Getting There and Travelling Around

International Airports

• Helsinki (HEL): 20 km from the city.
• Turku (TKU): 7 km from the city.
• Tampere (TMP): 15 km from the city.
• Rovaniemi (RVN): 10 km from the city.
• Full list of airports in Finland with associated airport codes >

Internal Transport

Finland has an excellent network of domestic flights.

Lake steamers, waterbuses and ferries ply the inland waterways, connecting places such as Tampere, Hämeenlinna and Virrat. Other lake routes include Lieksa, Koli, Nurmes and Joensuu; and Lahti, Heinola and Jyväskylä.

Rail travel is cheap, comfortable and efficient. Lines include Helsinki-Tampere-Jyväskylä, Helsinki-Turku, Helsinki-Seinäjoki-Oulu, Jyväskylä-Kuopio and Helsinki-Kouvola-Issalmi. A Finnrail Pass gives unlimited travel for 3, 5 or 10 days within a period of one month, whilst an InterRail One-Country Pass offers travel for 3, 4, 6 or 8 days in one month within Finland. Supplements are required for some high-speed services.

Main roads are surfaced with asphalt or oil and sand and are passable at all times. Car hire is available from local and international firms. Drivers must have at least 1 years driving experience and be aged at least 20, although some firms may require a minimum age of up to 25. Car headlights must be kept on at all times. In some areas, warnings of elk, deer and reindeer crossing will be posted. Anyone involved in an elk or reindeer collision must report the event to the police immediately.

The Finnish coach network covers more than 90% of the public road network and is one of the most comprehensive in Europe. There are over 40,000 daily bus departures and timetables are adapted to fit air, rail, and boat services. There are 300 daily services from Helsinki alone, and connections can be made to the most isolated and remote parts of the country. The state post office also runs a bus service with routes that serve the rural areas.

The country also has efficient and integrated bus, metro and tramway services within the cities. Taxis are also available in every city and from airports or major hotels. Tipping is not expected. Helsinki also operates suburban rail lines and ferry services to Suomenlinna Islands. A flat zonal fare applies, with free transfer between services. Visitors may also purchase a Helsinki Card, valid or 1, 2 or 3 days and giving free travel on public transport (including the Suomenlinna ferry) and free entry to about 50 museums and other sights in the city. Other cities in Finland offer similar transport cards.