Airport Guide: Warsaw Chopin Airport
Warsaw Chopin Airport is the biggest airport in Poland. With the rise of the air traffic in Poland, Warsaw Chopin Airport became more and more important in the last years. Nowadays, there are more than 300 scheduled flights a day. All major cities in Europe are well connected to Warsaw, but there are some long haul flights from and to Warsaw as well.
After a steady growth, Warsaw Chopin Airport was able to welcome its 10 millionth passengers in a single year for the first time in 2014. This milestone made Warsaw Chopin Airport one of the most important ones in Eastern Europe. Even though there is a second airport in Warsaw, pretty much all business traffic is being processed at Warsaw Chopin Airport.
LOT is the most important carrier at Warsaw Chopin Airport
The most important airline at Warsaw Chopin Airport is the Polish flag carrier LOT Polish Airlines which offers dozens of regional flights as well as some long haul flights to Asia and North America. Another important carrier at Warsaw Chopin Airport is the growing low-cost-carrier Wizz Air.
Most important carriers at Warsaw Chopin Airport:
- LOT Polish Airlines: Several destinations in Europe, America and Asia
- Wizz Air: Several destinations in Europe
- Enter Air: Several holiday destinations in Europe and North Africa
Shopping and eating at Warsaw Chopin Airport
Officially, Warsaw Chopin Airport got two terminals. However, both terminals are one large complex that is separated in different areas (Schengen and Non-Schengen). Some areas were recently refurbished and just reopened for passenger traffic. The choice of restaurants and bars at Warsaw Chopin Airport is a little small compared to other airports, but passengers will be just fine finding anything of their taste.
There are several restaurants and shops at Warsaw Chopin Airport
Shopping is also possible at Warsaw Chopin Airport. There is an assortment of Duty Free, souvenir, jewelry, clothing, press and other shops located in all areas of the terminal. However, there is not a large choice when it comes to shopping or dining.
Sleeping at Warsaw Chopin Airport
Warsaw Chopin Airport, as most European airports, doesn’t offer dedicated sleeping facilities even though there are night connections on some LOT flights. Passengers transferring at Warsaw Chopin Airport may sleep inside the airport on the benches provided, but there is neither a dedicated relaxation area nor a sleeping area.
Hotels in the city like the Hilton Warsaw Convention Center are not far either
For more comfort, you may think about staying at one of the hotels near Warsaw Chopin Airport. The closest one is a quite modern Courtyard by Marriott. Other choices include two, three and four star hotels, some associated with international brands like Novotel or Hilton.
Lounges at Warsaw Chopin Airport
Interestingly, there is only one airline lounge at Warsaw Chopin Airport. The LOT Business Lounge is accessible to all passengers flying with a Star Alliance airline either in Business Class or with a frequent flyer membership. Moreover, there are several independent lounges at Warsaw Chopin Airport.
The Ballada Executive Lounge is very small, but got a nice little buffet
These are used by Star Alliance, oneworld and SkyTeam carriers alike. Some lounges like the Ballada Lounge or the Bolero Lounge at Warsaw Chopin Airport may also be accessed with a Priority Pass membership or comparable programs.
Overview of lounges at Warsaw Chopin Airport:
- LOT Business Lounge
- Ballada Lounge
- Bolero Lounge
- Preludium Lounge
- Executive Lounge
Transportation at Warsaw Chopin Airport
In 2012, Warsaw hosted the final of the UEFA European Championship. Therefore, the city invested into a new train station at Warsaw Chopin Airport. Nowadays, two different trains (S2 and S3) are connecting the airport with the city center and other areas of the city. In addition, there are several bus lines that offer connections to the suburbs and other regions of Warsaw.
Public transportation in Warsaw is fast and convenient
Taxis are also available, but are way more expensive than public transport. Taxi fares to the city are usually between 40 and 50 PLN (~ 9.50 to 12 Euro / ~10.50 to 13 US-Dollar). Depending on your destination, the train ride takes between 10 and 25 minutes, while taxis usually are a little faster. This may not be the case when arriving or departing at Warsaw Chopin Airport in rush hour.
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