Blue1: Oslo to Helsinki

The carrier: Blue1

About
A low-cost wing of SAS (Scandinavian Airlines System), Blue1 flies to an impressive number of destinations in Finland and a smattering of other Nordic cities (Copenhagen, Gothenburg, Oslo and Stockholm) as well as Western and Central European destinations. Blue1 is the second biggest airline in Finland.

Blue1 is definitely #1 for travel to Finland's north. No other budget airline flies to destinations beyond Helsinki and Tampere.

Upside

Network stretches across Finland. Young, helpful and energetic flight crew. Newer aircraft in fleet. Great service.

Downside

Access to most destinations in Finland requires connecting flights and some destinations are seasonal.

Bonus

We have a total crush on Blue1's website which is chock full of helpful information, a cinch to navigate and is easy on the eyes.

Baggage

* Carry-on: One piece of hand luggage not exceeding 8 kg.
* Checked: Within Finland, you are allowed up to three bags and depending on class (Economy, Business), the total weight can be anywhere from 20-30 kg.

* Please visit Blue1’s website for more information on its baggage policy.

Seating

The good news? Check in online and you can pick your seat. You must check in no later than 45 minutes before departure.

Check-in and Ticketing

Blue1 offers online check-in and you get to pick your seat once you do so.  Check-in is available from 22 hours before the scheduled departure.  

Departure: Oslo, Norway - Oslo International (OSL)

Oslo Airport, Gardermoen is the main international airport serving Norway and is a hub of Norwegian Air Shuttle. Oslo Airport offers numerous direct flights to a large range of airports within Europe. Location: Oslo Airport is located 32 km (20 miles) north of the Oslo city center. Transport: - Rail: The high speed rail link, which opened in conjunction with the airport, is inside the main airport terminal. Airport Express Train operates to and from the airport and the Oslo Central Station, with services that continue to Asker. - Bus: The Oslo Airport Express Coach provides service to and from the airport and Oslo, Fredrikstad, Ski and Gjovik. Also, most express buses from all over the country stop at the Oslo Airport. The local transport authority, Ruter, operates a number of services to Gardermoen from nearby towns. Travelers can take the SAS Airport Bus which runs between Oslo Airport and Oslo Central Station. Night bus services are available. - Taxi: There is a taxi information desk located in the Arrivals Hall and the taxi rank is located just outside. Service: An information desk is inside the Arrivals Hall. The airport also has a bank, currency exchange, and ATMs. Wireless Internet is available in all public areas. There are also various restaurants, cafes, and shops available in International Departures and the Arrivals Halls.

Arrival: Helsinki, Finland - Helsinki Vantaa (HEL)

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is the main airport serving Helsinki, Finland. It was originally built for the Summer Olympics in 1952 and is currently the fourth largest airport among the Nordic countries. Location: Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is located 19 km (11.5 miles) north of Helsinki. Transport: - Bus: YTV buses (#415, #451, and #615) as well as the Finnair City Bus run to and from the airport and Helsinki city center (among other destinations). The journey into Helsinki lasts about 40 minutes. For timetables and rate information, visit either YTV or Finnair's City Bus web site. - Taxi: There are taxi ranks in front of both terminals. Service desks for taxis are located in the Arrivals Hall. The journey into Helsinki by car takes about 30 minutes. Service: There are several information desks found in the airport. Other services include: two banks, several currency exchanges, ATMs, Wi-Fi Internet, baby care stations, a meditation room, and many restaurants, cafes, and bars. A 24-hour fast food restaurant is also available. The International Terminal hosts more shops, a grocery store, and a pharmacy.