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
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)
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.