Helsinki Airport - HEL

Helsinki, Finland (FI)

Getting into Helsinki

Train is the best

The newly opened train connection to the airport has overtaken the bus as the handiest way to get to the city.

Train

You can ride the train into Helsinki on the heart-shaped Ring Rail line. Trains leave every 10 minutes at peak times, and the journey time to Helsinki Central Station is around 30 minutes. The train also stops at all stops on the route, including Aviapolis, the new and nearby business park. 

You can even travel directly to St Petersburg from the airport, or take the eight-minute journey to Tikkurila station to connect to long-distance trains.

Cost: EUR 2,90 one-way to Helsinki. This regional ticket is valid for 90 minutes after purchase and can be used on all of HSL network in Helsinki, Vantaa, Espoo and Kauniainen.
Buying tickets: Ticket machines on the platform, Alepa Grocery Store, WH Smiths (in both Terminals), R-kioski, Tourist Information and the HSL Mobile Ticket app.
Location: The train station entrance is on the corridor between the two terminals

Beware: It is not possible to buy train tickets on the train.

Bus

If you want to travel straight from the airport building, Finnair City Bus leaves from both terminals every 15-20 minutes. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes to the central station.

You can also take the public bus number 615 or 617 and save even more money. The journey takes about 40 minutes.

Cost: EUR 6.30 for Finnair City bus and EUR 4 for Buses 615 or 617
Location: Terminal 1 or 2, before security, departures, level 2

Taxi

If you'd rather have the comfort of your own car and are happy to pay the price, you can get into the city in about 30 minutes by taxi. Remember, it takes the same amount of time as the train, for approximately 1/10 of the train ticket's price.

Cost: EUR 45-50
Location: Before security, corridor between Terminals 1 and 2

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Getting around the airport

Two terminals connected by a pedestrian walkway

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport lies 17km north of Helsinki. The airport is divided into two terminals:

Terminal 1: handles Schengen flights from airlines such as Aegean Airlines, Croatia Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, and TAP Air Portugal. This terminal has tax-free shops, restaurants, a business lounge and a direct connection to the Helsinki Central railway station
Terminal 2: handles non-Schengen flights from airlines such as Aeroflot, British Airways, Iberia, Japan Airlines, KLM, Qatar Airways, and Turkish Airlines. This terminal hosts many restaurants and shopping areas as well as a direct connection to the Helsinki Central railway station.

Travelling between Terminals

The terminals are located 250 metres apart and are linked by an internal pedestrian connection both before and after security. If you are travelling to or from Asia, America, Middle East, Russia or Great-Britain, you will go through passport control. All passengers transferring from non-EU countries to European Union countries, except those from the United States, have to go through the security control. 

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Lounges

Finnair Lounges

Finnair Lounge Schengen Area
Hot breakfast and hot meals, large salad bar, kids space and two private shower suites.
Access free for selected passenger or can be bought for all passengers for EUR 48

Location: Terminal 1, after security, level 3, near Gate 22
Hours: 05:30-00:00 daily

Finnair Lounge Non-Schengen Area
Hot breakfast and hot meals, a large salad bar and hot soup service, private shower suites and a Finish sauna.
Access free for selected passenger or can be bought for all passengers for EUR 48

Location: Terminal 2, after security, near Gates 50 A-M
Hours: 06:00-00:00 daily 

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Get through the queues faster

Prepare yourself for security

The airport’s security queues can be long during busy periods, so it’s best to get ready in advance by emptying your pockets and taking your laptop and liquids out of your bag. Helsinki security has an area where passengers can do this before getting in the queue, which means you can whizz by if you’re already prepared or only have a few items.

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Currency exchange

Departures and arrivals

There are 7 currency exchange offices available. They are located in the departures and arrivals halls as well as near gates 15, 26 and 31.

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Showers

Many options available

While there are shower-toilets throughout the airport, you can also get a shower at the following lounges: 

Aspire Lounge
Showers with shampoo, soap, towels, and a hairdryer cost EUR 10, on top of the standard entrance fee of EUR 35.

Terminal 2, after security, level 3, near gates 27-28
Hours: 05:30-20:00 Mon-Sun March 1st - Sept 30th; 05:30-20:00 Mon-Fri, 05:30-19:30 Sat-Sun Oct 1st-Feb 28th, closed from Dec 8th - Dec 14th 

Finnair Lounge Schengen Area
Private shower suites available.
Access free for selected passenger or can be bought for EUR 48.

Terminal 1, after security, near gate 22
Hours: 05:30-00:00 daily

Finnair Lounge Non-Schengen Area
Shower suites and a Finish sauna. Access free for selected passenger or can be bought for EUR 48.

Terminal 2, after security, between gates 36 and 37
Hours: 06:00-0:00 daily 

Finnair New Premium Lounge
Private shower suites and a Finish sauna.
Available exclusively for Finnair Plus Platinium and Gold members, oneworld Emerald and Sapphire cardholders (one guest allowed), when the departure flight is marked by a oneworld airline. 

Terminal 2, after security, between gates 36 and 37
Hours: 06:00-0:00 daily 

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Short nap

Sleeping pods

Helsinki Airport was one of the first in Europe to offer sleeping pods for travellers who need to catch some shut-eye between flights. They've installed 19 GoSleep pods that offer you privacy, peace, and the chance to charge your electronics.

Cost: starting from EUR 6

Location: Airside, near gate 31

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Viewing terrace

Inside and outside

If you would like to watch the airplanes coming and going, you should visit the viewing terrace 100m from Terminal 2 on the 6th floor, landside. In the summer you can go outside onto the terrace at no extra cost.

Terminal 2, landside, floor 6
Hours: 7:00-22:00 daily

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World Famous Comic Characters

Moomin Shop in Terminal 2

The Moomins are a group of hippolike world famous comic book and toy characters by Finnish author Tove Jansson. They were created in the 1940s and are still loved by children and adults all over the world. At the Moomin shop you can get all kinds of official Moomin merchandise, toys and art.

Terminal 2, after security, next to gate 26
Hours: 05:00-23:00 Mon-Fri, 5:00-21:00 Sat, 05:00-23:00 Sun

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Pay in Euros at the Duty Free

Choose the currency

When shopping in the Duty Free, be aware that items will cost more if you opt to pay in US dollars. You can specify in the stores which currency you want to pay in and the exchange rate will likely be more favourable with your credit card or bank company.

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Power outlets

Fortum recharge units

Easy recharging of electronic devices airside at:

  • gate 11
  • 18–19
  • gate 20
  • gate 21
  • gate 25
  • gate 27
  • gate 31
  • gate 32A
  • gate 32
  • gate 33
  • gate 37
  • gate 38
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Breakfast with the family

Seasons Restaurant and Coffee Shop

The Seasons Restaurant is is a very kids friendly place. They offer buffet breakfasts and interesting meals like reindeer burgers. The children can watch TV, read books, and play with toys or in the playground while they wait for their food.

Location: Terminal 1, after security, near Gate 14
Hours: 04:00-18:00 Sun-Sat, the kitchen opens daily at 10:00.

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Luggage storage

Lockers available in Terminal 1

Storage costs:

  • EUR 5/24h in a small locker (height 56 cm, depth 56 cm, width 28cm)
  • EUR 6/24h in a large locker (height 86 cm, depth 78 cm, width 36 cm).

The maximum storage period is 14 days.
Payment by cash or credit card.

Terminal 1, landside, ground floor 

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Contemporary Finnish art

Pass the time

Get a taste of Finnish art culture and head to the art gallery located at Gate 37. The exhibitions change monthly, so even if you’re a frequent visitor to Helsinki you’ll still get some variety. There are other exhibits throughout the airport so you can even create your own art walking tour to pass the time.

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Aspire Lounge

Unwind

The Aspire Lounge is spacious with great modern Finnish design. It is open to all guests departing to Schengen destinations, irrespective of class or airline. Cost per person: EUR 35. Free access for business class and status customers from Air France, KLM, CSA, Icelandair, airbaltic, croatia, TUI, Quatar, oneworld.
Complimentary food (such as yogurt, muesli, croissants for breakfast or soup, with the traditional carelian pies and fresh fruit salad for lunch) to help yourself as well as alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available. 
Free Wifi as well as many charging stations available. Shower facilities are available for an additional fee of EUR 10, including shampoo, soap, hairdryer and towels.

Location: Terminal 2, after security, level 3, near Gates 27/28
Hours: 05:00-21:00 daily

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Buy access to Plaza Premium Lounge

Terminal 2, Non-Schengen. After the Security Checkpoint, in the Non-Schengen Departures Area, on the Mezzanine Level close to Gates 34, 40, and 52.

A warm welcome awaits at the Plaza Premium Lounge prior to your departure from Helsinki. Here, you will find a comfortable sanctuary to relax, catch up on work, or simply refresh with a soothing shower. Enjoy a selection of hot entrees, snacks, and refreshments, and make use of the fast Wi-Fi connection. NOTE: This lounge is accessible for departing Non-Schengen passengers only. NOTE: Complimentary alcohol includes draught beer only. Premium alcohol may be purchased for an additional fee. NOTE: Children under 2 years old are admitted free with an adult. All children must be accompanied by an adult. NOTE: Complimentary luggage storage available inside the lounge. NOTE: Showers usage for Priority Pass and other lounge membership customers may be subject to payment.
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Further information about Helsinki Airport

Popular airlines at Helsinki Airport

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