Warszawa Centralna (Warsaw Central) is the main railway junction of the capital of Poland and one of the key transport hubs in all of Eastern Europe. The station is located in the very heart of the city, in the immediate vicinity of the famous Palace of Culture and Science and the "Złote Tarasy" (Golden Terraces) shopping centre. The building, which is a striking example of modernist architecture, conceals a complex system of platforms and passageways underground, connecting it to the city's infrastructure.
City
Warsaw
Country
Poland
Type
Railway Station
It is important for passengers to know that the station has an underground structure. The main hall with ticket counters, information points, and waiting areas is located at street level, while all 4 platforms (8 tracks) are situated underground. Escalators and lifts are provided for descending to the trains. The station is integrated into an extensive network of pedestrian underpasses, through which one can access public transport stops and the neighbouring suburban train station, Warszawa Śródmieście.
Contact Information
To plan your journey, check schedules, and receive assistance, you may use the following contacts:
Opening Hours: The station is open 24 hours a day (technical breaks at ticket counters are possible during night hours)
Luggage Storage: Automatic lockers are available 24/7 in the central galleries
Accessibility Information: The station is equipped for passengers with reduced mobility; it is recommended to request assistant support 48 hours prior to travel.
How to Get There
Getting to Warszawa Centralna station is easy from any point in the city, as it serves as a central transport hub.
Public Transport: Surrounding the station are stops for numerous tram routes (e.g., 7, 9, 24) and buses, including night lines. The nearest Metro station — Centrum (Line M1) — is a 5–7 minute walk away through the system of underground passageways.
From the Airport: From Warsaw Chopin Airport, SKM trains (lines S2, S3) and KML trains operate; the travel time is approximately 20–25 minutes. You can also use bus No. 175.
Taxi and Walking: Official taxi ranks are located at the exits of the main hall. From the historic centre (Old Town), you can reach the station on foot in 25–30 minutes via Krakowskie Przedmieście and Nowy Świat streets.
Services and Amenities
Warszawa Centralna offers a wide range of services for a comfortable journey.
Tickets and Waiting: The Main Hall (Hala Główna) houses ticket counters for international and domestic connections, as well as numerous ticket machines. General waiting halls and a separate VIP zone for first-class travellers are available to passengers. Complimentary Wi-Fi is available throughout the premises.
Luggage and Facilities: Automatic luggage lockers of various sizes are located in the station galleries. Power outlets for charging devices are provided in the waiting areas. Paid toilets and shower cabins are available.
Accessibility: The station is adapted for passengers with reduced mobility: there are lifts leading to every platform and specially equipped restrooms.
Dining Options
At the station and in its immediate vicinity, there are many options where you can have a meal before your journey.
Quick Bites: Inside the station (in the main hall and underground passages), popular international fast-food chains (McDonald’s, KFC), bakeries with fresh pastries, and coffee shops (Starbucks, Costa Coffee) are in operation. This is an excellent option for those in a hurry. Many outlets operate 24 hours a day or open early in the morning.
Full Meals: If you have time, we recommend visiting the Złote Tarasy ("Golden Terraces") shopping centre, connected to the station by a direct walkway. On the top floor, there is a large food court featuring diverse cuisine suitable for various dietary preferences. The average bill for lunch is approximately 30–50 PLN.
Station History
The history of the current Warszawa Centralna station building dates back to the 1970s. The project, designed by architects Arseniusz Romanowicz and Piotr Szymaniak, became one of the most ambitious in socialist Poland. Construction was carried out at an accelerated pace and was timed to coincide with the visit of Leonid Brezhnev; the grand opening took place in 1975.
For a long time, the station was considered the most modern in the country, equipped with automatic doors and air conditioning. Before the Euro 2012 championship, a large-scale renovation was conducted: concrete structures were cleaned, and navigation and lighting were updated. Today, the building is recognised as an architectural monument and a striking example of Polish modernism.
Passenger Tips
Arrival Time: We recommend arriving at the station 20–30 minutes before departure. The system of underground passages may seem confusing for a first-time visitor, so allow extra time to find the correct track.
Navigation: Watch the information boards carefully. The Platform number (Peron) and the Track number (Tor) are different things. There are two tracks located at one platform.
Safety: The station is safe and patrolled by police, but as in any busy place, keep an eye on your luggage and pockets. Waiting inside the station at night is permissible, but it is more comfortable to use the 24-hour cafes.
Tickets: It is best to purchase tickets for long-distance trains (Intercity) online in advance to guarantee a seat. Tickets for regional trains can be bought at ticket machines before departure.
