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Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Layover Guide (GDN)

What are you looking for in GDN?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Gdańsk Airport (GDN) is an international airport located in Gdańsk, Poland. It’s situated about 12 km (7.5 miles) from the city center. The airport officially opened in 1974. Gdańsk is a historic port city on the Baltic coast and one of Poland’s most important cultural and economic hubs. It’s known for its charming Old Town, maritime heritage, and vibrant atmosphere, offering a mix of history, culture, and seaside leisure.

Can you leave Gdańsk Airport (GDN) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
Gdańsk Airport (GDN) is within the Schengen Area in Gdańsk, Poland. During a layover, you may exit the airport if you meet Schengen entry requirements. Nationals requiring a visa must secure a Schengen visa in advance; visa-exempt travelers can enter without one. Confirm your current status (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Gdańsk Old Town Wander through the medieval Old Town’s colorful facades, charming courtyards, and bustling Long Market lined with cafes, craftsmen stalls, and historic monuments celebrating Gdańsk’s rich Hanseatic heritage. Enjoy panoramic views. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: Bus 210 to Gdańsk Główny (~40 min) or taxi (~30 min))
• Neptune’s Fountain Visit the iconic Neptune’s Fountain in Long Market, symbolizing maritime pride, while admiring surrounding Renaissance architecture. Join guided tours to learn local legends and capture the fountain’s intricate Baroque artistry. (Time required: 30 minutes. / Airport to here: Bus 210 to Gdańsk Główny (~40 min) or taxi (~30 min))
• St. Mary’s Church Climb the tower of St. Mary’s Church to experience Europe’s tallest brick church landmark, marvel at its Gothic nave, intricate altarpiece, and stunning stained glass windows reflecting centuries of devotion. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: Bus 210 to Gdańsk Główny (~40 min) plus 10-min walk or taxi (~30 min))
• European Solidarity Centre Explore the award-winning European Solidarity Centre museum chronicling Poland’s Solidarity movement from shipyard strikes to democratic transition through multimedia exhibits, archives, and interactive displays honoring labor activism and social change. (Time required: 1.5–2 hours. / Airport to here: Bus 210 to Gdańsk Główny then tram 2 (~50 min) or taxi (~30 min))
• Westerplatte Visit the historic Westerplatte peninsula where World War II began. Stroll past monument memorials, preserved bunkers, and interpretive displays set against the Baltic shore’s serene landscape, evoking deep solemn remembrance. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: Taxi (~25 min) or bus 110 to Nowy Port then 15-min walk (~50 min))
• Gdańsk Crane (Żuraw) Admire the historic medieval Żuraw Crane on Motława River, once the largest port crane in Europe. Marvel at its wooden mechanisms inside and enjoy panoramic waterfront vistas from upper galleries. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Bus 210 to Gdańsk Główny then 10-min walk (~45 min) or taxi (~25 min))
• Mariacka Street Stroll along Mariacka Street’s picturesque narrow cobblestone lane adorned with colorful amber boutiques, flower-decorated balconies, unique charming cafes. Delightful intimate artisan workshops crafting Baltic amber jewelry and local handcrafted souvenirs. (Time required: 45 minutes. / Airport to here: Bus 210 to Gdańsk Główny plus tram 2 or 6 and 5-min walk (~50 min) or taxi (~30 min))
• Amber Museum Discover the fascinating Amber Museum showcasing ancient Baltic amber specimens, archaeological artifacts, and live resin demonstrations. Learn about amber’s geological formation, cultural significance, and its enduring role in regional craftsmanship. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: Bus 210 to Gdańsk Główny then 10-min walk (~45 min) or taxi (~30 min))

Things to Do in Gdańsk Airport (GDN)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Executive Lounge in Terminal 2 opens daily from 05:00 to 21:00, offering comfortable seating, complimentary snacks, soft drinks and high-speed Wi-Fi. Priority Pass, lounge membership and pay-per-use entry are accepted up to three hours before departure. Quiet zones, newspapers and charging stations create a peaceful retreat from terminal bustle. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
No on-site airport hotel, but Sleep&Fly Hostel lies 7 km away with 24/7 shuttle links, free Wi-Fi and private rooms. Sleepinn Gdańsk Airport in Rębiechowo is a 15-minute drive from the terminal, offering free parking, breakfast buffets and en-suite bathrooms. Both properties cater to early departures and late arrivals. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Gdańsk Airport has no dedicated sleep pods or rest zones, but its spacious main hall features benches and sofas—especially near Gate 22—where passengers can settle down. After 23:00 lights are dimmed and announcements reduced, creating a calmer environment. Security patrols maintain safety without disturbing sleepers.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free Wi-Fi (@GDNAirport_hotspot) is available throughout the terminals. Guests enjoy a 15-minute session without login, or unlimited access after registering via email, Facebook or Google. Speeds support streaming, browsing and messaging, with no charge to use social media or messaging apps during layovers.

SIM/eSIM Card: Physical SIM cards from major Polish networks (Orange, T-Mobile, Play) are sold at convenience stores in the arrivals hall. EU visitors may roam free under EU regulations. eSIM data plans can be purchased online via providers like Airalo for instant activation on compatible devices, avoiding physical card swaps. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Licensed taxis queue outside the arrivals hall, offering flat-rate rides to Gdańsk city centre for around PLN 90. The journey takes 20–30 minutes, depending on traffic. Fares are metered and payable in cash or card. Pre-booked private transfers and ride-hail apps (Bolt, Uber) also serve the airport.

Train: A covered walkway links the terminal to Gdańsk Port Lotniczy railway station. PKM and SKM trains depart every 15–30 minutes, connecting via Gdańsk Wrzeszcz to Gdańsk Główny and beyond. Single-ride tickets (PLN 3.80) are available at platform machines or via mobile apps. (more info)

Bus: City buses (lines 110, 120, 122, 210 and night N3) serve stops opposite terminal P1, linking the airport with Wrzeszcz, Łostowice, Sopot and Gdańsk centre. Tickets cost PLN 4.80 (normal) or PLN 2.40 (concession), purchasable at stops or via mobile apps. Routes run every 30–60 minutes day and night. (more info)

Shuttle: Shared hotel shuttles and private minibus transfers operate between the airport and nearby hotels, often complimentary for guests. Pre-booking is required, with services running on demand. Independent transfer companies offer door-to-door rides to Gdańsk, Sopot and Gdynia, with fixed rates and meet-and-greet options.

Car rentals: Major car rental agencies (Avis, Hertz, Sixt, Europcar) have desks in the arrivals area. Vehicles include economy cars, SUVs and vans. Reservations can be made online for best rates; desks are open 24/7. On-site drop-off and collection at terminal curbside ensure a seamless rental experience. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Five on-site parking zones (P1–P5) serve short-term, long-term and express stays. P1 is closest to the terminal for quick drop-off. Online pre-booking secures discounted rates from around PLN 5/hour. Designated disabled bays and electric-vehicle charging stations are available in most lots.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

The airport provides no official luggage lockers. Off-site services like Radical Storage and Eelway offer secure deposit points near the terminal, bookable online for around PLN 20/day. These partner locations insure items against loss or damage, letting travellers explore Gdańsk hands-free. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Gdańsk Airport (GDN) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks