Warsaw Chopin Layover Guide (WAW)

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

Warsaw Airport (WAW) is an international airport located in Warsaw, Poland. It’s situated about 10 km (6.2 miles) from the city center. The airport officially opened in 1934. Warsaw is the capital and largest city of Poland, known for its rich history, cultural landmarks, and dynamic economy. It’s also recognized for its vibrant culinary scene, diverse architecture, and a growing number of business and leisure opportunities for visitors and residents alike.

Can you leave Warsaw Airport (WAW) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
During a Warsaw Airport layover you may stay airside without a visa, except nationals of 15 countries need an A-type transit visa which forbids exit. To leave landside you must hold a valid Schengen visa or be from a visa-exempt country. Border control will officially stamp your passport upon exit. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Layover Guide Organized Tours

Layover Guide Things to do / Sightseeing

• Old Town Market Square Stroll through UNESCO-listed cobblestone streets, admire colorful merchant houses, street artists, cozy cafes and landmarks. Perfect for photos, souvenirs, experience Polish cultural heritage in lively setting. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: take bus 175 to city center then short walk or taxi (~30 minutes))
• Royal Castle Discover centuries-old seat of Polish monarchy with opulent chambers, royal art collection, reconstructed interiors and panoramic Vistula River views. Engaging exhibits narrate Warsaw’s resilience and royal history, dramatic restoration today. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: SKM train to Śródmieście then tram 8 (~30 minutes))
• Łazienki Park Relax in Warsaw’s largest park featuring elegantly landscaped gardens, peacocks roaming freely, Chopin Monument concerts, historic palaces and tranquil lakeside paths under trees. Immerse yourself in nature’s beauty every season. (Time required: 1–2 hours. / Airport to here: bus 175 then tram a (~35 minutes))
• POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews Explore interactive exhibits tracing thousand-year history of Polish Jews, multimedia installations, preserved artifacts and immersive storytelling. Award-winning architecture houses poignant narratives of resilience and cultural contributions, world-class experience awaits. (Time required: 1.5–2 hours. / Airport to here: train SKM to Centrum then bus 175 (~25 minutes))
• Palace of Culture and Science Ascend iconic Stalinist skyscraper to observation deck, enjoying 360° city panoramas. Marvel at ornate interiors, theaters, exhibitions and café before descending to Warsaw’s bustling urban heart—architectural landmark. (Time required: 1 hour. / Airport to here: SKM to Centrum then 10-minute walk (~25 minutes))
• Wilanów Palace Visit the Baroque royal summer residence, admire opulent gilded halls, antique furniture and expansive gardens. Guided tours reveal aristocratic lifestyle amidst stunning period architecture and art collections—serene retreat year-round. (Time required: 2 hours. / Airport to here: bus 148 direct (~30 minutes))
• Warsaw Rising Museum Immerse in poignant Second World War story through interactive displays, original artifacts, survivor testimonies and multimedia exhibits honoring 1944 uprising heroes. Insightful experience on national sacrifice—compelling educational journey today. (Time required: 1.5 hours. / Airport to here: bus 149 to Muzeum Powstania then short walk (~40 minutes))
• Vistula Boulevards Wander vibrant riverside promenades lined with cafes, bars and art installations. Cycle along scenic paths, relax on sandy beaches and watch skyline at sunset for memorable layover moments—year-round anytime. (Time required: 1–1.5 hours. / Airport to here: bus 175 to Centrum then metro to Centrum Nauki (~30 minutes))

Things to Do in Warsaw Airport (WAW)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
Warsaw Chopin Airport offers two modern lounges: the LOT Business Lounge landside and the Sky Lounge airside. Both feature comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and beverages, free WiFi, workstations, shower facilities, newspapers, and private meeting rooms. Access is available via Priority Pass, business-class boarding, or pay-per-use entry. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
Directly connected to Terminal A, the Chopin Airport Hotel provides sound-proof rooms with satellite TV, free WiFi, and en-suite bathrooms. Guests enjoy a 24-hour front desk, airport shuttle service, on-site restaurant, and meeting facilities. Ideal for short overnight stays or early departures, with hourly, nightly reservations and flexible check-in options. view all or book an airport hotel online

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Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Airside rest zones feature ergonomic reclining chairs and quiet areas for relaxation between flights. NapZone capsules offer private, bookable pods with charging stations and ambient lighting. Designated rest spots are located near gates E and F, accompanied by vending machines, free water fountains, and restroom facilities for traveler convenience.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Complimentary high-speed WiFi is available throughout all terminals. Connect to the “Chopin_FREE_WiFi” network and accept terms for unlimited internet access. Hotspots cover check-in halls, lounges, and boarding gates. No password or vouchers required, but sessions automatically log out after four hours, with instant reconnection. Mobile data kiosks also offer eSIM activations.

SIM/eSIM Card: SIM cards from major Polish operators (Orange, Play, T-Mobile, Plus) are sold at arrival-level kiosks. Prepaid packages include data, calls, and SMS with competitive rates. eSIM plans can be activated via QR codes at booths or downloaded online. Staff assist with registration and APN settings for instant connectivity. Support available in English. » buy a global esim card for Layover Guide, that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: The taxi rank outside Terminal A features licensed cabs operating on metered rates. Official taxis display an airport taxi logo and fixed starting fee. Journey to central Warsaw costs around PLN 40–50. Alternative ride-hailing apps like Uber and Bolt pick up curbside. Card payment is accepted in most vehicles. Efficient and safe.

Train: Two commuter rail services (Koleje Mazowieckie and SKM S2) connect WAW with Warsaw Central every 15–20 minutes. Trains run from 5:00 to midnight, taking about 20 minutes. Tickets are purchased at station machines or via mobile apps. Baggage-friendly carriages available on all departures. more info

Bus: City buses (lines 175, 188) and night buses (N32, N34) operate between the airport and key Warsaw districts. Daytime services run 24/7 with 15–30 minute intervals. Tickets for ZTM zones 1 and 2 are valid. Purchase at ticket machines, via the JakDojadę app, or from drivers. more info

Shuttle: Several hotels and private companies provide pre-bookable shuttle vans and minibuses. Pickup points are outside the arrivals hall, with door-to-door service to major downtown hotels. Fares range from PLN 20–40 per person. Reservations can be made online or via hotlines. Vehicles feature air-conditioning, luggage compartments, and WiFi. Drivers are licensed.

Car rentals: Major car rental agencies (Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar) have desks in the arrivals hall. Vehicles include economy, SUV, and luxury models. Requirements: valid driver’s license, credit card, and minimum age policy compliance. Agency shuttles circulate between terminals and off-site lots. 24-hour pick-up and drop-off services available. Insurance options offered. view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: Parking facilities include short-term (P1, P2) directly adjacent to terminals and long-term (P3, P4) with shuttle service. Rates start at PLN 5 per hour. Monthly subscriptions and online reservations offer discounts. Electric vehicle charging stations are available. All lots are monitored with CCTV and patrolled regularly for security. Accessible spaces marked.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Left luggage services operate in arrivals on ground level with staffed counters and automated lockers. Fees start at PLN 10 per 24 hours. Lockers accommodate small to medium bags, while oversized items are stored in secure vaults. Service runs from 5:00 to 24:00 daily, with 24-hour CCTV monitoring. Payment by card. » book a luggage storage or locker at online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Warsaw Airport (WAW) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks