Poland is located in Central Europe, bordered by Germany to the west, the Czech Republic and Slovakia to the south, Ukraine and Belarus to the east, and Lithuania and Russia (Kaliningrad Oblast) to the northeast. While Poland is not directly bordered by the sea, it has access to the Baltic Sea through its northern coastline, providing opportunities for various types of ports:
- Sea Ports: Poland has several major sea ports along its Baltic Sea coastline, serving as crucial gateways for maritime trade and transportation. Major sea ports include:
- Port of Gdańsk: Located in Gdańsk, this port is one of the largest and busiest in Poland, handling a wide range of cargo including containers, bulk cargo, and petroleum products. It is strategically located near the mouth of the Vistula River.
- Port of Gdynia: Situated adjacent to Gdańsk, the Port of Gdynia is another significant port in Poland, specializing in container handling, general cargo, and roll-on/roll-off (Ro-Ro) operations.
- Port of Szczecin-Świnoujście: Located in Szczecin and Świnoujście, these ports form the largest seaport complex in Poland. They handle bulk cargo, liquid cargo, and containerized cargo, serving as important hubs for trade with Central and Eastern Europe.
- River Ports: Poland has river ports along its navigable rivers, primarily for domestic transportation and trade. Notable river ports include those along the Vistula River, such as those in Warsaw and Kraków. River ports play a significant role in facilitating inland transportation and connecting regions within Poland.
- Inland Terminals: Inland terminals in Poland serve as important nodes in the country’s transportation network, facilitating the movement of goods within the country and to neighboring regions. These terminals are often located near major cities and industrial zones. Examples include:
- Łódź Inland Port: Located in Łódź, this inland port serves as a key logistics hub for the distribution of goods in central Poland. It is connected to the Oder River via the Gliwice Canal.
- Bydgoszcz Inland Terminal: Situated in Bydgoszcz, this terminal provides connectivity to the Vistula River and serves as a transshipment point for goods transported by waterway and road.
- Border Crossings: Poland has numerous border crossings with neighboring countries, facilitating land-based trade and transportation. Major border crossings include those with Germany, the Czech Republic, Slovakia, Ukraine, Belarus, and Lithuania. These crossings serve as vital trade routes between Poland and its neighboring countries, facilitating the movement of goods and people.
List of Largest Ports in Poland
| Port Name | Type of Cargo Ships | Monthly Arrivals |
|---|---|---|
| Port of Gdańsk | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 400 |
| Port of Gdynia | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 350 |
| Port of Szczecin | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 250 |
| Port of Świnoujście | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 200 |
| Port of Police | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 150 |
| Port of Gliwice | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 120 |
| Port of Elbląg | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 100 |
| Port of Kołobrzeg | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 80 |
| Port of Łeba | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 70 |
| Port of Darłowo | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 60 |
| Port of Ustka | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 50 |
| Port of Władysławowo | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 40 |
| Port of Hel | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 35 |
| Port of Słupsk | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 30 |
| Port of Kołobrzeg | Container, Bulk, Ro-Ro | 25 |
Major Ports of Poland
1. Port of Gdańsk
The Port of Gdańsk, located on the Baltic Sea, is one of the largest and most important ports in Poland. It serves as a major trade hub for both bulk and containerized cargo, with a deep-water harbor capable of handling large vessels. The port is also one of the largest oil terminals in the region, making it crucial for the import and export of petroleum products. In addition to cargo, the Port of Gdańsk handles passenger ferries, linking Poland with Scandinavia and other parts of Europe. Its location near the Vistula River provides excellent connectivity to the inland transport network.
City Location: Gdańsk, Poland
Latitude: 54.3520° N
Longitude: 18.6466° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Gdynia | 20 | S6 |
| Sopot | 11 | S7 |
| Elbląg | 95 | S7 |
| Toruń | 220 | A1 |
| Szczecin | 350 | S3 |
| Bydgoszcz | 230 | S5 |
| Łódź | 290 | A1 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Gdańsk Główny Railway Station (Poland)
- Gdańsk Wrzeszcz Railway Station (Poland)
- Gdynia Główna Railway Station (Poland)
- Sopot Railway Station (Poland)
- Elbląg Railway Station (Poland)
2. Port of Gdynia
The Port of Gdynia is located just north of Gdańsk and is another vital seaport on Poland’s Baltic coast. It is known for handling containerized cargo, bulk goods, and vehicles. Gdynia serves as a key port for passenger ferries as well, linking Poland to Sweden, Denmark, and Finland. The port’s modern infrastructure and efficient terminal operations make it one of the most important gateways for imports and exports in Poland. Additionally, Gdynia has seen rapid development in its container handling facilities in recent years.
City Location: Gdynia, Poland
Latitude: 54.5186° N
Longitude: 18.5301° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Gdańsk | 20 | S6 |
| Sopot | 10 | S6 |
| Elbląg | 85 | S7 |
| Szczecin | 330 | S3 |
| Toruń | 220 | A1 |
| Bydgoszcz | 230 | S5 |
| Łódź | 290 | A1 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Gdynia Główna Railway Station (Poland)
- Gdańsk Główny Railway Station (Poland)
- Sopot Railway Station (Poland)
- Gdańsk Wrzeszcz Railway Station (Poland)
- Elbląg Railway Station (Poland)
3. Port of Szczecin
The Port of Szczecin, located on the Oder River near the Baltic Sea, is one of Poland’s oldest and largest ports. It is a major hub for handling bulk goods such as coal, agricultural products, and petroleum. Szczecin has a strategic location, allowing for easy access to the European inland waterway system, making it an important center for both domestic and international trade. The port also has significant facilities for handling general cargo and containers, contributing to its status as a major port on the Baltic.
City Location: Szczecin, Poland
Latitude: 53.4289° N
Longitude: 14.5530° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Gdańsk | 350 | S3 |
| Poznań | 280 | A2 |
| Świnoujście | 120 | S3 |
| Szczecinek | 150 | S6 |
| Stargard | 40 | S3 |
| Koszalin | 180 | S6 |
| Berlin (Germany) | 220 | A11 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Szczecin Główny Railway Station (Poland)
- Świnoujście Railway Station (Poland)
- Stargard Railway Station (Poland)
- Koszalin Railway Station (Poland)
- Gdańsk Główny Railway Station (Poland)
4. Port of Świnoujście
Świnoujście is located on the Oder River estuary, on the border between Poland and Germany. The port is an important center for handling coal, iron ore, and other bulk goods. Świnoujście’s location at the mouth of the Oder River provides excellent access to maritime trade routes while also connecting to the inland waterways of Germany and Poland. The port also serves as an important entry point for passengers traveling to and from Germany, with regular ferry services.
City Location: Świnoujście, Poland
Latitude: 53.9065° N
Longitude: 14.2412° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Szczecin | 120 | S3 |
| Świnoujście | 0 | S3 |
| Berlin (Germany) | 220 | A11 |
| Gdańsk | 370 | S3 |
| Koszalin | 150 | S6 |
| Gorzów Wielkopolski | 150 | S3 |
| Poznań | 320 | A2 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Świnoujście Railway Station (Poland)
- Szczecin Główny Railway Station (Poland)
- Koszalin Railway Station (Poland)
- Stargard Railway Station (Poland)
- Gdańsk Główny Railway Station (Poland)
5. Port of Gdańsk Deepwater Container Terminal (DCT)
The Gdańsk Deepwater Container Terminal (DCT) is one of the most modern container ports in Poland. It is located within the Port of Gdańsk and has specialized facilities for handling large container ships. As the largest container terminal in Poland, DCT is a key player in the Baltic region’s shipping industry, serving as a hub for goods moving to and from Northern Europe, Scandinavia, and other parts of the world.
City Location: Gdańsk, Poland
Latitude: 54.3685° N
Longitude: 18.6485° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Gdańsk | 0 | Coastal Road |
| Gdynia | 20 | S6 |
| Sopot | 15 | S7 |
| Elbląg | 90 | S7 |
| Toruń | 220 | A1 |
| Szczecin | 350 | S3 |
| Łódź | 290 | A1 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Gdańsk Wrzeszcz Railway Station (Poland)
- Gdańsk Główny Railway Station (Poland)
- Sopot Railway Station (Poland)
- Gdynia Railway Station (Poland)
- Elbląg Railway Station (Poland)
6. Port of Łódź (Inland Port)
The Port of Łódź is an inland port located on the Central European waterway, acting as a significant hub for river and rail freight. While not on the coast, the port plays a key role in transporting goods to and from the Baltic Sea and inland Europe via the Oder and Vistula rivers. Łódź primarily handles bulk goods, including construction materials, chemicals, and machinery, and serves as a key part of Poland’s intermodal transport network.
City Location: Łódź, Poland
Latitude: 51.7592° N
Longitude: 19.4560° E
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Piotrków Trybunalski | 50 | S8 |
| Warsaw | 130 | A2 |
| Wrocław | 240 | A4 |
| Kraków | 280 | A4 |
| Gdańsk | 350 | A1 |
| Katowice | 160 | S1 |
| Poznań | 180 | A2 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Łódź Fabryczna Railway Station (Poland)
- Łódź Kaliska Railway Station (Poland)
- Piotrków Trybunalski Railway Station (Poland)
- Warsaw Central Railway Station (Poland)
- Wrocław Główny Railway Station (Poland)
7. Port of Szczecin and Świnoujście
The Port of Szczecin and Świnoujście is a joint port complex located in the northwest of Poland, handling cargo like coal, grains, and steel products. Its location at the mouth of the Oder River makes it an important hub for regional trade, and the port is equipped to handle bulk cargo, general cargo, and containers. Świnoujście offers an additional advantage with its proximity to Germany, providing efficient cross-border trade routes.
City Location: Szczecin/Świnoujście, Poland
Latitude: 53.4289° N (Szczecin)
Longitude: 14.5530° E (Szczecin)
Nearby Cities and Road Connections:
| City | Distance (km) | Road Connection |
|---|---|---|
| Świnoujście | 0 | S3 |
| Szczecin | 120 | S3 |
| Gdańsk | 370 | S3 |
| Berlin (Germany) | 220 | A11 |
| Koszalin | 150 | S6 |
| Gorzów Wielkopolski | 150 | S3 |
| Poznań | 320 | A2 |
Nearby Railway Stations:
- Szczecin Główny Railway Station (Poland)
- Świnoujście Railway Station (Poland)
- Koszalin Railway Station (Poland)
- Stargard Railway Station (Poland)
- Gdańsk Główny Railway Station (Poland)