Modlin is a budget airline airport, so it lacks some of the comforts of a full-service terminal. Traveling with children here requires a bit more planning.
The terminal
Modlin is small and functional. The arrivals area has basic facilities: a few shops, a cafe, restrooms, and an ATM. There is no dedicated children's play area. Changing facilities are basic. The terminal is easy to navigate with a pushchair, and distances are short. Do not expect the amenities of a large international airport.
Child seats
Polish law requires children under 150 cm to use an appropriate child restraint in vehicles. Taxis at Modlin are unlikely to have child seats. The ModlinBus does not provide them. A pre-booked private transfer is the only option that reliably provides a child seat when requested in advance. Specify the age and weight of your child when booking so the right seat is supplied.
Luggage considerations
Families flying Ryanair often face strict baggage limits, but even so, traveling with children means pushchairs, car seats from home, and more bags than you planned. The ModlinBus has limited luggage space that can fill up quickly when a full flight arrives. A taxi boot may or may not fit everything. A pre-booked transfer lets you specify your luggage so the driver brings an appropriately sized vehicle. A minivan is worth considering for families of four or more.
The 40 km drive to Warsaw
The journey takes 40-60 minutes and is mostly on a decent road. There are no rest stops specifically designed for families along the way, though you can ask the driver to stop if needed. The route passes through some less scenic semi-urban areas before reaching Warsaw. Most children manage the drive without issues, but bring snacks and entertainment for the car.
Timing matters
Ryanair flights at Modlin can arrive at odd hours. If you are traveling with children, try to avoid the very late arrivals. A tired child at a small airport with limited facilities at 23:00, followed by a 50-minute drive, is not a great combination. If a late arrival is unavoidable, have everything arranged: transfer booked, snacks packed, accommodation expecting you.
Our recommendation
Book a private transfer with a child seat. The ModlinBus is fine for adults traveling light, but the combination of a 40 km journey, limited terminal facilities, and the need for a child seat makes a pre-booked car the practical choice for families. The cost is reasonable when split among family members, and you get door-to-door service from an airport that is not well-served by other transport options.