I'm mulling over flight options for a May trip to Spain, and one of my choices would be routed through Helsinki. It would be a lengthy layover, which might be worth doing if I could take a quick look at the city. Does anyone have an idea of how long it takes to get from the airport to the city? Looks like I would have about 8 hours between landing and takeoff, so I would have about six hours to play with.
Posted by
OP
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
C'mon, NO one has been to Helsinki?
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5848 posts
Nancy, I've been to Helsinki, but arrived by boat. I've also transited through the airport there, but never had enough time to leave the airport. My recollection of the airport was that it was rather small and quite efficient. I'd suggest you get on tripadvisor and see if you can find info on the logistics of getting to / from the airport. Assuming that it is not too long, you should have time to walk around as the city is pretty compact.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5848 posts
Also, not sure if you have seen this - Finnair bus indicates that it is 30 minutes to railway station and buses leave about every 20 minutes. http://media.finnair.com/files/pdf/FINNAIR_CITY_BUS_TIMETABLE.pdf
Posted by
New Paltz, NY
9110 posts
It's doable. The Finnair bus is the way to go. There is a freeway connecting the airport to the city center, so it's a quick journey. Lockers are available at the train station where the bus terminates. Start at the harbor with it's farm market, head to the Lutheran Cathedral, then Russian Orthodox Church, make your way by tram to the modern Lutheran Church with the waterfall inside (can't remember the name of it). This can all be done with the hop-on/off bus as well but I haven't personally used it: http://tinyurl.com/broa6mk
Posted by
Seattle, WA, U.S.
55 posts
Hi Nancy, I've been a number of times and it's easy to catch a taxi or bus to town (35 mins on bus). It's an amazing city with lots to see. The great thing about Helsinki is you can walk to all the cool sites easily and still get back to the airport without much difficulty. I'd maximize your time in town by taking taxis to and from the airport and city centre. Check out the Open-Air Market and the Tuomiokirkko Cathedral. Do yourself a favor and be sure to try the rye bread and salmon lox, then make your way to any shop with licorice ice cream. Be sure to pick up a few bars of Fazer Chocolate before you head out of the airport home. Best in Europe.
Posted by
OP
Bloomington, IL, USA
9371 posts
Thanks so much for the information! Licorice ice cream? I'm there! Sounds like it might be fun to take the "longer" flight and take a look at Helsinki on the way!
Posted by
Oak Park, Illinois
4535 posts
If you only have 6 hours to work with, it could be cutting it tight. If you figure 30-60 minutes from landing to getting to curbside and another 30-60 minutes to get downtown, that only leaves 4-5 hours not counting the 30-60 minutes to return. With that, you could stroll the harbor, catherdal and Russian church. Maybe have a lunch in the old market hall and/or snack in the glass cafe in the park (forget the name). IF there is any time leftover, then try the church in the rock. That is more remote than the other sites but overall, Helsinki is very compact.
Posted by
Myrtle Beach, USA
12313 posts
Yes Helsinki is compact. Once downtown, you can look around the market/train station area, take a ferry to Suomillina Island for a look around the old fortress, and a tram to the Rock Church in under eight hours. Of the three, the Rock Church is the most out of the way for the least payoff IMO.
Posted by
Virginia, USA
5848 posts
The Rock church was my favorite place in Helsinki ... just thought the structure with the copper coiled roof and rocks and light coming in was really cool.