The station connects directly to the helsinki metro, with trams and public transport links right at street level, and handles both long distance trains and local services heading toward the western wing and western end of the building. Architecturally, the station marks a turning point in Finnish design, having abandoned romanticism altogether in favor of a more rational style blending art nouveau style with early art deco touches, a new design that emerged after vigorous debate over the new station's producing plans. Architect eliel saarinen, whose son eero would go on to become famous in his own right, gave the building many features still admired today, from the striking copper roof and gateway arch to the spherical lamps lining the platform area and main façade, framed by finnish granite and the solemn stone men, known as the lantern bearers, who stand watch by night time in two pairs on either side of the entrance — a design later echoed, some say, in structures as far away as the twa flight center and st louis, and even referenced by artist carl albert edelfelt in his own work. Following damage during world war II, as railways grew across the country, the station was re designed and restored, its distinguishing features preserved even as the station completely modernized around them, still standing proudly on eliel square, just west of the city center.
Kaivokatu 1, 00100, Helsinki, Finland
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Commuter trains on the I and P lines from platforms 1–3 connect directly to Helsinki Airport. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes, and you will need an ABC zone ticket covering the airport, which is in zone C of the Helsinki regional transport network.
Self-service luggage lockers are available at Helsinki Central Station, open every day from 6 AM to midnight. Lockers come in S and XL sizes as well as a ski-specific size, and can be booked for 3, 6, 12, 24, or 72 hours, with pricing based on size and duration.
Helsinki Central Station was designed by Eliel Saarinen and inaugurated in 1919, making it one of the world's most beautiful railway stations. It is located right in the city centre within walking distance of all the main sights, and its grand main hall — including what was originally the ticket office — is a highlight in its own right.
The first railway station opened in 1860 for Finland's first railway, marking the beginning of rail travel in the country. Construction of Helsinki's first station began in 1861, and Helsinki Central Station opened for traffic on 17 March 1862, laying the foundation for what would eventually become the grand terminal seen today.
The station was designed by architect Eliel Saarinen and completed in 1919, replacing the original 1860s building with a far more ambitious structure. The station was damaged by bombings during World War II, requiring repairs in the years that followed to restore it to full operation.
Cafe Eliel offers coffee and cake in the station, a popular stop for travelers wanting something light before boarding. A Burger King is located within the station's concourse, giving passengers a familiar, fast option when time is limited.
The station features a shopping wing called Kauppakuja, offering retail options beyond the main concourse. A new Customer Point opened at the station for travel advice, giving passengers a dedicated place to ask questions about routes, tickets, or connections.
ATMs are located in the western wing of the station, giving travelers a convenient spot to withdraw cash before continuing their journey. Helsinki Central Station handles roughly 200,000 passengers daily, reflecting its role as the busiest transport hub in Finland.
Helsinki Central Station has 19 platform tracks, making it a sizable hub for a city of Helsinki's scale. The Helsinki Metro station is located under the main station, giving travelers a seamless transfer between rail and metro without needing to step outside.
Trams stop directly outside Helsinki Central Station, adding another convenient public transport option right at the entrance. Helsinki Airport is accessible via the I/P commuter rail service, making it easy to connect from the station straight to a flight without a taxi or bus transfer.
Helsinki Central Station features a 48.5-meter clock tower, one of the most recognizable landmarks in the city skyline. The station's facade is made of red granite from Hanko, giving the building its distinctive reddish tone and solid, monumental presence.
The station reflects the transition from Finnish National Romanticism to modern architecture, capturing a pivotal moment in the country's design history. Eliel Saarinen won an architectural competition in 1904 to design a new station, beginning a 15-year journey from concept to completion.
Helsinki Central Station features a red granite facade, giving the building its warm, distinctive appearance. The station's clock tower is 48.5 meters tall, remaining one of the most photographed features of the entire structure.
The central hall covers an area of about 780 square meters, providing ample space for the station's daily flow of passengers. The station was completed in 1919 after 15 years of construction, reflecting the scale and ambition of Saarinen's original vision.
The station's design was influenced by German architecture, blending international modernist ideas with distinctly Finnish materials and craftsmanship to create a building recognized as one of the finest railway stations in the world.