Airport Guide to Vantaa (HEL)

Airport Overview

Terminal Transfer | Getting into Town | Car Parking | Information Desks | Airport Facilities

Located approximately 5km (3 miles) west of the centre of Vantaa, and 17km (10.6 miles) north of Helsinki’s city centre, Helsinki Vantaa International Airport (HEL) is Finland’s main international airport. It was first built for the Summer Olympics of 1952 and now serves an average of 12.5 million passengers per year.

Current renovations at Helsinki Airport, scheduled to be completed by the end of 2011, include a complete overhaul of the waiting lounge, baggage and check-in areas. The addition of several shops, cafes and restaurants is also set to enhance the airport, while the relocation of existing retail and dining establishments will improve passenger flow and free up space for more chairs in the seating areas. The airport building itself is divided into two terminals, separated by a distance of 250 metres (820 feet), and internal pedestrian connections offer quick transfers between them.

Helsinki Vantaa International Airport is clean and staff are helpful and friendly. Security checks and customs are generally quick.

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Terminal Transfer

You can walk directly to your connecting flight’s gate as arrivals and departures are in the same building.

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Getting into Town

Taxi: A taxi trip from the airport to the city centre takes around 30 minutes and costs between €35 and €40. The taxi stands are located just outside the arrivals areas.

Bus: Numerous buses run between Helsinki Airport and various parts of the city. The journey to the city centre takes approximately 35 minutes and the fare is €6.20.

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Car Parking

Five parking zones provide short- and long-term parking options. Prices range between €8 and €30 per day for up to three days, after which they drop to between €3 and €10 for each additional day. Short visits are charged at €1 for every ten minutes.

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Information Desks

There is an Information Centre in the terminal building.

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Airport Facilities

Money and communications: ATMs and currency exchange.

Luggage: A lost and found service and luggage storage facility are available (charge applies).

Conference and business: The Conference and Congress Centre provides nine meeting rooms with up to 140 seats each, while smaller facilities offer seating for up to eight people. eService Bar, at Gate 20, has six workstations with Internet access.

Other facilities: Internet kiosks, a pharmacy, barber, spa and saunas.

Wi-Fi: Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the terminal building.

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