Travel Information
Airports
Helsinki Airport (HEL), also known as Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, is Finland’s main international airport and the only airport serving the Helsinki region (https://www.finavia.fi/en/airports/helsinki-airport). It is the home hub of Finnair (a oneworld member) and is served by most major European airlines. There are direct flights from most large European cities, as well as long-haul connections from, for example, New York, Tokyo, Seoul, Singapore, Bangkok, Delhi, Doha, Dubai, and Istanbul. Attendees travelling from cities without a direct flight can conveniently connect through any major European hub (e.g., Frankfurt, Amsterdam, Paris, London, Copenhagen, or Stockholm); the flight from central Europe to Helsinki takes around 2.5–3 hours.
The airport is located about 17 km north of the city centre, and all flights use a single terminal. The conference venue, Helsinki Congress Paasitorni, is about 18 km from the airport: the direct commuter train to the Central Railway Station takes around 30 minutes (see below), and from there the venue is two metro stops (Hakaniemi station) or a short tram ride away, so you should allow roughly 45–60 minutes door-to-door.
Getting to central Helsinki from the airport
By train: The most convenient route is taking the Commuter trains I and P from Helsinki Vantaa Airport to the central station Rautatieasema (around 30 minutes). Ticket: Helsinki Airport is in zone C and the Central Railway Station is in zone A, so you need an ABC ticket. The ticket is valid for around 90 minutes and covers onward transfers to trams, buses, metro, and other trains.
By taxi: The travel time via taxi from Helsinki Vantaa Airport to the center of Helsinki is about 25–35 minutes depending on traffic. One-way travel fare is about 50 EUR.
Public transportation
Helsinki’s public transport is all run by HSL, and one ticket covers everything: buses, trams, the metro, commuter trains, and the ferry to Suomenlinna. Trams are the best way to move around the centre, and there’s also a metro line running east to west if you’re heading further out. A single ticket costs around three euros and is valid for about 80 minutes, including any transfers. If you’re making several trips a day, a day ticket is better value.
The easiest way to buy is through the HSL app. You can also use a contactless card, an HSL travel card, or pick up a ticket from kiosks, shops, and machines around the city. You can check more information on the HSL site: https://www.hsl.fi/en/tickets-and-fares/
What to expect in Helsinki in terms of weather in February
February is typically the coldest part of winter in Helsinki. Visitors can expect temperatures ranging from about −10°C to +2°C, with occasional colder periods. Snow is common, although conditions can vary from snowy and bright to wet and slushy depending on the year. Daylight is increasing compared to midwinter, with around 8–10 hours of daylight. Attendees should bring warm winter clothing, including a waterproof coat, insulated footwear, gloves, and a hat, as icy sidewalks and cold winds are common. Despite the cold, Helsinki remains very accessible and public transport operates normally throughout the winter season.