Gdańsk to Detroit (GDN–DTW) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

Poland is part of the US Visa Waiver Program, so Polish passport holders with a biometric passport can enter the United States for up to 90 days using ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization). ESTA costs $21 and is valid for 2 years or until your passport expires. Apply at esta.cbp.dhs.gov at least 72 hours before departure. Approval is usually instant but can take up to 72 hours. ESTA covers tourism and business visits but not employment or study.

At the US port of entry (typically the first US airport you land at), a CBP officer reviews your passport, takes fingerprints and a photo, and asks about the purpose and duration of your visit. Have your return ticket, hotel address, and a general itinerary ready. The 90-day ESTA stay cannot be extended, and there is no grace period. If you overstay, future ESTA applications will be denied, and you will need a B1/B2 visa ($185) with a consular interview for all subsequent trips.

Direct flights from Warsaw to New York JFK and Newark run about 9 hours 30 minutes on LOT Polish Airlines. LOT also flies direct to Chicago O'Hare (about 10 hours), Miami, Los Angeles, and San Francisco seasonally. United operates Newark to Warsaw. The US uses the US dollar. At current rates, $1 equals roughly PLN 4.05. No mandatory vaccinations. Global Entry ($100 for 5 years) includes ESTA and provides expedited CBP processing at US airports using kiosks instead of officer queues.

DTW has no rail. Ride-shares and taxis are the practical options. Taxis to downtown cost $45–60. Ride-shares run $30–45. The two terminals (McNamara and North) are connected by the automated people mover (MTC); both share the same baggage claim and ground transport facilities.Car rental desks are in the consolidated facility accessible from McNamara Terminal. SMART bus Route 261 serves the airport with transfers into the bus network. Allow extra time for I-94 congestion during peak hours.

Humid continental climate. Winters are cold and snowy (−8 to 0°C) from December through March. Lake Erie and Lake St. Clair generate significant lake-effect snow that can fall heavily with little warning. Ice storms and blizzards cause the most serious flight disruptions.

Summers are warm and humid (26–32°C) with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Spring and fall are transitional with frost risk into April and from October. January and February are the highest disruption-risk months.