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As an adventurous traveller in Finland, you want to see many places. Finland is a large country for its population, so changing locations takes time and costs money. We will give you tips on travelling to Finland by bus, boat, train, or aeroplane. By booking tickets wisely, you will save money.
Getting Around Finland
It’s no secret that Nordic countries, Finland included, have expensive public transport. Luckily, there’s good news too: over the past decade, public transportation in Finland has become much more affordable. Travelling long distances now costs significantly less than before, thanks to deregulation that has boosted competition among transport providers.
Finland stretches over 1,000 kilometres from south to north, so to explore the entire country, it’s best to set aside at least two weeks. The contrast between summer and winter here is dramatic, so you really need to visit twice to experience both seasons fully.
Public Transport Options in Finland
In Finland, you can get around by bus, train, plane, or ferry.
Buses in Finland
Finland’s long-distance bus network is extensive. You can reach nearly any destination by bus, though you might need to transfer at major city hubs since direct routes aren’t always available. The whole journey can be booked on a single ticket, making it similar to connecting flights but with much shorter wait times. Buses travel at a maximum speed of 100 km/h, so journeys tend to be on the slower side.
Buses are well-maintained and safe. Although budget companies might offer simpler interiors, the overall quality is quite consistent, making any bus a good choice. Some operators offer free Wi-Fi, but onboard catering is uncommon, so it’s smart to bring your own snacks.
A few budget companies like Onnibus operate in Finland, but traditional bus companies have lowered their fares significantly. You can book tickets for all bus services via Matkahuolto. However, for the best deals, it’s worth checking the individual bus operators’ websites since Matkahuolto doesn’t always show the lowest prices.
For example, a bus ticket between Helsinki and Turku can cost under 8 euros. If prices climb higher, consider taking the train instead — it’s a more comfortable way to travel.
Buses are handy for reaching remote areas. For instance, you can catch a local bus to Nuuksio National Park near Helsinki or a long-distance bus to Repovesi National Park.
Trains in Finland by VR
Finnish trains are run by the state-owned company, VR. Although their trains aren’t as fast as bullet trains (top speed is about 200 km/h), they offer a comfortable ride.
Train travel is considered the most comfortable way to traverse Finland. VR trains are modern, roomy, and quiet. Many have a restaurant car serving snacks, drinks, and even alcohol. A few long-distance trains come with private sleeping cabins, and you can even transport your car on a train when heading north to Lapland.
VR uses dynamic pricing. For instance, tickets from Helsinki to Turku can start as low as 6 euros but may reach nearly 40 euros during peak times. Booking a sleeper cabin and car transport to Lapland can be pricey unless you find a good deal. We recommend purchasing tickets early and avoiding travel during school holidays.
While Finland’s bus network covers more ground than the trains, all major cities are accessible by rail. Like buses, train journeys may require connections.
Flying
Getting from southern Finland to Lapland takes time via bus or train. Although trains are convenient for overnight trips with sleeping cabins, flight is the fastest and most efficient option.
Helsinki serves as Finland’s main flight hub, with nearly all flights starting or ending there. The national airline, Finnair, flies to airports across the country. Smaller airlines cover routes Finnair doesn’t serve, and Norwegian Air offers competitive fares on popular routes.
Flights in Finland can be quite affordable if you book early. Finnair tends to be pricier but runs occasional sales, so it’s worth tracking their website a few months ahead of your trip.
For journeys over 500 kilometres starting or ending in Helsinki, flying is the best choice. Remember to book tickets early.
Ferries
Ferries in Finland mainly operate on international routes. Big cities like Helsinki also run several ferry lines to nearby islands for local travel. Other domestic ferry services cater mostly to tourists.
Where to Find the Best Deals on Tickets
For bus tickets, book through Matkahuolto. Train tickets are available on the VR ticket store.
Try perille.fi to compare prices for buses, trains, and taxis all in one search.
Flight tickets typically offer good value when booked through reputable travel sites or directly from Finnair and Norwegian.
International Travel to Finland
There were a few international train connections to Finland, mainly from Moscow and St. Petersburg, but they stopped after the Ukraine War. Also, buses mainly operate domestic routes.
The easiest and most popular ways to enter Finland are by flying into Helsinki or ferrying into Vaasa, Turku, or Helsinki. Helsinki Airport is a bustling hub.
Common Questions
- Are there domestic flight routes inside Finland?
- Yes, there are many of them. Usually, they start from Helsinki and are operated by Finnair or Norwegian Air Shuttle. Smaller routes are outsourced to small airlines.
- Does Finland have a good rail network?
- Yes, there is a rail network covering almost the whole of Finland. Trains are not especially fast, but they are comfortable to travel with.
- Are buses a good way of travelling in Finland?
- Buses are not as comfortable as trains, but they are cheaper. We would recommend buses only for short-distance journeys.
- Are there international bus or train lines to Finland?
- Yes, but only a few of them, mainly from Russia.
- Is public transportation expensive in Finland?
- It used to be, but that’s no longer the case. You can easily find great offers.
Bottom Line
Finland has a reliable and well-developed public transportation system, covering both local areas and long-distance routes. Ticket prices have dropped, making travel within the country more affordable than before.
If you want even more flexibility to explore multiple cities quickly, renting a car is a great option. Finland’s roads are in excellent condition, and driving here tends to be calm and stress-free. Even drivers with little experience usually feel comfortable outside urban areas.
Have you visited Finland and used public transportation? Share your experiences in the comments!.
