Helsinki Airport Transfers – Guide for 2026

By Niko Suominen
April 18, 2026

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, also known as Helsinki Airport, is the largest and busiest airport in Finland. It is located in the city of Vantaa, approximately 18 kilometres from the Helsinki centre.

You can reach Helsinki Airport from the city centre through various modes of transportation. One of the fastest options is taking a commuter train. It is also convenient, with train departures every 5 minutes during peak times, and it takes around 30 minutes to reach the airport. Public buses take about 45 minutes, while airport taxis and private transfers are also available for around 45-50€.

Below, we introduce the best Helsinki Airport transfer options.

Train

HSL ticket ad — A train from the airport to Helsinki Centre is affordable. In 2026, their price is €4.50.

Taking the train is the most comfortable option for budget travellers to transfer to Helsinki Airport. There are two airport train lines in Helsinki: P and I. The lines pass a ring rail, meaning the routes start and end at Helsinki Central Railway Station but go in opposite directions.

Helsinki Region Transport (HSL) operates the train lines. You must purchase a valid HSL ticket before boarding a train. The ticket must include at least Zones ABC if you are heading to Helsinki Centre from the airport. A single ABC zone ticket is valid for 90 minutes and allows transfers between modes of transport.

Both train lines run every 10-20 minutes, depending on the time of day. The journey from the airport to the city centre takes around 30 minutes, making it a fast and efficient way to travel. If you are heading to Helsinki Centre, it does not matter which line you take. Both lines stop at every intermediate station, so it is possible to reach an area other than the Helsinki Centre. The HSL route planner is a valuable aid when planning a route.

One advantage of taking the train to the airport is that it offers a direct service with no transfers required. The train is a stress-free option for travellers, particularly those with heavy luggage or those unfamiliar with the city’s public transport system. The ticket was also affordable, costing 4.50 euros. Compared to buses, trains are a much more convenient option.

The airport’s train station is located underground, just a short walk from the terminal building, making it easily accessible.

A commuter train in Helsinki — Helsinki Central Station is the endpoint of the airport trains.

Bus

Helsinki Airport bus — There are many bus lines to Helsinki Airport.

If you’re not heading to the centre, taking a bus from the airport is an option – otherwise, we recommend the train. Various bus lines run to different areas of Helsinki and the surrounding cities. For information on which mode of transportation to take, you can use the HSL Route Planner, which provides the most up-to-date information on schedules and routes.

The bus station at Helsinki Airport is located on the arrivals floor, next to the arrivals hall. Follow the small bus symbols. Remember to buy a ticket before entering a bus. You can purchase one from an R-Kiosk or a machine at the airport’s bus station, but using the HSL mobile app is the easiest option.

Taxi

Riding a taxi is the most comfortable way to travel from Helsinki Airport to the city centre. However, it is not the fastest method, but a commuter train can be even quicker if the city centre is your destination.

The taxi station at Helsinki Airport is next to the arrival hall. Clear TAXI signs lead to the station.

Entrance to taxi station Helsinki Airport — Signs to the taxi station at Helsinki Airport are clear.

The Helsinki Airport taxi station has four lanes dedicated to specific contractual partners. These partner taxi companies have fixed prices for rides to Helsinki City Centre. You can also hail a taxi using an app, but these taxis won’t pick you up from the taxi station. App-hailed taxis, like Uber and Bolt, arrive in parking hall P2, a few minutes from the arrival hall.

We suggest you familiarise yourself with the ride prices by checking the price list on the taxi’s taxi windows or by asking the taxi driver directly. After reviewing the prices, you are more than welcome to decide which taxi to take; taxi drivers in Helsinki are not pushy. A taxi ride to Helsinki City Centre costs between 25 and 70 euros, depending on the company and the time of day.

Ordering a taxi via an app, such as Uber or Bolt, is possible. These taxis are usually much cheaper and come to pick you up from the P2 parking hall, which is a few minutes’ walk away. The signs to the pickup station in parking hall P2 are clear. The parking hall is cold, so in winter, we recommend waiting inside the terminal until the taxi is near.

Sign to preordered taxis — The signs to the parking hall P2 are clear. You will find an app ride station there.

Rental Car

If you plan to explore Helsinki and the surrounding areas during your trip, renting a car from the airport is a great option. Helsinki Airport has numerous car rental companies conveniently located in the terminal, making the process fairly straightforward. You can easily pick up and return your rental car at the airport’s parking hall. Renting a car is a practical way to travel to and from the airport, although it may require some paperwork and locating the vehicle.

To ensure a pleasant experience, we recommend booking accommodation with parking. Free parking spaces in central Helsinki are limited. Staying slightly outside the city centre can also make driving and parking more convenient.

We recommend comparing hire car prices on Discover Cars.

Read about Driving in Helsinki.

Pre-booked Transfer – Welcome Pickups

One of the most comfortable ways to reach Helsinki City Centre or your destination is to pre-book an airport transfer. Welcome Pickups is a platform for booking airport transfers. The price range is similar to that of a regular taxi, but it depends on several factors, such as the type of vehicle, the number of passengers, the distance of the journey, and the time of your scheduled pickup.

Pre-booking a transfer has particular advantages. A driver will wait for you at the arrival hall with a name sign to help you carry your belongings. You will also know in advance what kind of car will pick you up, and the costs are transparent. The pre-booked transfer is an excellent option for travelling with a big group.

Having a pre-booked transfer will make your journey smoother and save you time and nerves when you arrive at the airport.

Price Comparison of Airport Transfers

The table below compares different public transport methods for reaching the Helsinki Centre. By pre-booking a ride from Welcome Pickups, you can guarantee a comfortable car and a friendly driver.