I think one time I tried to buy a 72hr pass from the ticket machine with a CC. And IIRC, it didn't go through because it was asking me for a PIN. It was a while back, so I'm not certain. But I did have a problem though. There might be a ZTM kiosk/counter in the baggage claim area. I'm just familiar with the automats outside at the bus stop. Or there could be a manned counter where the underground train station is.

If / when I use subway I almost always buy the ticket with my MasterCard CC. Either PIN or "Pay Wave". You might be able to buy it at the manned counter but you need to find it first and ask the personnel to accept the card for a small transaction (below 10PLN/3.5USD). You can definitely pay for a taxi with American CC! Just ask the driver

mfk

You all are great - in Warsaw now, waiting for my flight.

Here's what I found.

Upon arrival - Schengen or non-Schenger - all pax will eventually enter into the same area, with Schengen bypassing Immigration. From there follow the signs "To City".

You'll pass through baggage claim and then exit via customs, and you'll be out in the terminal. I decided to check my bag and am glad I did as I didn't see anyplace for "left luggage" although I didn't look terribly hard.

You'll find a Bankomat to your left once in the terminal, if you want cash. Once you have Polish Currency go back the way you came and as you're nearing the end of the terminal you'll see a train/bus information desk on the left (look for the RED storefront). The person there will sell you a day pass using either cash or a credit card. They also have free maps. Both the airport and city are zone 1, so it will be PL15, and there was no surcharge to buy from a person. This I learned the hard way.

What did I do instead? I went outside and found a ticket machine, which does take currency, but not PL50, which is what the Bankomat dispensed (I think the ticket machine only takes 5 and 10 notes and coins, maybe a 20??). It also takes credit cards, but every card I tried failed, even those with a PIN. I got as far as entering my PIN and then got "refused." Had you been watching, at this point you would have seen a very frustrated Milepig hopping up and down and muttering Mein Gott in Himmel along with a few f-bombs.

So back into the terminal to buy a coke or something to break the 50, which is when I found the train/bus desk I'd passed before, where the person happily took my 50.

Back out to find the bus, which meant following the signs with pictures of trains and buses, or so I thought. After a bit of a walk I found myself at the motor coach/shuttle bus terminal, not the city buses. I was not alone, there were about 5 of us all looking puzzled - more "Mein Gotts" ensued.

Finally I see a sign that says "Autobus" pointing BACK toward the terminal where we found the stops almost outside the door - look for the red shelters toward your right as you exit. Why this wasn't signposted FROM the terminal remains a mystery.

All sorted, the 175 rocks, don't forget to run your pass through the machine on the bus the first time. Right to city center and then to the old city in only a few minutes. I can't imagine why anyone would take the train and then transfer to the 175 in the city, no need. I found the route fascinating, a big wide road (boulevard, really) lined with trees and greenery until we were almost in the city center. Once you turn onto Nowy Swiat you'll be on a very nice shopping stretch (as described above) but rather than exiting then I stayed on until University, which is one stop from the end of the line.

All you need to do is continue walking in the direction the bus was traveling. You'll pass the Hotel Bristol and a couple blocks later you'll be in the center of the Old City. Couldn't be easier. Really interesting area, it gave me a feel of what Warsaw must have once been like.

I walked around for awhile and did some window shopping, but it was too cold to sit at an outside cafe, and with the free Vodka and Polish Ham calling back at the LOT lounge I headed back. On the way back, I walked all the way down Nowy Swiat passing the cute shops and soon after I arrived at the last stop on the stretch a #175 appeared and off we went. If you have more time toward the end if you looks right you'll see a long shopping street that leads to the large shopping mall, from which the 175 would again be a short walk. That looked interesting, but my dogs were barking.

Arriving back at the terminal I have another hint. I thought that there would be a security check after passport control (if going non-schengen) but there wasn't. So I bought goodies in the main duty-free before control but not my Vodka to take home. I could have done it all there in one stop. Also the LOT lounge that's past passport control is very small and not quite as well stocked as the one upstairs before control. Lines were very short and I'd suggest spending most of your time at the larger and nicer upstairs lounge.

All in all, a great way to kill 3 hours or so. General observations? Well worth the time and minimal investment. Warsaw still feels less westernized (whatever that means) than the rest of Europe, and not that it matters to me there was much less English in evidence - not spoken, not on the bus announcements, not on the signs, very different from every other major European city I've been to over the years. Don't shoot me, this isn't a criticism in any way, just an observation. Maybe it was my mood and the dark cold damp day, but Warsaw seemed a little depressed to me - few colorful banners, no throngs of smiling people, sort of dour. Many of the beautiful older buildings were badly in need of a good renovation and general scrubbing. But, all fascinating and worth the time.

Bottom line? Long layover - take the 175, you won't regret it!!!

great stuff, I'm glad you liked it.

Tiny note - 175 bus is good, you've been here on Saturday. Pls expect a little longer time during weekdays

mfk

Little tip on English in Warsaw, most young people will understand you and be happy to help. Please be aware of petty thiefs in public transport - especially 175 line.

For a quick look I would add stop in city center by Dworzec Centralny (central train station) and visit top floor of Pałac Kultury i Nauki (Palace of Culture and Science). It's right in a center and offers nice view + communist architecture. Entrance to XXX floor is from East side open from 9 AM to 6 PM and longer in summer. Entrance fee 18 PLN pp.

Wedel Shop on Szpitalna 8 is a place to stop for a hot chocolate and excellent sweets.

Old Town is good for a stroll but it's a tourist trap. Poznań, Gdańsk, Krak�w and Wrocław offer much better experience in this area.

I agree Warsaw is much greener in summer as there are multiple parks around. Łazienki park is worth a visit with squirrels, peacocks and Chopin concerts in summer.

Stay there a while and you'll see that things are a bit different. Some of the newest and biggest shopping centres in Europe are popping up (or have already opened) all over Poland. Looking for a great multiplex cinema? More there than anywhere else I would imagine.

English is not a problem. It might not be Scandinavia in terms of English-language prowess, but it's way, way above what you will encounter in most of Europe, especially anywhere south. To this day I recall the "International Help Desk" at the main int'l airport in Madrid... and how the lady just shrugged at my question and let me know that she doesn't comprehend English.

Apologies for bumping an old thread, if that is not considered good form here...

I am transiting WAW on a Saturday in late May. Arrive from EWR at 0950 and depart to ZRH at 1435, so 4 hours 45 minutes if all goes to schedule.

Is the above info still basically correct for getting out of the airport on a 5 hour layover? It sounds perfect for what I would like to do - to get out of the airport for bit before heading to ZRH and onward to BKK.
Good break during a long stretch of flights.

Any significant changes since 2013?

Thanks.

It's still fine. In fact, you can now take a commuter train service (SKM) into the city centre (S2, S3) direct from the terminal so that should be quicker than the 175.