Helsinki Layover Guide (HEL)

What are you looking for in HEL?
Tours/To do | Relax/Sleep | Internet/SIM | Transport | Storage | Money

Helsinki Airport (HEL) also known as Helsinki-Vantaa Airport and a major international airport of the city of Helsinki, Finland. It is located in the neighboring city of Vantaa and about 5 km (3mi) west of Tikkurila and 17 km (10 mi) north of Helsinki city center. It was first opened in 1952. Helsinki is the capital of Finland and it is known for its industries and leading seaport. The city is also famous for its architecture, culture, and innovative art.

Can you leave Helsinki Airport (HEL) airport during a layover? Do you need a visa?
It's possible to leave the airport during the layover. However, certain travelers will require visa beforehand. (more info).

Tours, Things to do, Sightseeing

Finland Organized Tours

Eco-friendly Helicopter Sightseeing Tour

This amazing helicopter sightseeing tour will take you to the natural and urban Helsinki sights. Where you can enjoy the mesmerizing views while on an eco-friendly helicopter. These helicopter are highly modern and most silent so that your go smooth and sound. You will also get a luxurious limo pickup service that will take your to the Helsinki metropolitan area. You can take some stunning pictures while the helicopter passes the shoreline and showing the beautiful scene of Helsinki Cathedral and Senate Square. » book this tour

Helsinki Layover Walking Tour

If you want to get most out of your visit then go for sightseeing walking tour during your layover at Helsinki airport. Get on the train to the city center and see the astonishing sights of Esplanadi Park and Uspenskin Cathedral. Also, take a stroll down to the vibrant Old Market Hall and try some delicacies. Feel the vibes while enjoying the greenery of Esplanadi Park. » book this tour

Helsinki Boat Sightseeing On Beautiful Canal Route

Enjoy an amazing cruise along the beautiful canal and see the stunning sights along the shores. While cruising you will also see the historic Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress,incredible fleet of icebreakers, amazing Degero Canal, and the Helsinki Zoo on Korkeasari Island. The audio tour guide will also tells you about the fascinating history of Helsinki. » book this tour

Finland Things to do / Sightseeing

Explore Helsinki on Hop-On Hop-Off City Bus

This is a great thing to do if you want to see most the tourist attractions and want to avoid wasting time on organized tour. You can hop on and hop off as many times as you want at the 22 stops. The city bus will take you through the unique rock architecture of the Temppeliaukio Church and you can also see the outstanding architecture of the Senate Square.

Time required: 1 day.

Airport to here: 40 minutes via public transport.

Visit Helsinki On Panorama Coach

This 1 hour and 45 minute bus tour is the best thing to do. With this tour, you visit Helsinki by bus and et a wide variety of information about it. It also includes commentary via audioguides in 10 different languages. This bus tour will take you through the best parts including the historical center, City Hall, Finlandia Hall, and the amazing Opera House. This panoramic bus stops at the Sibelius Monument or at the Temppeliaukio Church.

Time required: 1 hour 45 minutes.

Airport to here: 28 min via taxi.

Arctic Hovercraft Exprience

This might be the favorite thing to do for adventrous people. As you can explore the winter landscape and travel over the breaking ice of the archipelago aboard a hovercraft. This trip also includes all the gear you require to experience the arctic waters safely.

Time required: 4 hours.

Airport to here: 18 minutes via private transport.

Return Day Trip to Tallinn

While your visit to Helsinki go for an easy day trip to Estonia’s capital Tallinn. The 2 hour journey will allow you to have 10 hours of exploring the charming medieval city. So, cruise across the Guld, and delve into the Tallinn’s UNESCO listed Old Town.

Time required: 15 hours.

Airport to here: 2 hours via private transport.

RIB Boat Cruise

Hop in Rigid Inflatable Boat RIB and cruise to a private island to experience the beauty of summer finish style. On this trip, you can spend some time with locals at their summer cottage and also enjoy the best that Finnish summer offers you. You can enjoy sauna time, barbecues, ad hiking in an amazing natural setting.

Time required: 4 hours.

Airport to here: 1 hour via public transport.

Visit the Helsinki and Nuuksio Reindeer Park

Another great thing to do is to discover Helsinki and seeing a touch of Northern magic at the Nuuksio Reindeer Park. It is the southernmost place in the country where you can see reindeer. After that, you can enjoy stick bun grilling, and also beverages are served including juices, tea, and coffee.

Time required: 5 hours.

Airport to here: 34 minute via private transport.

Visit Nuuksio National Park

For adventure seekers Nuukio National Park can be a good choice as it is among the top nature attraction in Finland. While visiting you can also enjoy a trek led by a professional biologist. You get to see small forest lakes, tall coniferous forests, and ancient cliffs covered by lichens and mosses.

Time required: 5 hours.

Airport to here: 33 minutes via taxi.

Helsinki and Suomenlinna trip

Explore the historic monuments of Helsinki on this beautiful trip. Your local guide will help you visit sights including the Olympic stadium from the 1952 Summer Olympics. In addition, visit the monument to the composer Jean Sibelius and explore the promenade of Esplanade Park. You can also go to the Old Market Hall and admire the biggest orthodox church.

Time required: 5 hours.

Airport to here: 1 hour 26 min via public transport.

Things to Do in Helsinki Airport (HEL)

Relaxing and Sleeping

Airport Lounges and Relaxing
There are several lounges available. Aspire lounge, Plaza Premium lounge, and Finnair lounge is located in the terminal 2 and SAS Lounge is in terminal 1. » view all lounges or buy a lounge pass or membership online

Hotel and Sleeping
There are hotels available both inside and near the airport. ยป view all or book an airport hotel online

Rest Area and Sleeping in Airport
Suvanto Work & Rest Stations offer a sound place to relax and wait for your flight.

WIFI/Internet and SIM Card

WIFI/Internet: Free WiFi is available at the Helsinki aipport which is for unlimited time period. Connect to the network "HEL FreeWiFi-Open www.finavia.fi".

SIM Card: You can SIM cards at R-kioski stores located on different places. You can find one at the Arrivals Hall in Terminal 2. » buy a global sim card for Finland, Helsinki that you can use for other countries as well!

Transportation to/from airport

Taxi: Taxi stands are located outside the arrival areas of the terminal. If you want to go to central Helsinki it takes 30 minutes. And if you want to avoid long lineups you can book a taxi online.

Train: Ring Rail Line facility is available and provides a connection between the airport and to the rest of the country. (more info).

Bus: Finnair City Bus is the best way to get to the city railway station and this bus service also offers regular service for the airport.(more info).

Shuttle: Several hotels offer shuttle services near the Helsinki airport.

Car rentals: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Enterprise, and Hertz following are the car rental agencies located in the airport's corridor. » view available cars or rent a car now online

Parking: P3, P3 Premium, P4A, P4B, P5, and also short-term parking lots are available at the airport.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Luggage storage and lockers are available on the ground floor of terminal 1 and 2 with charges. » book a luggage storage or locker at Helsinki Airport (HEL) online (subject to availability).

Money Exchange and Withdrawal

- Helsinki Airport (HEL) ATMs, currency exchanges and banks