Warsaw & Krakow Airports - How to Get to the City center
Discover all the available options to get from Warsaw Airport to the city center. Also, find out many good options for traveling around Poland. How to get from Modlin Airport to the city center and also options from Krakow Airport.
Warsaw Has Two Airports - F. Chopin and Modlin
Find Out How to get to the city center (Warsaw & Krakow)
Public Transportation in Poland is FREE for Kids up to 7 Years Old -- September 22th - Public Transportation is FREE the whole day.
Note that you can book trains on the intercity.pl website only one month before! Another great trusted great place to book is the OMIO website.
Finally, agreat tool for finding all the type of connections in Poland between two locations, is the «https://en.e-podroznik.pl/»
You might be interested also in
Currency Exchange in Poland
Find Your Hotel In Poland
Airports
Warsaw Airport - Frederick Chopin
Available Options: S2 and S3 Trains, BUS 175, Taxi, Uber and Bolt
Taxi Services in Chopin Airport
The taxi rank outside exits 1 and 2 offers three certified companies: Super Taxi, Sawa Taxi, and Ele Taxi. A ride to the city center should not cost more than 30 - 40 zloty, but many of the TAXI will charge even upto 50 - 60 PLN, depending also on the final destination.
Be aware of unlicensed drivers who will try to charge you two or three times more.
Always agree on the price with the driver before entering the taxi. Especially when traveling between Warsaw airports with bags. Always check the prices on the labels outside the taxi vehicles. Avoid taking a taxi where the amounts are not declared and make sure you have the base amount when you start the ride.
S2 Train and S3 Train -- Bus 175
Please note that you use just normal tickets from F. Chopin Warsaw Airport! There are ticket machines just outside the train platforms. Take a ride to the center using a simple transport ticket which costs only 4,40 zloty (valid for 75 minutes).
Catch the brand new train a few hundred meters from the airport exit or get bus number 175 from the bus stop outside the airport exit. Check the map here: Map of F. Chopin Warsaw Airport.
How to find the Train Station - Chopin Airport
Follow the Green Line :-)
After you get out to the main airport room, where people wait for the one arriving. Turn to the right, do not get out in the street. Keep going until the end. After McDonald's, you will see the electric stairs with a train sign going down. These stairs will lead you directly to the train.
Take the escalators taking you down to ticket booths. Follow the only way and you will find the ticket machine with possibly a lot of people trying to buy a ticket. Buy your ticket and go on the train. The SKM trains run several times per hour and they are red and white-colored.
Using the S2 train will take you to Śródmieście station in the city center. The S2 runs every half hour. The S3 train will take you to Warszawa Centralna station and runs once an hour.
Night Buses from Chopin Airport in Warsaw
Nightline is N32 from the Airport to the Warszawa Centralna railway station (Warsaw Central Station).
Private Transports from Warsaw Airport
If you look for something more convenient to get from the airport to your hotel or the opposite, please check Private Airport Transfers in Poland. You can also use UBER, Bolt, FreeNow, or the Taxis that are queued outside the airport.
Warsaw Airport Modlin - City Center
Modlin Warsaw Airport is far from the city center. It is one of the biggest cheap airline hubs in Poland. Ryan-Air currently operates 44 connections across Europe.
Many options can be used to travel from Modlin Airport to the city center and back. The Koleje Mazowieckie train route is a cheap option. Cost around 19 zlotych for the shuttle and the train together and it takes around 50 minutes in total.
Bus-Train Modlin Airport - Warsaw City
Koleje Mazowieckie, TLK and EIC trains stop at the Modlin railway station. There are regular busses operated by Koleje Mazowieckie running from the Modlin railway station, which provides fast transport right to the passenger terminal entrance door.
Koleje Mazowieckie has prepared a special offer - Airport Ticket, which is addressed to passengers traveling to/from Warsaw Modlin Airport. Thanks to that passengers buy a single ticket at an attractive price to go from the capital city to the airport in Modlin or return from the airport in Modlin to Warsaw.
There are special airport busses covered in the colors of Koleje Mazowieckie, running every 20-30 minutes between Modlin railway station and Warsaw Modlin Airport terminal.
They can carry up to 70 passengers, they are air-conditioned and suitable for disabled persons. The bus timetable is adapted to train departures/arrivals. You can find more details as well as the timetable on the carrier's website mazowieckie-website.
Modlin Bus - Warsaw Airport
Modlin bus is a more comfortable option. The tickets start from only 9 zlotych when you book ahead at ModlinBus Website. The tickets can be 33 zlotych + (at the airport) and this also depends on the time. The bus stop is located in front of the exit from the airport. See more info about Modlin Bus Stops.
Krakow Airport to City Center
During the Day
You can go on the KML train from early morning and until 00:20. It will take from 20 to 45 minutes to get to Kraków Główny (Central Station). You can also go with Bus 208 from Dworzec Głowny w Schód. The ticket is less than 1 euro.
During the Night
Take the Bus 902 from Dworzec Głowny w Schód. The route is around 35 minutes. You go with a normal ticket which cost 4 PLN (less than 1 euro)
Public
Public transportation in Warsaw
Kids up to 7 Years old Travel for FREE
Zarząd Transportu Miejskiego – ZTM (Board of Transportation in Warsaw). A transport organizer is responsible for functioning and using public transport in Warsaw. Supervises all means of public transportation within the city limits.
It is also responsible for some lines outside the city. Warsaw’s network divided into 2 zones: 1 (city boundaries) and 2 (outside the city). Generally, tourists travel only in zone 1.
The standard ticket costs 4,40 zloty. This ticket allows you to travel 75 minutes from the time of validation. For a short trip, we recommend you buying a 20-minute ticket instead, which costs 3,40 zloty.
Finally, the best way to use the public transportation in Poland is the application: JakdoJade. You can also buy tickets through the application and even buy weekend and group tickets.
A day without a Car - FREE public Transport
The September 22th, Poland celebrates the European Car-Free Day. You will go for free in both the first and the second ticket zone. It will not be necessary to have a ticket also during journeys by Koleje Mazowieckie between stations:
Skierniewice, Kutno, Sierpc, Działdowo, Ostrołęka, Małkinia, Czeremcha, Łuków, Dęblin, Skarżysko Kamienna, Drzewica, and on the Warsaw Commuter Trains. The Day without a car started in Poland in 2004. It is a day promoting public transportation.
Public Transport Tickets
If you are going to stay longer in Warsaw, you could buy one or more day tickets. One day the ticket costs 15 zlotych. During the weekends we recommend buying the weekend ticket. The ticket entitles you to an unlimited number of journeys from 7 PM on Friday till 8 AM on Monday.
This option will save you money if you are planning extensive travelings. Check all the options for buying tickets and find the most suitable for you.
Price for Normal Tickets
- 20 minutes is 3,40 PLN (Zone: 1)
- 75 minutes is 4,40 PLN (Zone: 1)
- 90 minutes (Zone: 1 and 2) is 7 PLN
Price for Group Tickets
- Up to 10 people for 75 minutes is 22 PLN
- Group weekend ticket (up to 5 people) for Zone 1 and 2 is 40 PLN
1-Day, 3-Day & Weekend Tickets
- 1 Day Ticket for Zone: 1 is 15 PLN and for Zone: 1 and 2 is 26 PLN
- 3 Day Ticket for Zone: 1 is 36 PLN and for Zone: 1 and 2 is 57 PLN.
- Weekend Ticket for Zone: 1 and 2 is 24 PLN
Weekend Tickets start from 7:00 PM on Friday till 8:00 AM on Monday. The easiest way to buy a ticket is vending machines. They are usually located in popular stops and underground stations.
Vending machines accept coins, banknotes, and credit cards. Some buses and trams are also equipped with ticket machines, but some older trams and buses are not.
Please make sure you have your tickets in advance in any case. Another way to get tickets are newsagents, post offices, or Passenger Service Centers. Note that inside most of the buses and trams, machines are validating the tickets at the same time.
Make sure to buy only tickets for the specific route, so it won't go wasted. It is often to have a ticket control and the fine for not carrying a ticket is around 140 zloty. In this case, they might ask to pay the fine in cash at the same time.
In the underground metro, you need to punch your ticket at the entrance points and not inside the train. Some types of trains (Green old ones), do not have a ticket validation machine. The only way to buy a ticket is to get in the front wagon.
There should be someone selling tickets there and it is a traveler's responsibility.
Get your Monthly Pass in Warsaw
If you are planning to stay in Warsaw for more than three months, then the monthly pass is highly recommended. A monthly pass from the city transport provider (ZTM) gives you unlimited access to the metro, buses, and trams.
Also unlimited access to the night buses that exist for the whole night every half an hour.
There are currently two different types of Monthly passes:
- The 30 Day Ticket Option - This cost 110 PLN (Around 26 euro)
- The 90 Day Ticket Option (3 Months) - This cost 280 PLN (Around 67 euro)
In order to be able to buy this option, you will need to issue a Warsaw City Card. In order to get the Warsaw Card, you need to fill the online form. Find all the necessary information about the Warsaw City Card.
Unfortunately, there is a waiting time of around 4 working days. You will then receive an email that your Personal Card is ready and you can pick it up. Pickup points are available in the biggest train/metro stations.
Please also note that it is required to present an ID. In the case of underage children, it will be required to produce e.g. school identity card or any other document allowing us to verify the personal details
Remember – in the case of the traditional application, an attached photo shall have a format of 3.5 x 4.5 cm and be current. In case of the application sent via the website, a photo shall have a format of min. 99 x 128 pixels, the definition of 72 dpl, and the size not exceeding 200KB.
One final issue is that the person might not speak English so it will be nice at least to say that you want to pick up your Warsaw City Card.
You will also give your Parrsport preferably. You can use Google translate which will spell you how it is. The issue of the first card is for FREE, but if you lose it or destroy it you will have to pay 14 PLN for a new card.
Once it is used, you just need to renew it using the ticket machine or on buses.
How to use public transportation in Poland
There is a great mobile application, called "Jakdojade". The application contains all the main cities of Poland and it is very easy to use. You select your city and it will find your location. Then you start typing your destination.
The application intelligent tries to match all possible destinations to make it easy. You can use this online here: Public Transport JackoJade website
But it is more convenient to install the application for Android or iOS. You have also the ability to buy a ticket using this application. In case you enter a bus or a tram without a ticket machine You can also use Google maps in the same way.
The application is able to find routes also for Warsaw airport and other airports in Poland.
Buses and Night Buses in Warsaw
Bus lines divide into 5 categories. Standard lines ( with numbers: 100-299). Seasonal lines (300-399). Fast lines (400-599). Express lines (E-X). Zone lines (700-899) and night lines (NXX).
Tramlines have a 2-digit number – from 1 to 79. Day lines run usually from 5 AM till 11 PM. After you hop on the bus or tram you have to confirm your ticket in the validation machine. If you change the vehicle you don’t have to stamp the same ticket again.
In case your stop is a stop on demand (na zadanie), you have to press the stop button in advance. Night buses usually run from the center for the whole night. Going go to many different directions in Warsaw, usually every half hour.
See the buses with NXX numbers. You can check your destination in Jakdojade as mentioned above.
Warsaw Underground
Warsaw’s underground network consists of 2 lines. M1: MŁOCINY – KABATY and M2: DWORZEC WILEŃSKI – RONDO DASZYŃSKIEGO The interchange station between these 2 lines is Świętokrzyska.
Metro trains run from 5 AM till 0.10 AM from Sunday to Thursday and till 3 AM on Fridays and Saturdays. The average frequency during rush hours is 2 min 30 sec. and 7-9 mins in the late evening.
Trains in Warsaw
For middle distances, the best way to travel is the train. There are 2 operators running on Warsaw’s tracks. Szybka Kolej Miejska (Fast Urban Railway) in red-white color – lines S1, S2, S3 and S9.
Trains connect the Warsaw city center and satellite towns. All city tickets are valid here. Remember to have a proper ticket if you cross the city boundaries.
The second operator covers the region of Masovia. Koleje Mazowieckie (Masovian Railways) in blue-green-white color operates lines R1-R9 and RL. To travel on these trains you have to own at least a one-day city ticket. Or you may buy a single ticket from cash offices or ticket machines.
Bike
Rent Bike or Hulajnoki in Warsaw
City Bike Rentals - Warsaw
The most inexpensive and pleasant way to travel within the city of Warsaw is by renting a bike. Plenty of pickup-drop points exist around the city where you can rent a bike.
It is very easy to use the service hosted by Veturilo and there is even a very easy-to-use application available. Register online and enjoy the service with the first 20 minutes to be free.
The cost for one hour is only 1 zloty, 3 zlotych for every 2nd hour, 5 zlotych for every 3rd hour, and 7 zlotych for every 4th hour and each subsequent hour. You can take a bike and then drop it at another point. You only need to have more than 10 PLN in your account to be able to rent a bike.
Important: Payment for exceeding the 12 hour limit of rental: 200 zlotych. After your registration, you can install the application and just rent by scanning the bar code. Return is also automatic, you just place the bike back to the station.
Always make sure the bike is returned before you get away from the station. In case you have no place to properly return the bike, you have to return it manually through the machine or application.
Here you can find the map for all the stations. Warsaw offers awesome bike streets that cover the most important parts of the city. You can find also amazing green paths next to the Wisła river.
The service is available from the beginning of March and until the end of November.
Hulajnoki City Rentals by Lime
You might not be a fan of walking or cycling across the city. We have now the solution for you. You can rent a Lime-S Electric Scooter from selected points across the city.
Have you seen them in the city, but you have no idea how to rent them? It is very easy. All information is located on their website. Only 1 dollar to unlock. It should be also suggested by Google Maps and you get a cost estimate.
For example, 4 minutes might cost around 1,60 dollars as they advertise.
- Install the Lime application from Playstore (Lime - Your Ride Anytime).
- Select your country and enter your phone number.
- Enter the code received.
- Add your Card and you are ready to go.
- You just scan the bar code located on the steering wheel and you get it.
- Feel free to use Code: RTKFGHR and get £3 ride Credits.
There are more companies with electric hulajnoki in Warsaw.
Uber
UBER, Bolt, and FreeNow in Warsaw
FreeNow - Discount Code: 763juzx3k and here UBER Discount Code. Finally, Bolt Discount Code: DRB9U. They are always preferred rather than normal Taxis. The FreeNow. service is the newest and I believe is run mostly by normal Taxi Drivers.
I haven't tested the FreeNow, but this is run by normal Taxi through an application that is cheaper than normal taxi prices. When ordering UBER or Bolt, always use the exact address of the place you would like to go.
Do not select for example Hala Koszycki. They might take you somewhere close but not there. Select Koszykowa 63 instead. If you are not sure about the address, check the address on the internet in advance.
Most Recently, I was looking to go to the Wisła river (12 km) and I checked Bolt. The price was 57 zlotych which are extremely high. Then I check UBER and the price was 43 zlotych which is still extremely high. Finally, I booked FreeNow for 35 zlotych.
In my opinion, you need to have all the 3 applications and check for the cheapest option. In the end, they all provide the same services.
UBER
Usually, cheaper than a Taxi, also for Warsaw Airport transfers Might be one of the most convenient ways to travel within the city. When traveling during the night time or when traveling with kids it is highly recommended.
Going to a party, drink, and then back to your hotel will not cost much and it will keep you fresh and safe. The mobile application will identify your location and suggest your destinations based on what you type.
You do not need to talk with drivers, although many of them speak English very well. You never pay the driver except if you selected cash. The payment will from your credit card. If you are not registered yet? Get 10 PLN off from your first ride with UBER.
BOLT (Ex TAXIFY)
Bolt is even cheaper than UBER in many cases. It is in the same category as UBER and I am not sure, I have seen a sign that says: "UBER rides with Bolt".
You use an application, select a car according to your budget, and watch on the map the driver coming to pick you. You can also pay cash or by the credit card that is linked to your account.
I heart it can be very cheap, for airport transfers in Krakow as well. Get 10 zlotych on your first ride. Use the code: «DRB9U»
Use UBER, Bolt, or FreeNow for your Airport Transports
Feel free to use UBER or TAXIFY when traveling from and to Warsaw Airport! When you arrive at the F. Chopin Airport in Warsaw, go up from the stairs to the departures.
Get out of the automatic gate on the street and then call it. It is always a problem to stop arrivals.
Why did I stop using UBER?
- Twice I was waiting in the cold for around 30 minutes. Drivers were canceling one after another.
Every time, I was charged 10 PLN. Then I got this money back but I had to write to them on Facebook. In the end, I picked the Night Bus. - Many times the location was not identified correctly.
- After checking Bolt, I find it cheaper, faster, and more convenient.
- Twice I was waiting in the cold for around 30 minutes. Drivers were canceling one after another.
Taxi
Taxi services in Warsaw
ATTENTION! Many TAXI Drivers steal, Specially the tourists!
How to avoid this
- Never, ever take an unmarked car from the street or from the airport/station.
- At the Chopin Airport, there are 2 or 3 guys speaking perfect English who "catch" foreigners on the way to the taxi rank. Just ignore them.
The taxi rank just outside the terminal is perfectly safe. - The price has to be stated on the client's window. Usually is 2,40 PLN and 8,00 PLN
- Check the marks on How to Identify a Proper Taxi - Warsaw
- Make sure when you start the taxi meter shows the base charge.
- If you can, confirm the price before entering the Taxi.
Warsaw Airpot Taxi
The official taxi partners Sawa and Modlin Taxi offer transports to the city center. Prices from 159 zlotych to 199 zlotych or even more between 24:00 and 06:00.
Always confirm the price before you enter the taxi. When using a Taxi in Warsaw, always use a Taxi that they have notes outside of the base charge and the charge per kilometer.
Many different taxi companies and a wide range of prices. You might get a taxi from one place to another at the same time but you will not pay the same. We recommend using UBER instead, as you get an estimate of the final price.
Sometimes they pretend to be a taxi (for example using signs "Taki" or "Cab"). Always check the Signs and make sure they are normal taxis. A taxi from Chopin airport to the city center should cost around 30 zlotych.
From Modlin airport should be around 159 zlotych but I have seen a taxi advertising the price of 99 zlotych. The cheapest taxi option in Warsaw is the AS TAXI WAWA and you can only call them on 221005353. The drawback of this service is that the drives do not speak English.
Also, there is no taxi sign so it might be hard to identify the car and you only can pay cash. Finally, a Taxi service with a good name in Warsaw is the TAXI which they have: ELE on the roof. In case you have a bad experience with them, please let me know in the comments below.
Hop-On
Warsaw Hop-On Hop-Off Bus
See the best of Warsaw at your own pace on this City Sightseeing Hop-On and Hop-Off. Warsaw is a big city and hard to see, especially with kids. Using the Hop-On Hop-Off bus might be a good way to not get very tired.
You can also buy your tickets online in advance or on the Bus! Be aware and check to correct the location of the Bus. You can choose from two lines
Blue Line
Stop 1 - Palace of Culture and Science
Stop 2 - Warsaw Uprising Museum
Stop 3 - Plac Grzybowski
Stop 4 - Zachęta
Stop 5 - Old Town - temporarily closed
Stop 6 - Castle Square
Stop 7 - The National Museum
Stop 8 - Łazienki Królewskie
Stop 9 - Plac Konstytucji
Stop 10 - CenterRed Line
Stop 1 - Palace of Culture and Science
Stop 2 - Start Miasto
Stop 3 - Museum of Jewish History
Stop 4 - Bankowy Square
Stop 5 - CenterYou can book it for 24, 48 or 72 hours and the prices start from €19 euro.
Minute
Car for a Minute & Scooter Rentals in Warsaw
Traficar
Car for a minute work in the same way as the bicycle rentals. An application shows you the closest available car. You approach the car, scan a bar-code located on the car. The car opens and you are ready to go.
Charges are like 1 zloty per minute and per Km. Available in Warsaw, Krakow, Poznan, Wroclaw and Trójmiasto. More Info: «https://www.traficar.pl/».
Panek Car Sharing
BE AWARE! I heart at least 3 cases where people complained about this service. They charged them a lot of money for nothing. If you plan to use it, be very careful and read carefully what they write to you.
I was reading some bad comments recently about this company on Facebook.
Someone parked the car and then they charged him for a flat tire 500 PLN. Also, other people said that it is not a good company. As you can see in the picture below, my neighbor used it for a long time and it was parked in his personal parking :)
More Info: «https://panekcs.pl/»
4Mobility
I have accidentally noticed this and seems to be a car for a minute concept as well. The cost is about 0,50 zloty per minute + 0,80 per kilometer and you can book your car up to 10 days in advance.
Binkee.City - Scooter Rentals
Instead of renting a car or a bicycle, you can also rent a scooter. Scooters should be nice to use in the city during the summer. Be aware of crazy drivers and drive safely.
You will see the scooters all around the city. More information: «https://blinkee.city/en».
Intercity
Intercity Travel in Poland
Rent a Car
In case you are a small group of people and you want to see Poland, the best option to see more and pay less is to rent a car.
When to Rent a car in Poland?
Planning to visit several cities, national parks, and many other attractions? Are you able to drive and you like driving long distances? If you answer yes, then it seems that renting a car would be the best option for you.
In case you are going to stay in one city, then renting a car is not suggested. Parking fees might be a problem when you have a hotel in the city center. Check in advance with your hotel for parking and be aware that paying for parking might cost a lot of money.
Poland is very beautiful and has amazing countryside. Travel from city to city, visit castles and see beautiful traditional villages. Try the amazing homemade products and admire the countryside is the best way to discover Poland.
Renting a car can also save you from extra airport transport costs. Get a Free quote for renting a car in Poland!
Intercity Trains
The intercity trains are the best option to travel to Poland and this is the main transporter. There is an ability to book your tickets 30 days before from «https://www.intercity.pl/en/»
FlixBus Poland
FlixBus is the cheapest way to travel between different cities in Poland. The buses depart from the Zachodni station in Warsaw. The buses are comfortable and they have a lot of space to relax and sleep.
FREE Wi-Fi and they usually depart on time. You can find cheap buses to all the main destinations in Poland. The only minor is that travel time is higher than trains
Fly with LOT
Yes, it is definitely a good option to travel between different cities in Poland. It might not be the cheapest way in many cases but can be fast and convenient.
The main company to look for internal Flights in Poland is definitely LOT Polish Airlines. Please note that then you will need to find a way to travel from the airport to the city center.
Polski Bus
You can also use the Polski bus, as they are very comfortable buses. The only problem is they leave only from specific locations.
OKbus Warsaw
Another good and cheap option for traveling to specific locations like: Garwolin, Kazimierz Dolny, Ryki, Łódż Kaliska, Puławy. It was also running through the two Warsaw Airports Chopin and Modlin from the Palace of Culture - Kinoteka.
The prices are very good and it is a very comfortable option.
BLA BLA CAR
BlaBlaCar is the world's largest service for searching for car passengers with 45 million users in 22 countries. The number of users in Poland has already exceeded 5 million and continues to grow rapidly.
Approximate prices for the trip
- Warsaw – Gdansk: 50 PLN
- Warsaw – Krakow: 38 PLN
- Lodz – Wroclaw: 30 PLN
For travelers who like adventure and know a little bit of Polish or they can translate online. The cheapest traveling solution to travel long distances in Poland.
You can book your ride or just request to see the prices on the Bla Bla Car website. You can also drive other people and earn money.
E-PODROZNIK / OMIO
The «e-podroznik.pl» is another helpful service in Poland when searching for transport. It may provide options for traveling which Google overlooks. Finally, check the OMIO website when looking for trains and buses.
Articles Most People Read
- Best places to Party in Warsaw, Poland
- Warsaw & Krakow Airports - How to Get to the City center
- Ζωή στην Βαρσοβία, Κόστος και Πώς να Βρείτε Δουλειά
- Easter in Poland: Traditions, Eggs and Basket
- 20 Pictures from Poland to Fall in Love
- Fountain of Tears: Holocaust and the Crucifixion of Jesus
- How to visit the Wolf's Lair from Warsaw
- Poland money: Does Poland Use the Euro Currency?
- Best of Warsaw Countryside, Especially with Kids
Disclosure Notes:
Some links on this page are affiliate links. Meaning, at no extra cost to you, I will earn a small commission, only if you book something through my links!
I recommend only the best-known companies and products!
Are you a Travel Writer? Register with GetYourGuide and start making money by recommending amazing tours worldwide. Find More info in the How to Make Money Online article
Many images on this website come from Pixabay - Free License.
Other images are mine and for the rest, I should have a link to the source of the picture.
Things Change from Time to Time! Have you seen anything wrong? Please send a message in order to correct it! Thank you for visiting ToursPoland.Com.
