Finland Transportation Guide for Beginners: Tips and Tricks

Finland has a deserved reputation for doing things at a human scale, which is particularly evident in the country’s public transport system. With trains featuring onboard playrooms, efficient public buses, well-maintained highways, and traffic-free cycle lanes, traveling around Finland is rarely stressful. However, like many aspects of life in Finland, it can be relatively expensive.

Here’s our guide to the best ways to get around Finland, from Helsinki all the way to the Arctic Circle.

Trains: The Best Way to Enjoy the Finnish Countryside

Finland’s excellent train network extends across the country, starting from the art nouveau gem that is the Helsinki Central Station, designed by architect Eliel Saarinen in 1919.

Operated with typical Finnish efficiency by Valtion Rautatiet (VR), trains connect most major cities in southern Finland, including Tampere, Turku, and the coastal towns of Pori and Hanko.

Nevertheless, the train network diminishes significantly north of Oulu. In Finnish Lapland, the primary hub is Rovaniemi, where limited services operate north to Kolari and east to Kemijärvi. Travellers are rewarded with views of lush forests, glistening lakes, and charming wooden cottages painted in classic red and white. Please note that international services to Russia were suspended due to ongoing conflicts in the region.

High-Speed vs Regional Trains

For swift cross-country journeys, look for high-speed Pendolino or fast InterCity trains. Express and Regional trains travel more slowly, stopping at smaller stations along the way. For longer distances, sleeper trains offer cozy, airplane-style seating or sleeping berths in upstairs or downstairs cabins, where the upstairs cabins include showers and toilets at a higher fare.

Benefits of the Finnish rail system consist of designated children’s cars with play areas, licensed dining cars, robust support for travelers with disabilities, and quiet booths for phone calls. Furthermore, Finland is well integrated into the Eurail and Interrail ticket systems.

When it comes to fares, expect prices in 2nd class to be comparable to bus journeys, with approximately 35% higher prices in 1st class. Children under 17 pay half fare, and one adult can travel for free with each child on longer trips. Discounts are also available for seniors and groups. Tickets can be purchased online (often with advance travel discounts) or at ticket offices and machines in stations.

Tip for train travel in Finland: If traveling from Helsinki in summer, explore the market stalls at the Kauppatori market square for Finnish strawberries, blueberries, cloudberries, unshelled peas, and other healthy snacks to enjoy on the way.

Buses: Extensive Coverage Across Finland

Buses serve as the backbone of intercity travel in Finland. However, due to the limited number of motorways and slow speed limits, bus journeys can be quite slow, often averaging around 60 km/h (37 miles per hour).

Most cities, towns, and villages in Finland can be reached by bus. Seats are comfortable, and fares are affordable, although regular vakiovuoro buses (which make frequent stops) are cheaper than the more expensive pikavuoro express buses connecting larger cities. Buses also operate routes across Finland’s borders to Sweden, Norway, and Russia, though traveling to Russia involves some paperwork, while crossing into Nordic countries is seamless.

Ticketing is managed by Matkahuolto, which provides comprehensive timetables for routes throughout the country. Integrated within this system is the budget intercity buses operated by Onnibus, offering significant discounts for advance bookings. Tickets can be purchased online, at Matkahuolto offices, or directly from bus drivers. Matkahuolto also offers a bus pass that allows unlimited travel on routes across the entire country, valid for 7 days (€149) or 14 days (€249).

In larger towns, you will typically find a dedicated linja-autoasema (bus terminal) for purchasing tickets and checking timetables. While departures are frequent between major towns, services significantly decrease during weekends; in remote areas, weekend buses may not run at all. Additionally, summer holidays see a further reduction in services.

Air Travel: Saving Time at a Carbon Cost

Given the convenience of bus and train travel, there is rarely a strong incentive to fly internally within Finland. However, flying may be prudent for long trips to the Arctic Circle from Helsinki. Finnair operates flights to various cities throughout the country from its central hub in Helsinki, but fares can be steep compared to internal flights outside of Northern Europe, unless you secure a discounted promo fare.

Cycling: A Summer Adventure

Finland is a cyclist’s paradise, boasting an extensive network of cycle paths that provide safe travel away from urban traffic. The countryside features minimal hills, with few exceptions in the northern regions. The country also offers remarkable long-distance cycle routes as part of the Europe-wide cycle route network; bikes can easily be transported on ferries, trains, and many buses.

Travelling on quiet backroads is delightful, presenting numerous opportunities to stop for a swim in lakes along the way. However, accessing some destinations may take longer due to the abundant lakes. When cycling in remote areas, be mindful of local wildlife; while wolves and bears are rare, deer and elk pose potential hazards, and mosquitoes can be bothersome in wooded regions.

Cities often have local bikeshare schemes, but for backcountry adventures, a robust road or mountain bike is recommended—ideally rented from a specialized cycle shop. Summer is undoubtedly the best time for cycling in Finland; the harsh winter cold, ice, and extended darkness present formidable obstacles for enjoyable cycling.

Boats: Exploring Finland’s Islands

With over 188,000 islands, Finland presents numerous opportunities for exploration. Many islands are interconnected via bridges and causeways, while ferries link larger islands to each other and the mainland. The key ferry routes include the connections between Helsinki and Porvoo, as well as Turku and Naantali. Ferries also transport travelers from Helsinki, Turku, and Naantali to the Åland Archipelago, providing connections to Stockholm, Kapellskär, or Grisslehamn in Sweden.

International ferry companies like Finnlines, Viking Line, and St Peter Line operate routes connecting Finland to Sweden, Germany, Estonia, and Russia. Additionally, lake ferries within Finland, once essential transportation links, now primarily serve as leisure cruises but still provide a scenic way to travel between places like Tampere and Hämeenlinna, Savonlinna and Kuopio, as well as Lahti and Jyväskylä.

Rental Cars: A Convenient Option

Driving on Finland’s uncrowded roads is enjoyable, with no tolls, well-maintained road surfaces, and beautiful scenery surrounding you. However, the complex coastline and lake-filled interior mean that travel from point A to point B can sometimes take longer than anticipated.

Local speed limits contribute to the slower pace—100 km/h is the limit on major highways, rising to 120 km/h on the few motorways available. On smaller roads, expect a limit of 80 km/h. Speed cameras are prevalent, and there are valid reasons for maintaining these limits; winter road conditions can be tricky, and wildlife like elk, deer, and reindeer pose significant dangers in rural areas. Note that snow tires are mandatory from November 1 to March 31, along with reduced speed limits during these months.

Renting a car is straightforward in Finland but can be expensive, especially when adding in the high cost of petrol. Most international driving licenses are accepted, and major car rental companies maintain offices at airports and in key towns. Be aware that one-way rentals typically incur significant additional fees.

In Finland, driving follows right-hand traffic rules, with headlights required at all times. Traffic entering from the right at intersections always has the right of way, even in the absence of a ‘give way’ sign. Parking is generally street-based, with automatic payment machines available to accept cash or cards; be cautious not to park within 5 meters (16 feet) of a pedestrian crossing or intersection.

It’s important to note that many petrol stations are unmanned; payments can usually be made with cash or a bank card, but automatic payment machines may not provide change for cash transactions.

Local Transport: Efficient City Travel

Helsinki boasts Finland’s only metro and tram system, complemented by an effective public bus network and the City Bikes bikeshare initiative. Elsewhere in Finland, affordable local buses ensure smooth transport within towns and to surrounding villages.

In Finland, taxis (taksi) can be quite pricey, especially for short trips. Nevertheless, they are readily available at major transport hubs and downtown areas, or you can pre-book a ride. Uber operates in Helsinki, and rideshares can also be arranged through Kyydit.net and Carpool Finland.

Accessible Travel: Inclusivity in Finland

Finland sets a benchmark for accessible travel, significantly outpacing many other nations. By law, most Finnish institutions and public facilities are equipped with ramps, lifts, and accessible toilets for travelers with limited mobility. Many hotels and restaurants also provide disabled-friendly facilities, although older establishments may not meet this criterion.

Both trains and city buses provide wheelchair accessibility, and numerous national parks feature dedicated accessible nature trails. For further information on accessible travel, see GoTravelDaily’s online Accessible Travel Resources.

Why I Love Traveling by Train in Finland

Train journeys in Finland offer a serene environment for reflection. It allows travelers to disconnect from the world and immerse themselves in contemplation as they observe endless pine forests and quaint villages with red and white wooden houses passing by. Family-friendly amenities like play areas for children and private cubicles for phone calls create a calming and stress-reducing atmosphere; it’s akin to transforming transit into a form of meditation.