3 min

21 Nov. 2025

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Warsaw airports: what you need to know in order not to make a mistake with your transfer

Q: What is the most reliable way to get to Warsaw in 2025?

The most stable is still the railway connection. Trains are less dependent on queues at the border and weather conditions, and the schedule is kept quite strictly in most cases. In addition, routes through Chełm or Rava-Ruska allow you to avoid the hours-long queues typical of bus transportation. If your goal is to catch a plane or an important connection in Warsaw, rail is the most reliable choice.

Q: Which airport is best for low-cost flights?

For low-cost destinations, especially Ryanair flights, Modlin is most often used. It's a small airport with basic infrastructure, but it consistently serves low-cost flights across Europe. If you see a particularly attractive ticket price, it will almost always depart or arrive at Modlin. It is important to consider travel time and possible delays, as it is more difficult to get here than to Chopin.

Q: How long does it take to get from Warsaw City Center to Chopin Airport?

The fastest option is the SKM city train, which takes 18-22 minutes to get there. It is convenient, inexpensive and does not depend on traffic. Buses also go directly, but during rush hours they can get into traffic jams, which increases travel time to 40-50 minutes. If your flight is in the morning or evening, you should calculate the time with a margin - Warsaw traffic can be unpredictable.

Q: Should I book a transfer instead of public transportation?

Yes, especially if you are traveling with children, large suitcases, arriving late in the evening, or have a short connection. A transfer picks you up at a convenient location, takes you directly to the desired terminal, and does not depend on public transportation schedules. It also helps to avoid confusion between the two Warsaw airports, which is often a source of stress. For those who want to travel as comfortably and risk-free as possible, a shuttle service is the best solution.

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Table of contents

How to get from Ukraine to Warsaw: the most convenient routes
Warsaw has two airports: what is important to know?
Transfer service from Visit Ukraine

Warsaw airports: what you need to know in order not to make a mistake with your transfer

Changing planes in Warsaw is often a key step in a Ukrainian's journey, but the city's two different airports are often confusing even for experienced travelers. We explain how to navigate quickly and accurately between Chopin and Modlin, as well as how to get to the right terminal conveniently. Find out more about routes, transportation and tips for a comfortable trip

Book a transfer from Visit Ukraine – it's easy, convenient and affordable!

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Warsaw has long been one of the key hubs for Ukrainians flying to Europe, Asia or North America. Convenient rail connections, a large number of flights, and affordable low-cost destinations make the Polish capital a popular transfer point. However, many travelers still confuse Warsaw's two airports - Chopin and Modlin - which can make traveling stressful, especially if the connection is short. In this article, we'll tell you how to get to Warsaw without any hassle, how the airports differ, and how to choose the right option for your trip.

In our previous article, we told you that Wizz Air is returning to Warsaw and launching 11 new flights starting in December 2025.

Planning a trip abroad?

Book a convenient transfer from Ukraine to European cities on the Visit Ukraine portal and travel in comfort!

How to get from Ukraine to Warsaw: the most convenient routes

Rail travel remains the most predictable way to get to Warsaw, and for many Ukrainians, the first option that comes to mind is the direct Kyiv-Warsaw train. However, its popularity has played a cruel joke: tickets are sold out very quickly, and the price of a seat in a three-seat compartment is currently around 3500 hryvnias. So those who want to guarantee a comfortable trip have to look for alternatives.

One of them is the Kyiv-Chelm connection with a subsequent train transfer to the Polish capital. Several flights run daily on this route, and the cost of tickets varies: from UAH 2000 for a seat in a four-seater compartment and from UAH 3300 for a two-seater suite. After arriving in Chełm, passengers can transfer to a regional train to Warsaw; a ticket for this train will cost an additional UAH 200-500 depending on the time of purchase.

Residents of western Ukraine have another option: a train from Lviv with a change in Rava-Ruska. On average, such a trip costs about 1500 hryvnias and is also considered quite stable, as delays are rare.

Buses, although often cheaper, have their drawbacks. For example, Ecolines tickets from Kyiv to Warsaw start at 1350 hryvnias, while FlixBus tickets start at 1500 hryvnias. At the same time, there is a high risk of hours-long queues at the border, which can significantly disrupt your plans, especially if you have a plane connection in Warsaw.

You can learn more about all the route options from Warsaw to Ukraine, prices, travel duration and useful tips in our article.

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Warsaw has two airports: what is important to know?

The most common mistake made by travelers is to confuse Warsaw-Chopin and Warsaw-Modlin airports. They are located at a considerable distance from each other (about 45 km), so when planning a transfer, it is important to carefully check the name of the airport on the tickets. If the connection is short, the trip between the airports can be critical.

Below is a brief overview of both airports so that you can easily navigate.

Warsaw Chopin Airport: getting there

Warsaw Chopin Airport is the main airport in Poland. It is located about 10 km from the city center and has convenient transport links.

The fastest way to get to the airport is by SKM city train (lines S2 and S3), which run from the central station several times an hour. The trip takes about 20 minutes and tickets are inexpensive.

There are also buses #175, #188, #148, and #331 that stop in the central districts of the city. At night, there is a route #N32. Due to frequent departures, this airport is the most convenient for tourists arriving in Warsaw by train.

Chopin receives most international airlines, including LOT, Lufthansa, Wizz Air and some Ryanair flights, making it a major point for long-haul and European destinations.

Warsaw-Modlin Airport: getting there

Modlin is located in Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki, about 40 km from Warsaw. It serves mainly low-cost airlines, primarily Ryanair, so it is often the choice of tourists looking for cheaper tickets.

Unlike Chopin, Modlin does not have its own railway station. ZL shuttle buses run to the nearest station (Modlin), which are synchronized with RL trains to Warsaw. Passengers can purchase a combined bus + train ticket on the website of regional carriers.

There are also private buses from the airport, but their cost is often higher than that of city routes. Keep in mind that it can take up to an hour to get to the center, so you need to allow enough time for transfers.

Transfer service from Visit Ukraine

To avoid confusion between airports and save time, you can book a personal transfer to Chopin or Modlin Airport. The Visit Ukraine platform offers comfortable cars, fixed prices, and a driver meeting you at the right time, without stress and the risk of missing your flight. The service is especially convenient for those traveling with suitcases, with overnight connections, or arriving in Warsaw for the first time.

In addition to Warsaw, you can book transfers to Chisinau, Vienna, Budapest and other European cities on Visit Ukraine. This allows you to organize a stress-free trip, planning everything in one place.

Among the most popular routes:

Planning a trip to Warsaw?

A transfer is the most convenient way to get from Lviv to Warsaw for those who value comfort, safety and freedom.

You can book a trip in a few minutes on Visit Ukraine.

Visit Ukraine offers dozens of popular transfer destinations across Ukraine and abroad – choose a route, date and book online!

We remind you! Traveling from Warsaw to the Ukrainian border will become easier: the S17 express train will be extended. For Ukrainians and Poles, this means faster travel, modern infrastructure, and better access to the international crossing. Read more about how the project will change travel between the two countries.

Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.

Our recommendation for a safe and comfortable trip:

Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance for a safe stay abroad without unnecessary expenses;

Green Card - compulsory car insurance for traveling abroad;

Visit Ukraine Tickets - book tickets for buses, trains, and airplanes to/from Ukraine and between cities around the world;

Private Lawyer service - professional legal support on visa and migration issues;

Visit Ukraine Merch - buy patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.

Frequantly

asked questions

Is it possible to make a connection if flights arrive at different airports in Warsaw?

Yes, it is possible, but you should take into account significant risks. There is a distance of approximately 45 km between Chopin and Modlin airports, and even under ideal conditions, the journey takes at least an hour. If there are traffic jams or the flight is delayed, the time may be critically short. It is better to allow at least 4 hours for this transfer, and even better - 5-6 hours. If the trip is important or it is a long international flight, you should consider a transfer or rescheduling the connection to a longer interval.

What is the most reliable way to get to Warsaw in 2025?

Which airport is best for low-cost flights?

How long does it take to get from Warsaw City Center to Chopin Airport?

Should I book a transfer instead of public transportation?