Helsinki Central Railway Station

The busiest building in the country

The Helsinki Central Railway Station is located in the heart of the city. The Helsinki Central Railway Station, designed by the architect Eliel Saarinen, is one of the most iconic buildings in Helsinki, with up to 250,000 people pass through it every day. The station is owned by VR Group.

One of the most beautiful train stations in the world

The Helsinki Central Railway Station is often mentioned among the most beautiful train stations in the world. For example, in 2014, BBC Culture ranked the Helsinki Central Railway Station, the architectural gem of Eliel Saarinen, among the ten most beautiful train stations in the world and described the station’s granite facade to be dominated by the stern faced giants bearing huge lanterns in their outsized hands.

Transport hub

Whether you are using public transport, car or bike, it is easy to make your way to and from the Helsinki Central Railway Station.  Approximately 850 commuter trains and over 100 long-distance trains depart from the station every weekday. The city’s busiest metro station is located right under the Helsinki Central Railway Station. The adjacent Railway Square is an important hub for the bus traffic, and the tram lines 3, 5, 6, 7, and 9 passes next to the square.

Plan your route

The services of the city start at the station

The selection of restaurants and cafés at the Helsinki Central Railway Station is constantly growing. You can already find options from  Italian food to quality cafe selection and from green smoothies to craft beers. In addition to restaurants and cafés, you can find a variety of other useful services at the station, such as money exchange, pharmacy, and kiosks. There is also a hotel at the station: Scandic Grand Central Helsinki, one of the largest hotels in Finland for its accomodation facilities.

See restaurants and services

Reform project breaths new life into the 100-year-old station

The masterpiece of Eliel Saarinen is being updated for its second century of life in better shape than ever. In the extensive renovation project of the Helsinki Central Railway Station, which started in 2019, the entire station is being assessed in terms of both the restoration needs and the visitors’ experience.  The purpose is to update the services at the station and increase comfort and security while respecting the unique architecture of the culturally and historically valuable landmark.

The ongoing renovation project, which is done in stages and will last several years, is proceeding rapidly. This is evidenced, for example, by the new restaurants opened during 2021, the renovation of old commercial spaces and the construction of Kaisantunneli for cyclists and pedestrians. In the future, the new Helsinki Central Railway Station will offer you even better services and facilities, whether you are coming from far or near, are only passing through or have come to stay.