WAW Airport Insights & Guide
- Frequent Flier Tips
- Navigating the Terminals
- Connecting Between Terminals
- Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
- Parking Facilities & Options
- Transportation Options
- Airport Hotels
- Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
- Passenger Services
- Flight Status Info
- Airport Facts & Stats
- Airport History
- Airport Contact Information
- Frequently Asked Questions
Getting to Know WAW Airport
Discover Warsaw Chopin Airport, Poland's busiest airport, known for its Chopin-themed decor. This concise guide covers everything from flight updates, terminal information, parking, to dining and shopping options, ensuring a seamless journey. Navigate effortlessly with our terminal maps.
For a deeper dive into air travel, explore the Comprehensive Airport Guide at iFly.
WATCH VIDEO: Take a journey through Warsaw Chopin Airport and explore its proximity to the city center:
Navigating WAW's Terminals
Warsaw Airport has two terminals: Terminal A and Terminal B. Terminal A has 8 gates and Terminal B has 27 gates. Major airlines such as LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, and Ryanair operate from both terminals. Terminal A is mainly used for non-Schengen flights, while Terminal B is used for both Schengen and non-Schengen flights.
When arriving at the airport, follow the signs to your designated terminal. If you are unsure of which terminal your flight is departing from, check your airline ticket or contact your airline for assistance. Once you arrive at your terminal, proceed to the check-in counters to check-in for your flight. After checking in, you will go through security and then proceed to your gate for boarding.
Both terminals offer a variety of food and beverage options, as well as duty-free shops and other services. Use our interactive airport map to locate food, services, and airline departure gates.
Connecting Between Terminals
WAW has two terminals, Terminal A and Terminal B. The terminals are connected by a covered walkway, which takes approximately 5-10 minutes to walk between the two terminals. If you have limited mobility or heavy luggage, there is also a free shuttle bus service available that runs every 10 minutes between the terminals.
Additionally, there is a train station located at the airport which provides a quick and convenient way to travel between the airport and the city center. The train station is located near Terminal A, and trains run every 15-20 minutes. The train journey from the airport to the city center takes approximately 20 minutes.
Tips from WAW Frequent Flyers
To help make your experience at Warsaw Chopin Airport as smooth and enjoyable as possible, we’ve gathered the best advice and tips from Warsaw-based frequent travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff. Their first-hand insights are sure to provide you with valuable guidance. Here’s what they have to say:
Navigating the Terminals
"If you're flying with LOT Polish Airlines, make sure to double-check your terminal. They often operate from Terminal B, which handles both Schengen and non-Schengen flights. It's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the terminal layout using the airport map before you arrive." — Anna K., Warsaw, December 2023
"Terminal A is smaller and mainly for non-Schengen flights. If you're connecting between terminals, the covered walkway is the quickest option, but the shuttle is handy if you have lots of luggage." — Piotr S., Piaseczno, February 2024
Getting To/From the City
"The train is the most cost-effective way to get to the city center. It’s fast, reliable, and avoids traffic. Buy your ticket at the machines near the station entrance to save time." — Katarzyna M., Legionowo, March 2024
"If you're arriving late at night, consider booking a ride with a taxi or ride-sharing service in advance. It ensures a smooth exit from the airport, especially when public transport options are limited." — Tomasz W., Pruszków, May 2024
Parking
"For picking up passengers, use the cell phone waiting area. It's free for up to 60 minutes, and you can wait there until your party is ready to be picked up." — Ewa J., Otwock, April 2024
"If you're planning to park long-term, consider off-airport parking options. They often have competitive rates and shuttle services to the terminal, saving you money and hassle." — Marek L., Marki, July 2024
Inside the Airport
"For a quick bite, Costa Coffee is a good spot to grab a coffee before your flight. If you have more time, Bubbles Restaurant offers a nice selection of Polish dishes." — Agnieszka P., Ząbki, June 2024
"Heinemann Duty Free is great for last-minute shopping. They have a wide range of products, and it's conveniently located in the Departures area." — Jakub T., Wołomin, August 2024
Avoiding Delays and Stress
"Always check your flight status on the airport's app or website before heading to the airport. It can save you a lot of stress if there are any delays or gate changes." — Monika R., Konstancin-Jeziorna, September 2024
"Security lines can get quite busy, especially during peak hours. Arrive early and have your documents ready to speed up the process." — Krzysztof B., Piastów, October 2024
iFly Tip: Discover how to secure the best parking deals on our comprehensive guide.
Picking Up and Dropping Off Passengers
Warsaw Fryderyk Chopin Airport provides several options for picking up and dropping off passengers. Curbside parking is available for a maximum of 10 minutes, and drivers must remain with their vehicles at all times. It is important to note that parking in this area is strictly prohibited, and vehicles left unattended will be towed.
For those who prefer to wait for their arriving passengers, the airport offers cell-phone waiting areas. These areas are free of charge and provide a convenient location for drivers to wait until their passengers have arrived and collected their luggage. Once the passengers are ready to be picked up, drivers can quickly proceed to the curbside pick-up area.
Parking Facilities & Options
If you're driving to Warsaw Airport, you'll find several parking options available to suit your needs. The airport offers a variety of parking lots and garages, including short-term and long-term options.
For those waiting to pick up arriving passengers, there are cell phone waiting areas available. These areas allow you to park for free for up to 60 minutes while you wait for your party to arrive. Simply wait in your car until your passenger has collected their luggage and is ready to be picked up.
If you require handicapped parking, designated spots are available in all parking areas. These spots are located close to the airport terminal for convenient access. If you need assistance, airport staff are available to help you with your luggage and guide you to the terminal.
For those looking for more economical parking options, off-airport parking is also available. These lots are located near the airport and offer shuttle service to and from the terminal. Off-airport parking can be a great way to save money on parking fees.
Get details about WAW parking options and rates, along with more economical off-airport parking here.
Transportation Options
WAW Airport offers a variety of ground transportation options for travelers to choose from.
- Car rental facilities are available at the airport, with major providers such as Avis, Budget, Europcar, and Hertz. These providers offer a range of vehicles to suit different needs and budgets.
- Taxis are also available at the airport, with designated drop-off areas located outside the arrivals hall. Fares are regulated by the city, and the approximate cost of a taxi ride to the city center is around 40-50 PLN.
- Shared ride services, such as Uber and Bolt, are also available at the airport. These services have designated pickup areas outside the arrivals hall and may have restrictions on the number of passengers and luggage allowed.
- Airport shuttles are another option for travelers, with several companies offering service to and from the airport. These shuttles have designated pickup areas outside the arrivals hall, and fares vary depending on the provider and destination.
- For those looking for a more budget-friendly option, public transportation is available at the airport. The bus and train stations are located within walking distance of the terminal and offer connections to various parts of the city. Tickets can be purchased at the airport or from the driver/conductor.
iFly Tip: Make the gate pass request process simpler with help from our gate pass tips.
Airport Hotels
Are you traveling and in need of a comfortable place to stay near the airport? Look no further. We have compiled a comprehensive list of the best hotel options for you. Whether you're seeking luxury with top-of-the-line amenities or a budget-friendly option that doesn't compromise on comfort, we've got you covered. Our selection includes hotels that are just a stone's throw away from the airport and others located in the bustling business district. Some even offer complimentary shuttle service to and from the airport. Browse through our Warsaw Airport Hotels and find the perfect place for your stay.
Dining, Shopping & Enjoying the Airport
If you're looking for a bite to eat or some last-minute shopping before your flight at WAW Airport, you're in luck. There are plenty of dining and shopping options available throughout the airport terminals. For a quick snack or coffee, check out Costa Coffee or Starbucks, both located in the Departures area. If you're looking for a sit-down meal, we recommend Bubbles Restaurant, which offers a variety of Polish and international dishes, or La Place, which serves up delicious sandwiches and salads.
When it comes to shopping, there are plenty of options to choose from. For duty-free shopping, head to the Heinemann Duty Free store in the Departures area. If you're looking for souvenirs or gifts, check out the Polish Art Center, which offers a variety of traditional Polish handicrafts and souvenirs. For fashion and accessories, head to the Hugo Boss or Michael Kors stores, both located in the Departures area.
The locations of all food, shops, and services at the airport can be found using iFly's interactive map. For a complete list of restaurants, bars, shops, and news stands, plan your visit using this guide.
Passenger Services
The airport, located in Poland, offers a variety of passenger services to ensure a comfortable and stress-free travel experience.
For those needing to stay connected, free wifi access is available throughout the airport.
If you have lost an item during your travels, visit the airport's lost and found office located in the public area of the arrivals hall.
Traveling with children? The airport has designated children's areas located in both the departure and arrival terminals, equipped with toys and games to keep little ones entertained.
Special-needs services are available for passengers with disabilities or mobility issues. The airport provides wheelchair assistance, accessible restrooms, and designated parking spots.
Banking services are conveniently located in the departure terminal, offering currency exchange and ATM machines.
In case of a medical emergency, the airport has a medical center located in the public area of the arrivals hall, equipped with trained medical staff and necessary equipment.
Flight Status Info
As a traveler, it is important to stay informed about the status of your flight. One way to do this is by using the Flight Information Display System (FIDS) located throughout the airport. These displays provide real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information. Simply locate the display that corresponds to your flight and check the status.
Another way to stay informed is by downloading your airline's mobile phone app. These apps often provide push notifications and alerts about departure delays, cancelations, or gate changes. You can also sign up for text or email notifications through your airline's website.
It is important to note that flight status can change quickly, so it is recommended to check for updates frequently. If you have any concerns or questions, do not hesitate to speak with an airport representative or your airline's customer service.
Passengers can check the status of their flight departure at Warsaw Fryderyk Chopin Airport by visiting the flight departures page on ifly.com, which provides real-time updates on flight departures, delays, and gate information.
iFly Tip: Pack smarter and prepare for a smoother flight with our toddler travel guide.
Airport Facts & Stats
- Location: Warsaw Fryderyk Chopin Airport (WAW) is located in Warsaw, Poland.
- Terminals: The airport has two terminals, Terminal A and Terminal B.
- Airlines Served: Major airlines include LOT Polish Airlines, Ryanair, and Wizz Air. For a full list of airlines, visit the WAW Airlines Served page.
- Passenger Traffic: The airport handles approximately 40,000 passengers daily.
- Daily Flights: Warsaw Fryderyk Chopin Airport sees around 300 daily flights.
- Top Destinations: The most popular destinations from WAW are London, Paris, Frankfurt, Amsterdam, and Barcelona.
- Hub Status: The airport is a hub for LOT Polish Airlines and a focus city for Wizz Air.
Airport History
The airport, also known as Warsaw Chopin Airport, is the largest and busiest airport in Poland. It is located in the Wlochy district of Warsaw, about 10 kilometers from the city center.
Here are some significant events in the airport's history:
- 1934 - The airport opened as a military airport called "Okęcie Airport".
- 1950 - The airport was renamed "Warsaw Okecie International Airport" and became a civilian airport.
- 1960s - The airport underwent major renovations and expansions, including the construction of a new terminal building.
- 1992 - The airport was renamed "Warsaw Frederic Chopin Airport" in honor of the famous Polish composer.
- 2001 - A new international terminal was opened, increasing the airport's capacity to handle more passengers.
- 2011 - The airport's runway was extended to accommodate larger aircraft, such as the Airbus A380.
- 2019 - The airport handled over 18 million passengers, making it the busiest airport in Poland.
Today, Warsaw Fryderyk Chopin Airport serves as a hub for LOT Polish Airlines and is an important gateway to Eastern Europe.
Airport Contact Information
For more information about Warsaw Airport, please refer to the following contact details:
- IATA Code: WAW
- Airport Website
- Phone: +48 22 650 42 20
- Email: [email protected]
- Mailing Address: Warsaw Chopin Airport, ul. Żwirki i Wigury 1, 00-906 Warszawa, Poland
Note that the contact information provided here is subject to change by the airport operator(s).
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Warsaw Fryderyk Chopin Airport Q&A
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