Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW): Complete Guide for Travelers from Belarus

General Information

WAW is located 10 km south-west of Warsaw city centre. Distance from Minsk — approximately 550–600 km; journey time by transfer is 7–9 hours including the border. The airport operates 24/7. Main airlines: LOT, Ryanair, Wizz Air, Lufthansa, Turkish Airlines.

Terminals: A and B

WAW has two passenger terminals connected by a walkway (5–7 minutes): Terminal A — main terminal, international and European flights; Terminal B — budget carriers (Ryanair, Wizz Air). Before you travel, check your airline's website to confirm which terminal your flight uses.

Meet-and-Greet and Transfer

The arrivals and meet-and-greet zone is on the ground floor of both terminals. ComfortLine drivers meet passengers with a name board in the arrivals hall. Drop-off parking: P1 (Terminal A) and P2 (Terminal B); the first 15–20 minutes are free.

Modlin (WMI) — An Alternative to WAW

Warsaw Modlin Airport (WMI) is 35 km north of Warsaw — a budget alternative used heavily by Ryanair. From Minsk it takes roughly 30–40 minutes longer. When booking a transfer, always confirm whether you mean WAW or WMI.

Pre-Flight Tips

• ▸Online check-in is mandatory for Ryanair and Wizz Air — printing a boarding pass at the desk costs €50–55.
• ▸Arrive at the airport at least 2 hours early (2.5 hours for WAW Terminal A).
• ▸Flight boards update 24 h in advance. Check your gate online the evening before.
• ▸Currency exchange at the airport is unfavourable — withdraw Polish złoty in advance.
• ▸Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport and works reliably.