Rzeszَw-Jasionka Airport, officially named Rzeszَw Ulma Family Airport, serves as the primary hub for south-eastern Poland, offering a modern and efficient experience for travellers. Located just 10 kilometres from Rzeszów’s city centre, this airport connects passengers to domestic destinations like Warsaw and Gdańsk, as well as international routes to cities such as London, Munich, and New York, primarily through airlines like Ryanair, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, and Wizz Air. With a focus on functionality, the airport handles over a million passengers annually, making it a key regional gateway.
Getting to and from the airport is straightforward, with several transport options available.
Taxis provide a quick 10-minute ride to the city centre, costing around €10, with services like Uber also accessible outside the terminal. For public transport, the ‘L’ airport bus and lines 224 and 225 connect to Rzeszَw’s main bus station, taking about 35 minutes for €1-2, with tickets available at the terminal’s ticket machine or onboard. A new rail link, opened in 2023, offers a 18-minute journey to Rzeszów Główny railway station for €1, making it a reliable choice. Drivers benefit from the airport’s proximity to the A4 highway and 650 free parking spaces directly opposite the terminal, ensuring easy access. Pre-booking tickets for buses or trains is recommended, as schedules can be less frequent outside peak hours.
The airport’s layout is simple and easy to navigate, featuring a single, modern terminal opened in 2012 with a distinctive arched roof. The four-storey building houses check-in counters, security, and gates across two main zones: Schengen and non-Schengen departures. With only a handful of gates and short walking distances, passengers can move through the terminal quickly.
Security checks are generally efficient, taking around 5-10 minutes, though queues may form during peak summer months, so arriving 90 minutes early is advisable. The terminal’s compact size and clear signage make it user-friendly, though passengers board via bus or on foot due to the lack of air bridges.
Delays at Rzeszَw-Jasionka are uncommon, thanks to its smaller size and a 3,200-metre runway that accommodates even large aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. However, winter weather, particularly snow or ice, can affect flights from December to February, and air traffic control issues in European airspace may cause occasional disruptions. The airport’s on-time performance is generally strong, especially for LOT’s frequent Warsaw routes, but checking flight status in advance is wise to avoid surprises. Peak summer periods can also lead to congestion at check-in or security, so extra time is recommended.
Dining options are modest but sufficient, with two café-bars offering snacks, sandwiches, and local specialities like pierogi. The Polar Restaurant provides heartier meals, while a fast-food outlet caters to those seeking quick bites. Retail is limited to a duty-free shop in the departures area, stocking perfumes, alcohol, and Polish souvenirs, alongside a small store for books and magazines. While not extensive, these options meet basic needs for travellers passing through.
Facilities are practical and well-maintained, with free Wi-Fi available throughout and public telephones scattered across the terminal. An ATM and currency exchange counter are located in the main hall, and a lost property office assists with misplaced items. Accessibility is prioritised, with lifts, disabled toilets, and dedicated parking spaces, and passengers requiring assistance can arrange support through their airline. The Executive Lounge, accessible via payment or membership programs like Priority Pass, offers complimentary food, drinks, and showers for Schengen departures. A chapel provides a quiet space, with services held on Sundays. The airport closes nightly from midnight to 4:00 AM, so overnight stays are not possible, but nearby hotels like the Holiday Inn Express, within walking distance, offer convenient options.
Connections are straightforward for the airport’s primarily point-to-point flights, with LOT’s Warsaw route serving as the main hub for transfers. Minimum connection times are around 35 minutes for domestic flights and 45 minutes for international ones, with clear signage guiding passengers to transfer desks. Non-Schengen connections may require passing through passport control, so allowing extra time is prudent. The airport’s small size ensures quick transfers, but limited flight schedules mean careful planning is needed.