Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL)
ICAO: EFHK
Live Flight Status
Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) Arrivals & Departures — check real-time flight status, delays, gate changes, and baggage claim information for all domestic and international flights at HEL.
Overview
Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (IATA: HEL, ICAO: EFHK) is the primary international airport serving Helsinki, the capital of Finland, and the busiest airport in the country. Located about 17 km north of Helsinki city centre in the city of Vantaa, HEL is the main hub for Finnair (AY) and a key base for Norwegian (DY) and Play (OG).
Opened in 1952 for the Helsinki Olympic Games, Helsinki-Vantaa has grown to become one of the leading airports in Northern Europe. It operates a single, integrated passenger terminal building divided into two check-in areas — Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 — which share the same airside concourse. This design allows for quick and easy transfers, with a minimum connection time of just 35–40 minutes. The airport also has a dedicated cargo area and is connected to Helsinki by the Ring Rail Line (P and I trains) and several bus routes.
HEL connects to over 130 destinations across Europe, Asia, and North America, served by more than 30 airlines. It is a key hub for Finnair (AY) and a major gateway between Europe and Asia, with strong connections to Tokyo (HND), Seoul (ICN), Singapore (SIN), Hong Kong (HKG), and Shanghai (PVG). Popular European routes include London (LHR), Paris (CDG), Amsterdam (AMS), Frankfurt (FRA), and Copenhagen (CPH).
In 2024, Helsinki-Vantaa Airport handled approximately 15 million passengers, maintaining its position as Finland’s busiest airport and a key hub for Nordic and Asian connections.
Popular Destinations from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL)
Asian routes include Tokyo (HND), Seoul (ICN), Singapore (SIN), Hong Kong (HKG), Shanghai (PVG), and Bangkok (BKK). Airlines serving these routes include Finnair (AY), Japan Airlines (JL), Korean Air (KE), Singapore Airlines (SQ), and Cathay Pacific (CX).
Long-haul routes also include New York (JFK), Dallas (DFW), and Doha (DOH). The airport connects over 130 destinations across Europe, Asia, North America, and the Middle East, operated by more than 30 airlines including Qatar Airways (QR), Turkish Airlines (TK), and Emirates (EK).
Terminals
Helsinki-Vantaa Airport operates a single, integrated passenger terminal building divided into two check-in areas — Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 — which share the same airside concourse. All passengers, regardless of terminal, pass through the same security checkpoint and have access to the same gates, shops, and restaurants.
Terminal 1 is primarily used by Finnair (AY) for domestic flights and some European routes, as well as by Norwegian (DY) and other low-cost carriers. It has its own check-in hall and baggage claim area, but is connected airside to Terminal 2.
Terminal 2 is the main terminal for international flights, including most European and all long-haul routes. It is used by Finnair (AY) for its international network, as well as by British Airways (BA), Lufthansa (LH), Air France (AF), KLM (KL), and most other international carriers. Terminal 2 features a large duty-free area, multiple lounges (including the Finnair Lounge and the Platinum Wing), and a wide range of dining and shopping options.
The airport also has a dedicated cargo terminal and a separate general aviation terminal. The terminal building is designed for easy navigation, with clear signage in Finnish, Swedish, and English.
The minimum connection time at HEL is 35 minutes for domestic-to-domestic transfers, 40 minutes for domestic-to-international and Schengen transfers, and 40 minutes for international-to-international transfers. Finnair (AY) offers a fast transfer service for connecting passengers.
| Terminal | Purpose | Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Terminal 1 | Domestic & select European flights | Finnair (AY), Norwegian (DY), select low-cost carriers |
| Terminal 2 | International, European & long-haul flights | Finnair (AY), British Airways (BA), Lufthansa (LH), Air France (AF), KLM (KL), Japan Airlines (JL), Qatar Airways (QR) |
Transportation
Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is well connected to Helsinki city centre and the surrounding region through several transport options. The airport is located about 17 km north of Helsinki.
Ring Rail Line (Commuter Trains P and I)
The Ring Rail Line connects Helsinki-Vantaa Airport directly to Helsinki Central Station. Trains P and I run every 10–20 minutes in a loop, with the journey to Helsinki Central Station taking about 30 minutes. A single ticket costs approximately €4.10 (or €2.80 with a valid HSL city ticket). The station is located beneath the terminal building, accessible by elevators and escalators. This is the fastest and most reliable option for reaching the city.
Finnair City Bus
The Finnair City Bus connects the airport to Helsinki Central Station in about 30 minutes. Buses run every 20 minutes from 05:00 to 01:00. A single ticket costs approximately €7.20. The bus stops at Terminal 1 and Terminal 2.
Public Bus (HSL)
Several HSL bus routes connect the airport to various parts of Helsinki and Vantaa, including routes 415, 615, and 617. Fares start from €4.10. Buses are a cheaper option but have longer journey times and less frequent service than the train.
Taxi
Official taxis are available 24/7 outside the Arrivals hall of both terminals. A fixed-price taxi to Helsinki city centre costs around €50–60 (approximately $55–66). Ride-hailing services like Uber and Bolt are also available and are usually slightly cheaper.
Private Transfer
Book a driver in advance for a stress-free arrival. Prices start from €60 for a sedan, including meet & greet in the arrivals hall. Popular with families and business travellers.
Car Rental
Major international and local car rental companies operate at HEL, including Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Sixt, and Enterprise. Pickup counters are located in the Arrivals hall of both terminals.
Car Rental at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL)
Compare live rates from Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, Sixt, and Enterprise. Pickup counters are located in the Arrivals hall of both terminals. Free cancellation on most bookings.
🚗 Search available cars →Hotels Near Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL)
Choose from 30+ hotels near Helsinki-Vantaa Airport — from budget options like Comfort Hotel Helsinki Airport and GLO Hotel Airport to premium brands like the Hilton Helsinki Airport (directly connected to Terminal 2) and the Clarion Hotel Helsinki Airport. Free airport shuttle available at most properties.
🏨 See nearby hotels →Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) Map & Layout
Interactive map showing terminals, parking, taxi stands, ride-hailing pickup zones, and nearby landmarks.
Airport Information & Contacts
Lentäjäntie 3
01530 Vantaa, Finland