Airport Tips & Quick Reference Guide to Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport (HEL)

Helsinki Card Guide

Information compiled by David Enrich, aviation and airport guide expert since 1999.

The Helsinki Card is one of the best ways to save money while visiting Helsinki and travelling through the Finnish capital region. It combines unlimited public transportation with free or discounted access to attractions, museums, sightseeing tours, and ferry services.

Depending on the type of card chosen, travellers can also include transportation between Helsinki Airport (HEL) and the city centre, making it an excellent option for tourists staying 1 to 3 days in Helsinki.

Best for Tourists

The Helsinki Card combines transport and sightseeing into a single pass.

🎟️
Duration:
24h, 48h or 72h

Airport Access

Only Helsinki Card REGION includes unlimited travel between Helsinki Airport and the city centre.

🚆
Included:
Airport train & buses

Public Transport

The card allows unlimited travel on buses, trams, metro, ferries, and commuter trains.

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Coverage:
Zones AB or ABC
For most visitors arriving at Helsinki Airport, Helsinki Card REGION is usually the best value option because it includes airport transportation and unlimited travel across the Helsinki metropolitan area.

Types of Helsinki Card

Helsinki Card CITY

Includes unlimited travel within Helsinki city centre areas (Zones AB), plus free rides on:

  • Trams
  • Metro
  • Public buses
  • Commuter trains
  • Suomenlinna ferry

Airport transportation is not included, although discounted Finnair City Bus tickets are available.

Helsinki Card REGION

The REGION version expands transport coverage to Zones ABC, including:

  • Helsinki Airport
  • Vantaa
  • Espoo
  • Kauniainen
  • Unlimited airport train rides
  • All metro, buses, trams & ferries

This is the recommended option for passengers flying through Helsinki Airport.

Helsinki Card Prices

Card Type 24 Hours 48 Hours 72 Hours Best For
Helsinki Card Mobile
Digital Version
Adult €44
Child €22
Adult €52
Child €26
Adult €59
Child €29
Smartphone users
Helsinki Card CITY Adult €51
Child €25
Adult €63
Child €31
Adult €74
Child €37
City centre visitors
Helsinki Card REGION
Best Overall
Adult €55
Child €27
Adult €69
Child €34
Adult €82
Child €41
Airport travellers & tourists
If you plan to visit several museums and use public transportation frequently, the Helsinki Card can quickly pay for itself after only a few attractions and airport transfers.

What is Included?

Unlimited Public Transport

Travel freely on buses, trams, metro lines, commuter trains, and ferries.

Free Attractions

Many museums and sightseeing attractions are included free of charge.

Airport Transportation

REGION card holders can travel between Helsinki Airport and the city centre without additional tickets.

Which Helsinki Card Should You Choose?

Traveller Type Recommended Card Main Advantage Why?
Airport Visitors REGION Airport transport included Unlimited ABC zone travel
City Break Travellers CITY Lower cost Perfect for central Helsinki
Families REGION Easy transportation No need to buy separate tickets
Budget Travellers Mobile Card Cheaper option Digital convenience
Museum Visitors REGION or CITY Free attractions Large savings on sightseeing

Where to Buy Helsinki Card

Online Purchase

Passengers can purchase Helsinki Card online before arriving in Finland.

Airport Collection

Cards can be collected at Helsinki Airport service points by presenting the booking confirmation voucher.

Mobile Version

The digital mobile card can be downloaded directly to smartphones without physical collection.

The mobile version is usually the easiest option for international visitors since it avoids collecting physical cards and works immediately after activation.

Is Helsinki Card Worth It?

For travellers planning to use public transport frequently, visit museums, and move between Helsinki Airport and the city centre, Helsinki Card REGION is often one of the best value tourist passes in Northern Europe.

The combination of airport transportation, unlimited metro and tram access, sightseeing discounts, and museum entry makes it particularly useful for short city breaks of 2–3 days.

Helsinki’s public transportation system is highly reliable even during winter months, making the Helsinki Card especially useful year-round for tourists exploring Finland’s capital.