About Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL)

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is the largest airport in Finland and is one of the busiest in Scandinavia. Our guide to the airport is full of useful information about terminal facilities, nearby accommodation options, local transport and parking. 

Information:

General airport information desks are situated in both terminals. There is a tourist information desk in the arrivals area of Terminal 2, which also sells transport tickets.

Website:

Driving directions:

From Helsinki city centre, drive north along the Helsinki to Tuusula motorway (motorway 45) and follow signs for the airport.

From the west and the east, travel on motorways E18 or 50 respectively, and turn onto the northbound motorway 45, before following signs for the airport.

Transfer between terminals:

The terminal buildings are only 300m (328 yards) apart and are linked by an internal walkway.

Public Transport

Public transport road:

Bus: HSL (tel: +358 9 4766 4444; www.hsl.fi) bus 615 departs from outside both terminals and runs to the city centre (journey time: 40 minutes; fare €3.20). Bus 620 also connects the airport to the city centre at night. Additional services run to other destinations in and around the city.

The express Finnair City Bus, run in partnership with, and operated by, Pohjolan Liikenne (www.pohjolanliikenne.fi), links to Helsinki city centre (Central Railway Station) from outside the terminals (journey time: 30 minutes; fare: €6.70).

Taxi: Taxi ranks are located in front of both terminals and include Airport Taxi Yellow Line (tel: +358 600 555 555) – a full list of providers is available on the airport’s website. The journey time to Helsinki is about 30 minutes, while the fare is around €50.

Terminal facilities

Money:

There are ATMs and currency exchange kiosks in the arrival and departure areas of both terminals.

Food:

There are plenty of restaurants, cafés and bars in both terminals, including fast food, freshly-made sandwiches, a cocktail bar, and an Irish pub.

Shopping:

There are numerous shops at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport selling designer items, electronics, duty-free goods and souvenirs such as woollen jumpers, Moomin gifts, liquorice sweets and cloudberry jam.

Luggage:

Storage lockers are available in terminal 1 with a small fee. The Lost & Found service can be called 24 hours a day (+358 600 41006) and there is also a porter service at the airport.

Other:

Children's playrooms are available at departure gates 16, 20, 30 and 52. A pharmacy is on hand in Terminal 2 Arrivals to deal with minor medical issues. A massage service is also available, as well as a scenic terrace and book swap.

Airport facilities

Conference and business:

The Helsinki Airport Congress centre (tel: +358 207 629 732) in Terminal 2 has nine meeting rooms; the largest of which seats 100 people. These rooms are equipped with the latest audiovisual and communication systems.

A VIP service in Terminal 2 offers a range of services, including check-in, security screening, and passport control and customs inspections.

Airport lounges include the Aspire business lounge, which offers refreshments and shower facilities, and the cosy, family-friendly Almost@home lounge (tel: +358 20 762 9774).

The Hotel GLO Helsinki Airport (tel: +358 9 5840 9445; glohotels.fi) features a private meting room with an adjacent sauna, while the Hilton Helsinki-Vantaa Airport Hotel (tel: +358 9 73220; www3.hilton.com) has an extensive range of meeting and conference facilities for up to 350 delegates.

Communication Facilities:

Wi-Fi internet access is free within designated areas. Alternatively, there are internet kiosks in various locations within the terminals where customers are charged a fee. Charging points for mobile devices are available throughout and include wireless charging stations. Mail boxes are also available.

Disabled facilities:

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is accessible to disabled passengers, with dedicated toilets and spacious lifts on every floor. Disabled parking spaces are available in front of both terminals and in the main car parks. Information desks are equipped with induction loops and staff have been specially trained to cater for passengers needing assistance.The airport also provides a free-of-charge assistance service which can be booked at least 48 hours in advance.

It is recommended to notify the airline of any special requirements, such as use of wheelchair or oxygen tank, when booking travel.

Car parking:

There are five parking options at the airport including both short- and long-stay, as well as parking for business travelers. The airport has also opened a new parking garage with 4,600 spaces. The airport's website has full details on prices and booking methods.

Car rental:

Car hire companies Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt are represented at the airport, with desks in the concourse between Terminals 1 and 2.