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Sleeping in Airports

Helsinki Vantaa Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Helsinki Vantaa Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

Overall, I think the airport is small and seems almost cozy, most of the things go smooth and the staff was very helpful. – a traveller

HEL Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Helsinki Vantaa Airport (Code: HEL).

What to Expect

Helsinki Vantaa Airport consists of two terminals linked by a 250-metre long internal pedestrian corridor. While the corridor provides both airside and landside transit, the airside portions of the two terminals are divided by Schengen and non-Schengen areas. Navigating the airport is described as easy, and all passengers have access to numerous shops, restaurants, cafes and services both airside and landside, with some eateries offering 24 hour service. The airport has plenty of mobile charging stations and offers free WiFi. For additional services—including showers—and lounging options, passengers can pay to use one of the airport lounges. See Airport Lounges in the guide below for locations and rates.

Helsinki Airport guide
(Photo courtesy of a Guest Traveller / October 2019)

Sleeping in Helsinki Airport

Helsinki Airport offers numerous options for sleeping, with accommodating staff, clean facilities good security, and comfortable furniture that includes armrest-free benches and reclining chairs. There is an airside quiet room—Kainuu Lounge—with carpeting and two long recliners near Gate 31, and some “work and rest” spots throughout the airport. Sleeping pods are available in Terminal 1 for a fee and there are hotels at the airport for an even more restful slumber. See the Airport Hotels section below for more info.  Explore our guide to sleeping in Helsinki Airport or read some traveller airport reviews for more tips.

Good to Know

T1 mostly serves the Star Alliance (SAS, Lufthansa), and T2 is the main terminal for Finnair. The Non-Schengen flights arrive and depart from the left part of the T2, to which the access is always through the Schengen area. This means you will first check-in and pass through the security check to the Schengen area, and then you will pass through the passport check to the non-Schengen area. Arriving non-Schengen passengers will go through the passport check and then through baggage claim and the customs out (unless connecting to a Schengen flight).

Security checks are supposed to be open 24 hours, but we’ve had some conflicting reports saying it closes before 9:00PM. If you have an early morning flight, check to see what time you can drop-off your bag. You may be able to pass through security at night.

Covid-19 Update

Some airport reviews and tips in this guide and elsewhere on the site were written before March 2020 and may no longer be valid. To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s web site for current information.

For more airport information continue scrolling down to explore more in our Helsinki Airport Guide.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.  For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.

Airport Lounges

Pa-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

Regardless of what class of service you are flying, there are lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass or through a lounge membership program. Visit the individual lounge page for more details about the lounge itself and to also find out how you can gain lounge access with just an economy class ticket!

  • Almost@Home – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, near Gate 32. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Lounge membership programs.
  • Aspire Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, 2nd Floor, Gates 27-28. Showers are available ($). Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Prepaid lounge pass • Lounge membership programs.
  • Plaza Premium Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, Non-Schengen Area, Mezzanine Level, near Gate 40. Showers are available. Lounge Access: Pay at the Door • Lounge membership programs.

Airline Lounges

If you are a First or Business Class traveller you may have access to the lounges listed below. For more information, check the airline’s website.

  • Finnair Lounge – Location: Terminal 2, Airside, Schengen Area, 3rd Floor, Gate 22. Showers are available. Hours: 5:30AM – 12:30AM. Lounge Access: Finnair ticket-holders can pay at the Door (€55,00 – off peak hours. Access is for three hours only. • (Non.-Schengen Area) Location: Terminal 2, near Gate 52. Lounge Hours: 6:00AM – 12:00AM. Access: Finnair ticket-holders can pay at the Door.• .(Platinum Wing, Non.-Schengen Area) Location: Terminal 2, near Gate 52. Hours: 11:00AM – 5:30PM. Lounge Access: Exclusive for Platinum Lumo, Platinum, Oneworld Emerald members .
  • SAS Lounge – Temporarily Closed – Location: Terminal 1, Airside, Gates 13. Hours: opens 1 hour before first SAS flight until 30 minutes before the last flight departure. Lounge Access: Star Alliance and Eurobonus Gold members • all Star Alliance passengers may pay at the door (€30,00).

Related Pages: Helsinki Airport Lounges

Helsinki Airport Hotels, Sleep Pods and Day Rooms

Quick Facts
  • Nearest Hotel:  Inside the Airport
  • Sleep Cabins & Pods: Yes
  • Day Rooms: Yes
  • Nearby Hotels with Free Shuttles: Yes

When the prospect of sleeping on the floor or in a chair is giving you nightmares, there is good news for those of you who are looking to sleep at Helsinki Airport in comfort.   If you are on a layover, you don’t have to go through security as there are sleep pods in the non-Schengen Area.  On the landside, in the public area of the airport, there are 3 hotels conveniently connected to the airport and several more off-site options. With Covid restrictions constantly changing, we recommend that you confirm shuttle availability prior to booking and/or prior to your arrival.

In Transit GoSleep Pods – Sleeping chair/pod equipped with a cover to block light/noise and storage under the seat to secure personal items. Electronic devices can be recharged inside the unit. Pods can be used for 1 hour or longer. Locations: Non-Schengen Area, Gate 40 and the Arrivals Hall. Hours: open 24 hours. Rates from 18,00€ (1 hour) • 26,00€ (2 hour) • 45,00€ (5 hour) • 72,00€ (overnight). Blankets and pillows are included with the standard and all-inclusive packages. Showers are 22,00€.

At Airport GLO Hotel Vantaa Airport – Location: Terminal 2, landside, on the ground floor under the Arrivals Hall 2B. There is also direct indoor access to Terminal 1. Day rooms are available between the hours 9:00AM – 5:00PM.   » Check Rates

At Airport Scandic Helsinki Airport – Located next to Terminal 2 and connected by a partially covered walkway. » Check Rates

At Airport Hilton Helsinki-Vantaa Airport – Connected to the main terminal by a covered walkway.  Day rooms are available 9:00AM -7:00PM.  » Check Rates

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Helsinki-Vantaa Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.

Airport WiFi/Internet

Free WiFi is available at Helsinki Vantaa Airport for an unlimited time period. Connect to the “HEL FreeWiFi-Open www.finavia.fi” network.

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover At The Airport

Airport Art

Various artworks can be found inside the terminal.

Business Services

  • SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.
  • Work & Rest Station – Spacehub workspace offer a quiet place to work and relax while you wait for your flight. You’ll find comfortable seating, laptop tables and recharging stations for different electronic devices. The pod is soundproof and has air conditioning. Rate: €2.50 / 15 min. Locations: Gate 29, Schengen area.

Communications

  • Postal Services – Drop off your last minute postcards at one of the mailboxes found throughout the terminals. Location: Terminal 1, Landside, Check-in Hall • Terminal 1, Airside, Near Gate 13 • Terminal 2, Landside, on the Check-in Level • Terminal 2, Landside, Baggage Hall • Terminal 2, Airside, near Gate 26.
  • WiFi – see “Airport WiFi/Internet” above.

Family Services

  • Baby Care Facilities – If you are travelling with an infant, there are designated diaper changing rooms, as well as changing tables located in many of the airport’s washrooms.
  • Children’s Play Area – Toys, games, changing tables and seating are available inside the airport’s brightly coloured play areas. Runway views are available from the playroom at Gate 20! Locations: Schengen Area at Gate and Gate 16. Hours: Open 24 hours.
  • Strollers – Strollers – Want to make getting around the airport with your little one easier? Airport strollers are available to use free of charge after baggage check.

Food & Drinks

  • Drinking Water – There are 12 washrooms in the main traffic areas that have cold water taps for passengers to refill their empty water bottles with drinking water at no cost. The Non-Schengen gate area (Gates 53, 54, and 55) in the new South Pier extension are furnished with hot and cold water automats.
  • Food & Drinks – Food concessions throughout the airport operate with varying schedules. These options are open 24 hours: Richie’s Gourmet Hot Dogs (T1, Airside, Gate 19) • Subway (Arrivals) . A 24-hour grocery store, Alepa, is located landside in T2 Arrivals Hall 2B. Drink vending machines are available throughout the airport.

Information

  • Information Desk – Have any questions? Visit one of the airport information desks for assistance! Locations: On the arrivals level, in the corridor between Terminals 1 and 2. Hours: open 24 hours. Additionally, you will find 2 transfer services desks and 2 service guide desks (Airside) providing additional assistance.

Luggage

  • Luggage Storage & Lockers – Excess Baggage Company offers luggage storage, wrapping and travel goods. The company also provides printing services. Rates: Wrap – €18 – €35 • Storage – €11 – €28 4 to 72 hours (+€8.50 for the next 24 hours after 3 days). Location: Arrival hall. Hours: 6:00AM – 9:00PM.
  • Porters – Need assistance with your luggage? Porters are available. Fees are unknown.

Medical Services

  • Defibrillators – At Gate 25, Gate 33 and in the corridor between T1 and T2.
  • Medical Services – If you feel unwell or injure yourself, the Mehiläinen Airport Clinic can be found landside, outside of T2.
  • Pharmacy – Buy health and beauty products and get your prescriptions filled at the airport pharmacy, Apteekkipkus. Location: T2, Gate 29: 6:00AM – 8:00PM.

Mobile Charging

  • Mobile Charging – Charging points are available in the gate areas.

Money

  • ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs, operated by Otto and ChangeGroup (dispenses foreign currency), are available 24 hours a day. Fees may apply, so be sure to check your bank’s fee schedule and your daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Airside, 7 locations • Landside at Check-in, Arrivals and T1/T2 Corridors.
  • Currency Exchange – FOREX Money Exchange kiosks can be found in these locations:
    • Gate 15 • Gate 27 • Gate 29 • Gate 37-39 • Gate 40 • Departure and Arrival all.
    • Foreign currency ATMs are listed in “ATMs / Cash Machines” above.

Rest & Relaxation

  • Hotels – see “Airport Hotels” above.
  • Lounges – see “Airport Lounges” above.
  • Relax Lounge – Head to the Relax and Feelgood Lounge where they offer a variety of massage services to get you ready to fly. Location: Airside, Gate 28. Hours: 10:00AM – 6:00PM (Mon – Fri) and 10:00AM – 5:00PM (Sat & Sun).
  • Rest Zones – If you’re looking for a quiet place to rest and relax between flights head to Aukio. Equipped with LED screens, alternating projections, natural white noise. Passengers can be immersed themselves in a Finnish nature oasis without leaving the airport. Additionally, there are flat padded benches with charging outlets. Location: Terminal 2, Airside, 2nd Floor Non-Schengen, near Gate 40. Hours: 24 hours.

Take precaution even when sleeping in the rest zones.  In December 2019, a traveller at another airport reported that money and credit cards had been stolen from their bag even though the bag was right beside them.  Protect and lock your bags as you would sleeping elsewhere in public.

Security

  • Security Check – Liquids and gels in individual containers (max. 100 ml each) must be packed in a single transparent and resealable plastic bag with a capacity of no more than 1 liter. Complimentary clear zip bags are available in the security check area.

Shopping

  • Duty Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is available in T1 (Gates 13-14) and T2 (Gates 27, 37, 40, 52). A wide variety of retail shops, selling everything from books to local delicacies, are available throughout the airport. If you need a magazine, a souvenir or a quick snack, there is a R-kioski newsstand and an Alepa Shop available landside which are open 24 hours.

Showers, Salon & Spa

  • Beauty Salon and Barber – If you need a last minute trim, visit Salon Fly Hair. Location: WTC, downstairs corridor Hours: 10:00AM – 5:00PM (Mon-Fri).
  • Showers – Showers are available in several lounges. See Airport Lounges above.

Smoking

  • Smoking Areas – Smoking is only permitted in ventilated smoking areas in the airport: Terminal 1, Airside, 2nd Floor Schengen, Gate 12 • Terminal 2, Airside, 3rd Floor, Schengen, Gate 28.

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours.

Airlines

Helsinki airport is served by the following airlines: Aegean Airlines • Air Canada • Air China • Air France • Air Serbia • airBaltic • Amapola • American Airlines • Avion Express • Austrian Airways • Blue Air • Braathens Regional • British Airways • Brussels Airlines • Bulgaria Air • Cathay Pacific • China Southern • Corendon • Croatia Airlines • Czech Airlines • DAT • Delta Air Lines • EasyJet • EnterAir • Finnair • flydubai • Freebird Airlines • Iberia • Icelandair • JAL Japan Airlines • Jet Time • Juneyao Airlines • Karhu BPS • KLM • LOT • Lufthansa • Malaysia Airlines • Norra • Norwegian • Nyxair • Pegasus • Qatar Airways • Ryanair • SAS • Sichuan Airlines • Sichuan Airllines • Singapore Airlines • Smartwings • Sunclass Airlines • SunExpress • Swiss • TAP • Thai Airways • Tibet Airlines • Transavia • TUI Fly • Turkish Airlines • Ukraine International • United Airlines • Vueling.

Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

Helsinki Airport’s bus station is located outside the arrival hall. Bus route 600 operates between the airport and city center. Travel time is around 40 minutes and tickets can be bought thru HSL app or at the bus station ticket vending machine. For more information, visit the HSL HRT web site.

Car Rentals

The following car rental agencies are located in the corridor between Terminals 1 and 2: Avis • Budget • Enterprise • Europcar • Hertz • Sixt. Hours of operation vary between the agencies.

Hotel Shuttles

Several hotels near Helsinki Airport provide shuttle service: Bonus Inn Airport Hotel   •   Best Western Airport Hotel Pilotti   •  Holiday Inn Helsinki-Vantaa Airport.

See also Airport Hotels above.

Inter-Terminal Shuttle

A free airport bus circulates between the parking areas and terminals every 15 minutes, from 3:30AM – 1:30AM.

Taxi

Taxi stands are located outside of the Arrivals areas of both terminals.  A trip to central Helsinki takes about 30 minute. In order to avoid the sometimes long line-ups and to receive a fixed rate, you can order a taxi online through the Helsinki Airport website.

Train

The Ring Rail Line provides a train connection between the airport, central Helsinki and the rest of the country. Trains depart every 10 – 20 minutes, with varying daily hours of operation. For fares, routes and more information on the Ring Rail Line, visit the Helsinki Region Transport website. Note a fare zone system has been put in place, so make sure to buy a ticket to the ABC zone.

Last updated: 2023-01-01

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, are subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers and their web sites. We are not representatives of any of the above mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.