list of airports in Poland
Exploring the Airports of Poland: A Comprehensive Guide
Poland is a country experiencing a surge in tourism and business travel, and its network of airports is expanding to meet the demand. Whether you’re planning a city break to Krakow, a business trip to Warsaw, or exploring the Baltic coast, understanding the Polish airport landscape is crucial. This guide provides a comprehensive overview of the airports in Poland, covering everything from major international hubs to smaller regional facilities.
Major International Airports
Poland boasts several international airports capable of handling significant passenger volumes and offering connections to destinations worldwide. These are the primary gateways for most travelers.
- Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW): The busiest airport in Poland, Warsaw Chopin Airport serves as the main hub for LOT Polish Airlines. It offers a vast network of domestic and international flights, connecting Poland to Europe, North America, and Asia. Located just 10km from the city center, it’s easily accessible by train and bus.
- Krakow Airport (KRK): Poland’s second-busiest airport, Krakow Airport is a popular choice for tourists visiting the historic city of Krakow and the surrounding region, including Auschwitz-Birkenau. It’s well-served by low-cost carriers, offering affordable flights across Europe.
- Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport (GDN): Serving the Tricity area (Gdańsk, Gdynia, and Sopot), Gdańsk Airport is a key entry point for exploring Poland’s Baltic coast. It’s experiencing rapid growth and offers an increasing number of international connections.
- Katowice Airport (KTW): Located in Pyrzowice, Katowice Airport serves the Silesian region, a major industrial and cultural hub. It’s another popular airport for budget airlines and offers connections to various European destinations.
- Wrocław Airport (WRO): Serving the city of Wrocław, a vibrant cultural center, this airport has undergone significant modernization and expansion. It provides a growing range of direct flights to European cities.
Regional Airports: Connecting Poland’s Provinces
Beyond the major hubs, Poland has a network of regional airports that facilitate travel within the country and to select international destinations. These airports often provide a more convenient and less crowded experience.
- Poznań–Ławica Henryk Wieniawski Airport (POZ): Serving the city of Poznań, a significant economic and academic center, this airport offers connections to several European cities.
- Szczecin–Goleniów Solidarity Airport (SZZ): Located near Szczecin, a port city in northwestern Poland, this airport primarily serves domestic and seasonal charter flights.
- Bydgoszcz Ignacy Jan Paderewski Airport (BZJ): A smaller airport serving the city of Bydgoszcz, it mainly handles domestic flights and some international connections.
- Lublin Airport (LUZ): Serving the Lublin region in eastern Poland, this airport is growing in importance, offering flights to various European destinations, particularly for workers abroad.
- Rzeszów–Jasionka Airport (RZE): Located near Rzeszów, a city in southeastern Poland, this airport has seen increased traffic due to its proximity to the Ukrainian border and growing economic activity in the region.
- Zielona Góra–Babimost Airport (IEG): Primarily a cargo airport, it also handles some passenger flights, mainly charter and seasonal routes.
- Łódź Władysław Reymont Airport (LCJ): Serving the city of Łódź, a major industrial and film production center, this airport is undergoing development to attract more airlines and passengers.
A Table of Polish Airports
| Airport Name | IATA Code | ICAO Code | City Served | Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Warsaw Chopin Airport | WAW | EPWA | Warsaw | International |
| Krakow Airport | KRK | EPKK | Krakow | International |
| Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport | GDN | EPKG | Gdańsk | International |
| Katowice Airport | KTW | EPGC | Katowice | International |
| Wrocław Airport | WRO | EPWR | Wrocław | International |
| Poznań–Ławica Henryk Wieniawski Airport | POZ | EPPO | Poznań | Regional |
| Szczecin–Goleniów Solidarity Airport | SZZ | EPSC | Szczecin | Regional |
| Bydgoszcz Ignacy Jan Paderewski Airport | BZJ | EPBY | Bydgoszcz | Regional |
| Lublin Airport | LUZ | EPLZ | Lublin | Regional |
| Rzeszów–Jasionka Airport | RZE | EPRZ | Rzeszów | Regional |
| Zielona Góra–Babimost Airport | IEG | EPZG | Zielona Góra | Regional/Cargo |
| Łódź Władysław Reymont Airport | LCJ | EPLC | Łódź | Regional |
Navigating Polish Airports: Tips for Travelers
- Transportation: Most major Polish airports are well-connected to city centers by train, bus, and taxi. Consider pre-booking airport transfers for a hassle-free experience.
- Currency Exchange: While currency exchange facilities are available at the airports, they often offer less favorable rates. It’s generally recommended to exchange currency in the city center or use an ATM.
- Language: English is widely spoken at Polish airports, particularly in the international terminals. However, learning a few basic Polish phrases can be helpful.
- Security: Be prepared for standard airport security procedures. Allow ample time for check-in and security screening, especially during peak travel seasons.
- Duty-Free Shopping: Polish airports offer a range of duty-free shops selling souvenirs, alcohol, tobacco, and other goods.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Which is the largest airport in Poland?
Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) is the largest and busiest airport in Poland.
2. Are there many low-cost airlines flying to Poland?
Yes, Poland is well-served by numerous low-cost carriers like Ryanair, Wizz Air, and easyJet.
3. How easy is it to get from Krakow Airport to the city center?
Very easy! You can take the train, bus, or a taxi. The train is the fastest and most convenient option.
4. Is it necessary to speak Polish at the airports?
No, English is widely spoken, especially at the larger international airports.
5. What is the best way to find flight deals to Poland?
Use flight comparison websites and be flexible with your travel dates. Booking in advance or during off-peak seasons can also help.
Resources
- LOT Polish Airlines: https://www.lot.com/
- Warsaw Chopin Airport: https://www.lotnisko-chopina.pl/en/
- Krakow Airport: https://www.krakowairport.pl/en/
- Gdańsk Airport: https://airportgdansk.pl/en/
- Polish Tourism Organisation: https://pot.gov.pl/en
- Official Travel Portal of Poland: https://www.poland.travel/en