Helsinki Airport is the main international airport, which is operated by Finavia. The airport is the busiest airport in the country and has the 29th busiest airport position in Europe.
There are number of airlines that offer flights to over 130 destinations in 45 countries. The airport operates its services to 80 scheduled destinations in Europe and provides 21 direct routes to Asia. Additionally, it also provides its services to the Middle East and North America.
Helsinki Airport Code & Name
This airport is also known as Helsinki Vantaa Airport which identifies with the IATA code of “HEL”.
Airport Location
The airport is located about 5 km (3 mi) west of Tikkurila and and 17 km north of Helsinki that is situated in the city of Vantaa.
The airport is the main hub for Finnair and its subsidiary Nordic Regional Airlines. It also operates the flights of CityJet, Jet Time, TUIfly Nordic. The airport is today the 4th busiest airport in the Nordic countries.
HELSINKI AIRPORT TERMINALS
The airport has one main building with 2 passenger terminals:
- Terminal 1.
- Terminal 2.
These terminals are connected to each other but the distance between is about 300 meters. Helsinki Airport Terminal 2 & Terminal 1 are directly connected to the train station of airport.
The following table is showing the number of gates available at the terminal and its Helsinki airport departures & arrivals information.
| TERMINALS | GATES | LEVELS | OTHER INFORMATION |
| Terminal 1: Domestic | Gates:11-31 | · Ground Level: Access to the ground transportation
· Arrivals Level: Baggage claim, check-in desks from 110-114. · Departures Level: Security check-in, access to the boarding gates. |
It handles all European flights in the Schengen area. |
| Terminal 2: International | Gates: 32 – 38 | · Ground Level: Access to the ground transportation and to parking.
· Arrivals Level: Baggage claim, customs. · Departures Level: Security check-in, check-in kiosks · Lounges Level: Access to Lounges |
It handles all the non-Schengen flights and the long-haul flights. |
HELSINKI AIRPORT LOUNGE
Lounge facilities are usually regarded as to provide the service for people with airline loyalty card or business class travelers. However, at Helsinki Airport, comfortable lounges providing a cozy, peaceful atmosphere are available to all passengers for a fee.
The following will help you to find the more details about the lounges like their opening hours and locations.
| S. NO. | LOUNGE | LOCATION | TIMING |
| 1. | Almost@Home Lounge | Terminal 2, near Gate 32 | 6:00 AM – 11:30 PM |
| 2. | Aspire Lounge Helsinki | Terminal 2, 2nd Floor, Gates 27-28 | 5:30 AM – 8:00 PM |
| 3. | SAS lounge | Terminal 1, Opp. Gate 13 | Open 1 hour & closes 30 min. before SAS flight |
| 4. | Finnair Lounge Helsinki (Schengen) | Terminal 2, 3rd Floor, Gate 22 | 5:30 AM – 12:00 AM |
| 5. | Finnair Lounge Helsinki (Non-Schengen) | Terminal 2, Gate 36 | 6:00 AM – 12:00 AM |
| 6. | Relax and Feelgood | Airside, Gate 28 | 7:00 AM – 7:00 PM |
| 7. | Kainuu Lounge | Airside, Gate 31 | Open for 24 hours |
You can enter into these waiting areas at the airport either by purchasing a lounge pass or through a membership program if you are an economy class traveler.
HELSINKI AIRPORT HOTELS
There is the number of hotels are available insides the airport.
Hotels At Airport:
| S. NO. | HOTELS | LOCATION | TIMING |
| 1. | GLO Hotel Airport | Terminal 2, landside, ground floor, Arrivals Hall 2B. | 9:00AM – 5:00PM |
| 2. | GoSleep Pods | Terminal 1, Gate 11, departure area, Schengen zone. | Open for 24 hours |
Hotels Nearby Airport:
In case, if sleeping in Airport does not appeal to you, then there also some hotels on budget that are placed within the distance of 5-10 minute from the airport.
| S. NO. | HOTELS | LOCATION |
| 1. | Hilton Hotel Helsinki Airport | 3 minute walk from the airport. |
| 2. | Cumulus City Airport Vantaa | 2 km from Helsinki Airport |
| 3. | Holiday Inn Helsinki Vantaa Airport | 10 minutes from Helsinki Airport |
| 4. | Airport Hotel Bonus Inn | Elannontie 9, Helsinki-Vantaa Airport |
| 5. | Clarion Hotel Helsinki Airport | 10-minutes from Helsinki Airport |
Hotel Shuttle:
Shuttle bus stops are located at Terminal 1 (platform 10) and Terminal 2 (platform 21). The following hotels provide a free airport shuttle service:
- Bonus Inn Airport Hotel
- Best Western Airport Hotel Pilotti
- Cumulus Airport
- Holiday Inn Helsinki-Vantaa Airport
AIRPORT TRANSPORTATION
There are different methods of transportation to go or come back to Helsinki airport: bus, train, taxi or car.
By Bus Or Helsinki Airport Bus
Finnair City Bus and Bus 615 are expected to regular service between the airport and Helsinki City Center railway station. You can also check the current local bus fares and schedules at the Helsinki Region Transport website.
- Information related to regional and long-distance buses is available on the Matkahuolto website.
- You can find the bus stops in front of the airport terminals.
By Car Rentals
There is the number of rental car companies like Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt provide their services to the passenger. These are located in between Terminals 1 and 2.
By Taxi
Taxi stands are placed just outside of the Arrivals areas of both terminals. It takes almost 30 minutes to reach at the central Helsinki.
By Inter-Terminal Shuttle
A free airport bus circulates between the parking areas and terminals in every 15 minutes from 3:30 AM to 1:30 AM.
By Train
Helsinki airport train: There is a newly opened Ring Rail Line that provides a train connection between the airport, central Helsinki and the country.
- The trains depart in every 10 – 20 minutes.
- The passenger can purchase the Single, internal and regional tickets from vending machines on the platform by using a chip card for payment.
- The ticket vending machine is located at the Terminal 2.
Shuttles depart in every 5 to 10 minutes between 6:00 AM to 11:00 PM from Terminal 1 (platform 12) and Terminal 2 (platform 25). And it takes approx. 5 minutes from the train platform to the terminal.
HELSINKI AIRPORT WI-FI
A free Wi-Fi service is available at the airport. Simply, connect your device to”HEL FreeWiFi-Open www.finavia.fi” network and enjoy the service for the unlimited period of time.
- Apart from this, there are 6 desktop computer stations with internet access are also available at the eService Bar.
- It is located at the airside, Gate 20 that is open for 24 hours.
FACILITIES
Airport Tours: In case, if you want to see how the airport works, then you can book a tour of the airport.
Art in the Airport: Art exhibitions are also available in the gallery at Gate 37 that is open for 24 hours.
- There you will get the photo exhibits, sculptures, paintings, aviation-themed installations, etc.
- Museum is also available at the airport that is located about 20 to 25 minutes walking distance from the terminal building.
Children’s Play Room: Toys, games, changing tables, seating, and private restrooms are available at the airport. It is located at the Gate 16, 20, 30, 38 (non-Schengen). These are open for Open 24 hours.
Currency Exchange: You can also find the ChangeGroup foreign exchange kiosks in the different locations like:
- Landside: T2, Check-In area 201-232; 240-271; T2, Arrivals Hall 2A and T2, Arrivals Hall 2B.
- Airside: Gate 15, Gate 26 and Gate 32.
- Foreign currency ATMs: Gate 14; Gate 21; Gate 22-23 and T2, landside, Arrivals Hall 2A
- ATMs / Cash Machines: It is located at the Gate 26.
Duty-Free & Shopping: Duty-free shopping area is located at the T1, Gates 13-14 and T2; Gates 23, 32 and 36.
Food & Drinks: There is the number of restaurants available throughout the airport operate. These options are open 24 hours.
- Cafe Tori located at the T2, airside, Gates 26-27
- Nordic Kitchen located at the T2, airside, Gate 35)
- Ulappa placed at the T2, Departures Level.
- Alepa is located landside in T2 Arrivals Hall 2B.
- Drink vending machines are available throughout the airport.
Game Area: It is located at the Airside, to Gate 37. Games include air hockey, table soccer, and a dancing game.
Information Desk: It is placed on the arrivals level, in the corridor between Terminals 1 and 2. Open for 24 hours.
Luggage Storage & Lockers: Lockers are available at the landside, on the ground floor of T1 and T2. The maximum storage time is 7 days and open for 24 hours.
Mobile Charging: Recharging units are located at Gates 11, 18–19, 20, 21, 25, 27, 31, 32A, 32, 33, 37 and 38. You can also see the power outlets at the cafes and restaurants of the airport.
Pharmacy: Health and beauty products are available at the location:
- T2, landside, Arrivals Hall 2A that is open between 6:30 AM and 9:00 PM (Mon-Fri), 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (Sat), and 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM (Sun).
- T2, airside, Gate 27, open at 5:00 AM to 11:00 PM (Sun-Fri), 5:00 AM to 9:30 PM (Sat).
Smoking Areas: Are located at the Gate 12, 19, 29, 36, 37.
Work & Rest Station: The Suvanto Work & Rest Stations offer a quiet place to work and relax while you wait for your flight. The comfortable seating, laptop tables and recharging stations for different electronic devices are places at the Gate 16-17, Gate 18-19 and Gate 37.
This guide is for informational purpose to assist you with the number of services that are available at the airport during your layover. This information will aware you about the airport’s lounges, hotels, and transportation services.
HELSINKI AIRPORT REVIEWS
By B Lahti
Simple to move along, railway to and from the airport is excellent and convenient, nice cafes and restaurants. Scandinavian decor is available with good taste. Construction works and expansion doesn´t disturb. There is a reliable and great new taxi available in no time or with short waiting.
By H Edwards
Best airport in terms of passenger comfort and staff hospitality. Signs are very clear and connections are made easily. Prices for beverages and snacks are extremely expensive though. Scandinavian design and the Finnish culture are wonderfully adduced and cleanliness in the airport is overall excellent. More seats and benches can be introduced. The charger ports near benches are a modern touch.
By Tuomas Puru
Nice, cosy and extremely effective airport with superior level of available services. There are plenty of places to shop with affordable prices in stores. Neither remarkable queues, nor any hassle at security check or check-in counters. On top of effective practicalities, wide range of connection flights to all over the world, especially to Asia and Far East! Highly recommended airport!