Published byKonstantyat
- last modified on January 12, 2021
The biggest airport in Poland with the largest traffic, Warsaw Chopin Airport, is home for LOT Polish Airlines. LOT has it’s entire fleet based in WAW. Wizzair also has a base in Warsaw and is the second largest operator. When spotting in Warsaw you won’t get usually any unusual machines . From the bigger ones you get the 777-300ER from Emirates, LOTs 787, UPS 767, Qatar A350, 787. Cargo operations: mainly during early morning hours (~6-7am) and late afternoon (~9pm). For details about the current situation don’t hesitate to send a question to the author.
At most spots there is no problem with parking a car nearby. If at a spot there is no such possibility, there is info about it in the part about the spot and tips where to leave your car if you need to do so. Also, a ladder isn’t necessary at most spots. For valid public transport timetable check the ztm page.
Written by Konstanty Dobrzyński, Clive Grant / local (last update October 2020)
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Airport Information
Runways
15/33
3.690 m (12.106 ft)
11/29
2.800 m (9.240 ft)
Terminals
Just one which is named Terminal A and used by every airline.
Spotting Information
Ladder
Might be helpful at some spots for some shots but you can make it without one. Spotting holes available in the fence at some spots. See description of the spot if available or not.
Car/Public Transport
Car is not necessary, but it is faster to get around with one
Restrooms
Not at the spots! Inside the terminal and restaurants (BK is nearest)
Drinks/Food
Small shops at the terminal, a gas station near the terminal. Fast food restaurants close to Al.Krakowska (BK and McD), a couple of gas stations at Al.Krakowska. No way to starve when in the right region.
Hotels
Hotels at the airport and in the city
Season
All year is fine, however best are times in late spring, summer and early autumn. Nevertheless winter gives an opportunity for some nice lit photos and de-icing pictures.
Runway Usage
11
Mainly arrivals.
29
Mainly departures. Landings only in heavy crosswind for rwy33
15
Mainly departures. Landings only in heavy crosswind for rwy11 and good visibility, or when the wind is calm and visibility very good. Usually only departures
33
Mainly used for landings, sometimes the heavier planes depart from it.
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Terminal viewing terrace - ramp and taxiway movements
WHERE
This spot is located in the southern part of the terminal, is free of charge. The sole entrance is located near the railway station entrance, between Terminal A and the coach terminal. You can get here with any public transport arriving to the airport. The only place to park a car is the airport parking (with a fee).
WHAT
Good for watching operations. Photos of planes taxiing off the runway and/or to the runway, planes at their stands. You can not see the planes standing near the terminal.
TIME
Photos only in poor weather, morning and night. Good for watching all day.
MISC.
There is a thick, glass wall (tends to be dirty) which also isn’t perpendicular to the floor. There is a gift shop, a bar, a radar screen and the current timetable available.
FOCAL LENGTH
50-300mm depending on whether the subject is on the near taxiway, the far taxiway or Runway 15/33. Smaller bizjets and commuterliners will need a larger magnification.
Just beside the coach station and the new cargo terminal. There is a couple of glass walls through which you can look at planes and perhaps take some shots. No place to leave your car for long.
WHAT
Planes taxiing and standing at their stop. Possible looking on departing and arriving planes, not really a place to shoot them
TIME
Night, morning (to around noon)
MISC.
Usually there are vehicles, stairs, planes, containers blocking the way.
This spot is just beside a used car dealer. There is a bus and tram stop “Lipowczana” just beside. Also a petrol station and a McDonald is just couple of meters away if you need to go to a loo or get a snack. Easily accessible by foot. Not much space to park a car.
WHAT
Runway 15 arrivals. Sometimes heavy 33 departures might go out nicely.
TIME
You can find something during the entire day.
MISC.
The dealership is now permanently closed and a parking is to be built. You can still spot from beside the street but no access to the fence.
Just off the main road (Wirażowa street). You can park your car at the spot. Take a bus to either “Terminal Cargo” or “PKP Okęcie” stop. Both are on demand stops.
CURRENTLY UNAVAILABLE!!! Ongoing works
WHAT
Planes taxiing to runway 29, planes during de-icing in winter.
TIME
Night, mornings (until around 11-12 [summer] and 10-11 [winter] depending on the sun). (If the weather is bad – all day)
MISC.
There is a nice parking spot here. The fence is spotter friendly, lenses easily go through. In the area (closer to the main road) there is also a little hill and a tree from which you can get a photo of the plane standing on the runway.
FOCAL LENGTH
18+ [for full lenght: 20mm for 773, 50mm for 738/A320/E190/E170]
This spot is located on the sidewalk of the main road, possibly at a small bridge. Just beside the turn to spot 4. Easy to find from the “Terminal Cargo” bus stop. If by car, proceed to spot 4.
WHAT
Arrivals on runway 29
TIME
After ~11am [summer] ~10am [winter]
MISC.
Light poles may be disruptive. Park your car in the region of spot 4. No ladder needed
FOCAL LENGTH
18+ [from photos below: Emirates at 195mm, Merlin at 70mm, the 737 at 125mm]
At Al.Krakowska, near the approach lights to runway 11. In between bus stops “P+R Al.Krakowska” and “Szyszkowa”. Easily accessible by foot, hard to park a car.
WHAT
Runway 11 arrivals
TIME
Basically all day. Spring/fall best around 6-7pm with the sun in the background
MISC.
The road is a bit busy. There is grass you can sit on. In winter, snow can nicely reflect the light to the bottom of the planes. Hard to park your car in the area so better leave it at spot 15.
FOCAL LENGTH
Rather short. The long ones only for far away approach shots [Q400 at 30mm, Aegean at 300mm, Emirates at 78mm]
A sidewalk on the overpass of Poleczki road over the express road and train rails. Near the bus stop “Osmańska”. Nearest place to leave your car at is spot 8.
Located near the Cargo terminal and apron 12. When traveling by car proceed all the way south beside the cargo terminal, you may park your car at the side of the road, then you must walk on foot. By bus: hop off at “Terminal Cargo” stop and walk south. Only stands 64 and 65L available for spotting through the fence/lens holes. If you walk around the newer cargo terminal buildings and walk beside the fence you’ll arrive at the turn of TWY A8, from where some heavy departures happen from 33
WHAT
Morning arrivals on runway 33 and planes standing at apron 12. Some holes in the fence for stands 64 (64L/R) and 65L (three northern ones).
TIME
Mornings and nights.
MISC.
After rain the ground likes to get muddy. Some holes around, but partly blocked due to the construction works.
FOCAL LENGTH
787 at 22mm, E175 at 40mm, A320 landing at 180mm, A124 at 66mm, Polish Air Force 737 at 125mm, Sky Taxi 767 at 140mm
At a side, technical road (extension of Wirażowa street) near the express road. Southern part of the airport. You may park your car at the side of the road and leave it there. By bus: hop off at “Terminal Cargo” stop and walk south. Walking north down the fence will get you to TWY A8 area from where some heavy departures happen – part of spot 8)
WHAT
Morning landings on runway 33
TIME
Before 11am [summer] or 10am [winter]
MISC.
No need for a ladder, plenty room to park. In winter, snow can nicely reflect the light to the bottom of the planes.
FOCAL LENGTH
70+ [170mm for 737 from the road, Kalitta at 100mm]
A field near runway 33 threshold. Continue driving/walking down the technical road until you pass the approach lights and make a 180 turn. By bus: hop off at “Terminal Cargo” stop and walk south. You may either park your car at the side of the field, near the approach lights or there is a spot on the field itself to which a path leads.
WHAT
Evening 33 arrivals
TIME
After 12pm [summer] or 11am [winter]
MISC.
Might get muddy after rain. In winter, snow can nicely reflect the light to the bottom of the planes.
FOCAL LENGTH
Depending on where you shoot from. [Ryanair 737 at 115mm, Emirates 777 at 210mm (front) and 135mm (rear)]
A spot located in the area of taxiway B8 and the end of runway 33. After arriving at spot 10 or 9 continue together with the airport fence. Can’t get there by car, Leave your car at spot 10 or 9.
WHAT
Runway 33 arrivals and full lenght 33 departures
TIME
After 12pm [summer] or 11am [winter]
MISC.
Might get muddy, no shops nearby. B8 is now rarely used after completion of A8
FOCAL LENGTH
40+ [MD11 shot at 50mm, Aerosvit at 92mm, landing SAS at 135mm, Brussels 737 at 90mm]
This is a spot between some summer houses. Near the fences. To get there simply take bus #124 to “Ogrody Działkowe Paluch”, there should be a entry gate to the houses, get through it and continue towards the airport fence.By car: while driving al.Krakowska south, turn left at the first intersection after you have passed the freeway (it will be over you), turn left into Na Skraju street. Continue with the street until you pass the animal shelter (to your left) and then after the turn right look for a gate to the summer houses (also to your left) and turn there. Continue up to the fence.
WHAT
33 arrivals and departures.
TIME
After 1pm [summer] or 12pm [winter], best in the afternoon
MISC.
You might need a high ladder to pass over the fence, if not you must shoot through the holes in the fence
The hill like structure is located at the brink of the forest. There are two ways of getting there.By car: while driving al.Krakowska south, turn left at the first intersection after you have passed the freeway (it will be over you), turn left into Na Skraju street. Continue with the street until you get to the animal shelter (to your left) and park your car there. Proceed as ** There is a bus stop for bus #124 called “Schronisko dla zwierząt” which is a on demand stop so you need to press the stop button on the bus or wave on it for it to stop.
** From the bus stop (or after leaving the car) continue north and there will be a hole in the fence, go through it and continue by the fence (The hole has been patched!). The other way is going more to the east, and then by a side road which will get you to a fence and a gate, pass around it and continue to the spot you desire.
There are official holes in the fence; there are two at the south end, two in the middle and six facing east at the north end. There are about four more at the north end facing north towards Runway 11/29, but there’s currently a large pile of sand blocking the view, so these are no use at the moment.
WHAT
Almost everything. 33 arrivals, 15 departures, in some way 11 arrivals (see small planet A321) and 29 departures. Best for the first two.
TIME
Post midday. Best in the afternoon.
MISC.
Nearest shops are far. Take what you need. You might need to walk through some bushes, don’t worry or fear. Heat haze can be a harsh problem from ~15 degrees celsius on!
Spotting holes available in the fence, but ladder might be useful to get out the fence from the mound totally – although there are some wodden obstacles and stones you could stand on.
FOCAL LENGTH
150+ [A320 at 250mm, CRJ at 220mm, 787 photo at 300mm]
Airport Firefighters station - 11 arrivals, 29 departures, taxiway
WHERE
It is located near the airport firefighters station, hence the name. To get there simply continue from spot 15 on with the road and you will find a road like path in the field heading to a radar. Take it. Then move on towards a couple of plane wrecks standing just beside the fire station. Might be a little bumpy for the car but fear only after big rains when the field is okay.
You can either stay on the platform or go to the fence were spotting holes are available.
WHAT
Runway 11 arrivals and runway 29 departures. Taxiing to runway 11 (rare)
TIME
After 11am [summer] or 10am [winter]
MISC.
A bit of a walk to the nearest toilet or restaurant. Bring what you need. There is a hill with benches. You may park your car at the spot.
A hill near Al.Krakowska - 11 arrivals and departures, taxiway
WHERE
When on foot simply go towards the runway from “P+R Al.Krakowska” or when taking the bus to “Szyszkowa” stop (which is just beside Burger King) simply cross the road and move towards the airport, there will be a road (poor quality) just beside the fence which will get you to the hill. The hill is now fenced but access is still available.
WHAT
All runway 11 arrivals. 11 departures and taxiing if in use (rare)
TIME
After 11am [summer] or 10am [winter]
MISC.
There is a hill at this spot so you are over the fence. You may park your car at the spot
Hi Alex, unfortunately the holes that have been ‘lost’ due to building of the additional cargo terminal are ‘lost’ and will not be made available. Only stands 64 (64L/R) and 65L (three northern ones) are possible to be photographed. That is the matter as of today.
It is accessible without a car, but you need to walk from the bus stop “szyszkowa” which is beside spot 15. Walk to spot 15 and go further towards spot 14. It’s easy to get, but the walk does take some time.
I intend to visit Warschau airport next Month. Does one of you have names of Hotels (eventually transfershuttle) directly in the neighbourhood of the airport.
there are plenty of hotels in the vicinity of the airport. Starting with the Renaissance and Courtyard by Marriot that are just at the exit of the terminal to others like Sangate or Hampton by Hilton a little further. Most of the hotels offer shuttle services to/from the terminal. If you are looking for something closer to the spotting locations then those located at Aleja Krakowska would be your choice (mind that getting by public transport from Aleja Krakowska region to spots for landings from the south might be troubling. Examples of hotels at Aleja Krakowska: Hotel Lord, B&B Hotel Warszawa-Okęcie, Hotel Witkowski.
unfortunately the viewing terrace nowadays isn’t as “free” as it was back then. There is a glass wall and you can’t see aircraft parked at the terminal because of the roof that blocks the view
Have just returned from two days at Warsaw. I used spots 14 and 15 only, plus the observation deck. As the weather was sunless, the observation deck was very good, but open the elements.
Spot 15 was no more than OK. Spot 14 was a good location, particularly for the 788 take-offs. Adding to your report, the field that you walk in, past ‘Start Parking’, is being developed by them, and extending toward the path. It is still navigable, but is being churned up by the bulldozers. Hotel Gordon is a basic hotel, about a 15 minute walk from these spots.
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18 Comments
HI, is spot 4 still unaviable?
Unfortunately still unavailable
Do you know if the blocked holes in spot 8 are going to be available in the future?
Hi Alex, unfortunately the holes that have been ‘lost’ due to building of the additional cargo terminal are ‘lost’ and will not be made available. Only stands 64 (64L/R) and 65L (three northern ones) are possible to be photographed. That is the matter as of today.
Is Spot 14 easy to get to without a car?
It is accessible without a car, but you need to walk from the bus stop “szyszkowa” which is beside spot 15. Walk to spot 15 and go further towards spot 14. It’s easy to get, but the walk does take some time.
Thank you.
The spot #17 is out of date. The used car dealer was liquidated by “Polish Airports” State Enterprise (PPL) and the gate closed.
Indeed. Updated. Thanks for the feedback.
L.S,
Dear all,
I intend to visit Warschau airport next Month. Does one of you have names of Hotels (eventually transfershuttle) directly in the neighbourhood of the airport.
Kind regards,
Eef
Hi,
there are plenty of hotels in the vicinity of the airport. Starting with the Renaissance and Courtyard by Marriot that are just at the exit of the terminal to others like Sangate or Hampton by Hilton a little further. Most of the hotels offer shuttle services to/from the terminal. If you are looking for something closer to the spotting locations then those located at Aleja Krakowska would be your choice (mind that getting by public transport from Aleja Krakowska region to spots for landings from the south might be troubling. Examples of hotels at Aleja Krakowska: Hotel Lord, B&B Hotel Warszawa-Okęcie, Hotel Witkowski.
Regards,
Konstanty
Konstanty,
You just made me dream of returning to Warsaw some day. I remember it when it was communinst and the Taras Widokowy was great.
Dzienkuje!
Daniel
Hi Daniel,
unfortunately the viewing terrace nowadays isn’t as “free” as it was back then. There is a glass wall and you can’t see aircraft parked at the terminal because of the roof that blocks the view
Pozdrawiam 😉
Konstanty
I used to love the old open Teras especially for night shots
Have just returned from two days at Warsaw. I used spots 14 and 15 only, plus the observation deck. As the weather was sunless, the observation deck was very good, but open the elements.
Spot 15 was no more than OK. Spot 14 was a good location, particularly for the 788 take-offs. Adding to your report, the field that you walk in, past ‘Start Parking’, is being developed by them, and extending toward the path. It is still navigable, but is being churned up by the bulldozers. Hotel Gordon is a basic hotel, about a 15 minute walk from these spots.
[…] Spotting i blog Michała Sulińskiego. W okolicy warszawskiego Chopina na przykład spottersi czają się w prawie 30. miejscach. Jak to wygląda w Amsterdamie, prawdziwym raju dla maniaków […]
Lens holes are also available at spot 8 🙂
Great job Konstanty. Perfect guide.