Helsinki's main railway station in the heart of the city, connected to all major attractions and transit.

About Helsinki Central Station

Helsinki Central Station (Helsingin päärautatieasema) is one of the most beautiful railway stations in the world, designed by Eliel Saarinen in 1919 with its distinctive granite facade and four giant torchbearer statues flanking the entrance. It serves as the city's main transportation hub, connecting VR (Finnish Railways) long-distance trains to Tampere (1.5h), Turku (2h), and Oulu (5.5h), plus commuter rail, metro, and tram networks.

The station sits at the heart of Helsinki's compact center, steps from the Esplanadi park boulevard, Stockmann department store, Ateneum art museum, and the National Theatre. Senate Square, dominated by Helsinki Cathedral's gleaming white domes, is a five-minute walk east. The busy Kamppi shopping center and bus terminal are one block west.

Helsinki's center is remarkably walkable, with most major attractions within 2 km of the station. The Design District, Market Square (Kauppatori) with its waterfront food stalls, and the contemporary Oodi library are all nearby. Despite its northern latitude, the city center is vibrant year-round, with sauna culture, summer terraces, and winter Christmas markets.

Nearby Landmarks

Helsinki Cathedral Senate Square Esplanadi Ateneum Museum Kamppi

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost €35-€50
Time 25-35 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost €25-€40
Time 25-35 minutes

Follow signs to rideshare pickup at arrivals level

Train (Ring Rail Line (I/P))

Cost €4
Time 30 minutes
Frequency Every 10 minutes

Step-by-Step Directions

Take Ring Rail Line train (I or P line) from Helsinki Airport station directly to Helsinki Central. Trains depart every 10 minutes during daytime.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi €35-€50 25-35 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare €25-€40 25-35 minutes Budget-conscious, app users
Train €4 30 minutes Budget, avoiding traffic

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The Ring Rail Line (I/P trains) runs from the airport until approximately 12:30 AM. After midnight, night bus N620 runs hourly to the city center. Taxis from the airport cost €40-50 at night and take 25-30 minutes. The Uber app works in Helsinki.

Luggage Tips

Airport trains have luggage racks and wide aisles. Helsinki Central Station has luggage lockers (€4-8) in the underground level. Trams from the station are spacious enough for bags. Helsinki's sidewalks are wide and flat—rolling luggage is easy throughout the center.

Accessibility

Helsinki Airport Ring Rail Line stations have elevators and tactile paving. All trains have wheelchair spaces and low-floor entry. Helsinki Central Station is fully accessible with elevators. The city center is excellent for wheelchair users—flat terrain, curb ramps, and accessible trams. Finland has among the best accessibility standards in Europe.