WG meeting in Warsaw (Poland) for WG3

WG meeting in Poland (hosted by Warsaw University of Technology) 2 days. 8 people to be reimbursed by COST. Intended WGs: WG3. This meeting will be all about the definition and implementation of the Open DEM file format

Joining online

• MS teams link

Slack channel for the event: TBC

Time planning

Location

Room 206, 2nd floor. Warsaw University of Technology, Faculty of Civil Engineering, Armii Ludowej Av. 16, 00-637, Warsaw

Google Maps: Use WIL PW Warsaw. (in Polish: Politechnika Warszawska Wydział Inżynierii Lądowej Politechniki Warszawskiej, Aleja Armii Ludowej 16, 00-637 Warszawa)

Accommodation and transport

There is good public transportation in Warsaw, as well as numerous hotels/hostels, catering to individual preferences and budgets

Transportation

• From Warsaw Chopin Airport (WAW) – Chopin Airport is the main international airport, about 8 km from central Warsaw. It is well-connected by public transport and taxis (https://www.lotnisko-chopina.pl/en/public-transport.html):

  • Airport Bus: Route 175 runs frequently (every ~15 minutes) from Chopin Airport to central Warsaw (stopping at major hubs like Centrum).  A single-fare ticket costs 4.40 PLN (~€1) and is valid for 75 minutes on all transit in zone 1. For direct access to the WUT campus, bus 188 goes from the airport toward the Politechnika area. Tickets can be bought from machines at the airport bus stop (cash or card) and must be validated on board.

  • Train: The airport has a train station with frequent SKM suburban trains (lines S2 and S3) and Koleje Mazowieckie trains into the city. Trains depart roughly every 15 minutes and go to Warszawa Śródmieście/Centralna (city centre) in about 20–25 minutes.

  • Taxi / Ride-hailing: Licensed taxis are available at the arrivals level – the airport recommends using corporations (avoid unofficial touts). The ride to downtown Warsaw or the WUT area costs around 50 PLN (~€11–12). Uber and Bolt operate in Warsaw, and there is an official Uber pickup zone at Chopin Airport for those who prefer ride-share services.

• From Warsaw Modlin Airport (WMI) – Modlin is a smaller airport ~35 km outside Warsaw, used by some budget airlines. The most convenient way into Warsaw from Modlin is the Bus shuttle or a train option: a shuttle bus from Modlin Airport connects to Modlin railway station, where frequent trains run to Warszawa Centralna (combined travel ~1 hour). Taxis from Modlin are more expensive, and travel time is similar to the bus/train.

• By Train – International and long-distance trains arrive at Warszawa Centralna (Central Railway Station) in the city centre. If you have a choice, Centralna is preferable over Warszawa Zachodnia (West Station) for its convenience to downtown hotels. From Centralna, the meeting venue is about 2 km – you can take the metro (Line M1 from Centrum or Świętokrzyska to Politechnika, ~5 minutes) or a taxi/public bus for a short ride.

• Getting Around Warsaw – Warsaw has an extensive public transit network of metro, trams, and buses operating roughly 5:00–23:00. Tickets are integrated (valid on bus/tram/metro) and sold at kiosks or ticket machines (including on most buses/trams). For example, a 75-minute ride in Zone 1 is 4.40 PLN. Short-term visitors may consider a 24-hour ticket for unlimited travel (15 PLN, valid 24h from validation) or other time-based tickets (https://www.wtp.waw.pl/en/ticket-tariff/) . The city centre is very walkable, and Uber/Bolt or city taxis are readily available if needed.

Accommodation

There are many accommodation options in Warsaw at regular (budget to mid-range) prices. Below are a few recommendations, focusing on places either near the meeting venue or well-connected via metro (especially around the city centre near Metro Świętokrzyska, which is an interchange of both metro lines for easy city access):

• Hotel MDM City Centre (3★) – A mid-range hotel overlooking Plac Konstytucji, just ~200 m from Metro Politechnika (easy walking distance to the WUT venue).

• OSiR Polna Hotel (3★) – A budget-friendly hotel (part of a sports center) located on Polna Street ~5–10 minutes walk from the campus. Basic but comfortable, with the bonus of an indoor swimming pool and fitness facilities (Polna 7a, ~550 m from Metro Politechnika).

• Polonia Palace Hotel (4★) – A popular, value 4-star hotel opposite the Palace of Culture & Science in the city center. It’s ~1 km from the venue (two metro stops) and offers classic rooms with a highly-rated breakfast. Convenient for exploring downtown and has direct bus/tram connections (e.g. from Centrum).

• Hotel Metropol (3★) – A central hotel located next to Metro Centrum, only a 1-minute walk from the metro station and numerous tram/bus stops. It’s ~500 m from Warsaw Central station and about 8 km from Chopin Airport. This hotel is known for its convenient location, making it easy to reach any part of the city.

• Residence 1898 (Apartments) – Serviced apartments in a restored 19th-century building in the city centre (Marszałkowska St.). It offers spacious apartment-style accommodation with kitchenettes. Centrum metro station is ~500 m away, and the area has many restaurants and shops nearby. A good option if you prefer an apartment or longer stay amenities.

These are just a few examples – Warsaw offers many other hotels, hostels, and apartments. It’s generally best to stay in Śródmieście (central district) for easy access. Anywhere near a metro station (Line M1 or M2) or along bus 175’s route from the airport will be convenient.