Info

You can also download the PDF version of the information booklet here.

Getting there

By train/bus:

For train travel, the main station is Warszawa Centralna (Warsaw Central), with connections to major European cities. The second biggest station, Warszawa Zachodnia (Warsaw West), is located closer to the conference place, so if you have a possibility you should choose it over Warszawa Centralna. You can check connections and book tickets on the PKP Intercity website.

Intercity buses arrive mostly at Warszawa Zachodnia (Warsaw West). FlixBus provides extensive bus routes to Warsaw.

To get from the train/bus station to the conference place, check the Public transport section below.

By plane:

There are two airports in Warsaw:

  • Warsaw Chopin Airport (Symbol: WAW), located within the city borders and very close to the University; handles most airlines
  • Warsaw Modlin Airport (Symbol: WMI), located 40 km north of Warsaw; handles economic airlines

    • Poland is in the Schengen zone and observes the same border regulations as most other EU countries. It is enough to have a valid passport or a national ID (EU countries) to enter.

    Getting to and from Warsaw Chopin Airport

    Since the airport is located close to the city center, the trip usually takes less than 30 minutes:

  • Licensed taxis at the airports (Ele Taxi 8111111) ‒ very fast and convenient, required to accept bank cards (no cash needed); the price is usually less than 40zł (9€),
  • Bus 175 or 188 to Banacha Szpital stop ‒ see the section on Public transport below,
  • Uber/Bolt ‒ also fast but requires meeting the driver outside the taxi zone.

    • Getting to and from Warsaw Modlin Airport

    In this case, the trip could take up to two hours:

  • Licensed taxis ‒ ask for a flat rate for getting to/from the airport,
  • Train connection by Koleje Mazowieckie ‒ use Lotnisko Modlin as the starting point because there is a shuttle linking the airport and the train station Modlin. The train goes to either Warszawa Zachodnia or Warszawa Gdańska stations and then one needs to get by public transport or a taxi to the desired place,
  • Flixbus or Contbus buses ‒ quite cheap and link the airport directly with the Warsaw center.

    • Public transport

    The network of buses, trams, trains, and metro (subway) is quite dense, and it is very convenient for reaching all parts of the city. Usually, it takes 20-40 minutes to reach the outer districts from the center. Trams, trains, and metro are the fastest during rush hours.

    Google Maps allows one to quickly find the best route. Just ask the app for directions.

    Another useful app is JakDojade which allows one to find the best route and to this end uses LIVE bus/tram/metro GPS positions. The English version is available in the mobile app only.

    Adult standard 75-minute ticket costs 4.40zł (approximately 1€). There are also 72-hour tickets and cheaper 20-minute tickets, for 36zł and 2.20zł, respectively. All tickets can be purchased in the vending machines across the city, in some shops and kiosks (e.g. Żabka, Ruch), or inside any vehicle. Please note that the vending machines inside buses and trams do not accept cash, only bank cards.

    One can freely change between buses, trams, and metro until the validity of the ticket is used up.

    The whole city of Warsaw is a single tariff Zone 1. Only suburbs are in Zone 2.

    Do not forget to validate your ticket immediately after getting on the bus. Unless the ticket is purchased with the vending machine on the bus or tram, one should validate it in one of the yellow validators. One should see the validity date/time printed on it. Check the website of the Warsaw Public Transport for more information.

    An extensive network of Uber and Bolt is available in Warsaw for quite an affordable price.

    Payments

    Polish currency is Polish złoty (zł in short) and most shops do not accept Euro. However, 99% of shops accept bank cards (credit cards, debit cards from Visa, Mastercard, American Express, contactless payments) – there is usually no need to pay in cash. If you really need cash, use ATMs to withdraw some amount or use one of the nearby exchange points (e.g. Kantor Cris 24/7) to convert cash between PLN/EUR/USD, etc.

    Attractions

    The list of places to visit in Warsaw:

    Marie Skłodowska-Curie House The birthplace of the renowned physicist and chemist, Marie Curie, this museum is dedicated to her life and work. Visitors can explore exhibitions showcasing her groundbreaking research and personal belongings. It's a must-visit for anyone interested in the history of science.

    Museum of Warsaw Located in the Old Town, the Museum of Warsaw offers a deep dive into the city's history through a collection of artifacts, photographs, and artworks. The museum spans several historic townhouses, providing a unique journey through Warsaw’s past.

    The National Museum of Warsaw One of the largest museums in Poland, boasts an extensive collection of art from antiquity to modern times. Highlights include works by Polish masters, European paintings, and ancient artifacts. The museum offers a rich cultural experience.

    Copernicus Science Centre A premier science museum in Poland, the Copernicus Science Centre features interactive exhibits that make science accessible and fun for all ages. The center includes a planetarium and offers various scientific workshops. Perfect for physicists and science enthusiasts.

    Museum of King Jan III's Palace at Wilanów Known as the "Polish Versailles," this baroque palace and its gardens are a stunning example of royal architecture and landscape design. The museum inside the palace showcases the art and history of the Polish monarchy.

    The Royal Castle in Warsaw This iconic castle, located in the heart of the Old Town, was the residence of Polish monarchs. Reconstructed after WWII, it now houses a museum with royal apartments and exhibitions on Polish history and culture.

    Royal Łazienki Park A vast and beautiful park that was once a royal summer residence. The park features palaces, gardens, and classical architecture, including the famous Palace on the Isle. It's an ideal place for a peaceful stroll or a cultural outing.

    Ujazdów Castle Sitting within the Royal Łazienki Park, Ujazdów Castle is home to the Centre for Contemporary Art. The castle blends historical architecture with modern art exhibitions, offering a unique cultural experience

    Palace of Culture and Science An iconic symbol of Warsaw, this towering building offers panoramic views of the city from its observation deck. It also hosts theaters, museums, and conference halls, making it a central hub of activity in Warsaw.

    Museum of Fryderyk Chopin in Warsaw This museum is dedicated to the life and work of the famous Polish composer, Fryderyk Chopin. Located in the Ostrogski Palace, the museum offers an immersive experience with original manuscripts, instruments, and multimedia exhibits.

    Other hints

    SkyCash – a very convenient app for purchasing public transport/train tickets as well as calling taxis (iTaxi corporation). Just attach your credit card and go. Public transport tickets purchased in the app need to be validated after entering a bus/tram by scanning a QR code displayed inside the vehicle.

    Electric scooters are provided by many companies, e.g. Bolt, and Lime. Use their apps – they can be downloaded by scanning a QR code at the scooter’s handlebar.

    Public bicycles (Veturilo) are very convenient and thanks to a dense network of bike roads, they are great for moving around.

    Żabka and Carrefour Express stores are located everywhere, and they are open daily from 6 AM to 10 PM (Carrefour) or 11 PM (Żabka). They offer food (also snacks, hot dogs, coffee to go), soft drinks, alcohol, basic cosmetics, painkillers, etc.