How to Get from Ukraine to Warsaw Airports by Bus: Chopin and Modlin

The easiest route is a bus from Ukraine to Warszawa Zachodnia, then the SKM S2 or S3 city train to Chopin Airport (WAW). Modlin (WMI) takes a Koleje Mazowieckie train plus a shuttle bus. Information is current as of November 2026.

What is the difference between Chopin and Modlin airports?

Chopin (WAW) lies 8 km from central Warsaw and is the city's main airport. Modlin (WMI) sits outside the city and mostly serves low-cost airlines. Flights to Modlin are often cheaper, but the transfer is longer and costlier, so the savings can shrink.

How long is the bus from Kyiv and Lviv to Warsaw?

According to ticket aggregators, Lviv to Warsaw takes 8.5 to 14 hours (about 10 on average), and Kyiv to Warsaw about 16 on average. Most carriers stop at the Warszawa Zachodnia coach station (Dworzec Zachodni), and some go straight to Chopin or Modlin. Check the exact stop in the carrier's timetable.

How to get from Warszawa Zachodnia to Chopin Airport?

Warszawa Zachodnia station is next to the coach station. SKM city trains run to the airport from here:

• S2 runs via Zachodnia, Śródmieście and Wschodnia;
• S3 runs via Zachodnia, Centralna and Wschodnia;
• Warszawa Lotnisko Chopina is an underground station right at the terminal.

The train takes about 20 minutes from the centre and runs every 20 to 30 minutes. Bus 175 passes near Centralna but is slower (30 to 45 minutes). The night line N32 leaves from Warszawa Centralna.

Read also: Bus from Ukraine to Kraków Airport

How to reach the airport from Warszawa Wschodnia?

From Warszawa Wschodnia the same S2 and S3 trains go to the airport with no change. Look for Lotnisko Chopina on the departure board.

How to get to Modlin Airport?

There is no direct rail link to Modlin. Koleje Mazowieckie trains leave from Warszawa Gdańska, Warszawa Zachodnia (platform P9) and Lotnisko Chopina to Modlin station, where a shuttle takes you to the terminal. The train takes about 40 to 44 minutes, the shuttle about 10, so roughly one hour in total.

The Bilet Lotniskowy airport ticket costs 22.40 zł one way. It covers the train, the shuttle and 75 minutes of Warsaw zone 1 transport. A shuttle-only ticket costs 7.10 zł, and the driver does not sell tickets. The shuttle runs from about 4:00 to 1:25.

Direct buses also exist: Flixbus from 30 zł, Contbus about 40 zł, around 50 minutes. Some stop at Młociny metro or Zachodnia rather than the centre. A taxi or Bolt usually costs about 100 zł, more at night.

Which ZTM ticket do you need in Warsaw?

Chopin Airport and the SKM are in zone 1. A standard 75-minute ZTM ticket is valid on SKM, buses, trams and the metro in zone 1. Fares rose in 2026, so check the current price in the ZTM app or on a ticket machine. The airport ticket does not open metro gates: use the lift or get a free pass at a passenger service point.

What to choose for an early flight, and what border buffer to allow?

For flights before 7 a.m., Chopin is safer: the N32 night bus and taxis run overnight. The first Modlin shuttle leaves at 4:00, so an early flight without a taxi is risky. Border queues can hold a bus for hours, so arrive in Warsaw at least a day before departure rather than on the flight day.

FAQ

Is there a bus from Kyiv straight to Chopin Airport?

Some carriers stop at Chopin or Modlin. Check the stop in the timetable, otherwise ride to Warszawa Zachodnia.

Which is better, Chopin or Modlin?

A Modlin flight may be cheaper, but the transfer takes up to an hour and costs 22.40 zł. For Chopin, a city ticket is enough.

How long from Warszawa Zachodnia to Chopin?

About 20 minutes by S2 or S3, but check the SKM timetable before you travel.