Helsinki Travel Forum

I am using frequent flyer miles for my summer travel to Europe. The only day that I could leave Rome is July 28th at approximately 7pm. I arrive in Helsinki after midnight! While I have found some hostels with 24 hour reception, I am mainly concerned about getting there. Is there a bus, tram or train from the airport at that time of night??? I have tried looking at the airport's website and the time schedules are not clear to me.

Also, I will have some time to explore the city the following morning. Any must see suggestions?

Help!

Thanks in advance,
Revlynn

Hello,
I just checked the website www.ytv.fi that lists all the public transport timetables in the capital area in Finland.
I wanted to see if there are buses running from the airport to the centre. And yes, the good news is there are buses!!
Now you have to find out the address of your hotel so that it'd be easier for you to get off the bus in the right place.
The bus fare is 4 euro 50 cents TWO TIMES because that's the custom of the night buses. The bu number is 651N (N for night), platform 2 in front of terminal 1 in Helsinki-Vantaa airport.
The website has pages in English, too,in the left-hand corner you find "In English". (No flag, just the words).
It will take you to the centre in a bit over 33 minutes. Don't worry, the bus is a safe one, the only problem is, like right now, there is darkness. After 3am there is daylught. That's Finland for you in summer!!
Take it easy, enjoy the flight!
regards from an old middle-aged woman Soili in the south of Finland

Thanks so much for your response! What must I see in the city on a limited schedule? I will have about 8 hours to do some sightseeing and catch a meal.

Any suggestions?

Thanks in advance.

Hello,
I think you could go for a small walk. There is a park called ESPLANADI PARK - and trust me, it's safe to walk there. Or actually you can just walk thru the park and come back to the restaurant KAPPELI. It's where people gather in summer.
A warning: our weather is crazy these days the same climate changes here, too. Usually the summer is great, very warm at times (like 25 above zero in celsius) but it can now be something like 10 above (last week) coming up to 25 or so (what they promised for this week).
Something with long sleeves, a very liht coat,maybe a small umbrella to take along as well?
On the left side of the KAPPELI restaurant there are some shops, not open at after midnight, though, and behind them there is the univesity main building and a Senate Square. The White Cathedral standing at one side. This is the palce some American films were made of during the Soviet era. The American film makers couldn't do anything in St Petersbourg so they came to Helsinki to shoot some scenes. (At least "Gorkiy Park" and "The Reds", starring Warren Beatty).
I will let you know more if anything comes to my mind.
regards,Soili