Arriving in Helsinki
By plane
Around 120 international flights a day arrive at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, which is situated 19 kilometres from the centre of Helsinki and can be reached by car in approximately 25 minutes. You can also take taxi (costs 20-30 €), Airport Taxi (costs 1-2 pers. 20 €, 3-4 pers. 22 €, 5-6 pers. 40 €), the Finnair airport bus (costs 5,20 €) or Bus 615 (costs 3,40 €) to the Central Railway Station.
By train
There are excellent train connections from Helsinki to all major towns in Finland as well as to Lapland. There is also a daily train service to St. Petersburg and Moscow. The Central Railway Station is a landmark unto itself in Helsinki.
By bus
The Central Bus Station is situated in the centre of town on Simonkatu with hourly services to Finland's main cities and towns. The area is currently undergoing major renovation, which will last until 2006.
By ferry
There are daily ferry services to Helsinki from Estonia, Sweden and Germany.
Getting around
It is easy to get around Helsinki, whose public transportation system was rated second best in Europe in 2003.
Public transport
With a single ticket you can hop aboard trams, busses, the metro and even the ferry to Suomenlinna. Single tickets can be purchased from the driver, from ticket machines or even by sending an SMS text message by mobile phone (requires a Finnish service provider). Tourist tickets are available for unlimited use on public transportation for either 1, 3 or 5 days (costs 1 day 5,40€, 3 days 10,80€ or 5 days 16,20€). They can be purchased from ticket machines, from the Tourist Information or from the Helsinki City Transport service point in the Central Railway Station. Regional tickets allow the holder to travel freely in Helsinki, Espoo, Kauniainen and Vantaa. The Helsinki Card allows for unlimited travel on public transportation within Helsinki. Journey Planner
Getting around by night can be a bit tricky, as most public transportation stops around midnight. There is a limited night bus network that charges twice the price of a daytime ticket.
Bar Tram
Of particular note is the Bar Tram, a bright red tram converted into a pub on wheels. The tram runs during the summer only from Wednesday to Saturday, once an hour from 2 to 8 PM, with stops at the Railway Square, Linnanmäki, Opera House, Aleksanterinkatu and the Market Square. Price 7€, including one beer.
On foot and by bike
Helsinki is a conveniently compact city, so it is easy to get around on foot. There are also around 900 kilometres of bike paths that will get you anywhere. During the summer months you can try a city bike. These are standard bikes without gears and can be taken with a 2 euro deposit. City bike racks are located throughout the city centre.
Taxis and car rentals
Taxis can usually be hailed from the street in the city centre, except during busy periods. There are also plenty of taxi stands throughout the city. You can order a taxi by phone by calling locally 0100 0700. Fares are, fairly expensive.
There are also several car rental agencies to choose from.
Europcar
Avis
Hertz
Budget
Lacara
Auto Alex
Netrent
Scandia Rent
Transvell
