Helsinki-Vantaa Airport
Helsinki, Finland · Since 1952
Last updated:
About HEL
Finland main airport and a gateway between Europe and Asia via Finnair.
Terminals
Terminal 1
Handles some domestic and Schengen flights. Connected to Terminal 2 via indoor walkway. Features shops, restaurants, and lounges.
Terminal 2
Main terminal handling most international and long-haul flights. Recently expanded with Aukio central plaza featuring Finnish design shops and restaurants. Departure gates for both Schengen and non-Schengen flights.
Minimum Connection Times (MCT)
Airlines at HEL
Finnair
Terminal 2 Hub
Norwegian
Terminal 1
Aegean Airlines
Air France
airBaltic
British Airways
Terminal 2
Emirates
Eurowings
Showing 8 of 18 airlines. View all airlines →
Getting There & Away
Taxi
€35-€50
25-35 minutes to city center
Public Transport
€4.10
30-35 minutes to city center
Parking at HEL
P1/P2 Covered Parking
P3 Outdoor Parking
P5 Economy Parking
P4 Valet Parking
Airport Lounges
Finnair Premium Lounge
Terminal 2
Finnair's flagship lounge with Finnish sauna, shower facilities, Nordic buffet, cocktail bar, and sleeping pods. Beautiful Finnish design throughout.
Finnair Schengen Lounge
Terminal 2
Spacious Schengen-area lounge with Finnish snacks, hot dishes, premium beverages, and runway views. Access for Finnair Plus Gold and oneworld Emerald/Sapphire.
Plaza Premium Lounge
Terminal 2
Independent lounge in the non-Schengen area. Offers hot food buffet, bar service, shower suites, and comfortable work stations. Priority Pass accepted.
SAS Lounge
Terminal 1
Scandinavian Airlines lounge with Nordic-inspired design, breakfast and snack buffets, and a selection of Scandinavian beverages.
Aspire Lounge
Terminal 2
Schengen-area independent lounge with snack buffet, beverages, and a relaxed atmosphere. Priority Pass and Lounge Key accepted.
Where to Stay
Connected Hotels
Hilton Helsinki Airport
Directly connected to Terminal 2 via indoor walkway
Only hotel with direct indoor connection to the terminal. Modern rooms, fitness center, restaurant, and bar. Perfect for transit passengers and early flights.
Nearby Hotels
Forenom Aparthotel Helsinki Airport
Hattarantie 2, Vantaa, 2 km from airport
Self-service apartment hotel with kitchen facilities. Good for longer layovers or multi-day stays. Bus to terminal.
Break Sokos Hotel Flamingo
Tasetie 8, Vantaa, 3 km from airport
Located next to Flamingo Entertainment Center with spa, bowling, and shopping. Bus connection to airport.
Scandic Helsinki Airport
Robert Huberin tie 4, 1 km from terminal
Modern Scandic hotel with sauna, gym, and restaurant. Free airport shuttle runs every 20 minutes.
GLO Hotel Airport
Karhumäentie 2, next to airport parking area
Design hotel with Finnish-inspired rooms, sauna, and restaurant. Free shuttle to terminal available.
Food & Dining
Robert's Coffee
Coffee/Cafe
Terminal 1 (Airside)
Finnish specialty coffee chain with hand-roasted beans, pastries, and light meals. Popular for pre-flight espresso.
05:30-21:00
Burger King
Fast Food
Terminal 2 (Airside)
Quick and familiar option with classic burgers, fries, and shakes. Good for a fast meal before departure.
05:30-22:00
Fazer Cafe
Cafe/Bakery
Terminal 2 (Airside)
Iconic Finnish bakery and cafe known for their fresh Fazer chocolate, korvapuusti (cinnamon rolls), and artisan coffee.
05:00-22:00
SSP Moomin Shop & Cafe
Cafe/Finnish
Terminal 2 (Airside)
Charming Moomin-themed cafe with Finnish pastries, sandwiches, and coffee. Great for families with Moomin merchandise available.
06:00-21:00
Sushi Bar Hiromichi
Japanese
Terminal 2 (Airside)
Fresh sushi and Japanese dishes made to order. Good option for Asian cuisine with bento boxes and ramen.
07:00-21:00
Beer Hunter's Pub
Pub/Bar
Terminal 2 (Airside)
Finnish-themed pub with excellent selection of Finnish craft beers, ciders, and pub food including salmon soup.
08:00-23:00
Car Rental
Hertz
Terminal 2, arrivals hall car rental area
Counter in the arrivals hall. Winter tires are mandatory in Finland from November to March and included in rental.
Europcar
Terminal 2, arrivals hall car rental area
Good selection of vehicles. All cars come with mandatory winter tires during winter season.
Avis
Terminal 2, arrivals hall car rental area
Located in the main arrivals hall. Reserve online for faster pickup. Snow chains available on request.
Sixt
Terminal 2, arrivals hall car rental area
Premium and luxury vehicles available. Good for exploring Finnish Lakeland or driving to Lapland.
Budget
Terminal 2, arrivals hall car rental area
Budget-friendly option. Note that Finnish roads can be icy in winter; choose an appropriate vehicle.
What to Do During a Layover
Inside the Airport
Aukio Airport Experience
Explore Terminal 2's Aukio central plaza with Finnish design shops, art installations, and nature-inspired architecture. A mini Finnish cultural experience without leaving the airport.
Marimekko & Iittala Shopping
Shop iconic Finnish design brands Marimekko and Iittala at their airport stores. Tax-free shopping available for non-EU travelers.
Finnish Sauna Experience at Airport
Unique Finnish sauna experience available in the Finnair Premium Lounge. Access can be purchased separately for a genuine Nordic wellness experience between flights.
Explore the City
These activities require leaving the airport. Make sure you have valid visa and enough time before your next flight.
Helsinki Senate Square & Cathedral
Visit the iconic white Helsinki Cathedral and neoclassical Senate Square. Take the Ring Rail Line for a quick trip to the city center.
Helsinki Food Tour (Self-Guided)
Take the train to Helsinki and explore the Old Market Hall for Finnish salmon, reindeer, and Karelian pies. Visit Cafe Regatta for coffee by the sea.
Suomenlinna Sea Fortress
UNESCO World Heritage fortress on an island reached by ferry from Helsinki. Explore tunnels, museums, and enjoy coastal scenery. Need at least 5 hours.
Practical Information
WiFi & Connectivity
- Free WiFi: Yes (Unlimited)
- Power Outlets: Type C, Type F (European standard)
- SIM Cards: Available for purchase
Services
- Left Luggage: €6-€10 per day
- Showers: Free in some lounges, €10-€15 standalone
- Medical Services: Available
- Prayer Rooms: Available
Family Facilities
- Children's Play Areas
- Nursing Rooms
- Family Restrooms
- Pet Relief Areas
Money & Currency
- Currency: EUR (Euro)
Smoking Areas
Outdoor smoking areas outside terminal entrances only. No smoking inside terminal.
Facilities & Contact
Traveler Reviews
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Compare with Nearby Airports
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Helsinki-Vantaa Airport
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Stockholm Arlanda Airport
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