What to Do in Helsinki City?

There are so many Helsinki attractions and many things to do in Helsinki which make it one of the most desirable capitals to visit in the 5 Nordic sovereign countries. What I like about Helsinki is that it is a compact city in Northern Europe. Many points of interest are close to one another. You can see many Helsinki attractions just by foot going for a budget travelling like me.

Why Visit Helsinki Finland?

The Finnish city, Helsinki is one of the recipients for receiving the accolade of being a ‘City of Design’ for its sustainable urban design among the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN). Helsinki takes pride to create its environment and infrastructure network to improve the standard of living.

With a strong influence from the Finnish, Swedish and Russian architectural designs in Helsinki which are evident in the historical monument preservation, one would appreciate how the unique blend of the three countries plays a part in shaping the Helsinki tourism with renowned architectural designers.

What’s more, I have provided 25 Helsinki attractions and sightseeing locations which I have visited most of them for my last two trips in Helsinki. If you have many hours of layover in Finland airport, do not waste your time hanging and sleeping at Helsinki Airport.

» See also: 4 ways that you can get from Helsinki Airport to the city centre in 30 minutes

3 Quick Facts about Finland at the Top of the World

#1 Finnish beats hand down at the top of the scale for drinking the most coffee in the world with light roast coffee as being their favourite. So far, it is the only country with a volume that exceeds over 10 kg of coffee per capita in comparison with the next-in-rank country. That is more than 2 cups of coffee per day.

#2 An extraordinary exemplary in having an education system with ‘no test’ until the age of 16. Despite that, Finland is ranked as the best education system in the world in numerous statistical reports. The Finnish students are less stressful but yet, achieve a positive outcome thanks to the brilliant teaching system.

#3 Are you expecting to see this as one of the known facts? 3.3 million saunas for 5.5 million population (2017)! Finland has the most number of saunas in the world. Many Finns have a sauna in their home on top of the plentiful public saunas in Finland. Finns enjoy an average once a week retreat in the sauna for their well-being.

25 Best Things to do in Helsinki City Centre

① Sea Life Helsinki

Sea Life Helsinki brings you closer to the marine creatures and exhibits them in an underwater tunnel where sharks and rays swim around you. Catch the largest zebra sea shark named Mussukka in action there. Visit an exhibition or catch the feeding time of these sea creatures.

It opens daily from 10 am to 5 pm and extended time during some day and closed on Christmas Eve and Day. Sea Life Helsinki tickets cost €16.50 for adults and those over 15 years, €13 for 3 to 14 years old. You pay less when you purchase the ticket online €15 and €12 respectively.

② Linnanmäki Amusement Park

Just 3 minutes walk from Sea Life Helsinki, visit the Linnanmäki Amusement Park. It is not just another typical entertainment park that you know. It was built in 1950 with a purpose to support Finnish Child Welfare Work in a non-profit organisation. The Children’s Day Foundation maintaining and developing it has donated €4.3 million in 2016 to help children and family living in a less privileged environment.

The entry to Linnanmäki Amusement Park is free. It also offers 10 different types of rides for free regardless of age. Buy a wristband from €36 to €39 from online to amusement park purchase to access all the rides. The price is standard for any age. Go and enjoy the rides in Linnanmäki for a good cause and help others.

③ Helsinki Olympic Stadium

The original Olympic event in 1940 was supposedly in Tokyo, Japan but rescheduled in Helsinki, Finland due to the inability to wrap up the war. Helsinki Olympic Stadium was built in 1938 for the 1940 Summer Olympic when Japan forfeited during that year. Unfortunately, due to the outbreak of World War II, the Olympic Games were cancelled. Finally, until 1952, Helsinki had the honour to hold the Summer Olympic for that year.

Today, Helsinki Olympic Stadium still holds many sporting events and music concerts. The stadium is the largest in Finland and the best place for visitors to enjoy a scenic landscape of Helsinki. The tower is 238.5 m in height and free for the public to view the city from the top. At the moment, the Helsinki Olympic Stadium and the Tower are closed until 2019 due to renovation.

④ Sibelius Monument @ Sibelius Park

In the Töölö district in Helsinki at the Sibelius Park stands more than 600 hollow steel pipes welded together that looked like a winged bird. Every steel bars of Sibelius Monument have motifs on it. The monument named “Passio Musicae” made its first appearance in 1967 to commemorate a famous Finnish composer, Jean Sibelius.

The hollow steel pipes representing the organ pipes did not resonate well with the public after Elia Hiltunen, a Finnish artist won the competition, following the composer’s death in 1952. It was thought that the monument was too abstract. The commissioning set in after some time when an agreement that a figurative representation of Jean Sibelius would be included. Sibelius Monument is one of the most touristic attractions that worth a visit!

⑤ The Rock Church Helsinki | Temppeliaukio Church

20 minutes away by foot from the Sibelius Park is the marvellous Temppeliaukio Church. Also known as the Rock Church, it ought to be on the priority list of Helsinki attractions. Never have I seen a rock church built in this manner – embedded right into the scabrous bedrock. On the outside is a dome-shaped cap built on rock. Entrance fee is €3.

The church hall has a dramatic theatrical and excellent acoustical effect as a lady was playing some instrument to entertain the visitors. The 24-metres dome ceiling plastered with copper tapes and skylight allows the church hall to receive sunlight penetration. The sheer beauty of Rock Church Helsinki grand architecture and an excellent sound effect is sought-after for church wedding and concerts.

⑥ National Museum of Finland | Kansallismuseo

Not far away from Rock Church in 10 minutes is the Helsinki National Museum of Finland. It is one of Finland’s most significant national-romantic works of architecture. The National Romantic style was part of the National Romantic movement during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. It signified an outstanding Nordic architectural design often considered to be a form of Art Nouveau.

The National Museum of Finland opened its door to the public in 1916. The renovation from 1997 to 2000 distinguished its latest architectural interior from the exterior built with granite façade and steatite decoration. The museum is open from Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 6 pm and closes on Monday. Entry fee is €10 for adults and free for those under 18. Visitors may have to pay a separate fee for special exhibitions.

⑦ Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art | Nykytaiteen Museo Kiasma

Kiasma Museum is a wing of the Finnish National Gallery which educates the public on contemporary art.  Five levels of building introduce a new perspective on life and experiences through arts and events. Kiasma Museum was designed by Steven Holl, an American Architect and opened to the public in 1998. The building concept works based on the diffusion of light. There are stores and cafes inside the building too.

The ticket is €14 and free for people under 18. The admission is also free on the first Friday of the month. Visiting hours are from 10 pm onwards and extended to 8.30 pm from Wednesday to Friday. Close on Monday and a certain period of the year. Another noteworthy point of interest is the jigsaw-liked park landscape in front of Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art which is one of my favourite attractions.

⑧ Sanomatalo Building

3-minutes walk from Kiasma Museum is the Sanamatolo Building which is the largest News and Media company for Sanoma in Finland. Its newspaper, Helsingin Sanomat founded in 1889 is the largest newspaper publishing in Finland and the Nordic countries. It is not exactly a Helsinki point of interest for tourist’s attraction. But yet, I would recommend you to go inside and have a look.

I visited it two times just to witness the stupendous glass interior and its modern 20-metres lift design. Sanamatolo building has a dramatic glass building equipped with infrared emitters to eliminate the problem of a cold draft and has a positive effect on the indoor climate. There is a restaurant which people can chill while admiring the impressive architecture of the building.

⑨ HAM Helsinki Art Museum

If you are a lover of visual art, you will appreciate the HAM Helsinki Art Museum which showcases over 9,000 art collection in modern and contemporary arts. The focus is on the everyday life of the Helsinkians. There are displays of almost half the works in public areas such as parks, streets, offices, health centres, schools and libraries.

The remaining art collection is in Tennispalatsiin (Tennis Palace). The guided tours on Saturdays are open for all and inclusive in the museum admission fee of €10. Entry is free for those under 18 years. Opening hours are Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am to 7 pm and closed on Monday.

⑩ Kamppi Shopping Centre

Merely a 5-minutes walk from HAM Helsinki Art Museum is the Kamppi Shopping Centre. It is an entertainment complex comprising of 6 floors for dining, shopping and nightclubs. The hidden gem in Kamppi Shopping Centre lies in the basement towards the metro station where there are a lot of shops.

The underground area is very lively and bustling with people. Besides the Kamppi Shopping Centre are private residences with cool, protruding glass windows with an ultra-modern touch which personally, I like such architectural design very much. If you have more time to explore out of the city centre in the residential area, you will see more stunning glass building of a similar style.

⑪ Kamppi Chapel of Silence

Just a stone’s throw beside Kamppi Shopping Centre stands a huge chunk of a wooden circular block that might occur to tourists just as a street decoration. I was fooled by it. On closer inspection was a door that leads to a chapel. Yes, this is the Kamppi Chapel and a Helsinki attraction, also known as the Chapel of Silence for people to calm down after a hectic day. Moreover, it is not considered a place of worship as no religious ceremonies would take place here.

As opposed to the intention, the “Chapel of Silence” is never silent with curious tourists coming in and out on a short interval. Since the space of the chapel hall is rather small, a tourist would only need a minute to screen through the place if not staying for a purpose. Simplicity is a beauty and befits the wooden Kamppi Chapel well for everything inside including the chairs are made of wood in a uniform colour. Entrance free for Kamppi Chapel.

⑫ Ateneum Art Museum

Ateneum Art Museum is perpendicular to the Helsinki Railway Station which one cannot miss. It is also under the umbrella of Finnish National Gallery featuring classical art painting predominantly by famous Finnish painters. It has an accumulation of the largest and oldest art collection in Finland backdated to the 18th century to the present day.

To date, it has more than 4,300 paintings and over 750 sculptures. Ateneum Art Museum was also the first museum in the world to own a Vincent van Gogh’s Street in Auvers-sur-Oise (1890) in 1903. Admission fee is €18 and free for those under 18. Visiting hours start at 10 am and close on every Monday.

⑬ Forum Shopping Centre Helsinki

Forum Shopping Centre Helsinki runs by a Finland-Swedish organisation from 1985 is the only private-owned shopping mall at the heart of the city centre not far away from the Helsinki Railway Station. It won awards ‘Finnish Best Shopping Centre 2016’ and ‘Nordic Shopping Centre of the Year 2017’ with over 140 shops, restaurants and cafés. Forum Helsinki opening hours start from 10 am daily and 12 pm on Sunday. You can shop till you drop dead until 9 pm during weekdays.

⑭ Stockmann Helsinki Department Store

Stockmann Group is a Finnish listed company in the retail trade and is one of Europe’s largest department stores marked as a city’s central landmark since 1930. Well-connected with Forum Shopping Centre, Stockmann Helsinki has 13 floors including several basement levels and sells mainly high-end products.

The opening hours commence earlier than Forum Mall from Monday to Saturday at 9 am and on Sunday at 11 am. It closes at the same time as the Forum Shopping Centre. If you like shopping, it is one of the enjoyable things to do in Helsinki city.

⑮ Aleksanterinkatu Shopping Street

Situated on the same street as Stockmann, Aleksanterinkatu is my favourite shopping street. It is vibrant and has an astonishing architectural building design. Known colloquially as “Aleksi”, it is also the longest city street planned by Carl Ludvig Engel during the 1800s. Aleksanterinkatu remains as one of the best Helsinki attractions and sightseeing location for locals and tourists to date.

During the weekend, only trams and emergency vehicles can pass through it by ensuring a safe and traffic-free environment for shopping in Helsinki. Following this stretch of the road towards the east, you will be able to discover more Helsinki attractions without getting lost. It is the most beautiful shopping street in Helsinki which you should see.

⑯ Senate Square Helsinki | Senaatintori

Continuing the path of Aleksanterinkatu street, you will see the Senate Square which is one of the Helsinki points of interest. Several activities such as art exhibition, concerts, snow building and snowboard events have been taking place in this square. Senate Square and its surrounding are the oldest part of Helsinki.

In front of the Helsinki Cathedral lies a broad flight of steps on the north side of the Senate Square. They are so steep as people approaching the square from the north frequently assume that they are approaching a cliff edge. Such a sensation arises when the steps do not become apparent until one is at the very top level. Sometimes, one can experience vertigo momentarily. Hence, locals call this point as the ‘cliff-edge’.

⑰ Helsinki Cathedral | Helsingin Tuomiokirkko

A remarkable white monument with five green dome ceiling that one can recognise from far is the Helsinki Cathedral. Originally known as St Nicholas’ Church before Finland’s independence in 1917, it was constructed from 1830 to 1852 in honour of Grand Duke of Finland, Tsar Nicolas I of Russia. Helsinki Cathedral in the neoclassical style is another brainchild of Carl Ludvig Engel who also planned the Aleksanterinkatu street. The cathedral is still in service for religious worship and a popular venue for weddings.

In the coldest winter month of January, the annual Lux Helsinki light art festival illuminates the street and some well-known monuments in stunning and magical colourful sights for 5 days. The event uses an array of light artwork to induce a spectacular background on the facades and outdoor places. Visitors can admire the light installation from 5 pm to 10 pm nightly. It is surely an excellent place to visit in Helsinki in winter for some stunning photography shots.

⑱ Helsinki City Museum | Helsingin Kaupunginmuseo

Towards the end of the Aleksanterinkatu street is the Helsinki City Museum situated in the oldest blocks of the city near the Senate Square. If you want to know all about the captivating capital of Finland, the Helsinki City Museum is the right place to visit in Finland. Walk the life and experiences in Helsinki with a collection of 450,000 objects and one million photographs that through the transition of time. Learn the history and everything focusing on Helsinki.

The museum also has a children’s corner and interactive activities for kids. Therefore, it would be a lot of fun for the family. It also has a good spot for taking a picture of the Helsinki Cathedral. Monday might be the best time to visit the Helsinki City Museum for tourists because many places of interest are closed on Monday. The museum is open every day from 11 am to 7 pm on weekdays and closes at 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday. Free entry.

⑲ Market Square Helsinki | Kauppatori

Located towards the South Harbour at one end of the Esplanade Park (Esplandi) is the Helsinki Market Square. It is a famous Finnish market hall identified with prominent orange tents for every stall. The best time to go to the Market Square Helsinki is at the beginning of October where the Herring market will be held annually at the Market Square since 1743.

Over here, you can sample tasty Finnish food like reindeer meat, salmon soup and shop for local handicrafts and souvenirs. The Helsinki Market Square operates from Monday to Saturday from 6.30 am. On the weekday, it ends at 6 pm and 4 pm on Saturday. Usually, it does not open on Sunday. However, during the summer, the market runs from 10 am to 5 pm.

During winter, there will be heaters inside the tent to ensure maximum comfort for the customers. As a form of tradition, there is a display of old American cars on the first Friday of every month. Mark the Market Square as one of the top things to do in Helsinki. Nonetheless, since it is a tourists’ spot, the prices may be on the high side.

⑳ Uspenski Cathedral

Crossing over to the Katajanokka peninsula district from Helsinki is the Uspenski Cathedral characterised by its brownish-red brick facade and contrasting 33-metres light green dome roof atop a hill. The Uspenski Cathedral is said to be the largest Orthodox Church in the North and Western Europe. The cathedral was built from 1862 to 1868 after the death of the Russian church architect, Aleksey Gornostayev. On the back of the Upenski Cathedral is a plaque in tribute to the Russian Emperor Alexander II, who was the ruler of the Grand Duchy of Finland during the cathedral’s construction.

A remnant of the Russian Empire in Finland, Uspenski Cathedral has a conspicuous high ceiling, impressive chandeliers and houses several valuable icons and treasures. There were theft cases of Icons and jewellery in the past. Fortunately, some were recovered. The entrance is free and closed on Monday and during ceremonies. The opening hours are Tuesday to Friday from 9.30 am to 4 pm, Saturday 10 am to 3 pm and Sunday from 12 to 3 pm.

㉑ Helsinki Skywheel and SkySauna

Also located in In the Katajanokka district and 5-minutes walk from Uspenski Cathedral, Helsinki Skywheel offers an opportunity to oversee the breathtaking city, nearby islands or the passing ships from a height of 40 metres in a Ferris wheel. A ride on the Skywheel costs €12 for adults and €9 for children. A standard cabin can take up to 8 people and a VIP-cabin with leather seats can fit 4 people.

Skywheel introduces a new experience that you cannot find anywhere in the world! What is the favourite pastime of Finnish people? Yes, Sauna! Original SkySauna is the latest luxury for pampering yourself in the sky with a tranquil sea view and a hot spring hot tub on the ground. Skywheel recommends it as an extraordinary atmosphere aside from the traditional sauna. Prices start from €240 per hour for 1 to 4 people. It opens seven days a week starting at 11 am. On Saturday, it starts at 10 am.

㉒ Suomenlinna Sea Fortress

Suomenlinna Fortress is a national highlight and part of the UNESCO World Heritage List too. The commencement work of the Suomenlinna fortress in 1748 was an initiation by the Swedish Parliament as a protection against Russian expansionism under the Swedish name ‘Sveaborg’ (or ‘Viapori’ in Finnish). In May 1918, the fortress was renamed Suomenlinna (Castle of Finland) after Finland’s independence in 1917. Till date, it is an emphasis on Helsinki tourism and attracts a lot of visitors.

How to get to Suomenlinna? The maritime fortress is accessible by ferry service or a water bus service during the summer. During the cold winter, visitors can experience the trip in ice-covered water which is an unforgettable moment.

㉓ Last Finnish Vesikko Submarine

One of the more remarkable attractions in Suomenlinna is the last submarine in Finland, Vesikko. Launched in 1933, Vesikko was one of five submarines to serve in the Finnish Navy when Finland bought it in 1936. After the Finnish Winter and Continuation Wars from 1939 to 1944, Vesikko was the only Finnish submarine that survived the fate of being scrapped. After much renovation, Vesikko was reopened to the public in July 1973 as an exhibit of the Military Museum in Suomenlinna. It preserves the memory of naval warfare globally.

Vesikko submarine is open daily until 31 September 2019 from 11 am to 6 pm. The ticket price is €7 and includes admission to the Military Museum. You can also see Vesikko by taking a sightseeing cruise boat from Royal Line around the fortress without going to the Suomenlinna island. The sightseeing cruise ticket starts from €21.60 onwards for 1.5 hours (which is an increase from €12 for 45 minutes from the last time I went). You can also opt for their buffet lunch and dinner cruise which at €39 and €52 respectively. That is also another good opportunity to try out Finnish food on the cruise boat.

㉔ Design Museum Helsinki | Designmuseo

On return from the Suomenlinna Fortress, you can visit the Design Museum Helsinki which is 10 to 20 minutes walk from the harbour. The neo-Gothic style Design Museum is more than 140 years old since 1978. Moreover, it is also one of the oldest museums in the world with a collection of over 75,000 objects, 45,000 drawings and 125,000 photographs. The original collection by the Finnish Society of Crafts and Design was In 1873. Design Museum Helsinki also exhibits its collection worldwide. Ticket costs €10 for adults. The opening hours are from Tuesday to Sunday from 11 am and close on Monday. During the summer, it opens daily and closes at 6 pm.

㉕ St. John’s Church Helsinki | Johanneksenkirkko

Another neo-Gothic architectural style designed in Stockholm in 1891, St. John’s Church Helsinki is the largest Lutheran stone church in Finland with a 2,600 seating capacity. Also known as ‘Johannes Church’, it has noticeable twin spires from far and an incredible church hall design which is a reason to visit this Helsinki attraction. The St. John’s Church also has excellent acoustic which made is a prime choice for a wedding venue, special events and ceremonies. Johanneksenkirkko is open from Monday to Friday from 10 am to 3 pm, on weekends when there are special functions.

Poll – Your Favourite Helsinki Points of Interest

Show others what you like! If you have read this far, let’s have a quick survey. Select 5 to 12 Helsinki attractions that are your favourite destinations or on your list of must-visit points of interest if you have never been there. Participation is anonymous. Let’s have some fun!

• The result will be shown after the vote.

Transport from Helsinki Airport to City Centre

How to get from Helsinki airport to city centre? With a 30-minutes train journey connecting from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Helsinki city centre since 2015, it is even easier and more convenient to reach the Helsinki city centre in a whizz.

For the second time in Finland with the 9-hours stopover in Helsinki and the cheapest airfare ever purchased for my regular European trips, I decided to take advantage of the layover and travel in Helsinki once again.

I benefitted from Finnair long stopover programme a few years ago with an unbelievable 7-days layover in Helsinki from Singapore to Brussels without additional cost comparing to the usual airfare purchased over the past few years.

Finland promotes its tourism that there are programmes for stopover aiming at the Chinese, Japanese and South Koreans travelling to other parts of Europe via Helsinki Airport. This programme ensures that there are always things to do in Helsinki or other cities in Finland.

If you take Finnair Airline and have a layover in Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, be sure to include Helsinki as another destination under a low or no cost travel. This article will introduce you a few ways how to get from Helsinki Airport to City Centre so that you would not spend the long stopover time sleeping in the airport.

Do check out the article on 25 Helsinki Attractions and Things to do in Helsinki City.

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport

Strict Security Customs Check in Airport Helsinki

With the fear of terrorism and overstayers, the security check at Helsinki airport is even stringent than before. The Customs officers asked EVERY passenger exiting out of the airport at 6 am on their intention in Finland and to show proof of return ticket or other documents.

What I witnessed in the past was random checks and screening was never done on every passenger. I had to admit that even though it took more time for clearance, I appreciate the stringent control because it made me feel safe in Finland. Kudos to the serious Finnish Customs Officers!

Helsinki Airport Wifi and Tourist Information

There is free wifi in Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. Other than that, if you have a SIM card from one of these 28 European countries, you can call and use the mobile data in Finland with no additional roaming charges. Pick up a Helsinki city map or other cities’ travel maps in Finland from the Tourist Information Counter located on the first floor of Terminal 2.

Helsinki Airport to City

How to get from Helsinki airport to city centre?

Helsinki city centre is 20 km from the airport. Getting public transport to reach the destination is easy and takes about 30 minutes by bus, taxi or train. The only challenge is the Finnish language written on the board with no English translation when buying a train ticket. Hence, it is important to know what are your options to go to Helsinki city and to come back to the airport without booking a taxi which will cost you a bomb or stuck in a traffic jam.

By Airport Taxi

There is a taxi counter in Terminal 2 where you can call a cab or ask some questions. The taxi from Helsinki Airport to City would cost between €40 to €55. Taking a cab is perfect for those who landed at the airport at night when there is no more public transport or those with small children.

Of course, there are some who do not want to bother too much about how to go about using public transport or their company reimburses fully on their business trip expenses. Hence, taking cab seems to be a hassle-free option to take you exactly where you want to go, or simply book a private transfer online ⬇︎ which is even easier and costs almost the same as that of a cab.

By Finnair City Bus

Finnair City Bus operated by Pohjolan Liikenne is an express shuttle bus service that leaves the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport every 20 minutes from the Finnair bus stop outside Terminal 2. A single trip ticket costs €6.60 whereas a round-trip ticket is €6.05 for one way if you purchase online. Alternatively, you can pay exact amount in cash €6.70 directly to the bus driver. 6 to 16 years old pay half price and children under 6 are free. Many credit cards are accepted on board the bus too.

Online e-ticket has a flexibility which allows the user to travel within 30 days from the date marked on the ticket. Customers receive a link after online purchase which they can either print out the e-ticket or show it on their phone screen. I had used the Finnair City Bus service in 2013 before the airport train was in service then. The Finnair Bus has a free wireless internet connection onboard. The ride was comfortable and reliable throughout my journey to Helsinki Airport.

Click on the link above. Select departure from ‘Helsinki Airport Terminal 1 or 2’ and choose arrival point at ‘Helsinki City Elielsquare’ which stops at the ④ Finnair City Bus Station in Helsinki city centre as shown from the images below.

Refer to the Google Maps above for ④ Finnair City Bus Station in Elielsquare.

By Helsinki Bus 615

Helsinki Bus 615 run by HSL will take you from the airport to the Helsinki city centre in 40 to 50 minutes. The bus stops for both arriving and departing buses are located in front of both Helsinki Airport Terminal ① and ② (Finnish Name: Lentoasema T1 and T2). In Helsinki city, you can stop at ⑤ Rautatientori Bus Stop right in front of the ⑥ Helsinki Railway Station. Refer to the Journey Planner for Bus 615 for the timetable from Helsinki Airport to City Centre and the Google Maps above for the exact bus stop location.

The ticket costs €5.50 if you pay directly to the bus driver, €5.00 if you purchase from the ticket machine or the HSL mobile app after the download. Give exact or smaller amount as the bus driver is not obliged to receive notes more than €20. When purchase from a mobile app or vending machine, always choose ‘Regional Ticket’ because you are crossing the region of Vantaa (airport) to Helsinki.

By Helsinki Airport Train

Since July 2015, the fastest and most convenient option is the new Helsinki Airport train line directly to the city centre in 30 minutes operated by HSL. By taking the train to Helsinki city, tourists do not have to worry about the traffic jam on the road by travelling in a vehicle especially when going to the airport.

I opted to take a train to and fro Helsinki city centre during my 9-hrs layover trip to Finland for this time. Do note that some ticket machine only accepts bank card or credit card and no cash especially on the airport train platform. If you want to pay by cash, you have to look for the ticket machine which accepts it at Terminal 2 or for the location of this cash machine at the Tourist Information Counter.

The ③ Helsinki Airport Train Station is located at the end of Terminal 2 or upon seeing a signboard which states “Railway Station”. Along the 200 metres walk, you can see some ticket machines.

Likewise, there are similar ticket machines on the underground train platform where I had bought my ticket. There is an English option on it. Select ‘Single Ticket’, then ‘Helsinki’ and pay only with a bank card. The Helsinki Airport train ticket price will reflect €5.00 instantly. You will then receive a paper train ticket.

When I bought the single trip ticket from Helsinki City Central Railway Station (Helsingin Päärautatieasema) back to the airport, I had an additional selection. Select ‘Regional’ ticket to go back to ‘Vantaa’ region where the airport location is. The ticket would cost you €5.00. If you select ‘Helsinki’, it means that you can only travel within the Helsinki city and would cost only €2.90. Don’t buy wrongly as there are train inspectors on board the train who will check your ticket.

There are two types of trains (I & P) that run from the airport to the Helsinki Central Station (Helsingin Päärautatieasema) in a Ring Rail Line. The difference is that both trains run in the opposite direction (westward and eastward) towards the south to Helsinki and vice versa.

The good news is that you do not have to be concerned about which train to take because they will reach your destination all the same with a mere difference of 5 minutes arrival time. In short, just hop onto any train that arrives at the airport. The screen on the train platform will reflect “Helsinki Helsingfors” which confirms the journey towards the Helsinki city centre.

• I train – from Helsinki via Pasila to Tikkurila and the airport and back to Helsinki
• P train – from Helsinki via Huopalahti to the airport and from there via Tikkurila back to Helsinki

The interior of the train is new, clean and attractive. What I appreciate most about the train is that every seat has two 230V charging station which gives me a chance to charge my mobile while taking the 30-minutes ride to Helsinki city.

Helsinki Central Train Station | Helsingin Päärautatieasema

Train to Helsinki Airport Timetable 

When returning back to the airport from⑥Helsinki Central Railway Station (Helsingin Päärautatieasema), look for the train timetable board below for the text “Flygplatsen Airport” or “Lentoasema” which means “Airport” together with a plane symbol. There will be a few trains going back to the airport at different timing and platforms. When in doubt, always confirm with a local there before you board the train.

Beautiful Railway Station Title

The Helsinki Train Station should be another point of interest even if one is not taking a train. Inaugurated in 1919, BBC chose it as one of the world’s most beautiful railway stations in 2013. Apart from the acclaimed Antwerp Central Station rated by Mashable as being the most beautiful railway station from around the world, Helsinki Central Station earns its due recognition and well-deserved for the title.

Most Expensive Toilet

Although voted as one of the most beautiful stations, Helsinki Central Station is the most expensive toilet I have ever paid in my memory. It cost €1 per entry. When I walked out of the station to begin my Helsinki trip of the day, I saw a FREE public toilet outside. So, people. If you have an urgency, use the free one outside. I had used the same type of toilet somewhere a few hours later. It was safe, reliable and of decent hygiene standard.

Helsinki City Sightseeing

Hop-On Hop-Off Helsinki Bus Tour + Royal Line Sightseeing Cruise

If you prefer more leisure travel for a layover in Helsinki city, Hop-On Hop-Off Helsinki Tour departs every 20 minutes to 20 tourist attractions on a double-decker bus. The tour bus will bring you on a sightseeing trip to the most popular travel destinations in Helsinki city. The bus has audio guides in 10 languages and equipped with wifi connection.

For €30, you can hop on and off to any stops in 24 hours. For an additional €5 combo ticket, visitors can enjoy 1.5 hours sightseeing cruise by Royal Line on top of the land tour. The cruise departs from Market Square. Get your ticket from Red City Buses or City Tour.

Helsinki City Pass or Helsinki Card

To get the maximum benefit, get a Helsinki City Pass at €39 from City Tour which lasts for 48 hours inclusive of the above 24-hours land and sea tour OR a Helsinki Card from Stromma which costs between €46 to €72 from 1 to 3 days. Ferry and entrance to Fortress of Suomenlinna are free for both passes. More discount is available for both cards.

Helsinki Card also acts as a travel card to allow unlimited travel across all transport networks in Helsinki for the duration of your pass. You do not have to worry about spare change for your daily transport tickets.

As both companies run their separate promotion, it would be wise to check both out to find the package most suitable for your needs.

HSL Helsinki Public Transport Ticket Prices

If you are just looking for some public transport tickets for 1 to 7 days of travel or just for a single trip, you can get more information about the HSL ticket prices from the website. Always select “Regional” if you need to use the ticket to travel to and fro from the airport to Helsinki or other parts of the cities. If you want to take the public transport solely in Helsinki, then select “Helsinki”.

Finland Time

Finland has an Eastern European Time (EET) time zone which is 1-hour ahead of Belgium in the Central European Time (CET) zone. If Belgium is 12:00h, then Finland is 13:00h.

What to Do in Helsinki

In the next article, follow me on 25 Helsinki Attractions and Things to do in Helsinki City. As Helsinki is a compact city, you can see many points of interests just by foot according to the number sequence in my customised Google Maps.