Helsinki Airport: your guide to services, shops and what's new in 2026
Helsinki Airport is one of Europe's most efficient transit hubs: compact, well-designed, and carbon net zero balance for emissions under its control. The minimum connection time within Schengen is 35 minutes, making it one of the quickest airports in Europe to transfer through. Here is what to know before you arrive.
Continuously enhancing the passenger experience
An airport handles all kinds of customers from all sorts of different cultures, including groups, families, single passengers, and couples.
“Passenger needs and behaviour are always changing,” says Ulla Lettijeff, Helsinki Airport director at Finavia. “We have to take account of how service levels will evolve in the future.”
The Maja Living Room in the non-Schengen area is a calm space for light exercise before your flight, interdenominational prayer or quiet meditation – one of many thoughtful touches throughout the terminal. In terms of eliminating pre-flight stress, the customer experience is hugely improved by 3D scanners at security control: passengers don’t need to unpack liquids and electronic devices from their cabin luggage, although some bags might be inspected after scanning.
The Maja Living Room is a perfect place to relax and unplug. Photo: Finavia
Recently, both Departures and Arrivals halls have been renewed, including more efficient baggage claim and check-in areas.
“We are immensely proud of our work so far. And the results speak for themselves. Helsinki Airport has been named the best airport in Europe of its size year after year”, Ulla says.
What's new at Helsinki Airport in 2026
A new area near Gate 30. Photo: Finavia
A new area opened on the Schengen side of the terminal near Gate 30 in early 2026, designed around Finnish nature and Nordic brands. At its centre is a sculptural tree with a swing – a calm spot to pause before boarding.
Five new operators make up the area: Partioaitta for outdoor clothing and hiking equipment, Lindex for Scandinavian fashion, Pure – Taste of Finland for local food gifts and specialities, R-kioski for snacks and takeaway, and Picnic, a family-friendly restaurant that also lets you collect pre-ordered flight meals before you board.
Calling card for Finland
“For many people, Helsinki Airport is their first and possibly only impression of Finland,” says Henri Hansson, senior vice president, safety, security & sustainability at Finavia.
State-of-the-art check-in, baggage drop, security, and baggage collection processes contribute positively to that impression referred. Efficient processes at every stage and a clean, stylish environment convey a pleasant ambience that reflects well on Finland as the host country.
Predominantly wood-based – and very Finnish – design features, such as the elegant entrance canopy and departure hall ceiling, as well as the Aukio skylight in the non-Schengen area, create a sense of nature-infused style, space, and calm.
World’s first secondhand store at an airport
The Relove shop for used items is the first for any airport. Photo: Finavia
In a collaboration with Finnish family firm Relove, Finavia brought a local secondhand concept store to Helsinki Airport – the world's first of its kind at an airport.
“It’s an example of how we are continuously following trends and developing our selection to meet the wishes of our passengers,” says Ulla.
The secondhand store and a café are located in the former departures hall, which has become part of the airside gate area as a result of the development programme.
Sustainability at the core
Many of Helsinki Airport's unique features are shaped by environmental considerations. An underground wetland – a sealed, gravel-filled basin – serves as a filter for storm water. Solar panels cover the south-facing walls of one car park, which also has hundreds of charging points for electric vehicles. Terminal lighting and heat-efficient windows have both been designed with energy efficiency in mind.
In 2025, Helsinki Airport has reached carbon net zero status as part of Finavia's long-term development programme.
Getting there
Helsinki Airport is located in Vantaa, about 19 kilometres north of the city centre. The Ring Rail Line connects the airport to Helsinki Central Station in around 30 minutes, with trains running every 10 minutes. Taxis, buses and rental cars are also available at arrivals.
If you have six hours or more between flights, the city is easy to reach and even easier to explore. For ideas on what to do during a longer layover, see our Helsinki layover guide: 6, 12 and 24 hours in the Finnish capital.
For answers to the most common questions about transiting Helsinki, including what happens with your baggage on a connecting flight, see our guide to connecting flights at Helsinki Airport.
To find out more about the Finnair Lounges on both the Schengen and non-Schengen sides of the terminal, visit our Lounges page.