Katowice International Airport (KTW/EPKT) Guide: Your Premier Gateway to Silesia
Katowice Airport (KTW), officially known as Katowice-Pyrzowice Airport, stands as the central aviation hub for the Silesian region of Poland. This area is a significant industrial and business center, as well as a rapidly growing destination for culture and tourism. Located in Ożarowice, approximately 30 km north of the city center, KTW continues its trajectory of impressive growth, solidifying its position as a vital European regional airport.
Overview and Location
KTW is strategically positioned to serve millions of travelers heading to Southern Poland and neighboring regions.
- Official Name: Katowice-Pyrzowice Airport (KTW/EPKT).
- Location: Ożarowice, situated 30 km north of Katowice’s bustling city center.
- Geographic Coordinates: 50° 28′ 25” N, 19° 4′ 50” E.
- Regional Access: The airport offers swift access to key cultural landmarks, including the historic industrial architecture of the Nikiszowiec district and the sobering history of the Auschwitz-Birkenau Museum.
Passenger Traffic and Latest Statistics (Updated 2025)
Katowice Airport has consistently broken its own passenger records, reflecting its growing importance in the European transport network. The airport’s expansion efforts are clearly paying off, with a significant surge in traveler volume.
- Current Record: From January to September 2025, KTW successfully handled a record-breaking 5,836,581 passengers.
- Growth Rate: This impressive figure represents a 14.2% increase in traveler traffic compared to the same period in the previous year (2024), significantly surpassing earlier annual projections.
- Previous Year’s Total: In 2024, the airport served a total of 5.6 million passengers, a figure now set to be eclipsed.
- Cargo Operations: KTW is also a crucial cargo hub. The cargo terminal set a new record in the first half of 2025, processing 21,954 tonnes of freight. Major global logistics providers such as DHL Express, UPS, and FedEx operate branches here. Furthermore, Lufthansa Cargo enhanced KTW’s importance by launching regular all-cargo flights in April 2025.
Airlines and Destinations (2025 Route Network)
Katowice Airport is a major base for several key carriers, particularly low-cost and charter airlines, offering a diverse network that caters to both leisure and business travelers seeking affordable and direct routes.
- Key Airlines: The airport’s primary operators include low-cost giants Wizz Air and Ryanair, alongside flag carrier LOT Polish Airlines and Lufthansa.
- Route Network: The comprehensive 2025 network includes approximately 35 destinations spanning 12 countries.
- Popular Routes: Key international routes frequently served include London, Dortmund, the popular holiday destination Antalya, and Dubai.
- New Routes (2025): Wizz Air continues to expand its offerings, with a notable new route to Ohrid, North Macedonia, added to the schedule.
- Long-Haul Travel: The longest scheduled route from KTW is the Wizz Air flight to Dubai, which operates twice weekly and has a scheduled journey time of about 6 hours.
Terminals and Services
KTW features three modernised passenger terminals, designated A, B, and C, which were last refurbished in 2015 to enhance passenger comfort and efficiency.
- Connectivity: Passengers benefit from free Wi-Fi access available throughout the terminal buildings, ensuring seamless connectivity.
- Shopping & Dining: A selection of duty-free shops, ideal for last-minute purchases, and various food and beverage options like Fly Cafe and Soho Coffee are available.
- Business Lounge: The comfortable Business Lounge offers a quiet space for travelers and can be accessed for a fee of 120 PLN (Polish Złoty).
- Baggage: Baggage storage services are available for 12 PLN per hour.
- Lost Property: For inquiries regarding lost items, passengers should contact the dedicated desk at +48 32 392 72 00.
- Payments: For convenience, both the local currency (PLN) and Euro (EUR) are accepted for various services across the airport.
Ground Transportation Options
Travelers have numerous reliable and efficient options for reaching Katowice city center and the wider Silesian region from KTW.
- Train (NEW & Recommended): A major recent development is the introduction of rail connectivity. As of July 2025, Koleje Śląskie (Silesian Railways) operates two new lines (S14 and S19) to the “Pyrzowice Lotnisko” airport station, seamlessly connecting KTW to the regional rail network. This is often the quickest new option.
- Bus: The AP1 bus provides a direct and cost-effective service to Katowice city center, with a journey time of approximately 45 minutes and a fare of 14 PLN.
- Taxi: A taxi ride to the city center offers comfort and takes around 30 minutes, typically costing approximately 100 PLN. Radio Taxi can be reached by calling +48 32 191 91.
- Car Access: The airport is easily accessible for drivers via the high-speed S1 express road.
- Car Rental: Major international car rental companies, including Avis, Budget, Hertz, and Enterprise, have operational desks at the airport for travelers preferring self-drive options.
Parking and Accommodation
The airport provides well-organized parking facilities for both short- and long-duration stays, as well as convenient hotel options.
- Parking Solutions: The airport offers short-term (P1) and cost-effective long-term (P2) parking facilities. Long-term parking is priced competitively, available for roughly 20 PLN per day.
- Airport Hotels: Nearby accommodation options cater to early departures or late arrivals, including the Moxy Katowice Airport and the Desilva Inn.
Travel Tips and Contact Information
To ensure a smooth journey through Katowice International Airport, keep the following essential tips and contact details handy.
- Peak Season Advice: Due to high demand, especially during the summer months, early booking for both flights and local accommodation is strongly advised.
- Visa Requirement: Travelers from certain countries, such as Turkish citizens, are required to obtain a Schengen visa for entry into Poland. Always check the latest visa regulations before travel.
- Address: ul. Wolności 90, 42-625 Ożarowice, POLAND
- General Phone: +48 32 392 72 00
- Official Website: www.katowice-airport.com