Helsinki Vantaa Airport (HEL) HEL: Departure times and transfers

Flying from/to Helsinki Vantaa Airport

Plan your journey from/to Helsinki Vantaa Airport by finding out which transport links are available upon arrival—whether its an airport transfer by bus or a local train which gets you to where you need to be. We recommend booking your ticket with Omio.

Travel from Helsinki city center to Helsinki Vantaa Airport

Helsinki is the capital city of Finland, serving as the center of Finnish education, business, culture and science. The city is located geographically on the peninsula of the Gulf of Finland. It's made up of 300 islands, all connected with many bridges. Water transport is the most common means of transportation, with more than 11,000 places for parking boats. There are also dozens of marinas where people park their yachts during winter. Helsinki is the coldest city in the world, with annual average temperatures not exceeding 0° C, and 51 days each year with no sunshine. It is a vibrant seaside city of green parks and beautiful islands. Its rhythm is laidback, while at the same time active in terms of number and quality of restaurants. The city has an elaborate public transit system consisting of the tram, ferries, subway, bus, and local railway. With a single ticket, travelers can hop aboard buses, tram, and the subway. Helsinki cardholders travel free of charge on public transit within the city.

What's the best way to get to the airport from the city center?

Helsinki Vantaa airport is the biggest air transport hub in Finland, located in the suburbs called Vantaa, 11.8 miles (19 kilometers) from Helsinki city center. Travelers can travel to the airport from Helsinki city center by public transportation, car or taxi. Trains and buses stop close to the terminals, and there are easy connections from Helsinki city center and Tikkurila station. Trains P and I run to and from the airport every 10 minutes on working days. Trams 6T and 7 connect to the airport and have their stops near the west terminal. Helsinki Airport Bus 615 arrives at the airport in 40 to 50 minutes. Bus stops are located in front of terminals 1 and 2. Also, there are various taxi agencies and five car rental companies operating between Helsinki city center and Helsinki Vantaa airport.

How far is it from the city center to the airport?

Helsinki Vantaa airport is approximately 11.8 miles (19 kilometers) from Helsinki city center. Travelers can get to the airport by three options: by bus, train, or taxi (transfer). The train connecting the central Helsinki train station with the airport takes 27 to 32 minutes. Buses cover this distance in 35 to 40 minutes. The quickest and the most expensive option is to book a transfer or a taxi. The duration of the trip would be approximately 30 minutes. Using the Helsinki airport taxi is an ideal option for those who arrive late at night or don't have time to look for public transit. From the city center, travelers should drive north along motorway 45 and follow signs for the airport

What facilities are there at the airport?

Helsinki Vantaa airport is the country's most prominent air transport hub and a gateway for European travelers en route to Asia. The airport has two terminals connected by an internal walkway. Terminal one serves domestic flights while terminal two serves international flights. Facilities at the airport include information desks located in the two terminals, duty-free shops and retail outlets, cafes and restaurants, business and conference facilities, banking and currency exchange centers, and communication facilities. There are also baggage stores where travelers can keep extra luggage at the arrivals hall three, and a lost-and-found service handling items lost at the airport.

How accessible is the route or those with limited mobility?

Helsinki Vantaa airport is accessible to passengers with limited mobility. It features dedicated restrooms and wide elevators on each floor. Parking facilities dedicated to disabled passengers are available in front of both terminals. All information desks at the airport are equipped sufficiently with induction loops, and staff has been trained to cater to the needs of all passengers. However, travelers need to notify the airline for any special requirements, like the use of a wheelchair when booking.

Local tips: how to travel to the airport like a local

Those traveling with a lot of luggage should consider a private door-to-door transfer option when going to the airport. Renting a car is also a great option, but it could be a bit expensive. There are several car rental companies, including Avis, Hertz and Budget. There are plenty of cafes, bars, and restaurants in the terminals, serving freshly-made sandwiches and fast food. Therefore, carrying food to the airport might not be necessary.