How to Get From Helsinki Airport to the City by Train

By far the easiest way to get from Helsinki Airport to the city centre is by taking the airport train. This guide explains how to use this modern and convenient service.

About the Helsinki Airport train

A frequent and highly convenient train service links Helsinki Airport with the main railway station in the heart of the city.

The airport lies about 17 kilometres (11 miles) north of the city centre, and trains take roughly 30 minutes to reach the main railway station.

Trains depart every 7 to 10 minutes, with the airport service running approximately from 05:00 to 01:30.

The service is run by Helsinki transport company HSL-HRT, and you can use the handy journey planner on their website to check timetables.

Getting to the airport train station

The Helsinki Airport train station is clearly signposted in the arrivals hall – just follow the signs for “Railway Station”.

It takes about 3 to 4 minutes to walk from the arrivals hall to the airport train station.

The airport train station is located deep underground, and it’s much quicker to take one of the lifts to the platform, as using the long sets of escalators takes more time.

Buying tickets

You can easily buy tickets for the Helsinki Airport train from the ticket machines on the platform using a credit or debit card.

To travel between Helsinki Airport and the main railway station in the city centre, you need a zone ABC ticket, which currently costs €4.40.

Although there is no staffed ticket office, a member of staff is usually seen walking across the platform to assist travellers in need.

On board the train

Helsinki Airport station sits at the far end of a large railway loop, with all trains — whether running clockwise or anticlockwise — sharing the same destination: The city’s main railway station.

It therefore doesn’t really matter which train you take if you’re heading to the main railway station or city centre, as both take roughly the same amount of time — so you can simply board whichever one arrives first at the airport station.

For what it’s worth, train line I runs anticlockwise via the western loop, while line P goes clockwise via the eastern loop.

The trains are modern commuter units with step-free access and a 3+2 seating configuration.

Luggage can be placed on the overhead racks above the seats, or if you have very heavy or bulky items, it’s best to use one of the fold-out seats and keep your luggage with you.

The train makes several stops on the way to Helsinki’s main railway station, and it can get crowded during rush hour.

Want to see what the Helsinki Airport trains look like inside and learn about the entire process — from disembarking your flight to walking to the train station and buying your tickets? Check out my YouTube video for a detailed walkthrough!

Helsinki central station

After a comfortable ride, the train arrives at Helsinki’s iconic main railway station, just a short walk from the city centre and waterfront.

Within its validity, your zone ABC ticket also allows you to transfer to a bus, tram, or metro if you need to continue your journey to your destination in the city.

Of course, you can also transfer at Helsinki’s main railway station to regional, InterCity, and night trains heading to destinations across Finland.

However, note that in some cases, it’s quicker to get off one station earlier at Pasila and connect there.

Conclusion

The Helsinki Airport train is one of Europe’s best airport train services, with affordable prices, modern and comfortable trains, and a frequent service.

Unless your flight departs or arrives at an extremely early or late hour, you really don’t need a taxi to travel between the airport and the city centre of Helsinki!