Lois Larson
Helsinki Airport is located about 20 kilometres north of Helsinki city centre, and it takes about half an hour to travel between the two. If you have a long layover in Helsinki, you may be able to leave the airport and visit the city or nearby Vantaa. Travellers within the Schengen area are allowed to exit the airport during a layover, and travellers from outside the Schengen area can also leave the airport if they don't need a visa to visit the Schengen area or already have a valid visa. However, you will need to go through passport security when entering and exiting Finland, and you should allow enough time for airport procedures before your next flight.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Distance from the airport to the city centre | 20km |
| Time taken to reach the city centre | 30 minutes without traffic |
| Transport options | train, Finnair bus, taxi |
| Train cost | €4.10-€5 |
| Finnair bus cost | €8 |
| Taxi cost | €45-€50 |
| Time taken to return to the airport | 30 minutes without traffic |
| Minimum time required for a layover tour | 4 hours |
| Sites covered in a layover tour | Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, the Church of the Rock, Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral, the National Library of Finland, the Presidential Palace |
| Sites covered in a 5-hour layover tour | island and fortress of Suomenlinna |
| Sites covered in a 1-hour layover | Finnish Aviation Museum |
| Sites covered in a 90-minute layover | Boat trip, Ice floating experience in Helsinki harbour |
| Visa requirements for leaving the airport during a layover | No visa required for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period for US citizens |
| Visa requirements for leaving the airport during a layover | Travellers from outside the Schengen area must have a visa that allows a visit to Finland |
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What You'll Learn
- Schengen area travellers can leave the airport during a layover
- Non-Schengen travellers can leave if they don't need a visa for the Schengen area
- It takes 30 minutes to reach Helsinki city centre from the airport
- There are many attractions in Helsinki, including ice swimming and nature
- There are plenty of dining options at Helsinki airport, including reindeer charcuterie
Schengen area travellers can leave the airport during a layover
Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport (HEL) is a hub serving some 140 destinations, and it's quick and easy to leave the airport and head into the city during a layover. Finland is in the Schengen Area, so if you are travelling within this area, you are allowed to exit the airport during a layover. Travellers from outside the Schengen area can also leave the airport if they don't need a visa to enter the Schengen area or if they already have a visa that allows them to visit Finland.
Helsinki Airport is about 20km north of Helsinki city centre. The train from the airport to the city centre takes around 30 minutes and costs €4.10, while a taxi costs around €45-50. There are also Finnair buses to the city centre for €8. Trains depart every 10 minutes, and you can purchase tickets in the station or on the HSL app. Remember to reserve enough time for airport procedures: boarding usually begins about half an hour before takeoff, and you'll need time for security and passport control. You can download the Helsinki Airport App to track security waiting times.
If you have a long layover of around eight hours, you can visit a sauna or try ice swimming. Helsinki Central Library Oodi is a beautiful building with great views and is located next to the railway station. You can also take a city tour of Helsinki by bus or boat, which only takes a few hours. If you want to visit Suomenlinna island and fortress, you'll need around five hours. If you have less time, there's a 90-minute boat trip that takes in the main sights from the water.
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Non-Schengen travellers can leave if they don't need a visa for the Schengen area
If you are a non-Schengen traveller, you can leave Helsinki airport during your layover if you don't need a visa for the Schengen area. Finland is part of the Schengen area, so US citizens, for example, do not need a visa for stays of up to 90 days in any 180-day period. However, it's important to keep in mind that border control will add necessary information to your travelling documents when entering and exiting the Schengen area, which may affect your visa status.
Helsinki airport is about 20km north of Helsinki city centre. The journey to the city centre takes about half an hour by car or public transport, so you should schedule at least an hour for travelling if you want to go into the city. Trains leave every 10 minutes and cost €5, while a taxi will cost around €45-50. The train station is located directly beneath the arrivals hall, and the train journey takes you through beautiful scenery. The efficient and charming streetcar is also a great way to get around the city, with 11 lines made up of both vintage and new trains. A single tram ticket is cheaper than a metro ticket, but a metro ticket is valid on both forms of transportation.
There is plenty to do in Helsinki during a layover. You can visit Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, the Church of the Rock, Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral, the National Library of Finland, the Presidential Palace, and Central Library Oodi. If you have more time, you can include the island and fortress of Suomenlinna or take a 90-minute boat trip to see the main sights from the water. For something more adventurous, try ice swimming in Helsinki Harbour or go for a walk in an urban forest. Helsinki is also known for its cafe culture, so be sure to stop for a hot coffee. If you want to stay near the airport, you can view art near Gate 37, get a massage, or nap in one of the airport's napping pods. There are also excellent dining options, including vegan restaurants and Finnish specialities.
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It takes 30 minutes to reach Helsinki city centre from the airport
Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport (HEL) is located about 20 kilometres north of Helsinki city centre. The airport has multiple transport connections to the Helsinki metropolitan area and the rest of Finland.
If you're travelling by car, it takes around 30 minutes to reach the city centre from the airport, depending on traffic. Congestion can be heavy in Helsinki, especially during rush hours, so be sure to factor this into your journey. A taxi from the airport to the city centre costs around €45-50.
The train from the airport to Helsinki city centre also takes around 30 minutes and costs €4.10. Trains leave every 10 minutes during peak hours and run from early morning until late at night. The train station is located directly beneath the airport terminal, with a direct elevator from the arrivals hall. You can purchase tickets in the station or on the HSL app.
The bus from the airport to the city centre takes 40-50 minutes and costs €8. Tickets can be purchased on the HSL app or at the bus station's ticket machine.
Helsinki is known for being safe, efficient, and easy to navigate, so you shouldn't have any trouble getting from the airport to the city centre and back in time for your next flight. A layover of just a few hours is enough time to get a feel for the city.
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There are many attractions in Helsinki, including ice swimming and nature
Helsinki is a great city to visit during a layover. The Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport is about 20 kilometres from the city centre, and it takes about half an hour to get there by train or car. The train costs €4.10, while the taxi fare is around €45-50. If you have at least four hours for your layover, you can visit the main city sights, including Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, the Church of the Rock, Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral, the National Library of Finland, and the Presidential Palace. You can also take a ninety-minute boat trip to see the main sights from the water. If you have five hours, you can include the island and fortress of Suomenlinna in your tour.
Helsinki also offers many attractions for nature lovers. The city is known for its urban forests, and its saunas and ice swimming spots are a great way to connect with nature. One popular spot for ice swimming is Löyly, a traditional Finnish sauna with magnificent views of the sea. Visitors can take a dip in the icy waters of the Baltic Sea and then warm up with hot food by an open fire at Löyly's restaurant. Another option is Kulttuurisauna, an ecological wood-heated sauna in the Merihaka neighbourhood. This sauna offers stunning sea views and is a favourite place for avanto swimming.
For a more central experience, try the Allas Sea Pool, a unique urban spa complex with pools that float in Helsinki Harbour. Here, you can take a plunge through an ice hole and swim in pure seawater. There are also three saunas to warm up in. If you're looking for a more rustic experience, Villa Furuvik is located just 10 kilometres from the city centre. The Furuvik Beach Sauna offers a cosy hut with large windows overlooking the sea, and it has one of the biggest ice holes in Helsinki.
In addition to ice swimming, Helsinki offers other unique nature experiences. The city is known for its efficient and charming streetcar system, which is a great way to get around and see the sights. The city also has a sky wheel, where you can book special rides such as champagne rides in a VIP gondola or a sky sauna experience with private use of a sauna gondola, a hot tub, and drinks. Helsinki is also surrounded by nature trails, such as the Pornaistenniemi Nature Trail, offering panoramic views and interpretive signs.
Whether you're looking for urban adventures or natural escapes, Helsinki has something for everyone during a layover. The city is safe, easy to navigate, and offers a range of attractions to suit different interests and time constraints.
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There are plenty of dining options at Helsinki airport, including reindeer charcuterie
Helsinki Airport is located about 20 km north of Helsinki city centre. If you're wondering whether you can leave the airport during a layover in Helsinki, the answer is yes. However, you'll need to factor in enough time to get through passport control and security, and then make your way into the city. The train from the airport to Helsinki Central Station takes around 30 minutes and costs €4.10, while a taxi will cost around €45-50. Delays at passport control and security can be unpredictable, but the airport has recently doubled its security capacity and introduced new technology to speed up the process.
If you're short on time or prefer to stay at the airport, there are plenty of dining options to choose from. As an airport in Finland, Helsinki Airport offers Finnish cuisine, including reindeer charcuterie. The Fly Inn offers a full menu of modern Finnish favourites, including a braised reindeer shank and a tasting menu. For something more casual, the Helsinki Sausage Co. serves local sausage favourites, including Yönakki and bratwurst. If you're craving ramen, Helsinki Airport is also home to the largest Ajisen Ramen restaurant in the world.
In addition to dining, there are other ways to spend your layover at Helsinki Airport. You can view art at the "Art in the Airport" gallery near Gate 37, relax in one of the airport's napping pods, or explore the Olohuone Maja, an airport living room showcasing Finnish design. If you decide to venture into the city, a classic layover tour can take you to Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, the Church of the Rock, and other main sights. For a unique experience, you can even try ice floating in Helsinki Harbour!
Whether you choose to explore Helsinki or stay at the airport, there's plenty to keep you busy during your layover. And if you're feeling adventurous, you can even sample some Finnish reindeer dishes!
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can leave Helsinki Airport during a layover. If you are travelling within the Schengen area, you are allowed to exit the airport during a layover. Travellers from outside the Schengen area can also leave the airport if they don't need a visa to visit the Schengen area or they already have a visa that allows a visit to Finland.
The journey from the airport to Helsinki city centre takes around half an hour by train, and around 30 minutes by car if there is no traffic. However, congestion can be bad during rush hours, so make sure to allow for this when considering whether you have enough time to leave the airport during your layover.
There are plenty of things to do in Helsinki during a layover. You can visit Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, the Church of the Rock, Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral, the National Library of Finland, the Presidential Palace, and Central Library Oodi. You can also go ice swimming, experience local nature, or enjoy Finnish specialities at restaurants in the city.
Helsinki Airport offers a wide range of shopping, dining, and leisure options. You can find international craft beers and wines at Bubbles, O'Leary's, The Oak Barrel Irish Pub, and Wine & View. There are also speedier options like Two Tigers Sushi and Noodles, Bastard Burgers, Street Food Club, and Helsinki Market. The airport also has three hotels: GLO Hotel Vantaa Airport, Scandic Helsinki Airport, and Hilton Helsinki-Vantaa Airport.
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