Helsinki Airport is modern, efficient, and generally easy to navigate — which helps when you’re tired, short on time, or facing a long layover. While it’s not an airport packed with nonstop entertainment, there are enough food options, quiet corners, and practical comforts to make the wait manageable. Whether you’re passing through for a couple of hours or staying much longer, here are a few realistic ways to pass the time at Helsinki Airport.
1. Enjoy a good meal
Whether you’re waiting for a short- or long-haul flight, Helsinki Airport offers a solid range of places to eat — though availability can depend on your terminal area and time of day. For a proper sit-down meal, Pier Zero and Nordic Kitchen focus on Nordic-inspired dishes, while places like O’Leary’s, The Oak Barrel Irish Pub, Wine & View, and Bubbles are better suited to a relaxed drink or light meal.
If you’re short on time, you’ll find quicker options such as Two Tigers Sushi & Noodles, Bastard Burgers, Street Food Zero, and Helsinki Market, which gathers several casual food stalls under one roof. Familiar chains like Starbucks and Burger King are also present throughout the terminal.
If you’d like to try something local while you wait, keep an eye out for Nordic-style dishes and snacks common in Finland. Smoked or cured salmon, rye bread (ruisleipä), meatballs with lingonberry, and creamy salmon soup often appear on menus in sit-down restaurants. For something sweet, cinnamon buns (korvapuusti), cardamom pastries, and chocolate from Finnish brands like Fazer are easy treats to grab before your flight — and make practical souvenirs, too.
A limited number of food outlets remain open overnight, but options are reduced late at night, so overnight travellers should plan accordingly.
2. Lounge
Airport lounges are no longer limited to First and Business Class passengers. Helsinki Airport has several lounges that accept travellers regardless of airline or ticket class, either for a pay-at-the-door fee or through lounge membership programs. These typically offer food, drinks, Wi-Fi, and a quieter environment than the public terminal. Some lounges also include shower facilities. Access rules, hours, and amenities vary by lounge, so it’s best to check ahead or consult our Helsinki Airport Guide for current locations and details. [ read more ]
3. Shop
Shopping at Helsinki Airport leans heavily toward clean, modern Nordic design. Alongside duty-free shops, you’ll find stores selling Finnish fashion, home goods, and souvenirs. Bookstores carry a mix of Finnish and English-language titles, which is useful if you’ve run out of reading material. For something distinctly local, look for shops such as Iittala (known for Finnish glassware), Marimekko (iconic Finnish textiles and fashion), and Finspiration, which focuses on Finnish design gifts and souvenirs that are easy to pack.
4. Check out the Aviation Museum
If you’re an aviation or history enthusiast and have time to leave the terminal, the Finnish Aviation Museum is located near the airport. It’s reachable by public transit or taxi rather than on foot for most travellers, and a visit generally requires a longer layover.
5. Get married!
Helsinki Airport has become known for hosting weddings, and it’s not unheard of for couples to marry at the airport before heading off on their honeymoon. These ceremonies are typically arranged in designated event or lounge spaces and require advance planning and coordination with airport authorities.
6. Pick up a new book
If you’ve already finished the book you brought with you, Helsinki Airport has offered book exchange or swapping shelves in the past.
7. Sightseeing
If you have a longer layover and don’t mind leaving the airport, Helsinki is one of the easier European capitals to reach by public transit. As a general rule, travellers should allow at least 7–8 hours total layover time before attempting a city visit.
The Ring Rail Line connects the airport with central Helsinki, making the journey straightforward and affordable. Once downtown, the city centre is compact and walkable in good weather. Highlights include Helsinki Central Station, Helsinki Cathedral, and the Kamppi Chapel of Silence. Cafés are everywhere, and stopping for coffee is practically a local pastime.
Weather can be a factor, especially in winter, so dress appropriately and consider indoor sights if it’s cold. Always allow generous time to return to the airport, clear security, and reach your gate. However, you spend your time, leave plenty of time to return to the airport for your next flight! Visit Tripadvisor for more things to do in Helsinki.
8. WiFi
Free, unlimited Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, making it easy to message family, stream content, or get some work done during your layover.
9. Sleep
Helsinki Airport is generally considered one of the more sleep-friendly airports in Europe. Travellers will find quieter corners, some carpeted areas, and seating that makes short rest periods manageable. The terminal is clean and well-lit, and overnight security presence helps it feel relatively safe. [ read more ]
For proper rest, several on-site hotels are available. GLO Hotel Vantaa Airport and Scandic Helsinki Airport are directly connected to the terminal, while Hilton Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is located just across from the terminal building. Day rooms may be available, depending on the hotel. See our Helsinki Airport Guide for current details. [ read more ]
Updated 19 December 2025
These are just a few things to do on a layover at Helsinki Airport. Visit our Helsinki Airport Guide for more information about the services and facilities available, such as food, WiFi, mobile charging, luggage storage, nearby airport hotels, and much more.