Owais Crawford
Helsinki Airport, also known as Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, is the second busiest airport in Finland. If you're spending a few hours at Helsinki Airport, you might be wondering if you can explore the city nearby. The answer is yes! As long as you've got at least 7 hours before your next flight, you can easily reach Helsinki city centre in around half an hour by train, bus, or shuttle bus. Once there, you can explore the city's main sights, including Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, the Church of the Rock, and the Kamppi Chapel. If you're feeling adventurous, you can even try ice floating in Helsinki Harbour or ice swimming at Löyly. For those who prefer a more relaxed pace, there are plenty of restaurants, cafes, and shops to enjoy, as well as the beautiful Helsinki Central Library Oodi. So whether you're looking for breathtaking views, cultural experiences, or delicious food, there's something for everyone during a layover at Helsinki Airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Transport to Helsinki City Centre | Train, bus, shuttle bus, helicopter |
| Transport time to Helsinki City Centre | 30 minutes |
| Transport cost to Helsinki City Centre | €4.10 by train; €45-50 by taxi |
| Tours | 3-hour city tour, 90-minute boat trip, 30-minute helicopter tour |
| Places to visit in Helsinki | Kampii Chapel, Helsinki Cathedral, Lake, Suomenlinna Fortress, Rock Church, Senate Square, Sibelius Monument, Central Library Oodi, St. Lawrence Church, Paloheinä Golf Club, Löyly, Kuusijärvi outdoor recreational centre |
| Activities | Ice floating, ice swimming, sauna |
| Shopping | Factory stores of local design brands Iittala, Arabia, and Marrimeko, Airport Retail Park |
| Eating and drinking | Pier Zero, Nordic Kitchen, Bubbles, O’Leary’s, The Oak Barrel Irish Pub, Wine & View, Two Tigers Sushi and Noodles, Bastard Burgers, Street Food Club, Helsinki Market, Starbucks, Burger King |
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What You'll Learn
Explore Helsinki city centre by train, bus, or boat
Helsinki Airport is well-connected to the city centre by train, bus, and boat. Here are some options for exploring Helsinki city centre using these modes of transportation:
By Train
The train ride from Helsinki Airport to the city centre is smooth, clean, cheap, and reliable. To get to the train platform from Terminal 2, follow the signs marked "Railway Station" with English signage available. The train ticket costs €4.10, and you can purchase it at the station platform using a credit card or through the HSL app. The HSL app makes buying tickets easier and is useful for navigating around Helsinki.
By Bus
A convenient way to explore Helsinki city centre is through a Hop-On-Hop-Off bus tour. These buses offer a flexible way to customise your itinerary, with 19 stops along the route, including Market Square, Temppeliaukio Church in the Rock, Sibelius Monument, Central Library Oodi, and the Main Railway Station. The ticket is valid for 24 or 48 hours, and you can explore the city at your own pace, hopping off at any stop to visit museums, parks, or other attractions. The bus tour also provides audio commentary in 11 languages, and you can choose your preferred language.
By Boat
Helsinki offers a range of boat tours and cruises to explore the city and its maritime heritage. One option is the Helsinki City Highlights Cruise, which showcases the urban shorelines and attractions such as Esplanade Park, Old Market Hall, and Market Square. You can also take a guided cruise to Suomenlinna Island, a fortress island with a rich history. Additionally, there are boat tours that combine bus sightseeing, such as the Beautiful Canal Cruise or the City Highlights Cruise, offering a unique perspective of the city.
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Visit the Rock Church, Senate Square, and Sibelius Monument
If you're looking for things to do around Helsinki Airport, you can easily reach Helsinki City Centre via the Ring Rail Line, bus, or train. Once in the city centre, there are plenty of attractions to visit, including the Rock Church, Senate Square, and Sibelius Monument.
Rock Church
The Rock Church, or Temppeliaukio Church, is a popular attraction in Helsinki. It is known for its unique architecture, being built directly into the rock. To get to the Rock Church, you can take the tram 3T and get off at the Sammonkatu stop. The church is a short walk from there.
Senate Square
Senate Square is a historic square in Helsinki, dominated by the Helsinki Cathedral, also known as the Church of St. Nicholas. The square also features a statue of Emperor Alexander II in the centre. To get to Senate Square, you can take a bus or train from the airport to the city centre and then walk or take a short tram ride.
Sibelius Monument
The Sibelius Monument is a unique structure dedicated to the famous Finnish composer, Jean Sibelius. The monument resembles organ pipes and is made of steel. It is located in a park not far from the Rock Church. You can take bus #24 from the city centre to reach the monument, getting off at the Rajasaarenti bus stop and walking about 300 metres. Alternatively, you can take the tram 3T and get off at the Töölöntori stop.
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Try ice floating in Helsinki Harbour or ice swimming at Löyly
If you're looking for an adventure during your layover in Helsinki, why not try ice floating in Helsinki Harbour or ice swimming at Löyly? This unique experience will allow you to immerse yourself in the icy waters of Finland's capital city and take in the stunning urban landscape from a whole new perspective.
Ice floating is a relaxing and meditative activity that has gained popularity worldwide. In Helsinki, you can sign up for a 90-minute ice floating tour, which includes jumping between ice rafts and floating in the heart of the city. You'll be provided with insulated suits to keep you warm and comfortable during your experience. The best time to go ice floating is between December and April when the ice is thick enough to create a surreal atmosphere yet not too thick to prevent movement.
For those seeking an even bigger thrill, there is a seven-hour tour that combines a cruise on an icebreaker ship with a dip in the Bothnian Sea. You'll be taken across the border to Axelsvik, Sweden, to board the ship and venture into the frozen sea. This tour offers a peaceful and tranquil experience as you float around with your friends or family in a small group setting.
If you're an avid swimmer, Löyly, a public sauna and restaurant complex located on the Helsinki waterfront, offers an unforgettable ice swimming experience. Their sea-pool is open all year round, and the complex also features smoke saunas, an outdoor terrace, and a restaurant serving New Nordic cuisine. It's the perfect place to warm up after your icy dip!
With Helsinki's efficient public transportation system, you can easily reach the city centre from Helsinki Airport. So, whether you choose to explore the city's cafes and design brand factory stores or venture out for ice floating or swimming, you're sure to have a memorable layover in Helsinki.
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Shop at the Airport Retail Park or local design brands' factory stores
Helsinki Airport is a great place to indulge in some retail therapy, with a wide range of shopping opportunities available both within the airport and a short distance away. If you're looking for a convenient option without having to venture too far, the Airport Retail Park is a great choice. Here, you'll find a variety of stores offering everything from fashion to souvenirs and cosmetics.
For those interested in sustainable and second-hand options, Relove, the world's first second-hand shop at an airport, offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Ruohonjuuri, another eco-friendly option, showcases innovative and sustainable products. If you're a fan of Finnish design, Viaminnet is the place to go, with its stunning jewellery and design pieces. Lumene offers a range of Finnish beauty and cosmetic products, while the Moomin Shop celebrates the iconic Finnish cartoon.
However, if you have a longer layover and wish to explore beyond the airport, there are several local design brands' factory stores nearby that are worth visiting. Iittala, Arabia, and Marimekko are renowned Finnish design companies with factory stores located a short distance from the airport. Iittala, a glassware company, showcases timeless designs by renowned Finnish designers, while Marimekko, founded in 1951, offers a colourful and unique shopping experience.
Additionally, Helsinki's city centre, easily accessible by public transit, boasts several design flagship stores. FRENN, located on Fredrikinkatu, is known for its sustainable and casual-formal clothing. Artek, founded by Finland's famous architect couple Alvar and Aino Aalto, offers stylish interior design ideas and classic furniture pieces. The Stockmann Department Store in the city centre is also worth a visit, with a wide range of products, including fashion, cosmetics, Finnish design, and souvenirs.
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Eat at Pier Zero or grab a drink at Wine & View
If you're looking for a place to eat or drink at Helsinki Airport, Pier Zero and Wine & View are two great options.
Eat at Pier Zero
Pier Zero is a deli, bar, and à la carte restaurant with a Scandinavian twist. It offers a range of fresh classic flavours with a modern touch and a view of the runway. You can enjoy a sandwich, traditional croissants and muffins, and special coffee, or opt for a Scandinavian meal on the upper floor of the restaurant. Pier Zero is highly recommended by travellers passing through Helsinki Airport, with one reviewer mentioning that the staff are lovely and the service is perfect. However, another reviewer mentioned that the staff were unwelcoming and the table was dirty.
Grab a drink at Wine & View
Wine & View is a unique wine bar located in the busiest area of Terminal 2 at Helsinki Airport. It offers a varying daily selection of unusual wines from around the world, served by the glass. The bar features superb acoustics, lighting that adjusts to natural daylight, and exclusive furnishings. It is a cosy place with comfortable chairs, plugs for working, and a good view. While it can be pricey, it is considered a great spot to hang out before boarding your flight.
In addition to these options, Helsinki Airport offers a range of other dining choices, including Nordic Kitchen, Bubbles, O'Leary's, The Oak Barrel Irish Pub, and more. If you have at least 7 hours before your next flight, you can also leave the airport and explore the city of Helsinki.
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Frequently asked questions
If you have a long layover at Helsinki Airport, you can take a train to Helsinki's central station and take a three-hour tour of the city's main sights, including Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, and the Church of the Rock. You can also visit Helsinki's Central Library Oodi, go ice swimming, or experience local nature.
There are several good restaurants near Helsinki Airport, including Pier Zero and Nordic Kitchen for a leisurely sit-down meal. For drinks, you can visit Bubbles, O’Leary’s, The Oak Barrel Irish Pub, and Wine & View. If you're short on time, you can opt for quicker options like Two Tigers Sushi and Noodles, Bastard Burgers, Street Food Club, and Helsinki Market.
Helsinki Airport is located close to downtown Helsinki, which can be easily accessed by bus or train. Near downtown Helsinki, you can visit the Kampii Chapel, Helsinki Cathedral, and the medieval St. Lawrence Church. You can also visit the Flamingo Spa, which is just 500 meters away from the Holiday Inn Helsinki-Vantaa Airport.
