Warsaw-Modlin Airport

Warsaw-Modlin Airport is the ideal starting point for travellers who value smart savings and wish to explore Europe without unnecessary costs. Located in a picturesque suburb, this aviation hub is known as the region's primary "hub for low-cost carriers", offering affordable flights to dozens of popular destinations. Despite its compact size, the terminal provides quick and straightforward service, sparing passengers from the long queues and complex navigation typical of giant hubs. This is the place where your Polish adventure begins, as you can reach the centre of Warsaw from here in less than an hour.

Airport Features and Advantages:

Warsaw-Modlin is an airport designed with a focus on budget travel. Its main advantage is its specialisation in low-cost carriers, which often allows you to find tickets at prices significantly lower than at the main Chopin Airport in the capital.

The terminal is distinguished by its intuitive simplicity and compactness. It is practically impossible to get lost here: all check-in counters, security zones, and boarding gates are within walking distance of each other. This makes completing pre-flight formalities very fast and less stressful, which is particularly valuable for families with children or those new to tourism.

Convenient transport accessibility is provided for passengers. You can reach Warsaw via special shuttle buses that take you to the Modlin railway station, from where Koleje Mazowieckie trains depart. There are also direct bus services connecting the airport with the capital's centre, specifically the Palace of Culture and Science.

To ensure your journey through Warsaw-Modlin Airport is as comfortable as possible, please save this contact information. It will help you quickly get in touch with the necessary services if needed.

• Official Website: You can always find the most up-to-date information on flight schedules, services, and airport rules at modlinairport.pl.
• Information Service Phone: For immediate information and enquiries, please call: +48 22 315 18 80.
• Address: Generała Wiktora Thommée 1a, 05-102, Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki, Poland.
• Email: For general enquiries, you can write to info@modlinairport.pl.
• Social Media: You can follow news and important announcements on the airport's official page on Facebook.
• Lost Luggage Information: For issues related to lost or damaged luggage, please contact your airline's representative or the relevant ground handling service directly.
• Passenger Support Service: For most questions requiring an immediate response, it is recommended to use the airport information service phone number.

Warsaw-Modlin Airport (WMI) is located in the city of Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki, approximately 40 kilometres northwest of Warsaw city centre. Despite the distance, it can be reached by several convenient methods suitable for any budget and preference. It is important to remember that this airport mainly serves budget airlines, while the main international traffic is handled by Warsaw Chopin Airport.

Public Transport is the most popular and economical option. There are two main ways:

• Shuttle Buses: Companies such as FlixBus and Contbus offer direct services from central Warsaw (usually from the Palace of Culture and Science) directly to the airport terminal. The journey takes about 40-50 minutes depending on traffic conditions. This is a convenient option with a good balance of price and comfort; it is better to buy tickets online in advance to secure a lower rate.
• Train + Bus: You can take a Koleje Mazowieckie train from one of Warsaw's stations (e.g., Warszawa Centralna or Warszawa Gdańska) to Modlin station. From there, a special bus runs every 20-30 minutes directly to the airport terminal. There is a unified "Airport Ticket" (Bilet Lotniskowy) covering both parts of the journey. The total travel time is about 1 hour. This method is considered the most reliable as trains are not affected by traffic jams.

Taxis and Private Transfers offer maximum comfort, especially if you are travelling with heavy luggage or family. Official airport partners offer rides at a fixed rate, avoiding unpleasant surprises. Popular apps like Uber and Bolt are also available. A trip from central Warsaw will take about 40-50 minutes, but the cost will be significantly higher than public transport. It is recommended to book a car in advance, especially for night or early morning flights.

If you prefer independence, Car Rental is an excellent choice. Offices of all major international rental companies operate at and near the airport. This is particularly convenient if you plan to travel around Poland by car. For those arriving in their own vehicle, both short-term and long-term parking facilities are provided on the airport grounds. To save money, it is recommended to book a parking space online a few days before departure.

Warsaw-Modlin Airport (WMI), situated in Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki, is distinguished by its compactness and well-thought-out logistics, making it particularly convenient for passengers. Unlike large aviation hubs, you will not find a complex network of terminals here — the airport consists of one modern passenger terminal that handles all flights, both domestic and international.

The structure of the terminal is intuitively clear and simple. The building has two main levels:

• Ground Floor: Here you will find the arrivals area, flight check-in counters, and baggage drop points. Immediately after entering the terminal, you will see large flight information screens to help you orient yourself and find the correct counter.
• First Floor: Passengers proceed to this level after check-in to pass through security control. This is also where the main departure zone is located, featuring Duty Free shops, cafes, and boarding gates.

Since there is only one terminal, you do not have to worry about long walks or finding shuttles to move between different parts of the airport. All navigation involves moving within a single building. The departure zone is divided into two sections: for passengers travelling to Schengen Area countries, and for those flying outside of it (Non-Schengen). Accessing the Non-Schengen zone requires passing through additional passport control.

Completing all formalities generally does not take much time. Thanks to the airport's compactness, the path from the check-in counter to the boarding gate can be covered quite quickly. However, given the airport's popularity with budget airlines, queues are possible during peak hours. It is recommended to arrive at the airport at least 2–2.5 hours before departure to go through all procedures without rushing and perhaps enjoy a coffee before your flight.

The history of Warsaw-Modlin Airport (WMI) is a vivid example of transforming a military facility into a modern civilian hub. Its roots go back to World War II, when in 1940 Nazi Germany built an airfield here for its air forces. After the war, the facility came under the control of the Polish army and served as one of the key airbases for the Air Force of Poland for decades.

A new era for the airfield began in the 2000s, when the idea arose to convert it into a second airport for Warsaw, focused on budget airlines. After extensive reconstruction, which included the construction of a new passenger terminal, the airport was officially opened for civilian flights in July 2012, just in time for the UEFA Euro 2012 football championship. This event immediately attracted international attention.

The airport's development was not without challenges. By late 2012, it was temporarily closed for several months for runway repairs. However, after resuming operations in mid-2013, rapid growth began. A key role in this was played by a strategic partnership with the Irish low-cost carrier Ryanair, which made Modlin its main base in the region. This allowed the airport in Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki to quickly increase passenger traffic, becoming a leader in the budget travel segment in Eastern Europe.

An interesting fact: the airport is located in the immediate vicinity of the famous Modlin Fortress, one of the largest and best-preserved 19th-century defensive structures in Poland. This historical landmark adds a special character to travelling through this seemingly purely modern transport hub.

Warsaw-Modlin Airport (WMI) offers passengers all necessary services for a comfortable wait for their flight. Despite its compact size, the terminal features several cafes and bistros where you can have a snack before departure or enjoy a coffee. In the departure zone, a Duty Free shop operates, offering a standard range of perfumes, cosmetics, beverages, and confectionery. Kiosks with newspapers and souvenirs are also available.

Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal, allowing passengers to stay connected or work. Special charging stations and power outlets are provided in the waiting areas for electronic devices. If you need to withdraw cash or exchange currency, the airport has ATMs and currency exchange points located in both the public and departure zones.

For those who value enhanced comfort, the Modlin Premium Lounge operates at the airport. Access can be paid for on the spot or obtained via loyalty cards. Guests of the lounge are offered snacks, beverages, fresh newspapers, and a quieter atmosphere for relaxation or work. This is a wonderful alternative to the general waiting halls, especially during peak hours.

The airport cares for passengers with special needs. For travellers with small children, mother and child rooms are equipped where you can feed and change your baby in a calm environment. Passengers with reduced mobility are provided with special assistance (PRM service), which is recommended to be booked in advance through the airline. The terminal infrastructure is adapted for free movement in wheelchairs.

In case of necessity, passengers can contact the medical point for first aid. Although there are no hotels directly within the terminal, several hotels of various price categories are located in the immediate vicinity of the airport, many of which offer transfers for their guests. Business travellers can utilise the amenities of the aforementioned lounge for work, though specialised conference rooms are not provided at the airport.

Warsaw-Modlin Airport, despite its compact size, offers passengers several convenient options for a snack or a full meal. Dining establishments are located both in the public area, accessible to all visitors, and in the departure zone after passing security control.

In the public zone (before security control), you will find cafes where you can enjoy coffee with fresh pastries or a sandwich. This is an excellent spot for those seeing off or meeting passengers, as well as for travellers arriving at the airport early. One of the popular establishments here is the So!Coffee shop, offering a wide selection of coffee drinks, desserts, and light snacks.

The majority of restaurants and cafes are concentrated in the departure zone (after security control). Here the choice is somewhat wider so that passengers can comfortably spend time waiting for their flight.

• For a full meal: The main establishment in the departure zone is the Eat&Fly bistro. Here you can order hot dishes, including Polish cuisine such as dumplings (pierogi) or soups, as well as popular international items like pasta, salads, and burgers. This is the best choice if you have enough time and want a hearty meal.
• For a quick snack: If time is limited, you can visit the 1 Minute Smacznego! format stores, which sell ready-made sandwiches, salads, yoghurts, beverages, and snacks. Coffee shops are also operating in the departure zone where you can quickly grab a coffee and pastry to go.

Regarding special dietary requirements, vegetarian options are generally available on the bistro menu (for example, salads or dumplings with cabbage and mushrooms). Finding vegan, gluten-free, or Halal dishes might be more challenging due to the limited range, so it is best to verify ingredients with the staff or choose naturally suitable products, such as fruit salads or packaged snacks. The price range in the airport establishments corresponds to average European airport prices — slightly higher than in the city, but quite acceptable. Most cafes and restaurants operate according to the flight schedule, opening early in the morning and closing after the departure of the last aircraft.

To ensure your journey through Warsaw-Modlin Airport goes as smoothly as possible, please make use of our tips. We recommend arriving at the airport at least 2-3 hours before departure, especially if your flight falls during morning peak hours or weekends. Although the airport is small, it primarily serves low-cost carrier flights, which can create queues at baggage drop counters and security control. Most airlines require you to complete online check-in in advance, so please do this before arriving to avoid extra fees.

Be prepared in advance when going through security control: pack all liquids up to 100 ml in a transparent bag and remove laptops and other large electronics from your hand luggage. Regarding seat selection on the plane, budget airlines typically charge for this service. If you do not wish to pay extra, the system will assign you a seat randomly during check-in. To increase the chances of sitting together with travel companions, complete online check-in simultaneously.

Pay special attention to hand luggage rules. Low-cost carriers are very strict regarding the size and weight of bags. Be sure to check your airline's allowances before leaving and weigh your luggage at home to avoid paying for excess weight at the airport. It is prohibited to carry sharp objects, weapons, and liquids in containers larger than 100 ml. Modlin Airport is not a major transfer hub, so if you have a self-planned transfer, allow extra time. You will likely need to collect your luggage, and go through check-in and security control again.

Passengers travelling within the Schengen Area usually do not pass passport control, but random checks are possible. Customs control operates on a "green" and "red" channel system. If you have nothing to declare, feel free to go through the green channel. To save money, buy beverages and snacks after passing security or bring an empty water bottle and fill it at drinking fountains. Also, book your transfer to Warsaw in advance — this is often more cost-effective than paying for it on the spot.

In the event of a flight delay, remain calm. The airport has several cafes and shops where you can pass the time. It is important to know your rights: for long delays (according to EU261 regulations), the airline is obliged to provide passengers with vouchers for food and, if necessary, hotel accommodation. First of all, contact your airline's representative for accurate information and instructions.