Getting to Helsinki
Although Helsinki is located in the south of Finland, the only real way to get here from the UK and overseas is to fly; Helsinki Vantaa Airport is located just to the north of the city centre. Travelling by car or bus invariably requires a ferry crossing or two, while trains come in from the north of the country and from Russia. The most popular ferry route is from Stockholm to Helsinki.
By car
Unless you are from any of Finlands neighbouring countries, driving here can be a long affair involving ferry trips and many border crossings. Land border crossings with Finland are mainly in the north, having borders with Sweden and Norway, and from the east with Russia. One of the busiest ferry ports in Finland is at Turku, which receives daily sailings from Sweden. Highway 1 runs direct to Helsinki from Turku.
By rail
Tourists can get to Helsinki from Sweden and Russia directly, but not from Norway. However, trips by rail to Helsinki from any Swedish destination will take a long time, as Helsinki is located in the deep south of Finland.
Three main rail lines run to Helsinki, with trains coming in from Turku (west), Lahti (northeast) and Tampere in the north. Helsinkis main train station is located in the city centre and there is a separate ticket counter for international trains.
By bus
Buses also come in from Sweden, Norway and Russia, and passengers can obtain bus/ferry combination tickets from Stockholm in Sweden. The main bus station is located below the new Kamppi shopping centre and it is also the terminus for local and regional services.
By air
Helsinki Vantaa Airport is the gateway to the Finnish capital. Lying just to the north of the city, the airport is easily accessible by public bus, airport bus and private and shared taxis. The airport is modern and well equipped, with excellent passenger facilities and services.
By ferry
Ferries arrive in Helsinki, south of the city centre, from Stockholm, Tallin (Estonia) and Lbeck and Travemnde in Germany. There are five ferry terminals in Helsinki, four of which are located just off the central kaupptori (highway 1) and the other to the southeast of the city centre.
Helsinki Vantaa Airport
Helsinki Vantaa Airport is Finlands main airport and is located about 12 miles north of the city centre in the Vantaa district. Flights arrive daily from numerous European cities, the USA and from many Asian destinations. Finnair is the countrys main carrier and it provides daily domestic and international services. Essential passenger facilities at Vantaa Airport include banks, bureau de change and cash machines, while duty-free shops, several restaurants and cafs, a pharmacy and several shopping areas are also available.
Helsinki Vantaa Airport transportation
There are several options for getting to the city from Vantaa Airport including public buses, shuttles and taxis. The city centre is a 30-minute bus ride from the airport and Finnair buses depart from the airport daily and arrive at the City Terminal at Asemaukio 3 every 15 to 30 minutes. Public bus number 615 also leaves the airport every 20 or 30 minutes and arrives at Railway Square.
Taxis are the fastest option for getting to and from the city and the airport, although they are also the most expensive option. Conventional taxis are private, while shared yellow taxis are also available and are slightly cheaper per person.