Helsinki (Vantaa) to Philadelphia (HEL–PHL) — Airlines, Schedules & Connections

Finland is part of the US Visa Waiver Program. Finnish passport holders can enter the United States for up to 90 days for tourism or business by obtaining an ESTA (Electronic System for Travel Authorization) before departure. The ESTA costs $21 and is valid for 2 years or until the passport expires, whichever comes first. Apply at least 72 hours before departure.

You must hold an e-passport (biometric chip). Passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended stay. Travelers who have visited Iraq, Syria, Iran, North Korea, Sudan, Libya, Somalia, Yemen, or Cuba after March 2011 may be ineligible and need a B1/B2 visa instead.

SEPTA Airport Line from the terminal to Center City takes 25–30 minutes ($8). Trains run every 30 minutes (5am to midnight) to 30th Street, Suburban, and Jefferson stations; all with connections to the subway and regional rail network. Buy tickets at platform machines.Taxis to Center City cost $28–35 (flat rate). Ride-shares to Center City run $22–35. For New York City, the Bolt Bus and Greyhound stop near 30th Street Station, or take NJ Transit to New York Penn Station (connecting from 30th Street). Amtrak also departs 30th Street Station for New York in 65 minutes.

Humid continental climate on the Delaware River. Winters (December–March) are cold (−2 to 5°C) with snow and ice. Philadelphia sits in the I-95 "snow corridor" and receives significant nor'easter snowfall several times per winter. PHL has solid de-icing capacity, but major storms cause multi-hour and multi-day disruptions.

Summers are hot and humid (28–34°C) with afternoon thunderstorms that cause frequent delays June through August. Spring and fall are transitional with variable conditions. Fog along the Delaware is occasional in fall and early winter mornings.