Open Travel Guide
Transportation in Finland

Getting Around Finland 2026

From airport to backstreets: the full transport picture for Finland, with current fares.

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.

Public
Finland has exceptional public transport. Helsinki's HSL network (metro, trams, buses) is efficient and integrated with a single app and ticket. Inter-city trains (VR) are punctual and comfortable. National bus network reaches rural areas.
Taxi
Finnish taxis are licensed, metered, and safe. Bolt and Uber available in cities. Expensive but reliable. Apps recommended over street hailing for best prices.
Rental
Car rental excellent for countryside and Lapland exploration. Major companies at Helsinki Airport and cities. Winter tires mandatory December-March (included in rentals).
Walking
Helsinki city center is compact and walkable with excellent cycle infrastructure. Safe, well-lit streets year-round. Winter can require care on icy pavements.

Transport at a glance

Public 5/5
Taxi 4/5
Rental 4/5
Walking 4/5

Airport transfers

Getting from the airport to your accommodation.

Taxi
Train (Ring Rail Line I/P) to Central Station €4.60, 30 minutes
Shuttle
Bus 615 to Central Station €4.60, 40 minutes
Bus
Taxi to city center €40-45, 20 minutes

Local transport

Getting around the city.

Bus

Bus

Hours: Varies by route, typically 6:00-23:00

Availability
Extensive networks in all cities, only option in smaller towns
Cost
Helsinki €3.20 single, other cities €2-3.50
Notes
HSL app in Helsinki, local transport apps in other cities
Alternatives

Alternatives

metro, tram, taxi, rideshare, bike

Taxis & rideshare

What to expect from taxis and apps.

Regular
Cost
Base fare €5.90-7.90, then €1.79-2.49/km depending on time
Availability
Readily available in cities, book ahead in rural areas
Apps
Taksi Helsinki, Uber (limited), Bolt available
Notes
Expensive but clean and safe, fixed fares common for airports

Intercity travel

Getting between cities and regions.

Bus

Bus

Cost: Generally 20-40% cheaper than trains, Helsinki-Turku from €15

Operators
Matkahuolto (national), Onnibus (budget), ExpressBus
Booking
matkahuolto.fi, onnibus.com
Notes
More destinations than trains, slower but cheaper, comfortable coaches
Flights

Flights

Routes: Helsinki to Rovaniemi, Oulu, Kuopio, and other northern cities

Cost: €60-150 one-way depending on advance booking

Operator
Finnair primarily
Notes
Time-saving for Lapland destinations, book early for deals

Transportation details

Full breakdown of how to get around.

Airports

HEL

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport

From centre: 18 km

Options: Train (Ring Rail Line I/P) to Central Station €4.60, 30 minutes; Bus 615 to Central Station €4.60, 40 minutes; Taxi to city center €40-45, 20 minutes; Airport shuttle services €25-30 per person

RVN

Rovaniemi Airport

From centre: 8 km

Options: Airport bus to city center €10, 15 minutes; Taxi to city €25-30, 12 minutes; Car rental available at terminal

TKU

Turku Airport

From centre: 8 km

Options: Bus 1 to city center €3.50, 20 minutes; Taxi to city €25-30, 15 minutes; Airport shuttle services available

Useful apps

Download before you arrive.

App

HSL

Official Helsinki regional transport app for metro, tram, bus, and ferry tickets and journey planning

App

VR Mobiili

Finnish Railways app for booking intercity and long-distance train tickets with advance discounts

App

Bolt

Best taxi/rideshare app in Finland, wider coverage than Uber, available in most Finnish cities

App

Onnibus

Budget intercity bus app for affordable travel between Finnish cities

App

Matkahuolto

National bus network app covering regional routes to smaller towns not served by trains

Transport tips

Travel smarter, not harder.

Tip

Get the HSL app for Helsinki public transport - it covers metro, trams, buses, and ferries with integrated ticketing

Tip

Buy VR train tickets in advance online at vr.fi - advance fares can be 40-50% cheaper than walk-up prices

Tip

Helsinki Airport Ring Rail (I/P line) is the best value airport transfer - €4.60 in 30 minutes to Central Station

Tip

Overnight sleeper trains to Lapland (Helsinki-Rovaniemi) are worth booking - comfortable cabins and save one night's accommodation

Tip

Onnibus offers budget inter-city bus travel from €5 - good for Helsinki-Turku and Helsinki-Tampere routes

Tip

In Lapland, car rental is essential - distances are vast and public transport limited in wilderness areas

Tip

Helsinki's city bikes (pyörät) available May-October for €5/day - excellent for flat Helsinki streets

Tip

Tallink Silja and Viking Line ferries to Tallinn (Estonia) and Stockholm (Sweden) offer scenic and affordable travel