Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport

Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport (GDN) is not merely a transport hub, but a true aerial gateway to the famous Polish Tricity and the entire Baltic coast. Its modern terminal, with a roof resembling sea waves, immediately sets travelers in the mood for a seaside holiday and a sense of freedom. Named after the legendary Nobel Peace Prize laureate, this airport combines respect for history with advanced technology, ensuring a comfortable start to any journey across Pomerania. Here, just a few minutes' drive from the historic streets of Gdansk, begins your acquaintance with the amber capital of the world.

Features and Advantages of the Airport

Gdansk Airport is rightfully considered one of the most modern and convenient in Poland. Its key advantage is excellent transport accessibility: the Pomeranian Metropolitan Railway (PKM) line runs directly to the terminal, allowing quick access not only to the centre of Gdansk but also to the resort towns of Sopot and Gdynia. Passengers appreciate the spacious and intuitive Terminal T2, which has been significantly expanded and modernized, offering a high level of service.

Among other advantages of the airport, one can highlight its developed infrastructure: from numerous Duty Free shops and cozy cafes to a comfortable business lounge. Travelers also appreciate the fast security and passport control procedures, which is especially valuable during peak seasons. The architectural design of the building, with its characteristic flowing lines, makes it a recognizable symbol of the region, harmoniously blending into the coastal landscape.

• Official Website: www.airport.gdansk.pl. The site is available in several languages, including Polish and English.
• Information Service Phone: +48 525 673 531 (for calls from outside Poland) or 801 066 808 (for calls within the country).
• Address: ul. Juliusza Słowackiego 200, 80-298 Gdańsk, Polska (200 Juliusza Słowackiego Street, 80-298 Gdansk, Poland).
• Email: For general inquiries, you can use the address info@airport.gdansk.pl.
• Social Media: The airport has official pages on Facebook, Instagram, and other networks where operational information for passengers is published. Links can be found on the main page of the website.
• Lost Luggage Information: For inquiries regarding luggage left on board the aircraft, please contact your airline's representative directly. For items lost within the terminal, the Lost and Found Office (Biuro Rzeczy Znalezionych) is available; phone: +48 58 348 13 47.
• Passenger Support Contacts: For consultations and assistance, you can call the main airport information service number.

Lech Walesa Airport (GDN) is conveniently located and has excellent transport connections with the centre of Gdansk, as well as with the neighbouring cities of Sopot and Gdynia, which together form the Tricity agglomeration. You can reach the terminal in several ways, suitable for any budget and preference.

Public Transport: Train and Bus

The fastest and most reliable way to get to the airport is the PKM (Pomeranian Metropolitan Railway) train. The railway platform is connected to passenger terminal T2 by a covered walkway, which is very convenient. Trains depart regularly towards Gdańsk Wrzeszcz and Gdańsk Główny (Main Station). The trip to the city centre will take approximately 25-30 minutes, allowing you to avoid city traffic. Tickets can be purchased at machines on the platform or on the train itself.

A more budget-friendly option is city buses. Route No. 210 connects the airport with Gdansk Main Station, and route No. 110 connects with Gdańsk Wrzeszcz station. For those with flights early in the morning or late at night, the night route No. N3 is available. Travel time by bus is about 40-50 minutes, but may increase due to traffic conditions.

Taxi and Transfers

For maximum comfort, especially if you are travelling with heavy luggage or family, you can order a taxi or use ride-hailing apps popular in Poland (such as Uber, Bolt, FreeNow). A trip from the centre of Gdansk to the airport will take 20-30 minutes if there is no traffic. The cost of such a trip usually varies between 60–90 PLN. This is a convenient option that will take you directly to the departure terminal entrance.

Car and Parking

If you are driving your own or a rental car, getting to the airport is easy — simply follow the signs for Port Lotniczy. The airport has several parking zones. The Kiss & Fly zone is ideal for quickly dropping off passengers (the first few minutes are free). For those leaving their car for a longer period, car parks P1, P3, P4 and others are available within walking distance of the terminal.

Lech Walesa Airport in Gdansk (GDN) is a modern and compact aviation hub where all passenger operations are concentrated in one main building — Terminal T2. The old terminal T1 is connected to the new one but does not currently serve regular flights, so tourists need not worry about moving between buildings. All infrastructure, from check-in to boarding, is under one roof, making navigation intuitive.

The structure of Terminal T2 is simple and logical; it is divided into two main levels, which helps with easy orientation:

• Ground Floor — this is the Arrivals zone. Here you will find baggage claim belts, customs control, and the exit to the public hall, where currency exchange points, car rental offices, cafes, and public transport stops are located.
• First Floor — this is the Departures zone. Passengers come here to check in for their flight (if they haven't done so online) and drop off baggage.

Thanks to the well-thought-out layout and numerous signs in Polish and English, it is practically impossible to get lost in the airport.

After check-in on the first floor, passengers proceed to security control. Once through, they enter the "airside" zone with Duty Free shops, restaurants, and boarding gates. This zone is divided into two parts: Schengen and Non-Schengen. Passengers flying outside the Schengen zone will need to pass an additional passport control. Please ensure your boarding pass indicates the correct sector.

Procedures at Gdansk Airport usually go quite quickly. However, it is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2 hours before Schengen flights and 2.5-3 hours before international flights outside the zone. During peak hours, especially in the summer tourist season, waiting times at check-in counters and security may increase. Plan your time with a little buffer to complete all formalities without rushing.

The history of the airport in Gdansk is a reflection of the modern history of the city itself and the entire Pomeranian region. The current air terminal, located in the Rębiechowo district, was officially opened in 1974. It replaced the old airport in the densely populated Wrzeszcz district, which could no longer cope with growing demands and was limited by urban development. In its early years, it mainly served domestic and some international flights within the socialist bloc countries.

A turning point in the airport's history, as for all of Poland, came with the political changes of the late 1980s. With the opening of borders, the airport began to actively develop international connections. However, the most significant event occurred in 2004, when the airport was named after Lech Walesa — the legendary leader of the "Solidarity" trade union, Nobel Peace Prize laureate, and the first president of post-communist Poland, whose activities are inextricably linked with Gdansk.

A new phase of development began in the run-up to the European Football Championship EURO 2012. Specifically for this event, the modern Terminal T2 was built and opened. It was not just a renovation, but a massive transformation that multiplied capacity and brought the airport to a completely new level of comfort and technology. Later, this terminal was expanded multiple times to meet the constantly growing passenger flow.

Today, Lech Walesa Airport is one of the three busiest in the country, second only to Warsaw and Krakow. It has become an important hub for low-cost airlines, connecting northern Poland with dozens of cities across Europe. A significant achievement was also the improvement of transport accessibility: the launch of the Pomeranian Metropolitan Railway in 2015 directly linked the terminal with the centres of Gdansk, Sopot, and Gdynia, making travel even more convenient for tourists and locals.

Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport (GDN) offers passengers modern infrastructure and a full range of services to ensure waiting for a flight is easy and pleasant. In the terminal, you will find many cafes and restaurants to suit every taste — from spots with quick snacks and aromatic coffee to establishments where you can have a full meal, trying dishes of local and international cuisine. For shopping enthusiasts, various stores are open, including, of course, a spacious Duty Free zone with a wide selection of perfumes, cosmetics, beverages, and traditional Polish souvenirs.

For those who value enhanced comfort or are looking for a quiet place to work, a VIP lounge operates at the airport. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, and to ensure you always stay connected, numerous charging stations for mobile devices and laptops are provided. Financial services are represented by bank branches, ATMs, and currency exchange points.

The airport is well-prepared for travellers with children. There are comfortable mother and child rooms equipped with changing tables and everything necessary for baby care. To keep little passengers entertained, special play zones have been equipped. Also, a medical point operates around the clock within the terminal, ready to provide first aid if necessary.

The airport infrastructure is fully adapted for passengers with reduced mobility, who are provided with all necessary assistance upon prior request. For business travellers, conference rooms and business services are available. If you have an early flight or a long layover, a hotel is located right next to the terminal, which is very convenient for resting between flights.

Lech Walesa Airport offers passengers various opportunities for a snack or a full meal to comfortably pass the time before departure or after arriving in Gdansk. Dining establishments are located both in the public zone and in the departure zone after passing security control.

In the public zone (Landside), before passing control, you will find several cozy cafes where you can drink coffee with fresh pastries or a sandwich. This is an ideal place to say goodbye to those seeing you off or to have a quick bite upon arrival. Here, you will usually find outlets of well-known chains offering familiar and quick solutions to satisfy hunger.

The main variety awaits passengers in the departure zone (Airside), after passport and customs control. Here the choice is significantly wider: from lounges where you can enjoy refreshing beverages or try local specialties, to restaurants offering both international cuisine and Polish delicacies. If you want to experience the taste of Poland one last time, pay attention to the menu in restaurants — sometimes you can find traditional dishes such as żurek or pierogi.

For those adhering to special diets, vegetarian options can be found in most establishments. Vegan and gluten-free dishes are also becoming increasingly available, however, it is recommended to carefully study the menu or ask the staff. The price range varies from budget options in fast-food outlets to medium and above-average in full-service restaurants. Most establishments operate from early morning until late evening, adjusting to the flight schedule.

For a quick snack, cafes like So!Coffee or Relay shops are excellent, where fresh sandwiches, salads, and drinks are always available. If you have time for a full lunch or dinner, it is worth visiting restaurants such as The Flame Restaurant & Bar, where you can enjoy a hot meal in a quiet atmosphere and relax before your flight.

To ensure your journey through Lech Walesa Airport goes as smoothly as possible, it is worth familiarizing yourself with some nuances in advance. Proper preparation will help save time, nerves, and even money. Here are some useful tips for passengers flying from Gdansk or arriving in this hospitable city in Poland.

Plan your arrival at the airport in advance. For international flights, especially outside the Schengen zone, it is recommended to arrive 2.5-3 hours before departure. For domestic and Schengen flights, 1.5-2 hours is usually sufficient. During the peak tourist season or on public holidays, it is better to add another 30-40 minutes to this time in case of queues.

Save time by using online check-in for your flight, which almost all airlines offer. This will allow you to go straight to the baggage drop-off counter or, if you are travelling light, directly to security. At security control, be prepared in advance: pack all liquids up to 100 ml in a transparent bag, and keep laptops and other large electronics close at hand to quickly remove them from your bag.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences. A window seat will offer beautiful views during takeoff and landing, especially if the weather is clear. An aisle seat provides more legroom and allows you to stand up freely without disturbing neighbours. For greater comfort on long flights, you can study the plane layout on specialized websites in advance.

Strictly observe hand luggage rules. All liquids must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in one transparent bag with a capacity of up to 1 litre. It is forbidden to carry sharp objects, weapons, and flammable substances in the cabin. Always check the current weight and dimension requirements for hand luggage on your airline's website, as they may differ.

If you have a transfer in Gdansk, clarify at check-in whether you need to collect your luggage and check it in again. When transferring between flights within the Schengen zone, you will likely not have to pass passport control, but security control may be required. Lech Walesa Airport is quite compact, making transfers convenient.

When entering Poland from non-EU countries, you will have to pass customs control. If you have no goods to declare, feel free to choose the "Green Channel". If you are carrying items that exceed established limits (for example, controlled goods like tobacco or large sums of cash), you must go through the "Red Channel" and fill out a declaration.

A few tricks for saving money: take an empty reusable bottle with you and fill it with water at drinking fountains after passing security control. Prices for food and drinks at the airport are traditionally higher, so a light snack can be taken with you (if it is not liquid). To save on transport, check the schedule of city buses that run between the airport and the city centre.

In case of flight delay or cancellation, first contact your airline representative. When departing from an EU airport, under regulation EU261, you have the right to assistance and compensation depending on the length of the delay and the flight distance. The airline is obliged to provide drinks, meals, and in case of a long wait — hotel accommodation.