🛫 How to Get There
Getting to and around Finland
✈️ Flying to Finland
Main Airports
Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) - Finland's main international gateway, 18km from Helsinki city center. Modern, efficient, and well-connected to the city via train, bus, and taxi.
Other International Airports:
- Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) - Gateway to Lapland, popular for winter tourism
- Tampere-Pirkkala Airport (TMP) - Central Finland's main airport
- Turku Airport (TKU) - Southwest Finland, near the archipelago
💡 Insider Tip
Book flights to Rovaniemi for winter activities - it's often cheaper than flying to Helsinki and taking a connecting flight or train north.
🚆 From Helsinki Airport to City Center
Train (Fastest & Cheapest)
Ring Rail Line trains (I and P) run every 10 minutes between the airport and Helsinki Central Station. Journey time: 30 minutes. Ticket: €5.50.
Finnair City Bus
Direct service to Helsinki city center. Journey time: 30-40 minutes. Ticket: €7.40.
Taxi
Fixed-price taxis available at the airport. Journey time: 20-30 minutes. Cost: €45-55 to city center.
⛴️ Other Ways In
Ferry from Estonia—Tallinn to Helsinki (2 hours, around €20-40). Popular route. Tallink/Silja, Viking Line, Eckerö. Finns use for cheap alcohol runs. Fun option.
Ferry from Sweden—Stockholm to Helsinki/Turku (overnight, around €40-100). Scenic, cabin accommodation available. Viking Line, Tallink/Silja. Alternative to flying.
Train from Russia—suspended due to political situation (2022+). Previously Helsinki-St Petersburg direct. Check current status if traveling from Russia.
Land borders: Sweden (north), Norway (far north), Russia (east). Road crossings open (Sweden/Norway), Russia border situation fluid. Check current status.
No bridge/tunnel to mainland Europe—must fly or ferry. Finland is isolated geographically. Plan connections accordingly.
🛂 Visa & Entry Requirements
Finland is part of the Schengen Area. US, Canada, UK, Australia, New Zealand, and many other passport holders can enter visa-free for tourism up to 90 days within any 180-day period.
Schengen visa rules apply—your 90 days cover all Schengen countries combined, not per country. Check your specific passport's requirements before booking flights.
Check visa requirements for Finland →🚗 Getting Around Finland
Trains (VR)
Finland's train network connects major cities efficiently. High-speed Pendolino trains run between Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku. Book in advance for best prices at vr.fi
Buses (Long Distance)
Extensive bus network covering areas trains don't reach. Main operators: Matkahuolto, Onnibus (budget option). Essential for reaching Lapland and remote areas.
Domestic Flights
Finnair operates domestic flights between major cities and Lapland. Worth considering for long distances (e.g., Helsinki to Rovaniemi).
🎫 Travel Pass Tip
Consider the Finland Rail Pass if you're planning multiple train journeys. Available for 3, 5, or 10 days of travel within one month.
🚋 Local Transportation in Helsinki
HSL operates all public transport in the Helsinki region (metro, trams, buses, ferries).
Tickets & Passes
- Single ticket: €3.10 (valid 80 minutes)
- Day ticket: €9 (unlimited travel 24 hours)
- HSL app: Buy tickets on your phone - easiest option
The metro, trams, and buses are clean, punctual, and easy to navigate. Most signage is in Finnish, Swedish, and English.
🚙 Renting a Car
Recommended if you want to explore rural Finland, Lapland, or the lakeland region at your own pace.
Things to Know
- Drive on the right side of the road
- Winter tires are mandatory from December to February
- Watch for reindeer on roads in Lapland!
- Speed limits: 50 km/h (cities), 80-100 km/h (rural roads), 120 km/h (highways)
- Major rental companies available at airports and city centers
⚠️ Winter Driving
If you're visiting in winter and plan to drive, make sure you're comfortable with winter driving conditions. Roads can be icy and snow-covered, especially in Lapland.
🚗 Book a Rental Car in Finland
Compare prices and book your rental car:
💰 Money-Saving Tips
- Book trains early: VR offers cheaper fares when booked in advance
- Use Onnibus: Budget bus option, significantly cheaper than trains for long distances
- Helsinki Card: Free public transport + free entry to attractions
- Rent outside airports: Car rental from city locations is often cheaper
- Compare car rental sites: Prices can vary significantly between platforms
