The insider's guide, from travelers who've actually been through.
Warsaw-Modlin Mazovia Airport (WMI) is Warsaw’s budget airline hub, located 40 kilometres north-west of the city centre. The fastest way to the city centre is the direct ModlinBus/FlixBus coach, 50 minutes to Warszawa Centralna for PLN 30-40 (€6-9). If you booked a Ryanair or low-cost flight into Warsaw, you’ll likely land here rather than at the larger Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW). The single most important thing to know: Modlin sits much farther from central Warsaw than most travellers expect. Budget roughly an hour each way.
Before your layover here
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Three ways to reach central Warsaw from Modlin, ranked by what most travellers should book:
ModlinBus and FlixBus (recommended): Direct coaches depart from outside the terminal and reach central Warsaw (near Warszawa Centralna station and the Palace of Culture) in 50 minutes. Tickets cost around PLN 30-40 (€6-9) when booked online in advance. Departures are timed to flight arrivals and departures.
Train via Modlin station: A shuttle bus connects the airport to Modlin railway station (5 minutes), where Koleje Mazowieckie regional trains run to Warszawa Centralna. Total journey time is 60-70 minutes. A combined shuttle+train ticket runs about PLN 20-22, cheaper than the coach, but involves a transfer.
Taxi or rideshare: The 40km distance means expect to pay PLN 150-200 (€30-45) for a door-to-door journey of 40-50 minutes depending on traffic. Use Uber, Bolt, or book a fixed-price transfer in advance rather than hailing at the airport rank.
Fares change with fuel costs and season. Verify current prices on the ModlinBus or Koleje Mazowieckie site before you travel; the ranges above are current as of late 2026.
The 40km distance means you need at least 6-7 hours between flights to make a Warsaw layover trip to the city worthwhile. Here’s why:
That leaves you with about 2-3 hours in the city on a 6-hour layover, enough for a quick walk around the Old Town and a pierogi lunch, but not much more. See the full Warsaw layover guide for a longer itinerary if your connection gives you more time.
Under 5-6 hours: Stay at the airport. The round-trip transport eats most of your time.
6-9 hours: You can visit Warsaw’s Old Town (UNESCO-listed reconstruction), the Royal Castle, and grab a meal. Stay in the compact historic centre to maximize your time.
9+ hours: Add the Warsaw Uprising Museum, Łazienki Park, or the Vistula riverfront.
Most connections at Modlin are self-transfer (separate tickets), so you’ll re-check baggage and clear security again rather than connecting airside.
Modlin operates from a single compact terminal. Facilities are functional but limited compared to a major hub:
If you want to work or eat comfortably, do it before security in the landside café area.
Budget airlines often schedule very early departures from Modlin (5-7am). The airport is not designed for overnight stays: seating is basic and food options close in the evening.
Where to stay: Consider a hotel in Nowy Dwór Mazowiecki or the Modlin area (10-15 minutes by taxi) rather than travelling from central Warsaw at 3am. Options include the Ibis Styles Modlin and local guesthouses.
Sleeping at the airport: You can stay in the terminal overnight, but expect hard seating, limited facilities, and no 24-hour food service. Bring a travel blanket if you’re overnighting here.
How long does it take from Warsaw-Modlin Mazovia Airport to Warsaw city centre? 50 minutes by direct ModlinBus/FlixBus coach, or 60-70 minutes by shuttle bus plus train via Modlin station.
Is Warsaw Modlin the same airport as Warsaw Chopin? No. They are two separate airports roughly 45km apart. Modlin (WMI) handles Ryanair and Wizz Air budget routes; Chopin (WAW) is the main hub 10km south of the city and serves full-service carriers.
Is there a train from Warsaw Modlin Airport to the city? Not directly from the terminal. A short shuttle bus (5 minutes) connects to Modlin railway station, where Koleje Mazowieckie trains run to Warszawa Centralna.
How much is a taxi from Warsaw Modlin to the city centre? PLN 150-200 (€30-45) for the 40-50 minute, 40km journey. Book through Uber, Bolt, or a pre-arranged transfer rather than the airport taxi rank.
Use the tools above to calculate your specific layover buffer and confirm you have enough time to leave Modlin for the city.
