Helsinki Day Ticket: Airport Access Explained

Helsinki Airport is located 20 kilometres from Helsinki's city centre, with multiple transport connections to the city centre and around Finland. Travellers can use the local I and P trains, which take about 30 minutes to reach the city centre, or bus route 600, which takes about 40 minutes. Day tickets are available for purchase online on the HSL mobile app or at ticket machines and kiosks, and are valid for 1 to 13 days. The Helsinki Card is also an option, which includes unlimited travel on HSL public transport for one to three days, as well as free entry to various museums and attractions. However, it is unclear whether these day tickets include transport to and from the airport.

Helsinki Card City includes unlimited transport in zones A and B

The Helsinki Card is a great way to explore the city, offering free entry to museums and attractions, discounts on services and shopping, and unlimited public transport. The card is available in two versions: Helsinki Card CITY and Helsinki Card REGION.

The Helsinki Card CITY includes unlimited transport within zones A and B, covering all public transport options within the city, including buses, trams, the metro, local trains, and the ferry to Suomenlinna. The card is valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours after activation and serves as your travel card. You can easily move around the city during the summer season with the included Hop-On-Hop-Off bus service.

The Helsinki Card REGION, on the other hand, offers unlimited transport within zones A, B, and C. This option provides even more flexibility if you plan to explore beyond the city centre. It is also valid for 24, 48, or 72 hours after activation.

Both cards are easy to use and ensure a seamless travel experience. Simply tap your card on the card reader to validate your journey. You can check the validity of your card at any time by holding it against the reader. It's important to note that the digital version of the Helsinki Card does not include public transport; only the physical card offers this benefit.

When planning your trip to Helsinki, it's worth considering the Helsinki Card, especially if you want to make the most of your time and explore the city's attractions and transportation options. The card can be purchased online or at designated exchange points, such as the Excess Baggage Airport Services at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, Terminal 2.

Helsinki Card Region includes unlimited transport in zones A, B and C

Helsinki is known for its efficient public transportation system, which makes it easy to get around the city and see the sights. The Helsinki Card is a city card that offers several benefits, including free entry to museums and attractions, as well as discounts on services and shopping. The card also includes unlimited travel on HSL public transport for one to three days.

There are two types of Helsinki Cards available: the Helsinki Card City and the Helsinki Card Region. The Helsinki Card City is valid for zones A and B, while the Helsinki Card Region includes unlimited transport in zones A, B, and C. This means that with the Helsinki Card Region, you can access a wider area and more destinations during your stay.

Zones A, B, and C cover Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, Kauniainen, and parts of Kirkkonummi, Sipoo, Kerava, and Tuusula. Depending on your travel plans and the areas you want to explore, the Helsinki Card Region can offer a more comprehensive option for getting around. It is important to note that there are no single-zone tickets available for zones A, B, or C, so the Helsinki Card Region provides the flexibility to move between these zones seamlessly.

The Helsinki Card can be purchased for 1, 2, or 3 days, and it is activated upon its first use. To use the card, simply tap it on the card reader when boarding public transport. The card reader will beep, and a green light will indicate that your journey has been validated. You can also check the validity and expiry time of your card by holding it against the reader.

Local I and P trains service the airport

Helsinki Airport is easily accessible from Helsinki city centre via the I and P trains. The airport train station is located directly under the airport terminal and can be reached by lift or escalator from the arrival and departure halls. The trains run between the airport and Helsinki city centre every 10 minutes from Monday to Saturday and every 15 minutes on Sundays. During quieter times, the trains run less frequently, with headways of up to 30 minutes.

The I train travels from Helsinki to Tikkurila, the airport, Myyrmäki, and back to Helsinki. This route takes approximately 27 minutes. The P train, on the other hand, takes a slightly different route, travelling from Helsinki to Myyrmäki, the airport, Tikkurila, and back to Helsinki. This route takes about 32 minutes.

To ride the I or P train from Helsinki city centre to the airport, you will need an ABC zone ticket. This ticket can be purchased in advance through the HSL app or at ticket machines located at train and bus stations, the Alepa Grocery store, WH Smith, R-kiosks, and tourist information centres. The HSL Card is a good option if you plan to use public transportation within Helsinki, as it offers reduced fares on bus, train, metro, and tram tickets.

In addition to the I and P trains, there are also other trains that connect the airport to Finnish cities like Lahti and Tampere, as well as Russian cities such as Moscow and Saint Petersburg (Allegro train). For those travelling by bus, route 600 operates between Helsinki Airport and the city centre, with tickets available for purchase online or at the bus station's ticket machine.

The airport is 20km from Helsinki City Centre

Helsinki Airport is located 20 kilometres from the city centre. There are multiple transport options to cover this distance, including car, train, taxi, bus, or bike.

If you are travelling by car, it takes around 30 minutes to reach the city centre. There are nearly 350 charging stations for electric cars at Finavia's parking areas, and short-term parking is available next to the terminal.

The train is a popular option, with the I and P trains running from the airport to the city centre every ten minutes. The train station is conveniently located directly under the airport terminal, and the journey takes around 25 to 30 minutes. Tickets can be purchased from the HSL mobile app or from ticket machines at the train platform. The airport train runs on a circular track, so you don't have to worry about going in the wrong direction.

For those on a tighter budget, the bus is a good option. Bus route 600 operates between the airport and the city centre, with tickets available from the HSL mobile app or the bus station's ticket machine. The journey takes around 40 to 50 minutes.

Finally, if you prefer a more active mode of transport, there is a dedicated area for parking bikes next to the bus station and the airport's arrivals hall. This area is covered, has camera surveillance, and is free of charge. However, charging electric bikes is not possible at this location.

The HSL app allows for quick and easy ticket purchases

The HSL app is a convenient way to purchase tickets for public transport in the Helsinki region. The app allows users to buy single, day, and season tickets for both adults and children. It also offers discounted tickets for students and passengers aged 70 and over. In addition to ticket purchases, the app provides route planning and real-time departure and arrival information. Users can also choose to receive notifications about service changes and disruptions directly on their phones.

The app is available for free on the App Store and Google Play and can be identified by the blue HSL logo. Once downloaded, users need to answer a few initial questions about data protection and notifications. When buying tickets, users must provide their name, phone number, and email address. For single and day tickets, this is the only information required. However, for multi-journey and season tickets, users must strongly authenticate and log in using their HSL account and online banking credentials or a mobile certificate.

The HSL app offers a range of payment options, including debit and credit cards (Visa, Mastercard, and Amex), MobilePay, HSL Commuter Benefit, and even the option to charge purchases up to 50 euros to your phone bill. It's important to note that a 1.6% payment method fee is added to phone bill payments. The app also supports the purchase of tickets for small groups travelling together, with the option to buy up to 50 tickets in advance through the app.

While the HSL app provides quick and easy ticket purchases, some users have reported issues with glitches and route tracking. There have also been complaints about the requirement for a Finnish phone number during registration, which can be frustrating for foreigners. Despite these drawbacks, the app offers a convenient way to plan journeys and purchase tickets for public transport in Helsinki.

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