- **Bolero Executive Lounge** — Non-Schengen · Non-Schengen, Priority Pass and pay-in
- **Fantazja Executive Lounge** — Schengen · Schengen, Priority Pass and pay-in · PLN 130
- **LOT Business Lounge Mazurek** — Schengen · Non-Schengen, airline business class and Star Alliance Gold
- **LOT Business Lounge Polonez** — Schengen · Schengen, airline business class and Star Alliance Gold
- **LOT Elite Club** — Schengen, invited frequent flyers
- **Mazurek Elite Zone** — Schengen · Non-Schengen, invited frequent flyers
- **Polonez Fast Track Lounge** — Schengen, airline status and paid access
- **Preludium Executive Lounge** — Schengen · Schengen, Priority Pass and pay-in · PLN 130

## Shops (32)

- **1 Minute** — A · Food
- **1 Minute Smacznego!** — A · Food
- **Aelia Beauty** — A · Beauty
- **Aelia Duty Free** — A · Duty Free
- **Aelia Electronics** — A
- **Aelia Fashion** — A
- **Aelia Travel Essentials** — A
- **Baltona Duty Free** — A · Duty Free
- **Baltona Fashion** — A
- **Baltona La Maison Du Luxe** — A · Luxury
- **Baltona Polish Products** — A
- **Baltona Tobacco** — A
- **Discover Poland** — A
- **Drugstore** — A · Essentials
- **Gift Shop** — A · Souvenirs
- **Inmedio** — A
- **Itaka** — A
- **Kolporter** — A
- **Lotto** — A
- **Orange** — A
- **Play** — A
- **Polana** — A · Duty Free
- **Relay** — A · Travel Essentials
- **Relay Travel** — A
- **Samsung** — A
- **Tui** — A
- **Virgin** — A · Electronics
- **Vistula** — A
- **W.Kruk** — A
- **Wittchen** — A
- **Yes** — A
- **Zoom** — A · Books & Souvenirs

## Parking (30)

- **Employee Car Park** — Staff parking
- **EV Charging Stations** — 100 zł/day · next to terminal
- **Express Car Park** — Short stay · PLN 80/day, PLN 5 for the first 30 minutes, PLN 10 for 1 hour/hr · Directly adjacent to the terminal
- **Hotel Car Park Courtyard by Marriott** — Hotel parking
- **Kiss&Fly** — Short stay · Free for first 7 minutes, then varies/hr · next to terminal
- **Kiss and Fly** — Short stay · 10 zł/hr · next to terminal
- **Kiss&Fly Zone** — Short stay · Directly adjacent to the terminal
- **Komfort Car Park** — Long stay · PLN 70/day, PLN 10/hr · Less than 1 minute from the terminal
- **Long Stay Parking** — Long stay · PLN 50/day · 0.5 mi from Terminal A
- **Long-Term Car Park P20** — Long-stay
- **Long-Term Car Park P21** — Long-stay
- **Off-site Interparking** — Private long-stay
- **Off-site Park & Fly** — Private long-stay
- **P1 Car Park** — Short-stay
- **P16 Bus Station** — Long stay · PLN 40/day, PLN 5/hr · 1-2 minutes from the terminal
- **P2 Car Park** — Long stay · PLN 70/day, PLN 10/hr · Less than 1 minute from the terminal
- **P3 Car Park** — Long stay · PLN 60/day, PLN 8/hr · About 2 minutes from the terminal
- **P4 Car Park** — Long stay · PLN 60/day · 2-3 minutes from the terminal
- **P42 Car Park** — Long stay · PLN 50/day, PLN 6/hr · 6-7 minutes from the terminal
- **P43 BUS Car Park** — Long stay · PLN 50/day, PLN 6/hr · About 9 minutes from the terminal
- **P44 Car Park** — Long stay · PLN 50/day, PLN 6/hr · 4-5 minutes from the terminal
- **P45 Car Park** — Long stay · PLN 50/day, PLN 6/hr · About 7 minutes from the terminal
- **P46 Car Park** — Long stay · PLN 50/day, PLN 6/hr · 5-6 minutes from the terminal
- **P47 Car Park** — Long stay · PLN 60/day, PLN 8/hr · 1-2 minutes from the terminal
- **P48 Car Park** — Long stay · PLN 50/day, PLN 7/hr · 7-8 minutes from the terminal
- **P6 Car Park** — Short-stay
- **P7 Car Park** — Short-stay
- **Premium Car Park** — Short-stay premium
- **Remote Parking** — Remote · 50 zł/day · 1 mi
- **Valet Parking** — Valet · PLN 100/day · Closest to the terminal

## Ground transport (16)

- **Bolt** — Ride-hailing · 20-35 min · $5-10 (often slightly under Uber, ~20–40 PLN typical to centrum) · On demand · 5-10 min wait typical
- **Bus 148** — City bus to Ursynów and Tarcho · 30-50 min (depending on segment) · $1-2 (standard ZTM ticket) · Every 15-30 min · daytime/early evening
- **Bus 175** — City bus to Centrum and Krakow · 30-40 min (airport–centre in normal traffic) · $1-2 (standard ZTM ticket) · Every 10-20 min · roughly 04:30–23:00
- **Bus 188** — City bus to Praga Południe and · 35-50 min (typical airport–Politechnika range) · $1-2 (standard ZTM ticket) · Every 10-20 min · roughly early morning–late evening
- **Bus 331** — City bus to Wilanowska Metro S · $1-2 (standard ZTM ticket) · Peak‑oriented · roughly every 15-20 min on weekdays
- **Car-sharing Traficar** — Car-sharing service · On demand · depends on car availability in parking
- **FreeNow** — Ride-hailing · 20-40 min (traffic‑dependent) · $7-13 (similar to regular taxis, ~30–55 PLN to centrum) · On demand · longer waits possible off‑peak
- **Hotel shuttle Courtyard by Marriott** — Hotel shuttle · 3-5 min walk (typical terminal–hotel time reported by guests)
- **Intercity coach FlixBus** — Intercity coach · $5-30 (route‑dependent) · Infrequent from airport · route‑specific
- **Koleje Mazowieckie RL** — Regional train to Warsaw city  · 20-25 min (WAW–Centralna) · $1-2 (with ZTM city ticket) · Roughly every 30-60 min · daytime/early evening
- **ModlinBus** — Intercity coach connection via
- **Night Bus N32** — Night bus to city centre · 25-35 min (airport–Centralna area at night) · $1-2 (standard ZTM night ticket) · Every 30 min · late night only
- **SKM S2** — Train line to Warszawa Śródmie · 20-25 min (WAW–Śródmieście) · $1-2 · Every 15-30 min · roughly 04:30–23:30
- **SKM S3** — Train line to Warszawa Central · 18-22 min (WAW–Zachodnia) · $1-2 · Every 15-30 min · roughly 04:30–23:30
- **Taxi** — Licensed city taxis · 20-40 min (traffic‑dependent) · $10-15 (approx. 40–60 PLN to centrum) · On demand · queues all day, thinner late at night
- **Uber** — Ride-hailing · 20-35 min (typical airport–centrum trip) · $6-11 (approx. 25–45 PLN to centrum under normal conditions) · On demand · usually 5-10 min wait

## Insider tips

- _Insider_: For 35-40 minute connections on LOT, rest easy: Terminal A's efficient layout makes such tight schedules feasible.
- _Time_: Beat rush hour by taking the SKM train from directly beneath the terminal, a reliable 20–25 minute ride to the city center.
- _Money_: Ride-hailing services like Bolt typically undercut airport taxis, with fares as low as 20 PLN to central Warsaw.
- _Avoid_: Pre-Schengen lounges are bustling in the mornings; opt for the Bolero Lounge if you can, for a more serene experience.
- _Quiet_: Discover plane spotting bliss at the nearly empty observation terrace above the terminal – a hidden gem for avgeeks.
- _Local_: Visit PAUL near the main departures hall for European-style pastries that stand out among chain offerings.
- _Local_: Browse the central souvenir shops for authentic Polish vodkas and sweets rather than generic duty-free items.