Gdańsk Lech Wałęsa Airport

Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport (GDN) is the main airport serving Poland's Tri-City metropolitan area, comprising Gdansk, Sopot, and Gdynia. Located 12 km west of Gdansk city center, it is the third-busiest airport in Poland, handling over 5 million passengers annually. The airport is named after Nobel Peace Prize laureate and former Polish president Lech Walesa, who led the Solidarity movement from the nearby Gdansk Shipyard.

The airport has a single terminal (Terminal 2) with a straightforward layout:

• Departures: Upper level with check-in halls A and B, security, and gates
• Arrivals: Ground level with baggage claim, customs, and transport connections
• Gates: Numbered 1-15, with gates 1-8 for Schengen flights and gates 9-15 for non-Schengen

The compact single-terminal design means short walking distances and simple navigation. All operations are consolidated in one building, so there is no need for inter-terminal transport.

Key airlines operating from GDN include Wizz Air, Ryanair, LOT Polish Airlines, and Lufthansa, with strong connections to major European hubs and popular holiday destinations.

Gdansk Lech Walesa Airport is located 12 km west of Gdansk city center, with direct rail connections making it easily accessible.

Typical travel times:

• Gdansk Glowny (Main Station): 25-30 minutes by PKM train
• Sopot: 35-40 minutes by PKM train
• Gdynia Glowna: 45-50 minutes by PKM train
• Gdansk city center by taxi: 20-30 minutes (traffic dependent)

The PKM train station (Port Lotniczy) is located directly adjacent to the terminal, connected by a covered walkway.

Uber and Bolt

Both Uber and Bolt operate at Gdansk Airport, offering competitive fares.

• Pickup location: Designated rideshare area outside arrivals
• Services available: UberX, Uber Comfort, Bolt
• Wait times: Typically 5-10 minutes

Destination	Uber/Bolt Fare	Time
Gdansk city center	PLN 50-80 (EUR 12-18)	20-30 min
Gdansk Glowny (Main Station)	PLN 55-85 (EUR 13-20)	20-30 min
Sopot	PLN 70-100 (EUR 16-23)	25-35 min
Gdynia	PLN 100-140 (EUR 23-32)	35-45 min

Taxi

Licensed taxis queue outside the arrivals hall. Look for official airport taxis to avoid overcharging.

Destination	Fare	Time
Gdansk city center	PLN 70-100 (EUR 16-23)	20-30 min
Sopot	PLN 100-130 (EUR 23-30)	25-35 min
Gdynia	PLN 140-180 (EUR 32-42)	35-45 min

Tip: Uber and Bolt are typically 20-30% cheaper than traditional taxis. All major taxis accept credit cards.

PKM Train (Pomorska Kolej Metropolitalna)

The PKM train is the fastest and cheapest way to reach Gdansk and the Tri-City area. The station (Port Lotniczy) is connected to the terminal by a short covered walkway.

To Gdansk Glowny (Main Station):

1. Follow signs to "Kolej/Train" from arrivals
2. Walk 3 minutes to PKM station
3. Take any train toward Gdansk
4. Journey time: 25-30 minutes

Destination	Journey Time	Fare
Gdansk Wrzeszcz	20 min	PLN 5.50 (EUR 1.30)
Gdansk Glowny	25-30 min	PLN 6.50 (EUR 1.50)
Sopot	35-40 min	PLN 8.00 (EUR 1.85)
Gdynia Glowna	45-50 min	PLN 10.00 (EUR 2.30)

Frequency: Every 15-30 minutes during the day Operating hours: Approximately 05:00-23:00 (check current schedules)

Tickets: Purchase from machines at the station or on the Jakdojade or SkyCash apps. Validate your ticket before boarding.

Bus

Bus 210 connects the airport to Gdansk Wrzeszcz station, where you can transfer to local trains and trams.

• Journey time: 40-50 minutes to Wrzeszcz
• Fare: PLN 4.80 (EUR 1.10)
• Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes

Tip: The PKM train is faster and more direct; use the bus only if the train is not running.

Gdansk Airport offers multiple parking options near the terminal.

Terminal Parking

Facility	Location	Rate
P1 (Short-term)	Terminal adjacent	PLN 10/hour, max PLN 80/day
P2 (Covered)	2-min walk	From PLN 45/day (online)
P4 (Long-term)	5-min walk	From PLN 30/day (online)
P5 (Economy)	Free shuttle	From PLN 25/day (online)

Tips:

• Book online at airport.gdansk.pl for discounts up to 30%
• First 15 minutes free for drop-off in P1
• Electric vehicle charging available in P2

Gdansk Airport offers a selection of dining options in both landside and airside areas.

Landside (Before Security)

• Costa Coffee: Coffee and light snacks
• Subway: Sandwiches and wraps
• Pierogarnia: Traditional Polish pierogi and dumplings

Airside (After Security)

• Weranda Family & Business Restaurant: Full-service restaurant with Polish and international cuisine
• Pizza Hut Express: Quick pizza and pasta
• Relay Cafe: Sandwiches, coffee, and snacks
• Deli Corner: Grab-and-go sandwiches and salads

Budget tip: Prices are typical for airport standards. The Pierogarnia landside offers authentic Polish food at reasonable prices. For the best value, eat before arriving at the airport.

Free WiFi is available throughout Gdansk Airport.

Detail	Information
Network name	Free WiFi Airport Gdansk
Registration	Terms acceptance required
Time limit	Unlimited
Speed	Adequate for browsing and email; streaming may be slower

SIM cards are available at the airport, with Poland's major carriers represented.

Airport Locations

• Relay stores: Prepaid SIM cards from multiple carriers
• Inmedio: SIM cards and mobile accessories
• Vending machines: Located in arrivals

Major Carriers

Provider	Price	Data
Play	From PLN 25 (EUR 6)	10 GB
Orange	From PLN 30 (EUR 7)	10 GB
Plus	From PLN 25 (EUR 6)	10 GB
T-Mobile	From PLN 30 (EUR 7)	10 GB

Note: EU roaming is included on all Polish SIM cards, so your Polish SIM works across the EU. For better prices and more options, visit carrier stores in Gdansk city center (Play, Orange, and Plus all have stores on or near ulica Dluga).

ATMs are located in the arrivals hall and airside areas. Major Polish and international banks have machines available (PKO BP, mBank, Euronet).

Currency

• Poland: Polish Zloty (PLN)
• Exchange rate: Approximately 1 EUR = 4.30 PLN, 1 USD = 4.00 PLN

Currency Exchange

Kantor (currency exchange) counters are located in arrivals. However, airport exchange rates include significant markups.

Better alternatives:

• Withdraw PLN from ATMs using a no-fee debit card (avoid Euronet ATMs which charge high fees)
• Poland is increasingly card-friendly; most places accept Visa and Mastercard
• Wise or Revolut cards for better exchange rates
• Exchange currency in city center kantors for better rates

Tip: When using ATMs, always choose to be charged in PLN (not your home currency) to avoid dynamic currency conversion fees.

Gdansk Airport offers duty-free and retail shopping primarily in the airside area.

Duty-Free

• Aelia Duty Free (Airside): Main duty-free operator with spirits, tobacco, perfumes, and cosmetics
• Tax-free savings: Available for non-EU travelers on purchases over PLN 200

Retail

• Relay: Books, magazines, and travel essentials
• Inmedio: Souvenirs, snacks, and accessories
• Baltic Amber stores: Gdansk is famous for amber; several shops sell jewelry and amber products
• Polish Souvenirs: Traditional crafts, vodka, and regional products

Tips

• Non-EU residents can claim VAT refunds (23% Polish VAT) on purchases over PLN 200
• Amber jewelry is a signature Gdansk purchase; prices at the airport are reasonable but city shops offer more variety
• Best shopping selection is airside after security

Gdansk Airport has limited lounge options compared to larger hubs.

Business Lounge Gdansk

Location: Airside, near gate 6

• Access: Business class passengers on participating airlines, Priority Pass, LoungeKey, or pay-per-entry (approximately PLN 150 / EUR 35)
• Hours: 05:00-21:00 (may vary by flight schedule)
• Amenities: Hot and cold snacks, drinks including beer and wine, WiFi, newspapers
• Quality: Compact but comfortable; can be quiet outside peak times

Priority Pass

The Business Lounge Gdansk accepts Priority Pass members, making it accessible for travelers with eligible credit cards (e.g., Chase Sapphire Reserve, Amex Platinum).

Airline Lounges

LOT Polish Airlines passengers traveling in Business Class can access the Business Lounge. There are no dedicated Star Alliance or other alliance lounges.

Several hotels are located near Gdansk Airport, though there is no hotel directly connected to the terminal.

Near the Airport

Mercure Gdansk Posejdon

• 10 minutes by taxi/shuttle
• 4-star, modern rooms
• Restaurant and fitness center
• From PLN 350/night (EUR 80)

Radisson Blu Hotel Gdansk

• 20 minutes by taxi, central Gdansk location
• 5-star, on the Motlawa River
• Historic setting with modern amenities
• From PLN 500/night (EUR 115)

Budget Options

• Focus Hotel Premium Gdansk: 15 minutes by taxi, from PLN 250/night
• B&B Hotel Gdansk Airport: 5 minutes by taxi, from PLN 200/night

Transit/Early Flight Options

• For very early departures, staying near Gdansk Glowny allows easy PKM train access
• The airport opens approximately 2 hours before the first departure; overnight stays at the airport are not recommended

Gdansk is a stunning historic port city on the Baltic Sea, gateway to Poland's beautiful northern coast and the Tri-City metropolitan area. The city center is rich in history, from medieval Hanseatic architecture to World War II heritage and the birthplace of the Solidarity movement.

Getting to Key Attractions

Destination	Travel Time	Route
Gdansk Old Town (Dluga Street)	30 min	PKM to Glowny + 10 min walk
European Solidarity Centre	35 min	PKM to Glowny + tram or walk
Sopot Pier & Beach	40 min	PKM direct to Sopot
Gdynia Waterfront	50 min	PKM direct to Gdynia
Malbork Castle	1 hour	Train from Gdansk Glowny

The Tri-City Area

The Tri-City (Trojmiasto) consists of three distinct cities connected by excellent public transport:

• Gdansk: Historic old town, museums, shipyards, amber shopping
• Sopot: Beach resort town, longest wooden pier in Europe, nightlife
• Gdynia: Modern port city, Emigration Museum, Sea Towers observation deck

The SKM commuter train runs every 10-15 minutes between all three cities (PLN 5-10 per journey).

Beach Season

The Baltic coast beaches are popular from June to September. Water temperatures reach 18-22 degrees Celsius in summer. Key beaches:

• Sopot Beach: Main resort beach, beach bars, pier access
• Jelitkowo (Gdansk): Family-friendly, less crowded
• Gdynia Orlowo: Scenic cliffs and clean water

World War II History

Gdansk has profound WWII significance:

• Westerplatte: Where WWII began on September 1, 1939; memorial and museum
• European Solidarity Centre: World-class museum on the Solidarity movement and fall of communism
• Museum of the Second World War: One of Europe's best WWII museums
• Post Office Museum: Site of heroic Polish defense in September 1939

Malbork Castle

Malbork Castle is the world's largest brick castle and a UNESCO World Heritage site, located 60 km southeast of Gdansk.

• Train from Gdansk Glowny: 45-60 minutes, PLN 20-30
• Castle hours: 09:00-19:00 (summer), shorter in winter
• Entry: PLN 50-75 (EUR 12-17) depending on route
• Allow 3-4 hours for a full visit

Layover Recommendations

• 4-hour layover: Walk Gdansk Old Town's Dluga Street, visit St. Mary's Church tower for views
• 6-hour layover: Add the European Solidarity Centre or Museum of WWII
• 8+ hour layover: Take the train to Sopot for the pier and beach, then dinner in Gdansk

Local Specialties

• Pierogi: Polish dumplings with various fillings
• Zurek: Sour rye soup, often served in a bread bowl
• Baltic herring: Fresh or pickled, a regional specialty
• Goldwasser: Gdansk's famous gold-flaked herbal liqueur
• Amber: Gdansk is the amber capital of the world; shops line ulica Mariacka

Travel Tips

• Currency: Poland uses the Polish Zloty (PLN), not the Euro
• Language: Polish; English widely spoken in tourist areas
• Tipping: 10% at restaurants for good service
• Public transport: Buy tickets from machines or the Jakdojade app
• Shops: Most close by 21:00; Sunday trading is restricted (shops closed most Sundays)