The new travel centre of the extended Terminal 2 will be a hub for different modes of transport that offers handy connections to a bus terminal for local and long-distance buses, a train station for commuter trains in the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, a taxi station and the airport’s parking hall.
“The train station and parking hall can be accessed directly from the airport’s departures and arrivals halls, and the taxi station and bus terminal are only a few steps away. The areas for different modes of transport are clearly separated, which makes it easier to find what you’re looking for. The new arrangements also improve safety, as pedestrians will not need to cross even a single lane meant for motor vehicles to get to the various areas,” says Project Manager Tuomo Lindstedt from Finavia.
“You can comfortably wait for your bus indoors, as there is only a short distance to the bus stops and a direct line of sight to them through, for example, the café’s window. Thanks to the new connecting corridor, the distance between the Ring Rail Line train station and Terminal 2 is now hundreds of metres shorter, which means that passengers can get to the station from the arrivals hall in just a few minutes. More space has been reserved for drop-off and pickup traffic right in front of the terminal’s main entrance, and the waiting area for taxis is separate from drop-off traffic. Short-term parking for drop-off and pickup traffic and the new parking hall are also located in the immediate vicinity of the terminal.”
The airport is a hub for public transport and a local concentration of services
The new travel centre improves the functioning of trip chains linking different modes of transport. Following the changes, Helsinki Airport can be reached more easily and comfortably without using one’s own car. The commuter trains of the Ring Rail Line connect the airport to long-distance trains: for example, by taking the P train from the airport’s train station, passengers can reach Tikkurila in about 10 minutes and Pasila in less than 30 minutes.
“A handy connection to a commuter train station also makes Helsinki Airport’s services more accessible to local residents. After the completion of the renovation, the airport will be a local concentration of services with its restaurants, cafés, grocery stores and pharmacies. Many people working at the airport and in the surrounding area use the same public transport links as the airport’s customers,” Lindstedt says.
Bicycle parking also serves those who commute by bike
The upgraded airport also includes a new bicycle parking area and an even smoother and safer route for cyclists. The bicycle parking area, which has video surveillance, has dozens of sturdy bicycle stands that you can lock your bike to by the frame. The area is covered, so you don’t need to leave your bicycle to the mercy of the elements.
“The airport did not previously have an actual bicycle parking area, so this is a big improvement for those who want to commute to the airport by bicycle. As part of the project, new staff rooms with showers and changing rooms were built underground to serve those who commute by bike,” Lindstedt says.
Finavia has received a total of EUR 2.25 million of EU funding for the travel centre’s planning phase and EUR 7.38 million for the realisation.
The Airport of the Future article series shares stories and interesting details behind the Helsinki Airport Development Programme. Helsinki Airport is in the middle of the largest extension project in its history. The goal of Finavia’s giant investment is to develop the airport’s services and customer experience as well as strengthen Helsinki Airport’s position as one of Europe’s leading transfer airports. We will open the doors and welcome all to the Airport of the future 1st of December 2021.
Read more about Helsinki Airport Development Programme.
