How to get to Olsztyn

Olsztyn is the picturesque capital of the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship in Poland, renowned for its numerous lakes and rich historical past. This cosy city attracts travellers with the opportunity to combine sightseeing of ancient landmarks with a relaxed getaway amidst nature.

For those planning a trip, convenient transport accessibility is a major advantage: you can reach the city by train, bus, or car, utilizing a well-developed road network. A journey to Olsztyn offers vivid impressions at any time of the year, revealing the beauty of urban culture and the surrounding landscapes to tourists.

There is no civil airport within the city limits; however, travellers can use the regional airport Olsztyn-Mazury (SZY). It is located in Szymany, approximately 60 kilometres from the provincial centre. This air hub accepts flights from select European cities, and getting from the terminal to your destination can be done via a special rail bus or taxi, which usually takes about an hour.

For those seeking more flexible flight options, the country's major international hubs serve as excellent alternatives. Tourists most often choose the airports of Warsaw or Gdańsk, which service many regular flights from around the world. From these cities, stable rail and bus connections are established, allowing you to comfortably reach the capital of Warmia and Masuria in just a few hours.

Rail connections link Olsztyn with key regions of Poland, offering travellers a comfortable and scenic way to reach the capital of the lake district. The main passenger flow is handled by the Olsztyn Główny station, which serves as an important transport hub for direct routes from Warsaw, Gdańsk, and other major cities. Travel time passes quickly thanks to the beautiful landscapes outside the window, characteristic of this green corner of the country.

Local trains actively run between neighbouring settlements, making it easy to plan a trip around the surrounding areas. For example, you can quickly reach the historic town of Szczytno, located less than an hour away. This mode of transport eliminates the hassle of parking and allows you to immerse yourself in the region's atmosphere immediately upon arrival at the platform. Train tickets can be purchased both at station counters and via online services, making route planning as flexible as possible.

Bus services make Olsztyn easily accessible for travellers from various parts of the country and Europe. The city bus station is located in immediate proximity to the railway station, creating a convenient transport hub for tourists. Routes from major international carriers, such as FlixBus, as well as local PKS companies ensuring stable regional connections, arrive here.

The most popular routes lead from major Polish cities. The journey from Warsaw or Gdańsk on a modern bus usually takes several hours and often becomes a cost-effective alternative to the train. Cabins are typically equipped with air conditioning and Wi-Fi, allowing you to spend time in transit comfortably while watching the changing scenery outside.

Furthermore, the bus network is excellently developed within the Warmian-Masurian Voivodeship itself. This allows tourists to easily reach picturesque lakes and small historic towns in the vicinity. It is recommended to book tickets for popular destinations in advance via the internet, especially during the peak summer season, to guarantee a comfortable seat.

Travelling by car to Olsztyn is an excellent opportunity to enjoy the scenic landscapes of the lake district at your own pace. One of the convenient and short routes runs from the neighbouring town of Szczytno: the distance of 50 kilometres can be comfortably covered in just 45–50 minutes. The region's road network is well-developed, so the drive from other major settlements will not take much time either.

Highways in Poland are distinguished by high-quality surfacing, making driving pleasant and untiring. If you plan to use a taxi, it is worth noting that for trips within the city, fares are usually calculated by a meter, whereas for intercity transfers, the cost is often fixed and agreed upon in advance. A personal vehicle will give you complete freedom of movement and the chance to stop by the region's most beautiful lakes at any moment.

Before travelling to Olsztyn, it is useful to know a few nuances that will make your stay comfortable and hassle-free. This cosy corner of Poland is known for its hospitality, but as with any journey, preparation will help you save time and peace of mind.

1. Clothing and Weather: The climate in the Warmia and Masuria region can be changeable even in summer. It is recommended to dress in layers and definitely bring a waterproof windbreaker or umbrella, as well as comfortable flat shoes for walking on the cobblestones of the Old Town and forest paths near the lakes.
2. Transport: It is convenient to move around the city by trams and buses. Tickets can be bought at ticket machines (biletomats) at stops or inside the vehicle, as well as via mobile apps. Do not forget to validate your paper ticket immediately after boarding to avoid fines.
3. Finances: The local currency is the Polish Złoty (PLN). Although bank cards (Visa, Mastercard) are accepted almost everywhere, including restaurants and museums, it is worth carrying some cash for payments in small souvenir shops or public conveniences. Currency can be exchanged at points with the sign "Kantor".
4. Health and Safety: Olsztyn is a calm and safe city. Pharmacies are easy to find by the sign "Apteka", and many basic medicines are available without a prescription. The unified emergency number is 112.
5. Communication: The official language is Polish. In the tourism sector, hotels, and restaurants, staff generally speak English well. Locals will appreciate it if you learn a couple of polite phrases, such as "Dzień dobry" (Good day) or "Dziękuję" (Thank you).
6. Local Etiquette: Poles value politeness: it is customary to greet people when entering small shops and elevators. In restaurants, tips are not automatically included in the bill, but it is considered good manners to leave about 10% of the order amount for quality service.
7. What to Avoid: It is strictly not recommended to cross the street on a red light or in unauthorized places. Additionally, consuming alcoholic beverages in public places (parks, squares) is prohibited by law, and the police issue high fines for this violation.
8. Additional Tip: Do not limit your walks only to the centre. Olsztyn is called the "city of 15 lakes", so be sure to set aside time to visit the public beach area on Lake Ukiel, where excellent infrastructure for relaxation and sports has been created suitable for families.

Following these simple tips will allow you to feel confident and enjoy the atmosphere of the city without being distracted by minor domestic details. May your acquaintance with the capital of Warmia and Masuria be filled only with positive emotions!