Getting to Helsinki
Helsinki is easily accessible from various directions.
Choose your preferred route and means of transportation below. We have also gathered a few tips to get around the city.
By plane:
The Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport is the main airport of Helsinki serving international connections. It is located near the city of Vantaa and is approx. 17 kilometres from Helsinki. The airport has 2 terminals. Terminal 1 handles all domestic flights and flights within the Schengen area. Terminal 2 serves all international and non-Schengen flights.
The journey between the airport and the city centre usually takes 30 minutes. There are multiple bus lines you can take from the airport to the city centre and back. See more information about timetables and tickets here.
By train:
The Helsinki Central Station is the main railway station of Helsinki, located in the city centre and one of the main tourist attractions due to its architecture.
It provides excellent train connections inside Finland and there is also a daily train service from St. Petersburg and Moscow.
Commuter trains I and trains P are a fast and convenient way for travelling between the airport and the city centre. To get to or from the airport, you will need an ABC ticket. Single tickets and day cards can be purchased using the HSL mobile app or from HSL ticket machines, R-kiosks and many other sales points throughout the city. Tickets cannot be purchased onboard commuter trains.
By boat:
There are daily ferry services to Helsinki from Tallinn, Estonia and Sweden. Helsinki can also be reached by ferry from Germany.
Most Helsinki ports are suitable for international cruise ships.
Getting around Helsinki
Trams
Helsinki is a compact city and trams are a convenient way of getting around. The network covers the densely populated central neighbourhoods and some of the surrounding areas. It has 10 lines, 8 of which cross the city centre.
Buses
While trams mostly operate within the heart of the city, buses have a wider reach. Most bus lines operate between 5:30 and 23:30. There are a few night lines marked with the letter “N”. You can find the routes of the buses on the HSL website searching by neighbourhood.
Metro
The metro system consists of 2 lines with 25 stations. The stations are announced in Finnish and Swedish. Single tickets can be bought from ticket machines at the stations or via the HSL mobile app. A ticket can be used for any other transport vehicle within the period of its validity.
Taxis
Taxis can be easily hailed from taxi stands or from the streets. Watch out for an illuminated yellow sign which reads TAKSI/TAXI. All taxis follow a basic fare, which changes per-kilometre.
A journey with a taxi from Helsinki Airport to the city centre will take approximately 20 minutes and will cost you around €40-45.
Bicycle
Helsinki is a bicycle friendly city. Biking is one of the best ways to explore the city. Bikes can be easily rented and there is an extensive network of bike routes within the city.