How to Get to Warsaw from the Airport

Are you ready to explore Warsaw? You’ve got your flight booked, your accommodation sorted, and your must-see list ready. But now, the next step is figuring out how to get from the airport to the heart of the city. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! In this guide, we will delve into how to reach Warsaw from the airport, detailing all the available options, pricing, and ticket purchasing tips. Let’s get started!

First things first: Warsaw has two airports that you need to be aware of: Chopin Airport (WAW) and Modlin Airport (WMI). Each airport has its own travel options to the city center, so let’s break down the details for each one.

Reaching Warsaw from Chopin Airport (WAW)
Getting to Warsaw from Modlin Airport (WMI)

Reaching Warsaw from Chopin Airport (WAW)

Chopin Airport is conveniently located just 10 km south of Warsaw, situated in the Okęcie area. Depending on your preferences and budget, there are several ways to reach the city center:

By Train

The airport has its own train station called “Warszawa Lotnisko Chopina,” with two main train services available:

SKM (Szybka Kolej Miejska): This is the suburban train service.
KML (Koleje Mazowieckie): This service covers a broader region around Mazovia.

For the SKM, there are two lines running from the airport:

Line S2: Heading towards Sulejówek Miłosna, stopping at key points near the center such as Warszawa Śródmieście (close to Warszawa Centralna), Warszawa Powiśle, and across the Vistula River at Warszawa Stadion and Warszawa Wschodnia. Trains run every 30 minutes.
Line S3: This express service goes to Wieliszew, stopping at Warszawa Centralna and Warszawa Wschodnia. It skips some stops and also operates every 30 minutes.

For the KML service, the main line is RL, which heads towards Legionowo Przystanek, making stops at Warszawa Centralna and Warszawa Wschodnia.

Pricing: Tickets are charged at standard Warsaw transport rates since the airport is in Zone 1. Here are some ticket options for the SKM:

20-minute ticket: 3.40 PLN (no transfers)
75-minute ticket: 4.40 PLN
90-minute ticket: 7 PLN
Group ticket for up to 10 people for 75 minutes: 22.00 PLN
One-day ticket: 15.00 PLN (valid for 24 hours after validation)
Three-day ticket: 36.00 PLN (valid for 72 hours after validation)
Weekend ticket: 24.00 PLN (valid from 19:00 Friday to 08:00 Monday)
Weekend group ticket for up to 10 people: 40.00 PLN (valid from 19:00 Friday to 08:00 Monday)

Make sure to validate your ticket once you board the train.

Where to Buy Tickets: For SKM tickets, you can purchase them through ZTM, Warsaw's public transport operator. Tickets are available at vending machines in the station, on the train itself, or at the ZTM counter located outside the arrivals hall. For KML tickets, buy at the dedicated vending machines or on board (note there's a 4 PLN surcharge for onboard purchases). The KML tickets are approximately 6 PLN. More information is available on the KML website.

By Bus

Chopin Airport is well-connected by bus with up to five lines serving different parts of Warsaw. Buses depart from the terminal located on the same level as arrivals:

Line 175: Travels along Aleje Jerozolimskie to the Centrum station before heading north.
Line 188: Heads south on Wawelska Street, passing the Łazienki Królewskie Park and crossing the river to the Praga district.
Line 148: This bus goes to the Praga district without stopping in the center.
Line 331: Connects to the Wilanowska Metro station, which may not be of much interest.
Line N32: The night bus that runs directly to Centrum from 23:15 to 04:49.

The bus fares are the same as those for the SKM train.

By Taxi

If you prefer a more direct route, taxis are available from the airport. The fare to central Warsaw typically costs around 40 PLN. An Uber ride can be more economical at about 20 PLN. Taxis can be picked up from the first floor of the departures terminal.

You can also opt for a private transfer service, where a driver will be waiting for you upon arrival. Make sure to book this in advance here.

Getting to Warsaw from Modlin Airport (WMI)

Modlin Airport is farther from the city center, located about 40 km away and primarily serves Ryanair flights. Here’s how to get to the center:

By Train

While Modlin Airport does not have its own train station, there is a bus service that takes passengers to the nearest train station in the town of Modlin, approximately 5 km away. From there, Koleje Mazowieckie (KML) trains operate to Warszawa Centralna. The total travel time is around 1 hour. You can check the bus and train schedules here.

A combined bus and train ticket costs 19 PLN. This ticket also includes transportation within Zone 1 in Warsaw (valid for 75 minutes on any transport including metro, bus, or tram). Keep in mind that if you are traveling back to the airport, the ticket is still valid for Zone 1, but the metro doors will be locked, so use the elevators for access.

By Bus

Currently, Modlinbus is the only company offering a bus connection from Modlin Airport to central Warsaw. Buses depart according to flight schedules, and tickets can be purchased online, at airport counters, or directly on the bus. The fare ranges from 28 to 33 PLN, with online deals sometimes available for as low as 9 PLN.

In Warsaw, the bus stops near the Palace of Culture and Science, a central location with many tram and bus connections, as well as access to the metro at Centrum station.

By Taxi

Taking a taxi from Modlin Airport to central Warsaw typically costs between 120-150 PLN. An Uber ride is usually priced around 115 PLN.

As with Chopin Airport, you can also reserve a private transfer service to simplify your arrival experience. Booking in advance ensures a driver will meet you with a sign at the airport. Reserve your service here.

We hope this information on how to reach Warsaw from the airport proves helpful for your travels!

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