Vantaa
Finland's airport city, with a medieval church, a science centre and Helsinki a train ride away
Browse Vantaa
Vantaa is Finland’s fourth-largest city and the one most visitors pass through without noticing, since Helsinki Airport sits inside it. Stay a little longer and there is the Heureka science centre beside the Keravanjoki, the Finnish Aviation Museum, and the medieval Church of St Lawrence, the oldest building in the capital region. The Ring Rail Line links the airport, Tikkurila and Myyrmäki directly to central Helsinki. Our local picks run from manor restaurants to the Tammisto second-hand shops – filter by category and budget below.
Vantaa at a glance
- Ideal stay: 1 to 2 days, or as a base for Helsinki
- Best time to visit: May to September
- Highlights: Heureka, the Aviation Museum and the Church of St Lawrence
- Where to stay: Aviapolis for the airport, Tikkurila for the town centre
- Local picks: a growing set of hand-chosen tips
- Getting around: the Ring Rail Line loops the airport to Helsinki in both directions
Where to stay in Vantaa
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Find hotels in VantaaBook tours and experiencesVantaa travel FAQ
Is it worth staying in Vantaa instead of Helsinki?
It can be. Vantaa is usually cheaper, the Ring Rail Line reaches central Helsinki in about half an hour, and staying near the airport suits early flights and stopovers.
How do you get from Helsinki Airport into the city?
The Ring Rail Line runs directly from the airport station, with trains in both directions round the loop to Helsinki Central via either Tikkurila or Myyrmäki.
What are the best things to do in Vantaa?
Browse the local picks above. Heureka is the big draw for families, the Finnish Aviation Museum suits a layover, and the medieval Church of St Lawrence is the oldest building in the capital region.
Can you do something useful on a short layover?
Yes. Guided stopover tours run from the terminal and back, and the Aviation Museum sits close to the airport, so a few spare hours need not be spent airside.
What is the best time to visit Vantaa?
May to September brings long light days and riverside walking. Winter is dark and cold but quieter, and the indoor attractions stay open all year.