Katowice Airport serves was the former industrial city of Katowice in Poland and grew dramatically at the start of the industrial revolution when coal and iron ore was discovered in the region around the city. With industry declining, Katowice attracts tourists from the world over and is easily accessible using car hire at Katowice Airport.
The past can still be revisited though in the many museums, some of them still attached to working factories. A hire car from Katowice Airport to make visiting the attractions easier.
Katowice Airport Mini Guide
Who Visits Katowice?
Many British travellers visit this Polish industrial city and for many reasons. It has a rich history, based on industry and for those interested in industrial archaeology the city has a lot to offer in its museums. Others come for the history surrounding its place in the Second World War with the infamous Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp nearby, a chilling reminder of man’s inhumanity to others. Today, Katowice has worked hard to develop a cultural identity and the city is home to a symphony orchestra, several theatres including the world famous Spodek theatre and the huge and informative Museum of Silesia.
How do I Get to Katowice?
The airport is a little distance from the city centre but the twenty miles are covered quickly along the S1 express road by hire car or the bus which operates hourly for the fifty minute journey between the airport and the city. Flights arrive at the airport from across Northern Europe but the majority of flights come from regional and national airports in the UK on budget carriers such as Ryanair and Wizzair, making access to Katowice very simple for UK tourists.
What is the Airport Like?
Katowice Airport took its first commercial flights in 1966 with a single terminal. Terminal A remains in place but despite several facelifts it remains small. In 2007, the much larger Terminal B was inaugurated, capable of handling up to 3.5m passengers. The growth in passenger numbers has led to plans being developed for a third terminal and an extension to the runway so Katowice can accept larger planes.
What Should I Expect When I Arrive?
You are likely to come to rest at Terminal B and will have the luxury of a jet bridge to disembark you into the terminal. The building is on three levels and quite compact so there are no long walks. After passport control, you’ll be directed downstairs to the baggage reclaim area. There you’ll find a bank and currency exchange plus cash machines if you need them and an information desk should you have trouble locating other airport facilities. Several car hire companies have desks at the airport and if you’ve pre-booked your car, all you need do is complete the documentation and you’ll be shown to your car. Public transport is obtained from just outside the terminal building.
What are the Facilities Like for Departing Passengers?
You’ll be impressed by the departures hall with the numerous check-in desks making that part of the airport experience quick and easy. There are plenty of shops before and after security for you to browse whilst waiting for your flight. There’s a Relay general airport store selling books, stationery, travel items plus snacks and drinks. Other shops include clothing outlets and a gift shop. For international passengers, there’s a duty free store after security. If you’re hungry whilst waiting for your plane you can try one of the six cafes and restaurants which serve a variety of different meals to suit all tastes and budgets.
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