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How to get from the Helsinki-Vantaa airport into Helsinki city centre quickly and without paying too much for it?

Bonus question: how about if the flight arrives in the wee hours (say, at 03:00 am)?

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1 Answer

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Daytime, there are two very good options:

  • HSL bus 615 is easy and affordable. The trip to central railway station costs 4.50€ and takes some 40 mins. The bus runs every 10-20 minutes between 06:30 and 00:30 on weekdays (Sat 07:00-1:00, Sun 06:05-00:30). (From city to airport, first departure is 05:15 and last 01:20.) At the airport it leaves from T1 (platform 2) stopping at T2 (platform 21) too, and in city centre from platform 3 on Rautatientori, next to the central station. The fare covers transfer to other HSL services – buses, trams, metro, Suomenlinna ferry – within 80 mins. Check 615 timetable or the Journey Planner for more info.

  • The Finnair City Bus takes you a bit faster (average time 30 mins according to the company) from airport to central railway station. The fare is 6.20€, and it runs (mostly) every 20 minutes, between 05:45 and 01:10 daily. (From city to airport between 05:00 and 24:00). This bus leaves from T2 (platform 10) and stops at T1 (platform 1).

Late at night & early in the morning (i.e., when 615 is not running), HSL bus 620 is your friend. It runs every half hour mostly, with last departure from airport at 03:55 and from city at 03:10 (Fri & Sat nights 03:40). But first departure is at 05:00 (from city 04:10), so essentially the whole night is covered, all week! Night fare (charged between 02:00-04:30) is 6€. The 620 departs from the exact same platforms as 615, and estimated travel time is 50 minutes.

A taxi is always a convenient option, of course, but it's far from cheap (around 35-40€). There are some fixed rate / shared taxi services too (e.g. Airport Taxi) that are slightly cheaper (from 27€).

Edit: updated for late 2012. Note that slightly different 615 and 620 timetables may apply in the middle of the summer. Check the Journey Planner to make sure, as it always has up-to-date info on the HSL services.

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Agree! Used the Finair bus this summer sometimes after midnight. Can really recommend it. – RoflcoptrException♦ Sep 17 '11 at 9:41
I've actually never tried the Finnair shuttle myself, but it probably is a slightly more comfortable choice. Key advantage of 615 (besides being cheaper) is that you can continue your trip in the city with the same ticket. – Jonik Sep 17 '11 at 10:24
Payment options: in HSL buses you can pay with cash (or Travel Card), but notes bigger than 20€ probably won't be accepted. In the Finnair City Bus (and taxis) you can pay with cash or credit card. – Jonik Sep 17 '11 at 11:43
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Coming from the airport or some city stops you can also buy your ticket from a ticket machine, which accept coin, cash, or credit card (Chip+Pin only!). – Doc Mar 2 at 19:40

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