Maraton
Travel tips
This guide covers everything you need to plan your trip to Warsaw for the event.
Find more information about airports in Warsaw and how to get to the city center quickly and easily.
You will also find practical details about public transport, weather conditions during the event, and accessibility for people with disabilities.
Getting to Warsaw from major cities in Europe
Whether you’re traveling from across Europe for your first Warsaw Marathon, getting to Poland’s capital is straightforward and convenient. Below you’ll find practical information and travel options from major European cities, including flight times, train connections, and alternative transport method.
Travel by plane:
Warsaw is served by two airports:
Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) – Main international airport, 20–25 minutes from the city center. Chopin Airport is the most convenient and recommended for marathon visitors
- Taxi: 20–30 minutes depending on traffic
- Uber / Bolt: Widely available
- Urban Rapid Rail (SKM): Direct train connection to the city center (approx. 20–25 minutes)
- Public buses: Several direct city bus lines operate between the airport and central Warsaw
Warsaw Modlin Airport (WMI) – Mainly low-cost carriers, about 40–50 minutes from the city center
- Taxi: 40–50 minutes depending on traffic
- Airport Bus + Train: Dedicated shuttle bus to Modlin railway station, then direct train to Warsaw city center (approx. 60–70 minutes total)
- Direct Airport Bus: Scheduled coach services connect Modlin Airport directly with central Warsaw (approx. 45–60 minutes)
Tickets for buses and trains can be purchased online, at ticket machines, or directly from the operator. If you are arriving late in the evening, check schedules in advance, as connections may be less frequent.
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Direct Flight Times from Major Cities
| City | Approx. Flight Time | Airlines (Examples) |
|---|---|---|
| London | 2h 30m | LOT, British Airways, Wizz Air |
| Paris | 2h 20m | LOT, Air France, Wizz Air |
| Berlin | 1h 15m | LOT |
| Rome | 2h 30m | LOT, Wizz Air, Ryanair |
| Madrid | 3h 30m | LOT, Iberia |
| Vienna | 1h 15m | LOT, Austrian Airlines |
| Stockholm | 1h 40m | LOT, SAS |
| Amsterdam | 2h 00m | LOT, KLM |
Travel by train
Traveling by train is a comfortable and environmentally friendly option, especially from neighboring countries.
Direct Train Connections
- Berlin → Warsaw: ~5h 30m (direct EuroCity train)
- Vienna → Warsaw: ~7h 30m (direct options available)
- Prague → Warsaw: ~8h
- Budapest → Warsaw: ~9h
- Vilnius → Warsaw: ~7–8h
Warsaw has several main stations:
- Warszawa Centralna (central station, most convenient)
- Warszawa Zachodnia
- Warszawa Wschodnia
All are well connected to public transport.
Travel by Long-Distance Bus
Budget-friendly bus services operate across Europe, including:
- FlixBus
- Sindbad
- Ecolines
Travel times vary but are often longer than train or plane. This option works best if you’re traveling from nearby countries.
Getting to Warsaw from major cities in USA & Canada
Traveling from North America to run the Warsaw Marathon? Warsaw is well connected with major U.S. and Canadian cities through direct and one-stop flights. Below you’ll find the most practical travel options and helpful planning tips.
Travel by plane:
Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) is the main international airport and the recommended arrival point for marathon participants.
- Public buses: Several direct city bus lines operate between the airport and central Warsaw
- Taxi/Uber/Bolt: 20–30 minutes depending on traffic
- Urban Rapid Rail (SKM): Direct train connection to the city center (approx. 20–25 minutes)
Direct Flights to Warsaw (WAW)
LOT Polish Airlines operates direct long-haul flights from:
| City | Approx. Flight Time | Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| New York (JFK) | 8h 30m | LOT Polish Airlines |
| Newark (EWR) | 8h 30m | LOT Polish Airlines |
| Chicago (ORD) | 9h 00m | LOT Polish Airlines |
| Toronto (YYZ) | 8h 30m | LOT Polish Airlines |
Direct flight availability may vary seasonally.
Arrival Tips for Marathon Runners
Arrive early. We strongly recommend arriving at least 2 days before race day to allow time for:
- Jet lag adjustment
- Bib collection at the Marathon Expo
- Light shake-out run
- Rest and recovery
Time Difference
Warsaw operates on Central European Summer Time (CEST) (during daylight saving time).
Time difference examples:
- New York / Toronto: +6 hours
- Chicago: +7 hours
- Los Angeles: +9 hours
Travel & Entry Information
Poland is part of the Schengen Area.
- U.S. and Canadian citizens may enter visa-free for short stays (up to 90 days within a 180-day period).
- Your passport should be valid for at least three months beyond your planned departure date.
Always verify current entry requirements before travel.
Getting to Warsaw from major cities in Europe
Warsaw is well connected through major international hubs and selected direct routes.
Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) is the main international airport and the recommended arrival point for marathon participants.
- Public buses: Several direct city bus lines operate between the airport and central Warsaw
- Taxi/Uber/Bolt: 20–30 minutes depending on traffic
- Urban Rapid Rail (SKM): Direct train connection to the city center (approx. 20–25 minutes)
Direct Flights to Warsaw (WAW)
Currently, direct intercontinental routes are limited and may vary seasonally.
| City | Approx. Flight Time | Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo (NRT) | 12h 30m | LOT Polish Airlines (seasonal/subject to schedule) |
| Beijing (PEK) | 10h 00m | Air China (subject to schedule) |
Direct route availability may change depending on season and operational schedules. Always verify current connections when booking.
One-Stop Connections
Many travelers from China and Japan reach Warsaw via one major hub in Europe or the Middle East.
Common transfer airports include:
- Frankfurt (FRA)
- Munich (MUC)
- Vienna (VIE)
- Helsinki (HEL)
- Doha (DOH)
- Dubai (DXB)
Arrival Tips for Marathon Runners
Arrive early. We strongly recommend arriving at least 2 days before race day to allow time for:
- Jet lag adjustment
- Bib collection at the Marathon Expo
- Light shake-out run
- Rest and recovery
Time Difference
Warsaw operates on Central European Summer Time (CEST) (during daylight saving time).
Time difference examples:
- Tokyo: 8 hours
- Beijing: 7 hours
Visa and entry requirements
Check if you need a visa for travel to Poland on the government site right here.
Public transport
Warsaw has a modern, reliable, and easy-to-use public transport system. It includes:
- Metro (2 lines)
- Trams
- Buses
- Urban Rapid Rail (SKM)
Public transport operates daily from early morning until late at night. Night bus lines run after midnight.
Metro
Warsaw has two metro lines:
- M1 – North to south
- M2 – East to west
The metro is fast, clean, and the easiest way to move across the city center. Trains run approximately every 2–5 minutes during peak hours.
Trams & Buses
Trams and buses cover the entire city and reach areas not served by the metro.
- Daytime services run frequently.
- Night buses operate after midnight.
- Stops are clearly marked and announced in Polish and English.
Electronic boards at major stops display real-time departure information.
Tickets
Public transport uses a time-based ticket system.
Common ticket types:
- 20-minute ticket
- 75-minute ticket
- 90-minute ticket
- 24-hour and multi-day tickets
Tickets are valid across all forms of public transport (metro, tram, bus, SKM).
You can purchase tickets:
- At ticket machines (available at metro stations and many stops)
- Via mobile apps
Tickets must be validated at the beginning of your journey.
Useful Apps
- Jakdojade (route planning and ticket purchase)
- Google Maps (accurate public transport navigation)
Public Transport on Marathon Day
On the day of the Warsaw Marathon:
- Public transport is free for registered runners.
- Your race bib serves as your ticket.
- Expect temporary route changes and road closures near the marathon course.
- Metro lines usually operate normally and are the most reliable way to reach the start and finish areas.
We recommend checking updated route information a few days before race day.
Typical weather
Late September in Warsaw usually means mild, comfortable autumn weather. It is one of the most pleasant times of the year for long-distance running. While conditions can vary slightly each year, the weather is typically stable and runner-friendly.
Around 27 September, you can expect:
- Morning (race start time): 9–14°C (50–57°F)
- Afternoon high: 16–21°C (63–68°F)
- Evening: 12–15°C (54–59°F)
Wind conditions are typically mild, with average speeds of 5–15 km/h.
Official tourist information points
If you need maps, local recommendations, or practical assistance during your stay, you can visit official Warsaw Tourist Information (Warszawska Informacja Turystyczna) points located in the city center. Staff speak English and can help with transport, attractions, cultural events, and general city guidance.
Main Tourist Information Offices
Palace of Culture and Science (City Center)
Address: Plac Defilad 1
Located inside the Palace of Culture and Science, close to the main railway station (Warszawa Centralna).
This is the most convenient location for visitors arriving by train or staying in central Warsaw.
Old Town Market Square
Address: Rynek Starego Miasta 19/21/21a
Located in the heart of Warsaw’s historic Old Town. Ideal if you are sightseeing before or after the marathon.
Warsaw Chopin Airport (Arrivals Area)
A tourist information desk is available in the arrivals hall, offering maps and essential guidance immediately after landing.
Discounts on stays in Warsaw
Discover the special discounts we have prepared for you together with our Partners.
The Run and Travel offer will be prepared in cooperation with the Mazovian Regional Tourist Organization and the Warsaw Tourist Organization. The 2026 offer will be published mid-year. You’ll there find special tourist deals prepared for race participants and their families.
