Open Travel Guide
Day trips from Finland

Best Day Trips from Finland 2026

Finland's best escapes by distance: what's reachable before breakfast and back by dinner.

Finland combines pristine wilderness with modern Nordic design. From the Northern Lights in Lapland to vibrant Helsinki, experience midnight sun, thousands of lakes, and the world's happiest people.

Top day trips

Handpicked excursions within easy reach.

85 km by sea

Tallinn, Estonia

Tallink Silja ferry from West Harbour

Highlights: Medieval Old Town (UNESCO) · Toompea Castle · Viru Gate market street · Estonian craft beer bars · Traditional kama desserts

50 km east of Helsinki

Porvoo

Expressbus from Kamppi terminal

Highlights: Iconic red riverside wooden warehouses · Porvoo Cathedral (1418) · Artisan chocolatier Brunberg · Old Town cobblestone streets · Taidetehdas cultural centre

165 km west of Helsinki

Turku

Intercity train from Helsinki Central Station

Highlights: Turku Castle (1280) · Turku Cathedral · Aura Riverbank restaurant strip · Luostarinmaki Handicrafts Museum · Day ferry to Naantali and Moomin World

40 km northwest of Helsinki

Nuuksio National Park

Bus 245 from Espoo central (change at Kamppi)

Highlights: Ancient granite lake landscape · Flying squirrel habitat · Haukkalampi swimming lake · Campfire sites under Everyman's Right · Finnish Outdoor Education Centre sauna

100 km north of Helsinki

Hameenlinna

Intercity train from Helsinki Central Station

Highlights: Hame Castle (13th century) · Aulanko Nature Reserve panorama tower · Sibelius Birthplace Museum · Lake Vanajavesi kayaking · Katuma Adventure Farm

Trips by distance

How far you can go in a day.

Getting there

Transport options for day trips.

Tours
Organized day tours to Porvoo, Tallinn, and Nuuksio from €40-90 per person. Helsinki Expert and Strömma run daily departures from Market Square.
Private
Car hire from €50/day at Helsinki Airport. Ideal for Nuuksio, Porvoo, and western coastal routes.
Public
VR trains cover Turku, Tampere, Hameenlinna. Bus from Kamppi terminal covers Porvoo. Ferries to Tallinn from West Harbour.
Rental
Car rental from €50/day at Helsinki Airport. Essential for flexibility in national parks. Free parking outside cities.

Day trip tips

Make the most of your excursions.

Tip

Book the VR train to Turku at least a few days ahead - advance fares from €15 versus €42 day-of

Tip

Porvoo summer steamboat from Helsinki Market Square (June-August) is the most scenic way to arrive

Tip

Tallinn day trip is excellent but requires an early ferry (7-8am) to have a full day in Estonia

Tip

Nuuksio National Park is best visited midweek to avoid Helsinki weekend crowds