Warsaw Travel Forum

My 11 yr old and I will be arriving at the WAW airport on 12 March. Given that it will be one adult and one cild with 2 (small) pieces of luggage- what is the most efficient/affordable way to get into the city proper. I don't have a hotel selected yet so I don't know if I'll have the option of a hotel shuttle bus for the trip.

I am SO excited about this trip. Feel free to offer any hotel/restaurant/sightseeing suggestions. It's our first trip to Polnd- we'll be in Warsaw for 8 days.

Thanks!

The airport website pages (in English) detail transport options:

http://www.lotnisko-chopina.pl/katalog/dojazd/en/dojazd.php

Have a look at the VT Warsaw pages too, for info and tips on restaurants, things to do etc etc.

You can always take the 175 bus to the centre, but I don't know where you will be staying. But be careful, this line is notorious for pickpockets, who love all tourists and you cannot pretend you are not tourists if you speak English and carry luggage. If you'd rather take a taxi, go to the Sawa Taxi stand and they will order one for you. Don't get into any of the private taxis waiting at the airport. Most of them are there to rip you off! The choice of the hotel depends on how much you would be prepared to spend.
Enjoy your time in Warsaw!

Take Taxi(Sawa, MPT, Merc) it`s only 10$ to centrum.

Yes, but agree on the price in advance, just in case.

There are three licensed taxi corporations at the airport: Merc, MPT, Sawa. These will not rip you off, no need to panic. However you should not use other corporations or "no-name" taxis. More info here:
http://www.lotnisko-chopina.pl/katalog/dojazd/en/dojazd_taxi.php

8 days is quite a lot to see Warsaw, you will be able to enjoy it step by step. Have fun!

take the 175 bus in to town...its slow but cheap....buy a doba(24 hour pass)at the airport magazine stand just before you exit the terminal.....dont let people scare you on here...its safe...just exercize the usual cautions that you would anywhere.....i've ridden it plenty so i know..if i can suggest staying at the polonia palace...its on the 175 line as all other public transportation meets almost right in front of the hotel...a really great breakfast too!.if you have other ideas for a hotel ....float the idea on here and we'll let you know

If you'd rather stay at a (much) cheaper place, the cheapest hotels in Warsaw (hotels not hostels) are Portos, Atos and Aramis. My English friend stayed at Portos and was quite satisfied. They are not in the very centre but conveniently situated, with excellent public transport to the centre and the Old Town, just a few stops from the Lazienki Palace and Park, and Wilanow Palace and Park. But it would be better to take a taxi from the airport if you stay there or you will have to change buses.

Hi,
Almost all international incomming flight, passengers now diverted to the new terminal (number 2) for taking their lugage and getting out. Just after the glassed doors of customs "nothing to declare" path turn right. By the end of the hall on your left you should see the booth serving the 3 licensed taxi companies. Ask them for a taxi and you'll be just fine. Do not argue about the price, the driver shall automatically turn on the meter.

For relatively cheap hotel, to add on what evaanna wrote, I can recommend the "premiere classe", which is much closer to the center and with more transport options. More info on:
http://www.campanile.com.pl/waw_pc_eng.html
The breakfast is not wirth its name, but one can always go to the more classy neighbour "prestige" and get it there. These hotels belonge to same company so they do cooperate.

If you'd like good, clean hostel with not very far condirions then 1 star hotel, without fancy reception but with fully equiped kitchen and freindly staff, try "Helvetia". They are just 250 meters from statue of Copernicus. They have private rooms with or without bathroom. The option for making your own breakfast and late snack is good benefit that you'll not find in any hotal.
More info here: http://www.hostel-helvetia.pl
I'd just spend 8 days there with my daughter
(who is more 30 then 8 years old.......), it was exellent.

Warsaw have very efficient public transport system. You can buy a whole week (7 days) ticket valid for all means of public transport for just 24 PLN, 3 days ticket for 12 PLN or 1 day ticket for 7.20 PLN

Read pages of Evaanna, Acornman and others about Warsaw. Good preparation is the best step for goot journey.

BTW, noticing your home-town name, just reminded my the ship by this name which was the evidence and proof for the might and superiority of russian-soviet naval artillery. It fired only once, but ruined a whole country for more then 70 years...:-) .

Read adin's page on Warsaw too. It has a lot of interesting information.

Hi!

Dont spend all 8 days in Warsaw. Do day-trips to other nice cities like Zamosc, Kazimierz Dolny, Torun... :)

Check the new Warsaw page of MichaelFalk1969. His accommodation tip looks great to me, especially if you are travelling with a child.