Helsinki Vantaa International Airport, commonly referred to as its airport code HEL, handles dozens of daily direct international and domestic flights. Located 18kms north of Helsinki, the airport is easily accessible and serves more than 15 million passengers a year. The main service providers at the airport are Finnair, SAS, British Airways and Lufthansa.

Transfer between the International and Domestic terminals, only 250ms apart, is by an internal walkway. The airport consistently ranks at the top of all airport satisfaction surveys, including three ‘Best Airport in the World’ awards. The stylish Scandinavian design, logical layout and copious central heating make it very popular with travellers.

The excellent facilities include restaurants, shops and cafés; ATMs and currency exchange; a business centre; lost and found; baby care and play rooms; pharmacy; baggage storage and provisions for travellers with disabilities. Car hire is available from a number of reputable firms.

Both terminals provide indoor car parks. P1 and P2 are near the International Terminal, while P3 and P4 are close to the Domestic Terminal. P5 serves both terminals. There are short-term, business and long-term parking options available. Short term parking can also be found in front of the terminals at two additional parking lots, P30 and P31.

To reach the airport from Helsinki city centre, drive north along Tuusula road (Highway 45) and follow the signs to the airport. From the west and the east, head for Kehä III (Highway E18 or Highway 50) and follow the signs to the airport. From Helsinki city, take buses 415, 451, 615 and bus 519 from Itäkeskus. The Finnair City Bus from downtown Helsinki also goes to the airport every 20 minutes, with a travel time of 35 minutes. Taxi ranks can be found right outside the Arrivals Halls of both the Domestic and International terminals.

Getting around Helsinki is easy, with the city’s public transportation system having been rated second best in Europe. A single ticket allows you to hop aboard trams, buses, the metro and even the ferry to Suomenlinna. Single tickets are available from the driver and from ticket machines. Tourist tickets for unlimited use on public transportation can be bought for one, three or five days.

Metros in Helsinki run to various parts of the city and start off from the heart of Helsinki, the Central Railway Station. While trains on most lines stop running by 23:30, they are still a quick and efficient way to get around inexpensively.

Trams are also a popular mode of transport and let you enjoy the sights and sounds of this charming city. Operating in the central district, trams are a quintessential part of the Helsinki experience. Buses are another favourite, simply because of their vast network, speed and low ticket prices.

Taxis can usually be hailed from the street in the city centre, except during busy times. There are also many taxi stands all over the city.