Welcome to Helsinki, the vibrant Finnish capital! You’ve just touched down at Helsinki Airport, and the adventure is about to begin. But first, you need to get from the airport to the city center. Don’t worry; we’ve got you covered with all the details you need for a smooth journey. Whether you’re arriving during the day or in the dead of night, whether you’re a solo traveler or with the whole family in tow, we’ll help you navigate the options and make the best choice for your Helsinki experience.

Getting from Helsinki Airport to City Center

So, you’ve landed at Helsinki Airport, ready to explore this beautiful Nordic city. But how do you get from the Helsinki airport to the city center? Let’s dive into the options, with the most popular ones being the train, bus, and taxi.

Helsinki is renowned worldwide for its exceptional public transportation system, often hailed as one of the best in the world. The city’s efficient, reliable, and extensive network of trams, buses, metros and trains seamlessly connects residents and visitors to every corner of the Finnish capital. Travelers can explore the city with ease, thanks to the well-planned routes, punctual schedules, and user-friendly ticketing options. With an emphasis on sustainability and eco-friendly practices, Helsinki’s public transportation aligns perfectly with the city’s commitment to environmental responsibility. It’s no wonder that Helsinki consistently ranks among the top cities for public transportation, offering a hassle-free and eco-conscious way to experience its vibrant culture and attractions.

Helsinki airport to the city by train – Best and cheapest option

The train is your ticket to a swift journey from Helsinki Airport to the city center. It’s the fastest and most convenient way to start your adventure. There are two trains that take to the city center P and I train. They take a different route, but if your destination is the city center, you can take either one. Trains run every 10 minutes during peak hours, ensuring you won’t have to wait long to hop on board. They operate from early morning until late at night, so no matter when you arrive, there’s a train waiting for you.

The journey takes approximately 45 minutes, giving you ample time to take in the Finnish landscape and get excited about what Helsinki has to offer. Plus, it’s budget-friendly, with a single ticket costing just €4.60. You can purchase your tickets from the convenient ticket machines at the airport train station or through the HSL mobile app, making it a breeze to start your journey right.

Our top recommendation for a hassle-free journey from Helsinki Airport to the city center is to download the HSL app from Google store or App Store. With this application, you can easily search for routes, check schedules, and even purchase tickets directly from your mobile device. It takes the guesswork out of navigating the city’s public transportation system and ensures you have all the information you need at your fingertips. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or visiting Helsinki for the first time, the HSL app is your trusted companion for a smooth and convenient commute.

1. Download the app
   
2. Enter Your current location
3. Select your destination. You can enter the exact location of your destination f.ex Hotel or  Airbnb address.
   
4. Select the transportation you wish to use. It shows the quickest at the destination on top, but our recommendation is to take the train instead of the bus. 
5. It automatically gives you the correct ticket you need to buy to reach your destination. There are different ticketing zones A,B,C and D. From the airport to city center you need a ABC ticket which costs 4,10€/ticket. The same ticket works for train, bus, tram and metro and you are allowed to change to another option as long as your ticket is valid. The ticket is valid between 80-110minutes depending on the ticket type (zones) you choose.
6. Purchase the ticket before entering the train. There is a 80€ fine if traveling without a valid ticket.
7. When you reach your train route destination, you can zoom in and it will show the route to walk to your final destination. The city center is quite easily walkable and the app might recommend taking a tram or a metro for a couple of stops to reach your final destination. Personally I usually walk inside the city so I don’t have to wait for a tram or a metro.
   

If you don’t want to download the HSL app, you can search for routes online at https://www.hsl.fi/en , but from there ticket purchase is not possible and you need to find a ticket machine.

Helsinki airport to the city by Bus

As mentioned previously, train is the best option. If the train is not a possible option for you, it is also possible to take a Bus from the Airport to Helsinki city center. Buses from Helsinki Airport to the city center offer a alternative train and there are two bus routes to consider.  Bus number 600, the express route, and bus 615, which takes a more leisurely approach.

Bus 600 is your express ticket to the city center, whisking you there in around 30 minutes. On the other hand, bus 615 takes a slightly longer route, but you’ll still arrive in the heart of Helsinki in approximately 45 minutes. The cost for both routes is €4.10 for a single ticket, and you can easily purchase your tickets from the ticket machines at the airport bus station or via the HSL mobile app. See instructions above on how to use the HSL app or use the HSL website to search for routes.

Helsinki airport to city center by Taxi

If you’re looking for the utmost convenience or have a lot of luggage, a taxi from Helsinki Airport to the city center might be your best bet. It’s undoubtedly the most expensive option, with fares typically starting from €35 upwards, but it gets you to the city the quickest and most conviniently.

In about 30 minutes, you’ll find yourself in the heart of Helsinki, ready to start your exploration. Taxis are readily available outside the arrivals hall at the airport, making it easy to transition from your flight to your final destination.

Helsinki Airport has partnered with three different Taxi companies and our recommendation is to use one of these options.

• Mankkaan Taksi Oy
• Taksi Helsinki Oy
• Menevä Oy

These Taxi companies operate on lanes 1-3. The price of the taxi from Helsinki Airport to city center postal codes is about 35€/ride.

Other Taxi companies are allowed to operate from lane 4. If taking a taxi from lane 4, agree of the price with the driver before entering the taxi. 

Other Options: Car rental or private transfer

Beyond the main options, there are other ways to reach the city center from Helsinki Airport. If you plan to explore beyond the city limits or take a scenic drive through the Finnish countryside, renting a car could be an excellent choice. It grants you the freedom to explore on your terms.

On the other hand, if you’re traveling with a group or have a substantial amount of luggage, consider booking a private transfer. It guarantees a seamless transition to your accommodation, with a spacious and comfortable vehicle to accommodate your needs.

FAQ

1. What is the fastest way to get from Helsinki Airport to city center?

   The fastest way to get to the city from the airport is taxi, tt takes about 30minutes and the price is around 35€. Train and bus takes about 45minutes and price is 4,10€/ticket.

2. What is the cheapest way to get from Helsinki airport to city center?

   Cheapest option is taking the train or bus and it costs 4,10€/ticket.

3. What is the best option to get from Helsinki Airport to the city?

   Out recommendation is to take the train if traveling on a budget and Taxi for more convinience.

4. How to get from Helsinki Airport to city center at night?

   You can use any of these options. The train runs throughout the night and there are also Taxis waiting at any time of the day

5. How far is Helsinki Airport from the city center?

   The shortest route to the city center by car is about 20km.

Now it’s time to embrace all the wonders that this vibrant Finnish capital has to offer. We’ve covered it all, from the speedy and budget-friendly train option to the scenic bus routes and the convenient taxi choice. No matter your arrival time or travel style, Helsinki’s exceptional public transportation system, consistently ranked among the world’s best, ensures that you’ll have a seamless and eco-conscious journey.

Helsinki’s commitment to sustainability and efficiency extends to every tram, bus, metro, and train, making it not only a breeze to explore the city but also an eco-friendly choice. And if you’re looking for an effortless experience, don’t forget to download the HSL app. It’s your one-stop-shop for route planning, schedules, and ticket purchases, right at your fingertips.

So, whether you’re off to uncover the city’s rich history, indulge in its delectable cuisine, or simply stroll through its charming streets, Helsinki is ready to welcome you with open arms. Your adventure awaits in this captivating Nordic gem, and now you know exactly how to start it off on the right foot. Enjoy every moment of your Helsinki journey, and may it be filled with unforgettable memories and new discoveries. Safe travels!