How to Easily Get from Helsinki Airport to the City (2026)

This guide will discuss the best and cheapest way to get from Helsinki Airport to the city center (and back). I’ve done this journey too many times to count, and finally, I did it again, putting myself in the shoes of someone who has never been to Helsinki and is arriving for the first time!

If you have any questions, let me know in the comments. I will do my best to keep this guide up-to-date, as I will be passing through Helsinki Airport every few months since moving officially to Rovaniemi. Thanks!

About the Helsinki Airport

The Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) is the largest international airport serving Finland and is the capital city’s main airport. The airport is situated 17 kilometers (just over 10 miles) north of the city center in Helsinki and is owned by the state company Finavia.

There are around 350 departures daily and over 15 million people pass through the Helsinki Airport annually.

Chances are that if you are flying to Finland (any airport), you will actually pass through HEL on your way to that airport!

Best Helsinki Airport to City Transfer Options

As stated above, this guide will discuss 3 options for reaching the city center from Helsinki Airport and they are:

1. Taking the train (my preferred option – I don’t even consider a bus or taxi these days).
2. Taking the bus
3. Taking a taxi

If you have questions, please let me know!

1. Train from Helsinki Airport to the City (Easiest and Cheapest)

Honestly, I don’t take anything else these days. I used to take an airport express bus a decade ago, but this train line is so efficient and fast that I don’t even consider public buses these days.

Here is a step-by-step guide for how to get from Helsinki Airport to the city center by train:

Step 1: Leave departures and head for the train and transportation area.

Step 2: You will go down a series of a couple of escalators before reaching the modern underground rail station. There are also elevators for those with a lot of luggage, in a wheelchair, or traveling with a stroller.

Step 3: Get a ticket from the machine once you are on the platform. You CANNOT purchase tickets on the train.

These tickets will cover zones ABC and are currently €4.80 (about $5.50) one-way for an adult. Children under 7 can ride for free and children between 7-17 will receive a 50% discount on the adult fare.

There is an option on the machine to purchase in English and the machines take cards or cash. It takes coins as well as denominations of 5, 10, 20, and 50 notes. As for cards, it will accept Visa or Mastercard.

Step 4: After you purchase your ticket, wait for the next train (they run very regularly, so you won’t have to wait longer than 10-15 minutes).

This is a train that makes a few stops picking up passengers who are not travelers, so just be sure to have spatial awareness and keep your luggage close so others can sit down. The journey on the train is about 30 minutes long. 

Step 5: You will arrive at the main station… welcome to Helsinki!

2. Bus from Helsinki Airport to the City Center (Same Price as the Train)

Another option for getting from the airport to the city center is to take a bus. Honestly, if you are a traveler, I don’t see why you would need to consider this option if you are okay with taking the train.

The bus price is the same and it takes 40 minutes instead of 30 to reach the city center.

3. Take a Taxi from Helsinki Airport (Most Expensive)

There is a taxi queue out front where you can catch a taxi (it can get busy at times).

Uber is an option here, but I prefer the local service, Meneva. Meneva has an app and the cars are very nice with good drivers (and they are a green company).

A starting fare with Meneva is €10 and €1.50 for every kilometer.

However, they offer fixed fares to the Helsinki city center for €39 and a fixed fare of €17 for those traveling within a 5 km (about 3 mi) radius (this is where the airport hotels are located).

How to Store Your Bags

Luggage Storage at Helsinki Railway Station

If you simply have a layover and want to explore Helsinki but need to drop your luggage off somewhere safe, you can do so in the basement of the Helsinki Railway Station!

The luggage area is secure and safe – I use it almost every time I am in the city.

For 12 hours, you are looking at around €10 (just under it) and for 24 hours, you are looking at around €14 (just under it). The machines have an English option and will take cards.

There are XL lockers and ones set aside for those needing an accessible locker.

Luggage Storage at Helsinki Airport

There are lockers at the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport in both terminals on the ground level.

You will also find luggage storage inside Terminal 2 (on the P Level). Just follow the signs around the airport with a suitcase on it and it will guide you to a place to store your bags.

Getting from Helsinki to the Airport

To return (or just get to!) the Helsinki Airport, you will need to get to the Helsinki Central Station and take the next train.

They usually leave from around Platform 1 (sometimes 18) and it takes about 30 minutes to get to the airport.

Purchasing a ticket is the same as you did to get to the city (just in reverse).

Are you staying at the airport hotels (and not the city center)?

Not staying in Helsinki’s center? If so, you can catch one of the free shuttles at the bus terminal within the airport. Otherwise, you can pay for a taxi (usually around €15-17) to your hotel.

I typically stay at Scandic Helsinki Aviacongress when I pass through Helsinki on an overnight layover and don’t have time to get to the city, so I have done this journey a lot!

The bus will be free and will make a few stops. There are two Scandic hotels side by side, so be sure to get off at the right one (otherwise, you can walk over to Aviacongress).

There are also a few hotels within walking distance of the airport that will not require a bus ride. Ask your hotel upon booking!

Do you have any questions about getting from the Helsinki Airport to the city center? Let me know in the comments. Thanks!

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