Direct flights
to Helsinki are
limited to Heathrow mainly although many indirect flights will
go through Denmark or Amsterdam. Please bear in mind that
Finland is 2 hours ahead and an indirect flight will add
a couple more hours to the flight time, which direct is just
under 3 hours.
The main airport is Vantaa outside Helsinki
which is about a 20 minute Taxi ride to the centre of the
city. The taxi system, as you would expect, is excellent
and all take credit cards, but these days require your PIN
number not just a signature. Tipping is not necessary.
The taxi queue can be 5-10 minutes on a busy
day, so bear in mind that the temperatures have been known
to drop below -20C in the winter, so check before hand and
have a coat ready if waiting for a taxi. If you would like
to see what the weatehr is like, try one of Finlands many road
web cams.
The airport itself is well furnished with shops
and cafe's and is not that busy in contrast to many. Flights
are generally on time and the Scandinavian efficiency will
make sure all runs smoothly.
If are flying to helsinki for a city break,
we would advise staying close the centre. Helsinki is a small
city and walking and Trams are the best form of transport.
Taxis are very busy work days at 8.30-9.30am, so book in
advance if you need one.
When leaving allow 30 minutes for check in
and 10 minutes for security.

A FEW FACTS
Passengers: 13.4 million (2008)
Takeoffs and landings: 184,000 (2008)
Runways: 3
Terminals: 2
Airlines: 30
Employees: 20,000
Companies: 1,500
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