Nordic Countries - Suggestions / Questions: Long layover Helsinki / HEL [merged]

I'll be travelling to Europe later this year with Finnair, which of course means transit in Helsinki. However, on the way home, I arrive from CDG at 11pm, and then depart Helsinki for SIN 11:40pm the following night.

Now, while I'm sure this will be fun and all, I don't speak a word of Finnish (Suomi as I think it's called). Will I be fine getting by with English over there, and if that fails then using my schoolboy French? My main concern is getting from the airport to a hotel, particularly that late at night. That is, not one of those airport-hotels like the Hilton nearby, but a hotel nearer the city.

Secondly, what's the best way to get from say, the airport to Hotelli AVA at around 11:30pm? And what would it cost by taxi? Will the taxi/bus drivers know enough english or even french for me to get a ticket from A to B?

First thing: Memorize the word "kiitos" (thank you) - it's one of the essential things to know to say, and now you can say that you "speak a little bit of Finnish" :D

Most of the Finnish workers whose jobs bring them in contact with foreign visitors speak excellent English.

For late transport from the airport to your hotel, it looks like there is night bus service from the HEL terminals to a point near your hotel. Here's a sample potential route, using the night bus 620N from the airport (leaves you with a 0.7km walk from the bus stop to the hotel):

http://www.reittiopas.fi/en/?timetype=departure&wspeed=70&cmargin=3&method=1&nroutes=3&mc%5B1%5D=1&mc%5B3%5D=1&mc%5B4%5D=1&mc%5B5%5D=1&mc%5B8%5D=1&mc%5B21%5D=1&mc%5B22%5D=1&mc%5B23%5D=1&mc%5B24%5D=1&mc%5B25%5D=1&mc%5B36%5D=1&mc%5B39%5D=1&mc%5B6%5D=0.9&mc%5B2%5D=0.95&mc%5B12%5D=0.9&stz=0&from=poi%2AAirport%2C+terminal+2%2C+Vantaa%2A25535 80%2A6690082&to=address%2AKarstulantie+1%2C+Helsinki%2A2553217% 2A6676657&selectedsuggestion=1&day=20&month=01&year=2011&hour=23&minute=00

Note: I have always taken the Finnair bus to the main station (separate ticket), so I am not sure if you would pay the driver for the 620 bus.

Here are some route planning resources that you can explore further:


http://www.helsinki-vantaa.fi/to-and-from/bus-and-taxi-service

http://en.fonecta.fi/map/FIN/00550%20Helsinki/Karstulantie%206/

http://www.reittiopas.fi

I've been to Finland multiple times and I've yet to encounter anyone who does not speak excellent English. I always great them with with "moi" and say "kiitos" when needed but they are well aware of the fact that not many people outside of Finland speak their language. Everyone I've ever come in contact with in Helsinki has been very, very nice.

I have used the shuttle from the airport to city center as well as taxis and the shuttle was about 15 euros and the taxi is about 33 euros. I've arrived after midnight multiple times and had no problem at all finding transport.


Lovely place. I always look forward to a trip to Helsinki.

Thanks guys, most helpful information! I take it that "moi" is not me, like in French, but more of a "hello" or "good day".

Also, by the way, is the hotel Cumulus Hakaniemi just near the main central station, from where there are trains or buses to and from the airport?

It's hello and it doesn't sound like the French example. It instead rhymes with boy.

That hotel is not right next to the main train station but it's not a long walk. I've stayed at the Hilton Strand which is very close to that hotel. I prefer to stay right in the center at Hotel GLO. There is a tram route that runs right in front of the hotel you mentioned though.

Do try to enjoy a beer or even a beer and a snack in the Zetor bar near the train station. Zetor is/was a tractor builder, and the bar is full of tractor bits to sit on or at.

Take the airport bus #615 and buy a 24-hour ticket from the bus driver. This is cheaper than buying two one-way tickets and you can use the 24-hour ticket to travel in Helsinki by bus, tram, underground during the day.

Both Hotel AVA and Cumulus Hakaniemi are on #615's route. While Hotel Ava requires a two block uphill walk from the bus stop on Makelankatu Street, the #615 stops right in front of Cumulus Hakaniemi. For lunch, you can go to Hakaniemi Market Hall across from the hotel.

Cumulus Hakaniemi is not close to central station; if you want to stay near the station, then you should check out Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel. Both hotels, BTW, include free breakfasts and Internet.

Unless you're visiting during the winter, there will be plenty of daylight when you visit.

My connecting flight (Finnair) from Helsinki - Hong Kong was cancelled, which meant I had to reschedule to a later flight that same day. That leaves me with an arrival at 8:30am in Helsinki, and departure at 11:30pm. My concerns:

1 - Are there any issues with Finnair with transporting a checked bag between flights with a layover that long? If so, are there good accommodations for storing a bag at the airport?

2 - What would you recommend I do in Helsinki during that time? I like travelling on my stomach - any particularly interesting markets or restaurants I should try?

Thanks!

It is not clear what your inbound flight is, but I don't think you should have any trouble getting the bags checked to final dest.

You may find some ideas for layover in this thread. http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/finnair-plus/1336927-23hr-layover-helsinki-airport.html

2 - What would you recommend I do in Helsinki during that time? I like travelling on my stomach - any particularly interesting markets or restaurants I should try?

Thanks!

With the weather starting to warm up, the outdoor market at the market square should be running by now. As far as food, mostly it's berries and produce (though you won't yet find the super delicacies like Cloudberries), with a few places selling some fish pies, reindeer meatballs, bread, and some similar items.

Nearby that is the Old Market Hall, where you will find more variety as far as baked goods, confections, cafes, as well as stuff that won't do you much good such as meat and fish.

http://www.helsinki.fi/en/index/matkailu/kaupat_6/torielamaa.html



I haven't been to too many restaurants during my visits to Finland, as they can get rather expensive.

I have been to this one, which serves Lapland Cuisine: http://www.lappires.com/

Easy bus into HEL. Walk from bus drop off the waterfront market, old covered market, take ferry to islands and stretch legs. Return in time to have a snack at Fazer and get back on bus.

Have fun. Great city.