Is a 45 min layover in Warsaw long enough?

WAW · Okecie · Warsaw, Poland
It Depends

A 45 minutes layover at WAW (Warsaw) is tight — it may or may not be enough.

Meets MCT for most zone-crossing itineraries but leaves little margin during LOT peak banks.
Concourses
3
Max Transit
15m
Avg. Security
12m
Primary Hub
LOT Polish Airlines
Schengen → Schengen
30min
✓
Schengen → Non-Schengen
45min
tight
Non-Schengen → Schengen
45min
tight
Non-Schengen → Non-Schengen
40min
tight
AD PLACEMENT — CONTEXTUAL
If connecting between Schengen and non-Schengen flights, budget extra time for the internal passport control checkpoint even though it's a short walk.
LOT's hub banks cluster in early morning and early evening, so those windows see the longest queues at internal checkpoints.
Signage is clear and gate changes are rare, but the terminal can feel cramped during peak LOT connecting waves.
Precheck-equivalent fast lanes are limited, so allow buffer time if your itinerary is tightly booked at minimum connect time.
Duty-free and food options are concentrated in the non-Schengen pier, so plan accordingly if you have a long layover there.
12a6a12p6p12a
Low risk
Moderate
High risk
Tight connections are safer outside peak hours. Morning rush (6–9a), midday (11a–2p), and evening (4–8p) are highest risk.
All piers connect via a single continuous terminal corridor, so there are no trains or shuttle buses required at WAW. Passengers moving between Schengen and non-Schengen piers pass through internal passport/security checkpoints, which is where most of the connection time is actually spent rather than in walking distance.
Is 45 minutes enough for a layover at Okecie (WAW)?

Meets MCT for most zone-crossing itineraries but leaves little margin during LOT peak banks.

What is the minimum connection time at WAW?

Minimum connection times at Okecie: Schengen-to-Schengen is 30 minutes, Non-Schengen-to-Non-Schengen is 40 minutes. These are the shortest layovers airlines will sell.

Can I make a 45 minutes connection at WAW on an international flight?

45 minutes clears the 40-minute international minimum connection time at Okecie, but you should still head directly to your gate. All piers connect via a single continuous terminal corridor, so there are no trains or shuttle buses required at WAW. Passengers moving between Schengen and non-Schengen piers pass through internal passport/security checkpoints, which is where most of the connection time is actually spent rather than in walking distance.

How much time do I need for a layover at WAW?

We recommend at least 50 minutes for a comfortable connection at Okecie. This gives you enough buffer for security (typically 12 minutes) and transit between terminals (up to 15 minutes).

What happens if I miss my connection at WAW?

LOT and partner airline transfer desks are located near the pier junctions in the main terminal hall; passengers who miss a connection should go there directly for rebooking rather than returning to check-in.

AD PLACEMENT — BEFORE FOOTER