Helsinki Airport Overview

Helsinki Airport, officially Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, is Finland's main international gateway. It is run by the state airport operator Finavia and is the home base of Finnair. The airport opened in 1952, when it was built in time for the Summer Olympics held in Helsinki that year. Today it combines a busy European network with long-haul flights, and many passengers pass through it on connections between Europe and Asia.

Location: How Far Is Helsinki Airport from Helsinki?

The airport is in the neighbouring city of Vantaa, about 17 km north of central Helsinki. That short distance, and a direct rail link, make it easy to reach the city even on a short layover.

Terminal and Facilities at Helsinki Airport

Flights now use one connected terminal. Domestic and Schengen departures leave from one set of gates, and non-Schengen and long-haul flights from another, with passport control between the two areas. Travellers will find restaurants, cafés, tax-free shops, lounges and sleeping pods, along with free WiFi across the terminal. Finavia also shows estimated security queue times in real time, which helps you judge when to head through.

Airlines and Routes from Helsinki

Finnair runs most of the flights here, serving destinations across Europe along with routes to Asia and North America. Norwegian has a base here, and Nordic Regional Airlines (Norra) flies many of Finnair's regional services. A wide range of other European and international airlines also serve Helsinki, so it is worth comparing options for your route.

Getting from Helsinki Airport to the City Centre

• Train: the I and P trains on the Ring Rail Line run between the airport station and Helsinki Central Station in about 30 minutes. You need a ticket covering zones A, B and C, available from platform machines or the HSL app.
• Bus: regional buses link the airport with Helsinki and other parts of the capital area.
• Taxi: taxi ranks are right outside the terminal.
• Car: the airport has several parking garages, including spaces with electric vehicle charging.

Places to Visit Near Helsinki

Central Helsinki is compact and walkable. Senate Square and Helsinki Cathedral, the Market Square by the harbour and the sea fortress of Suomenlinna, a short ferry ride away, are popular first stops. The design district and waterfront saunas are good choices if you have more time.

Helsinki Airport Travel Tips

If you are connecting between a Schengen and a non-Schengen flight, allow time for passport control. Download the HSL app over the airport WiFi to buy your train ticket before leaving the terminal.

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