Skip to content

Helsinki Airport (Helsinki-Vantaa Airport)

Helsinki · Finland · Updated Apr 20, 2026

Code
HEL
Size
Major Hub
Passengers a year
17.0M / year
Terminals
1
To downtown
20 km
On this page
  1. Overview
  2. Getting to and from the airport
  3. Terminals and airlines
  4. Tips for travellers
  5. Good to know
  6. Climate, customs and advisory

Overview

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) is Finland's busiest international airport, located in Vantaa, serving Helsinki and the surrounding metropolitan area. It handles about 90% of the country's international air traffic and is the fourth busiest in the Nordic countries. In 2025, it recorded nearly 17 million passengers, predominantly international.

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, also known as Helsinki Airport, is the primary gateway to Finland, situated approximately 20 km north of Helsinki city center in Vantaa. It operates as a major hub with a single terminal divided into Schengen and non-Schengen sections since 2021, accommodating around 350 daily departures. The airport features three runways capable of handling large aircraft like the Airbus A380 and supports both domestic and long-haul flights. With a capacity of 16-17 million passengers annually, it serves 89% international and 11% domestic traffic. It is the hub for Finnair and Norwegian Air Shuttle.

Getting to and from the airport

  • Ring Rail Line

    Direct commuter train from Helsinki Airport station to Helsinki Central Station.

    30 minutes · EUR 5-10

  • Bus

    Frequent coaches to city center.

    35-45 minutes · EUR 6-7

  • Taxi

    Available outside terminal.

    25-35 minutes · EUR 40-50

The Ring Rail Line provides the fastest, most reliable link to Helsinki Central Station (30 minutes); buses and taxis are alternatives during peak hours. Rental cars are available on-site, but public transport is recommended due to traffic and parking costs. No direct metro, but commuter trains connect efficiently.

Security wait: 20-30 minutes average

Terminals and airlines

  • Main Terminal

    Finnair, Norwegian Air Shuttle, SAS

    Divided into Schengen (gates 5-36 for domestic/Europe) and non-Schengen (gates 37-55 for long-haul/non-Schengen) sections since 2021.

Airlines: Finnair, Norwegian Air Shuttle, SAS

Tips for travellers

  • Arrive early for security; the single terminal simplifies navigation but can be busy with 350 daily departures.
  • Use the direct Ring Rail Line from Helsinki Airport station for quick connections to central Helsinki without transfers.
  • Schengen passengers use gates 5-36; non-Schengen and long-haul use 37-55—check your gate area upon arrival.
  • Free WiFi and lounges are available; prepare for cold weather with indoor connections between sections.
  • For domestic flights, note they represent only 11% of traffic, mostly to Schengen Europe.

Good to know

  • Helsinki Airport is the world's northernmost underground railway station via the Ring Rail Line, connecting directly to the airport for efficient commuter access.
  • The airport's three runways allow continuous operations during snow and ice clearance, critical for Finland's harsh winters, with one runway equipped for Category III landings.
  • It is by far Finland's busiest airport, handling 20 times the traffic of the next busiest, Rovaniemi, and ranks fourth in the Nordic countries.
  • Gates 5-36 handle domestic and Schengen flights, while 37-55 serve long-haul and non-Schengen routes from the single terminal structure.
  • The airport supports the heaviest aircraft like the A380 and features specialized runway 15 for propeller planes and low-visibility departures.

Amenities: Lounges, WiFi, Rail station, Shops and restaurants

Climate, customs and advisory

Helsinki experiences a cold temperate climate with long, dark winters averaging -5°C and short summers up to 20°C. Snow and ice are common, but the airport's runways are designed for reliable operations. Expect variable weather year-round.

Customs: Single terminal streamlines Schengen/non-Schengen processing; EU citizens use fast-track lanes, others prepare passports and declarations for non-Schengen arrivals. Efficient for 89% international traffic.

Sources (10)

Flying in for your cruise?

Tell us your sailing and we will help you with flights, a night before the cruise and the transfer to the ship.

Get my free consultation