---
iata: WAW
name: Warsaw Chopin Airport
city: Warsaw
country: Poland
lastUpdated: '2026-08-31'
officialWebsite: 'https://lotnisko-chopina.pl/en/'
sources:
  - 'https://lotnisko-chopina.pl/en/'
  - 'https://lotnisko-chopina.pl/en/our-services/fast-track/'
  - 'https://prioritypass.com/en-GB/lounges/poland/warsaw-chopin'
  - 'https://warsawvisit.com/getting-from-warsaw-airport-to-warsaw-city-centre/'
quickFacts:
  - Single terminal with Schengen/non-Schengen zones
  - LOT Polish Airlines Star Alliance hub
  - 24.1M passengers in 2025
  - >-
    Fast Track security 50 PLN online / 55 PLN at kiosk (free for 70+ and kids
    under 13 with a holder)
  - SKM train to center 20-25 min / 4.40 PLN
  - Free water fountains airside in all zones
bentoTips:
  - label: Timing
    title: Arrive 2h early; use Fast Track if queue >15 min
    detail: >-
      C3 scanners on Fast Track AB and E allow liquids up to 2L and no device
      removal at those lanes (standard lanes still use 100 ml rules).
    summary: >-
      Book Fast Track online for 50 PLN (55 PLN at kiosk) to skip standard
      lines.
    category: timing
  - label: Terminal
    title: 'One terminal, clear Schengen/non-Schengen split'
    detail: >-
      Aircraft often on remote stands—budget extra bus time for non-Schengen
      connections.
    summary: Transfers can be 30 min minimum; follow zone-specific signs.
    category: terminal
  - label: Food
    title: Gate-area outlets beat lounge food value
    detail: >-
      Lounges praised for hot meals but can feel crowded—many prefer airside
      restaurants.
    summary: Reasonable prices and variety post-security; avoid peak AF/KL rushes.
    category: food
  - label: Status
    title: Star Alliance Gold gets Polonez Gold Lounge
    detail: Good for work or layovers but not exceptional — skip if short connection.
    summary: Solid food and bar; Priority Pass covers Etiuda/Fantazja.
    category: status
lounges:
  - name: Polonez Gold Lounge
    zone: non-Schengen
    hours: '05:00-22:00'
    access:
      - Star Alliance Gold
      - LOT Business long-haul
      - Miles & More Senator/HON
    bestFor:
      - Work
      - Long layovers
    summary: >-
      Strong pick for food quality and space among Star Alliance lounges in
      Europe.
    verdict: worth-it
    terminal: Terminal A
    amenities:
      - Hot meals
      - Bar
      - Showers
      - Quiet zones
  - name: Etiuda Executive Lounge (ex Bolero)
    zone: non-Schengen
    hours: '06:30-22:00'
    access:
      - Priority Pass
      - Day pass
    bestFor:
      - Rest
      - Work
    summary: Decent post-refurb but can get busy; good Priority Pass option reviews.
    verdict: depends
    terminal: Terminal A
    amenities:
      - Buffet
      - Bar
      - Showers
  - name: Fantazja Executive Lounge
    zone: Schengen
    hours: '05:00-22:00'
    access:
      - Priority Pass
      - oneworld Sapphire/Emerald
    bestFor:
      - Short layovers
    summary: >-
      Improved food after refurb; worth it for oneworld or PP but crowded
      afternoons.
    verdict: depends
    terminal: Terminal A
    amenities:
      - Buffet
      - Bar
      - Views
waterOptions:
  - kind: free
    name: Free drinking fountains
    zone: airside
    price: Free
    summary: >-
      Multiple fountains throughout restricted areas—fill bottles easily before
      flights.
    location: 'Airside Schengen and non-Schengen departures halls, near restrooms'
    terminal: Terminal A
    isBestValue: true
  - kind: purchase
    name: Aelia Duty Free or shops
    zone: airside
    price: ~8-12 PLN for 500ml
    summary: >-
      Standard bottled water prices; cheapest reliable purchase if fountains are
      busy.
    location: Landside and airside near check-in and gates
    terminal: Terminal A
airportistScore: 7.2
slug: waw
region: Europe
---
> Markdown for [/airports/waw](/airports/waw). Append `.md` to any page URL (or send `Accept: text/markdown`) for an agent-readable copy.

- [HTML page](/airports/waw)
- [Lounge directory](/airports/waw/lounges.md)
- [Sitemap](/sitemap.md)

# Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW)
Warsaw, Poland · Europe
Solid mid-tier European hub with efficient LOT transfers and good value transport, but single terminal can congest at peaks.
## Airportist Score

**7.2 / 10**
- Comfort: 7.0
- Navigation: 7.5
- Food: 7.0
- Transport: 8.0
- Disruption resilience: 6.8

## At a glance

- Passengers: 24.1M
- Terminals: 1 active terminal
- Typical security: 15 min
- On-time: 70%
- Disruption: normal

## Best for

- LOT Star Alliance connections
- Fast, cheap city links
- Free water and Fast Track value

## Watch out for

- Peak-hour security queues
- Remote stand bus transfers
- Lounges can crowd quickly

## More intel

- [Lounge directory](/airports/waw/lounges.md) (free)
- [Getting there](/airports/waw/getting-there.md) (free)
- [Amenities](/airports/waw/amenities.md)
- [Traveler tips](/airports/waw/tips.md)
- [Water](/airports/waw/water.md)
- [Full guide](/airports/waw/guide.md)
- [Disruptions](/airports/waw/disruptions.md)
- [Reviews](/airports/waw/reviews.md)