Helsinki Airport (HEL) Guide

The busiest airport in Finland is Helsinki Airport (HEL), which receives over 22 million passengers a year.  This is also the primary airport serving the city of Helsinki. It is located 5 kilometers (3 miles) west of Tikkurila in the neighboring city of Vantaa.

But, a large airport can be intimidating to navigate, especially for first-timers. And in order to assist you to navigate the airport and make your trip as comfortable and stress-free as possible, we have developed the Hilton Helsinki Airport Passenger Handbook.

Our guide covers all you need to know about HEL International Airport, including terminal amenities, transportation alternatives, retail and food options, and much more, whether you are going for business or pleasure.

General Info Helsinki Airport

Helsinki Airport code 

Helsinki International Airport’s IATA code is HEL, and its ICAO code is EFHK. The airport’s IATA designation was derived from Helsinki, the capital city of Finland, where it is located. It is 55 meters above sea level.

HEL Terminal Map

The layout of the airport map for Helsinki Airport Map is shown below to assist you in navigating the facility.

Helsinki Airport (HEL) Terminals 

In 2012, a new terminal addition was inaugurated. On June 21, 2022, terminals 1 and 2 were consolidated to create a single terminal from which all flights are now run. In general, Helsinki airport has one terminal. The following information is regarding the Helsinki Airport Terminals:

Schengen Area

it has 15 gates with jet bridges. All European flights within the Schengen region are handled by this terminal; it is also known as the oldest at Helsinki HEL Airport.

Non-Schengen area

The larger of the two terminals, Helsinki International airport has 39 gates. Also known as non-Schengen. It operates all non-Schengen flights, international flights, and charter flights. Moreover, it offers a direct link to Helsinki Central Railway Station from the Airport Train Station.

Please be aware that a 250-meter interior walkway connects the airport’s two terminals.

Departure from Helsinki airport – Helsinki HEL Airport has a single terminal. All travellers leave from level two’s Departures Hall. The Departures Hall also houses the check-in and security control areas. Please adhere to the check-in time specified by your travel agent or airline. It is wise to make travel arrangements in advance and arrive at HEL Airport well before your flight, especially during the busiest times. You may encounter a rush at the following time – 

• Between 6 and 8.30 in the morning
• In the afternoon, from 2:00 PM until 5:00 PM
• During the start of the school year, the Christmas and Easter holidays, or the fall and winter breaks.

Flights operating from the Helsinki International Airport

Find some of the airlines operating from HEL airport.

• Aegean Airlines – Aegean Airlines uses Terminal 2 at HEL for departure and In some cases this terminal can change, passengers are advised to check the terminal with their airline.

• British Airways – British Airways flights usually arrive at and depart from Terminals 2. The airline also offers connecting flights to many other destinations around the world. Passengers can expect hassle-free services such as British airways missed flight policy, and British airways baggage policy. Passengers can request flight cancellations too. 

• Air Baltic – Air Baltic uses Terminal 2 at HEL. Passengers need to note that Arrival and departure terminals can and do change for various reasons.

• Delta Airlines -The departure point for Delta Air Lines is terminal 2. Passengers can request Delta Airlines, seat Selection, and more. Passengers can also approach the airline’s representatives for assistance on Delta airlines baggage policy and Delta missed flight policy.

• Air France – Air France uses Terminal 2 at HEL. At HEL Airport, the Air France check-in counter offers flight policies Air France unaccompanied minor policy, name correction on Air France tickets, Air France missed flight policy, and more.

• Finnair – In addition to over 20 international routes, Finnair offers flights from Helsinki to more than 100 locations. All flights are operated from Terminal

• Qatar Airways – Qatar Airways uses Terminal 2 at HEL airport. Passengers can check-in with Qatar Airways at the airport. Qatar unaccompanied minor policy, Qatar airways name change policy, flight change policy, and Qatar airways missed flight policy are available at the airline’s check-in counter.

• Air Canada – Air Canada flights arrive at and depart from terminal 2. The passengers can take advantage of last-minute Air Canada cancellations and other travel related services like Air Canada missed flight policy and Air Canada canceled flight policy and more.

List of Airlines Operating from Hel Domestic and Internation Airport Terminal

Nearest Major Airport to Helsinki, Finland Airport (HEL)

Helsinki (HEL) Airport, located 16.5 kilometers from Helsinki, is the closest airport. The HEL airport is also close to other airports, Below are some details about them.

Tallinn Airport (TLL)

• Tallinn Airport is roughly 64 miles/10.2 kilometres from Maardu and 3.2 miles/5.2 kilometres south of Tallinn. TLL is the IATA airport code.
• Helsinki is 52. 4 miles (84 kilometres) away from Tallinn Airport.

Turku Airport (TKU)

• The distance between Turku Airport and Helsinki is 152.1 kilometres (94.5 miles).
• Turku Airport is situated 4.3 miles (7.0 kilometres) north of Turku and 3.7 miles (6.0 kilometres) northeast of Raisio. TKU is the IATA airport code.

Tampere-Pirkkala Airport (TMP)

• Helsinki is about 97.1 miles (156.3 kilometres) away from Tampere-Pirkkala Airport (TMP). Tampere-Pirkkala Airport’s IATA airport code is TMP. 
• It’s situated 3.4 miles (5.5 kilometres) south of Pirika and 5.0 miles (8.1 kilometres) southeast of Nokia.

Security and Customs at HEL Airport 

Passenger security and customs services have now begun at the Helsinki international airport. This is a written explanation of two financial services, including ATMs and currency exchange:

Passengers can visit the HEL airport’s official website for further information. 

Airport Authorities – Information on the airport’s border control, customs, and police is available in the following:

• The automatic border crossing at gates 30-32 allows automated passport checkpoints at HEL that allow the passengers to rapidly cross the border without standing in line.
• Immigration procedures are completed in just a minute.
• The passport machines at the airport and border are accessible to citizens of the EU, EEA, Switzerland, and Japan. While exiting, US, Canadian, Australian, and New Zealand citizens may utilise the passport machines.

Customs at HEL Airport– Customs procedures are also in place for passengers arriving at HEL Airport:

• For services relating to customs, passengers can travel to the Customs Export Clearance service point, which is located in the arrivals hall near the taxi station.
• Passengers can call customs, which is available around the clock, and share their passport and travel details. Tax-Free Form will receive a stamp from the customs official.

Police services – The police services outlet is also located at the Helsinki Airport. The office building’s primary entrance is Staircase B, passengers can use this staircase to enter. Directions: 

• Around 150 metres from Terminal 2, the Police service location is housed in a blue glass office building. 
• By walking down the covered sidewalk in the direction of the Hilton from the exit of arrivals lobby 2.

The following themes are addressed by Helsinki HEL Airport police to passengers:

1. Any Matkahuolto service location that deals with passports can be chosen by the customer as the collecting point for passports ordered as a regular or fast-track delivery.
2. If you leave your passport at home and realise you forgot it, the police can quickly create a temporary passport for you; this sort of passport is only good for one trip. 

Please be aware that not all nations might accept a temporary passport. Because only one passport can be valid at a time, the passport you left at home expires. 

Helsinki Airport Lounges

Passengers can use a range of lounges at Helsinki Airport Lounges, including airline lounges, private lounges, and paid lounges. Some of the lounges at HEL include:

• Plaza Premium Lounge –  it offers a comfortable seating, a live kitchen, a bar, bathing facilities, charging stations, sleeping pods, free Wi-Fi, computer workstations, and a kids’ area are all included in the Plaza Premium Lounge.

• The Aspire Lounge – it is situated on the third floor, in the Schengen region, at gate 27. Which provides the ideal setting for beginning your adventure, relaxing or working in peace. All travellers are welcome in the Aspire Lounge

• Finnair Business Lounge – Passengers can use the Finnair Business Lounge in the non-Schengen region, which is located at gate 52 of the airport, for flights that depart from the non-Schengen area on the same day and are run and promoted by a one-world airline.

• VIP & BUSINESS, LOUNGES, MEETING SERVICES  – The VIP business lounges are appropriate for small group meetings, rewards, and private celebrations. They are connected to the HEL Congress and offer meeting services.They feature inviting lounges that are furnished in Scandinavian style. The modernism and Alvar Aalto spirit are encapsulated in Artek’s furniture. 

Please note that Helsinki Airport lounges availability and access may vary depending on the airline, class of travel, and lounge membership status.

Dining and Drinks at HEL 

There are numerous dining and drinking options available at Helsinki International Airport, with something to satisfy all preferences and price ranges. Here are a few possibilities:

• 60° Bar & Brewery – This bar and cafe is located at Gate 14, Schengen area. Together with a variety of snacks and hamburgers, they also serve Finnish artisan beer. In addition, they provide customised coffees, wines, and drinks.

• Bär Bar – This restaurant, which is situated in the airport’s arrivals area, offers delectable foods packed with Finnish superfoods. For travellers, they provide excellent smoothies, smoothie bowls, and vitamin shots.

• Burger king – Burger king is located at several places in the airport including Gate 29, the third floor Schengen area, and Gate 37-39 at non-Schengen area. Together with ice-cold beverages like Coca-Cola, they serve the renowned Burger King classics meals.

• Cesar’s Little Italy – This restaurant is located on level P of the arrivals at the airport Helsinki It is a cozy restaurant. Where passengers can savour the delectable meals, which include a hotel breakfast, a lunch buffet with home-cooked food, and pizzas.

• Asian Street cooking – In the non-Schengen area, this restaurant is situated at Gates 37-39. It offers delectable flavours from all around Asia and the Pacific. Moreover, it is the first café at HEL where customers may purchase Bubble Tea.

Please note that the vegetarian options are available at all the dining options above. And these are just a few of the many dining and drinking options available at HEL

Hotels near Helsinki Airport 

There are several hotels close to HEL; that offer convenient accommodations for travellers. Here are a few options for Hotels near Helsinki Airport:

Hotel Skyline Airport 

• The Skyline Airport Hotel offers free parking for visitors and rooms with air conditioning, flat-screen TVs, and free WiFi. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is only a 5-minute drive away. Drive time to the centre of Helsinki is 30 minutes.

• Rooms at the Skyline Airport Hotel come equipped with a desk and a coffee and tea maker. Restaurant Cloudberry offers both Finnish and foreign cuisine.

Helsinki Airport Hilton

• The Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is conveniently close to our hotel, just a 10-minute walk away. It provides soundproofed rooms with an LCD TV, cable channels, and a tea/coffee maker, as well as a modest breakfast beginning at 3:30.

• The soundproofed rooms at the Hilton Helsinki-Vantaa Airport offer a glass-walled bathroom with a separate bathtub and shower. The Internet is provided for free all across the property.

IHG Hotel/Holiday Inn Helsinki Vantaa Airport

• The complementary, regularly scheduled airport shuttle from/to this hotel takes just 10 minutes to reach Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. Breakfast is served starting at 5:00. It takes 10 minutes to walk to Jumbo Shopping Mall.

• At the Helsinki-Vantaa Holiday Inn, amenities like tea and coffee makers, air conditioning, and flat-screen TVs with many channels come standard. A minibar is present in some rooms.

Scandinavian Hotel Aviapolis

• The Flamingo Entertainment Centre and Water Park are 15 minutes walk from this hotel and are located 2 kilometres from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. The hotel provides a complimentary shuttle to the airport. There is free WiFi.

• Each room at the Scandic Helsinki Aviapolis has a desk and a satellite TV.

Forenom Aparthotel Vantaa Tikkurila

• The Tikkurila Railway Station, which provides direct access to Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, is next to this central Vantaa aparthotel. There are places to stay that are self-catering and have a kitchenette, free WiFi, and a flat-screen TV.
• Each unit at the Forenom Aparthotel Vantaa Tikkurila has a hob, microwave, refrigerator, coffee maker, and electric kettle. Toiletries and a hairdryer are provided in the private bathrooms.

WiFi Charging Facilities at HEL

The airport in Helsinki has a wide range of services for travellers. The following list includes some of these facilities.

Charging Points – There are numerous charging stations available at the facilities. Here are some of the options available: 

• Before boarding the plane, guests can quickly charge their personal devices thanks to the charging stations located in the waiting areas at the departure gates and throughout the airport.
• Together with the charging stations located around the airport, passengers may also use the outlets on the tables of the cafés and restaurants at HEL to recharge their batteries.

WiFi Connectivity at Helsinki HEL Airport – All airport terminals, gates, and other public gathering spaces at Helsinki International Airport offer limitless free Wi-Fi service. The Airport Free Wi-Fi network is run by Finavia, which also provides a free Wi-Fi service. This airport’s Wi-Fi has a very high speed of almost 100 Mb/s. Any smart device can be used by passengers to connect to the Wi-Fi.

Follow the instructions below to connect to the free Wi-Fi at the HEL

• Turn on Wi-Fi first from your device’s Wireless & Networks menu.
• Find the “Helsinki Airport Free Wi-Fi” network from the list of available Wi-Fi networks, and then connect to it. You won’t need to register or receive authorization for this.
• Your device’s browser will now open to a startup page.
• Accept the rules and regulations.

In general, HEL offers free and quick WiFi connectivity for patrons, making it simple to stay connected while travelling.

Helsinki Airport Lost and Found 

At Helsinki International Airport, the Excess Baggage Company manages the items of the lost and found. Travellers can contact the Excess Baggage Company by phone at +358 9 81 71 19 68 or by email at helsinki@excess-baggage.com to inquire about the misplaced item.

It offers a variety of practical and high-quality travel services, such as luggage storage, safe luggage wrapping, printing, and more. Mon to Fri, from 9 am to 5 pm, are the business hours. Excess Baggage Business offers Helsinki Airport Lost-and-found assistance at the floor 1 arrivals area. In-store passenger services include the following:

• Baggage Storage – a secure storage facility that allows you to travel without carrying any luggage.
• Luggage for sale – a wide selection of bags and suitcases at reasonable prices. Straps, luggage tags, and battery packs are examples of travel accessories.
• Weight scales – make sure you’re not exceeding airline baggage allowances.
• Printing services – in-store printing of boarding passes, medical certificates, and other documents.
• Bag Wrap – a 100% recyclable and biodegradable film that protects your luggage for improved travel hygiene.

Other additional facilities and amenities at HEL Airport 

For customers’ convenience, the Helsinki HEL Airport provides a wide range of amenities and facilities. Below are some extra amenities and facilities available at HEL Airport.

• Desk for information and services – In the arrivals hall, a 24-hour information and parking service point is available. In addition, passengers can call +358 200 14636 (service hours: Mon-Sun, 24 hours; local network rate; mobile charge). 
• Assistance Call Points – Call points for assistance are situated in train stations, parking garages, and terminals. 
• Playrooms for babies – There are numerous baby restrooms available throughout the airport. At gates 16 and 20, there are additional children’s play areas.
• Smoking Area – The Airport does have some smoking spots near the gates. At Schengen, gate 12, third level, gate 28, and Gate 40 at non-Schengen.
• Mail Boxes – Mail can be sent from the Post drop-off boxes by passengers. These postal boxes are located in the arrivals and departures hall. Both WHSmith and R-Kioski sell stamps. It is a 24 hours open facility.
• Medical services – Emergency care is also available at the Ava Air medical facility, which is situated in the arrivals area. Moreover, there are multiple AEDs available at the arrival and departure hall.
• Taxi Point Services  – Located on floor 1, in the Arrivals hall, there is the Taxi Point Service desk. Finland’s HEL Airport has agreements with the following taxi companies: Fixu Taxi (Cabonline), Taksi, Helsinki, and Menevä.  There are display screens next to the taxi ranks and in front of the terminals, passengers can see the company-specific price information.
• Helsinki Airport sleeping pods – Near Gate 31, there is the Kainuu Lounge, an airside quiet area with carpeting and two long recliners. There are also various “work and rest” areas spread out throughout the airport. 

The official airport website has additional details on the different services offered at the HEL

Directions by different transport to Helsinki Airport 

There are numerous transportation options from HEL to the surrounding areas of Finland and Helsinki airport to the city centre. If you arrive at the airport by car, train, taxi, bus, or bicycle, you will have no trouble getting to the terminal:

From Car

The distance between Helsinki City Center and HEL is 20 kilometres, and it takes 30 minutes to travel there by vehicle or train. From Helsinki, a bus trip takes 40–50 minutes.

• Driving to the airport in a car is convenient and comfortable. There are 400 electric vehicle charging stations at Finavia’s parking lots, and there is a short-term parking space just near to the port.

From Bus 

From the airport to City Center, the bus takes route 600. About 40 minutes are needed for the trip. Online, using the HSL mobile app, or at the ticket machine at the bus station are the two ways to buy tickets. The HSL.fi website has more information on tickets and prices.

• Turku, Tampere, and other places in Finland may all be reached by bus from the airport. Check out more information on Matkahuolto’s schedules and costs.

From Train 

• The train station for the airport is situated beneath the main building. From the departures and arrivals hall, there is a direct elevator and escalator link to the train station.
• With just one train ticket, travellers may easily get from the airport to wherever in Finland

From Taxi

• If travellers choose to take a cab out of the airport, they can find the taxi stand outside the Arrivals area. They can select the lane and the taxi firm they want to use from among the four taxi lanes.
• Operating from lanes 1-3 are the three taxi firms who have a contract with the airport corporation Finavia. The taxi station displays the prices for those cabs. From lane 4, other cab firms operate.

Runways at HEL

There are three Helsinki Airport Runways. When snow and ice need to be cleared, two runways can be kept in service thanks to the utilization of three runways (if one runway is being cleared at a time). 

• Runway 2 (15), which is in the northwest, and Runway 1 (22L), which is in the northeast, both of which are in the direction of Nurmijärvi, are the principal landing strips.

• Runway 3 (22R), which is situated in the southwest and points in the general direction of Western Vantaa and Espoo, is the main runway for takeoffs.

• Runway 1 (22L) can be used for simultaneous departures of low-noise aircraft headed south. 

• Runways 3 (04L) or 1 (04R) are typically utilized for landings when the wind is from the north or east, i.e. for approaches from the southwest, the direction of Western Vantaa and Espooa.

• Takeoffs are performed from Runway 1 (04R) in the direction of Kerava, which is northeast.

Parking at Helsinki Airport 

Parking at Helsinki Airport offers sensible, affordable, and convenient parking. The cheapest parking options are available at the Airport, and daily fees never change. There are thousands of places accessible because numerous parking lots were constructed with passengers in mind.

The HEL official parking facilities offer thousands of spaces to visitors and travellers around the Clock with various parking options:

• P1 Premium provides both short-term and long-term premium parking.
• P2 is located 50 metres from the terminal building.
• P3 is roughly 50 metres from the security checkpoint in Terminal 1 and 300 metres from Terminal 2.
• 950 metres from Terminal 2 and 750 metres from Terminal 1, respectively, P4 has a few outdoor, inexpensive parking spaces. A free parking shuttle runs from there to the terminals.
• The most recent parking space at the airport is P5. It is extremely cheaply priced and ideally situated close to both terminals. Its distance from Terminals 1 and 2 is 200 and 300 metres, respectively.
• The short-term parking option P Short Term allows for passenger pickup and drop-off. It is in the garage, close to terminal 1.

Parking Rates at HEL:

At Helsinki, the first ten minutes of parking are free. Following that, the cost of parking in the parking lot varies considerably depending on where you park your cars and how long you want to leave them there. Yet, the airport guarantees the most unbelievable prices for both short- and long-term parking:

• Helsinki Airport parking can cost as little as a few euros for 20 to 30 minutes to as much as 42 euros per week (when it comes to departing from Terminal 1 and 2)
• Additionally, parking lot P4’s minimum charge is 42 euros. For this time period, parking at lots P5 and P3 will cost 65 and 69 euros, respectively, while at lots P2 and P1, the cost rises to 110-145 euros. Over a 24-hour period, transit travellers will pay between 10 and 35 euros.

P3 Premium – There is no charge for the first 10 minutes of parking. Parking is charged at different rates depending on how long you park for: €12 for up to 2 hours, €18 for 2-3 hours, €24 for 3-4 hours, and €30 for up to 5 hours. Parking costs a maximum of €36 per day.

P3 – During the first four hours, parking is charged at P3 Premium hourly rates; beyond that, a daily rate of €26 is charged. You will pay €11.30 each day and receive a weekly parking rate if you are travelling for a whole week.

P5 – Longer-distance travellers will pay less at P5, which charges €10.60 per day for a seven-day stay or €6.60 per day for two weeks of parking.

P4A & P4B – Over half a mile separates P4A & P4B from the airport terminals. For the first day, there is a drive-up parking fee of €13. The price will be €6.70 per day if you’re taking a weeklong holiday. A stay of two weeks costs €4.20 per day.

Helsinki airport long term parking – If a passenger’s parking needs extend beyond the period they had reserved, they can purchase more time at the cash register in the elevator foyer of the parking lot. Passengers can simply leave the area and the payment will be charged retrospectively to the payment card they have associated with the Moovy mobile app.

Car Rental Helsinki International Airport

HEL served more than 20 million passengers, making Helsinki Vantaa Airport Finland’s top international airport. The city center is around 17 kilometers to the north of the airport. The given information is regarding Car Rental Helsinki Airport:

• Five authorized automobile rental companies at the airport are available to customers, and their offices are located in the hallway that connects the two terminals. 
• Visitors to Finland can rent a car from well-known and reputable firms including Avis, Budget, Europcar, Hertz, and Sixt for affordable rates. Returns for rental cars are processed at a specific location at the airport, specifically in parking lot P3B, which is well-marked.

Below is a list of every automobile rental agency at Helsinki International Airport.

In conclusion, HEL offers passengers a variety of facilities and services to guarantee a relaxing and trouble-free journey. The passengers can take benefits like transportation, dining, and shopping. 

In general, travelers favor HEL. And it serves as a great entry point to the rest of the world due to its passenger-friendly amenities and services.

Frequently Asked Questions