Helsinki Airport - The Most Important Things to Know

Helsinki Airport is by far the largest in Finland. While the country has dozens of airports, Helsinki stands in a league of its own. Each year, 16 million travellers pass through it. The airport offers a wide domestic network, strong European connections, and flights to global destinations.

Location

Helsinki Airport is located in Vantaa, a neighbouring city of Helsinki. The distance to Helsinki city centre is just 17 kilometres, while Vantaa’s central district, Tikkurila, is 5 kilometres away. Both are easily and quickly accessible by commuter train.

Helsinki Airport features commuter trains, local, and long-distance bus stations, as well as a taxi service. Direct long-distance trains are not yet available, but plans are in place. There are numerous parking areas at the airport and nearby for those arriving by car.

Read more about Helsinki Airport Transfer Options.

Taxis

Taxis are perhaps the most convenient, although not always the fastest, way to reach Helsinki’s city centre. A taxi is a sensible choice if your destination isn’t near a train or bus route. It’s a comfortable option, especially when travelling with heavy luggage.

The airport’s taxi station is next to the arrival hall, making it easy to hop into a cab shortly after landing. When departing, arriving by taxi offers a smooth start, as the taxi driver drops you off right in front of the terminal. For those using ride-hailing apps like Uber or Bolt, you can arrange a pickup in a nearby parking lot close to the terminal.

Read more about Helsinki Airport taxis.

Terminal

Helsinki Airport has only one terminal. Previously, it featured two terminals, but they have been combined, and there is now only one main entrance. That simplifies things since you always arrive and leave from the same place.

The airport features a large departure hall with check-in counters. Passengers proceed through a security checkpoint to the Schengen airside area. If you’re flying to a non-Schengen destination, pass through passport control to access the non-Schengen zone. Walking from the non-Schengen far end to the Schengen end, via passport control, takes around 20 minutes.

The baggage reclaim area is one floor below the departure hall. Customs separates this area from the arrival hall. No special customs procedures are in effect when entering Finland; please choose the appropriate lane. Random inspections may occur.

Airport Lounges

Helsinki Airport features seven lounges – three operated by Finnair and four by external providers. You can access the external lounges with certain credit cards or lounge memberships. Learn more about Helsinki Airport Lounges on Finnoy Travel.

Other Services in Terminal

Helsinki Airport is only moderate in size but offers a wide range of services. In addition to lounges, it features numerous cafés and restaurants to suit various tastes, including familiar names like Burger King and Starbucks.

Shoppers will enjoy tax-free stores, kiosks, and unique shops, such as the Moomin store. Last-minute souvenirs and delicious Finnish treats are available at the airport. The shopping options are varied and plentiful.

You can exchange money or withdraw cash from ATMS. The airport also has pharmacies offering over-the-counter and prescription medications. You’ll find all the essentials at the airport, including local SIM cards.

Airport Hotels

Helsinki is a popular stopover destination, offering a range of nearby airport hotels. A few steps from the arrival hall, Comfort Hotel Xpress and Scandic hotels are inside the terminal building. A little further, there are the Hilton and Clarion Hotel Aviapoli, if you prefer a better quality and are willing to walk a few minutes.

Approximately 10 airport hotels are located nearby, most of which are accessible by a complimentary shuttle bus that takes around 10 minutes. A few hotels offer their private shuttle service. These hotels are more budget-friendly, but accessing them takes time.

Is Helsinki Airport Crowded?

Helsinki Airport is generally not crowded. It may feel more crowded during busy hours, such as early mornings or late afternoons, but it is much quieter at other times.

Under ideal conditions, it takes about 20 minutes to check in and reach the gate after arriving at the airport. Fast check-in is especially true with Finnair, which offers automated check-in and luggage drop. Smaller airlines may have manual processes, which can result in longer processing times.

During peak hours, a queue may form at security; however, 15 minutes of waiting should be sufficient. However, we still recommend arriving at the airport two hours before departure. There have been occasional instances of longer security delays due to staff shortages. Arriving early is safer; you can relax in a lounge with extra time to spare.

Checklist for Helsinki Airport Travellers

Departing passengers

1. Arrive at Helsinki Airport two hours before your departure.
   • There is only one operating airport in the Helsinki area, and it has only one terminal.
   • Ride from Helsinki centre to the airport takes 30 minutes.
2. Check with your airline. Prefer online check-in and baggage drop when available.
   • Mobile boarding passes are allowed.
3. Proceed through security, allowing at least 15 minutes for this.
4. If flying to a non-Schengen destination, proceed to passport control after passing through security.
5. Relax and enjoy the airport lounges.

And when arriving…

1. Proceed to the baggage claim area to collect your luggage.
   • If you arrive from a non-Schengen origin, there will be a passport control on the way.
2. After you get your baggage, pass through customs to the arrival hall.
   • The customs process is fast, almost invisible.
3. Grab a snack in the arrival hall or visit the supermarket (Alepa).
4. Take a taxi or another airport transfer option to your final destination.

If you prefer simplicity, consider pre-booking a ride from our partner, Welcome Pickups.

Bottom Line

Helsinki Airport is a pleasant place to arrive. Everything runs smoothly, and the airport is rarely too busy. Inspired by Finnish nature, its Scandinavian design adds to the welcoming atmosphere.

As always, it’s best to arrive at the airport early. You might not need the extra time, but allowing some margin is wise. Occasionally, processes can take longer than usual, especially if you’re flying with a smaller airline that may have fewer staff available for check-in.

Happy Travels via Helsinki Airport!