Helsinki-Vantaa Airport was originally built for the 1952 Summer Olympics in Helsinki. Situated between Helsinki, 11 miles, and Tikurila, 4 miles, it now handles more than 13 million passengers per year and nearly 30 airlines. The airport holds the accolade of most punctual in Europe. www.helsinki-vantaa.fi
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The International and Domestic terminals are only 820 feet apart and are linked by an internal walkway.
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Taxi: Taxi stands are located in front of both terminals (journey time to Helsinki: 30 minutes).
Bus: Public buses to Helsinki city center (nos.415, 451 and 615) depart from outside both terminals (journey time: 40 minutes). More services run to other destinations (tel: +358 (0)100 111; Web site: www.ytv.fi/journeyplanner). The Finnair City Bus (tel: +358 (0)9 818 503; Web site: www.finnair.fi) also runs to Helsinki city center.
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Indoor parking is available near both terminals. P1 and P2 are close to the International Terminal; while P3 and P4 are close to the Domestic Terminal. P5 serves both terminals. Short-term, business and long-term parking are available (tel: +358 (0)9 8277 3200). Short-term parking is also available in front of the terminals at two extra parking lots, P30 and P31.
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Money and communications: Two banks and several bureau de change can be found in the International Terminal. ATMs are situated on all floors of the airport. Internet kiosks are also available.
Eating and drinking: There are plenty of restaurants, cafés and bars in both terminals, including a 24-hour fast-food restaurant.
Shopping: There are numerous shops at the airport, mainly in the International Terminal, including duty-free and a grocery.
Other facilities: The International Terminal has a pharmacy, travel agencies and three baby care and play rooms with feeding and nappy changing facilities. There is a meditation room in the departure hall of the domestic terminal.
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The Scandic Hotel Gateway (tel: +358 (0)9 818 3600) is located at the airport. Other hotels close to the airport and with free bus transfer include the Ramada Hotel Airport (tel: +358 (0)9 4157 5100), Bonus Inn Airport Hotel (tel: +358 (0)9 825 511), Holiday Inn Garden Court (tel: +358 (0)9 870 900), Cumulus Airport Hotel (tel: +358 (0)9 4157 7100) and Comfort Hotels Pilotti (tel: +358 (0)9 329 4800). Ask for details of bus timetables and the hotels at airport Information.
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The terminals have been designed to facilitate the independent mobility of the disabled. Adapted toilets and spacious elevators can be found on every floor. Disabled parking spaces are available in front of the domestic and international terminals and in the parking facilities. Information desks are equipped with induction loops. Staff has been specially trained to cater for passengers needing assistance. It is recommended to notify the airline of any special needs, such as use of wheelchair or oxygen tank, when booking travel. The airline can also look after unaccompanied minors, i.e. children traveling alone.
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The Artek area by Gate 20 is a pleasant place to work or just relax. It has wireless Internet and is furnished with furniture designed by world-class architect Alvar Aalto. The area is open to all passengers 24 hours a day. The airport’s Congress Center (tel: +358 (0)9 818 3737) in the International Terminal offers nine meeting and conference rooms accommodating up to 140 delegates, with full audiovisual equipment and catering. The VIP Center (tel: +358 (0)9 8277 3117; e-mail: vip.efhk@fcaa.fi) has four VIP lounges, and three teamwork rooms, as well as a separate VIP President terminal for hire. The Scandic Hotel on the services floor of the International Terminal features a private room with adjacent sauna for 2-6 persons.
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