Flying into HEL then Ferry to Tallinn
#16
Join Date: Nov 2008
Location: DTW
Programs: Delta SM, ICH PLAT
Posts: 1,188
I'm planning to do the reverse trip. Arrive in Tallinn during the summer 2016, spend a couple days, then take the ferry to Helsinki, but go straight to the airport (AY 5 @2:10 pm). There is a ferry that arrives at 10:40 am. Enough time to get to the airport via public transport? Or should I head over to HEL the night before? Not sure if there are customs & immigration issues between Estonia and Finland.
The public transportation in HEL is fairly straight forward. google map will point you to the tram/bus station. Checking in online will give you a little more time to get to your flight, as will mentally preparing for possibly taking an expensive taxi ride in HEL (in case of significant delay or public transportation problem).
In the end, there is always possibility that your ferry gets cancelled/delayed. If you cannot afford to miss your HEL flight, then the prudent thing to do is to take the previous day's ferry. There are many crossings between Tallinn and Helsinki.... but IMO, the overnight cruise is the best deal, as it includes a cabin/shower. Then again, Tallinn hotels aren't that expensive either.
#17
Join Date: Dec 2013
Location: London
Programs: OneWorld Emerald, StarAlliance Gold
Posts: 43
Hi all - very helpful thread. Does anyone know if the train station in the Airport Terminal entrance is now operational, or if train users still have to take a complimentary shuttle bus to the next nearest Train Station? I'm travelling end Aug 2016 so hopefully everything will be fully up and running by then (!)
#18
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 536
Hi all - very helpful thread. Does anyone know if the train station in the Airport Terminal entrance is now operational, or if train users still have to take a complimentary shuttle bus to the next nearest Train Station? I'm travelling end Aug 2016 so hopefully everything will be fully up and running by then (!)
More details at https://www.hsl.fi/en
#20
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: HEL
Programs: lots of shiny metal cards
Posts: 14,101
Not correct - there are vending machines in the airport terminal building (both in luggage claim and on the corridor opposite the entrance to the escalators) and also on the train platform.
#21
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: HEL
Programs: AY, SK, TK
Posts: 7,591
I have now run a couple of times the ringrail. In a hurry. And I would say that the design has (again) failed at least from ticketing point of view.
I think it is a good proof of good design to test if it is easy to FIND and BUY tickets when you are in hurry. Failed.
I found them yes, but I had to stress.
That is user design...
I think it is a good proof of good design to test if it is easy to FIND and BUY tickets when you are in hurry. Failed.
I found them yes, but I had to stress.
That is user design...
#22
Join Date: Mar 2012
Posts: 536
Thanks for correction. I personally don't need those but I read somewhere that they were late and few weeks ago my mom could not find one. I guess they are hidden well enough from me as well though I have used the train only twice on my way out from the airport. Inbound few times more.