How to Get to Helsinki. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel to Helsinki

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport HEL

HEL is Finland's largest and main international gateway, located approximately 17 km (11 miles) north of downtown.

Airlines and Routes

Finnair, the national flag carrier, operates as a major hub.
Major European airlines: Lufthansa, SAS, Ryanair, Norwegian, KLM, France's National airline, British Airways.
Extensive connections to Europe, North America, and Asia.

Flight Availability & Pricing

Seasonal fluctuations impact flight prices and availability. Booking in advance is generally recommended.

Seasonal Pricing

High Season (June-August): Expect higher prices.
Shoulder Season (May, September): Moderate prices.
Low Season (October-April): Generally lower prices.

Airport Facilities

Modern airport with shops, restaurants, cafes, duty-free stores, lounges, car rental, currency exchange, and free Wi-Fi.

Train Transfers

HSL Commuter Trains (P-train, I-train) connect to Helsinki Central Railway Station in ~30 minutes.

Bus & Taxi Services

Finnair City Bus, HSL bus route 600, taxis (€35-€50), and ride-sharing (Uber/Bolt) are available.

Direct Flight Connections

European Hubs

Numerous direct flights from European capitals and major cities.
London, Paris, Berlin, Amsterdam.
Stockholm, Copenhagen, and others.
Check Dollar Flight Club or Skyscanner for deals.

Intercontinental Flights

Direct flights from North American cities.
New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Toronto.
Direct connections from Asian hubs.
Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, Bangkok, Hong Kong, Delhi.

Driving in Finland

Requirements & Rentals

A valid driving license is necessary; an International Driving Permit for non-EU licenses. Minimum age for rental 18-21. International hotel chains such as Hertz, Avis, Sixt are available. DiscoverCars.com a resource.

Road Conditions

Roads are excellent and well-maintained. Winter (Nov-Mar): snow tires mandatory; studded tires recommended. Winter road conditions are challenging with snowfall and ice.

Driving Safety

Headlights must be on at all times. Speed limits strictly enforced. Be aware of wildlife (moose, reindeer) in the countryside.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

VR (Finnish Railways) operates an extensive domestic network throughout Finland.

VR Finnish Railways

Connects Helsinki to major Finnish cities like Tampere.
Also connects to Turku, Oulu, and Rovaniemi.
No direct international passenger train services currently operate.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Bus systems provide comprehensive coverage to almost all parts of Finland.

Bus Services

Matkahuolto: Finland's national bus network.
OnniBus: A budget bus line offering connections.
Often offers competitive prices between major cities.

Border Crossing: Sweden/Norway

As Finland is a schengen country, borders with Sweden and Norway are internal Schengen borders.

Schengen Borders

Typically no passport control experienced.
Travel is similar to domestic travel within the Schengen Area.
Road and train connections available.

Border Crossing: Russia

The border with Russia an external Schengen border, requiring full passport and visa checks.

Current Restrictions

Due to the current political situation, border crossings to and from Russia are highly restricted or closed.
Travel to/from Russia by land is currently suspended for tourists.
Verify current regulations before planning any travel in this direction.

Important Border Information

Direct international passenger train services to neighboring countries are currently suspended.
Always carry your national driving license alongside any International Driving Permit.
Some land border crossings to Russia are currently closed for tourists.

For external Schengen borders (e.g., Russia), full passport and visa checks apply.
Be aware of wildlife, like moose and reindeer, which a hazard outside urban areas.
Winter tires mandatory from November 1 to March 31.

Sea/River Arrivals

Major Ferry Connections

Helsinki’s coastal location makes it a significant port for ferry and cruise ship arrivals.

Popular Ferry Destinations

Tallinn, Estonia: Frequent services (Tallink Silja, Viking Line, Eckerö Line), 2-2.5 hours.
Stockholm, Sweden: Overnight cruises (Tallink Silja, Viking Line), ~16 hours.
Travemünde, Germany: Finnlines provides longer route.

Cruise & Immigration

Helsinki a popular port of call for Baltic Sea cruises. Several cruise terminals.

Immigration at Seaports

Non-Schengen arrivals: full immigration checks apply.
Schengen arrivals: checks are minimal or non-existent.
Ferry terminals are well-connected to the city center by HSL trams and buses.

HSL Tram Connections

Major ferry terminals (West Harbour, Olympia, Katajanokka) have direct tram access.

Bus Links

Local bus routes connect terminals to broader city areas and transport hubs.

Taxi Availability

Taxi stands are available at all major ferry terminals for convenient direct transfers.

Departure Information

Airport Departure

No specific exit fees or taxes apply as you leave Finland.

Helsinki-Vantaa Procedures

Arrive 2-3 hours before international flights.
1.5-2 hours for domestic or Schengen flights.
Allow time for check-in, security, and gate transit.

Ferry Departure

Departure by ferry requires timely arrival at the terminal for check-in and boarding.

Terminal Procedures

Arrive at the ferry terminal at least 30-60 minutes before departure.
Time varies depending on operator and if traveling with a vehicle.
Allow for check-in and boarding processes.

Departure Facilities

Airport Amenities

Helsinki-Vantaa The airport provides shops, restaurants, lounges, and VAT refund services.

Railway Station

Helsinki Central Railway Station provides shops, restaurants, and luggage lockers.

Ferry Terminals

Ferry terminals generally offer limited shops and cafes for departing travelers.

No Exit Fees

No specific exit fees or taxes apply when leaving from Finland, whether you leave by airport or seaport.

How to Get to Helsinki