Warsaw Chopin Airport is 18 km from the center. Transport is cheap by European standards — Poland is still significantly more affordable than Western Europe.
Train — the best deal in European airport transport
The SKM/KM train from the airport to Warszawa Centralna:
- Price: 4.40 PLN (~€1)
- Journey: 25 minutes, direct
- Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes
- Runs: About 5 AM to midnight
- Buy tickets: From machines at the station (card or cash), or via the Jakdojade or KM apps
The station is inside the terminal building, so no walking in rain or cold. Trains are modern, with power outlets and luggage space. From Centralna, you can walk to most city center hotels or transfer to the metro.
Bus — also cheap
| Route | Destination | Price | Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| 175 | City center via Old Town | 4.40 PLN (~€1) | 30-40 min |
| 188 | Metro Wilanowska, Praga | 4.40 PLN (~€1) | 25-35 min |
| N32 | Night bus to center | 4.40 PLN (~€1) | 30-40 min |
Buses run frequently during the day. Buy tickets from machines at the bus stop, from the driver (exact change), or via the Jakdojade app. Validate your ticket after boarding — inspectors check and the fine is 266 PLN.
Uber/Bolt/FreeNow
All three apps work well in Warsaw:
| Service | Typical fare to center | Surge fare |
|---|---|---|
| UberX | 35-50 PLN (€8-12) | 55-80 PLN |
| Uber Comfort | 45-65 PLN (€10-15) | 70-100 PLN |
| Bolt | 30-45 PLN (€7-10) | 50-70 PLN |
| FreeNow | 35-50 PLN (€8-12) | 50-75 PLN |
Bolt tends to be the cheapest. Surge pricing happens during rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM) and Friday nights.
Taxi
Official metered taxis from the rank:
- Flag fall: 8 PLN
- Per km (day): 3 PLN
- Per km (night): 4.50 PLN
- Typical fare to center: 40-60 PLN (€9-14)
Important: Only use taxis from the official rank or call them. Never accept rides from people approaching you inside the terminal. Legitimate taxi companies include Sawa Taxi, Ele Taxi, and MPT.
Pre-booked transfer
| Vehicle | Price (EUR) | Capacity |
|---|---|---|
| Economy sedan | €18-25 | 3 pax, 2 bags |
| Comfort sedan | €25-32 | 3 pax, 3 bags |
| Minivan | €28-45 | 6-7 pax, 6 bags |
| Luxury sedan | €40-55 | 3 pax, 2 bags |
Full comparison
| Transport | Cost (PLN) | Cost (EUR) | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Train (SKM/KM) | 4.40 | ~€1 | 25 min | Everyone (light luggage) |
| Bus 175 | 4.40 | ~€1 | 30-40 min | Going to Old Town |
| Bolt | 30-45 | €7-10 | 25-35 min | Best app value |
| UberX | 35-50 | €8-12 | 25-35 min | Convenience |
| Taxi (metered) | 40-60 | €9-14 | 25-35 min | No app needed |
| Transfer (sedan) | — | €18-32 | 25-35 min | Families, groups |
Watch out for
- Unofficial taxis: Unlicensed drivers hang around arrivals. Their prices can be 2-3x the metered rate. Only use the official rank.
- Bus ticket validation: You MUST validate your ticket. Fines for unvalidated tickets are steep (266 PLN).
- Currency confusion: Don't accept EUR quotes from taxi drivers — they'll give you a terrible rate. Pay in PLN.
- Modlin confusion: Make sure you're at Chopin (WAW), not Modlin (WMI). They're 55 km apart.