Getting Around Finland
Transportation Strategy
Urban Areas: Use efficient trams and metro in Helsinki. Rural: Rent a car for Lapland exploration. North: Trains and buses for long distances. For convenience, book airport transfers from Helsinki to your destination.
Train Travel
VR National Rail
Efficient and scenic train network connecting major cities with frequent services.
Cost: Helsinki to Tampere €20-30, journeys under 2 hours between most southern cities.
Tickets: Buy via VR app, website, or station machines. Mobile tickets accepted.
Peak Times: Avoid 6-9 AM and 4-6 PM for better prices and seats.
Rail Passes
VR Day Ticket offers unlimited travel for €50 (1 day) or regional passes from €30, ideal for multiple stops.
Best For: Multiple city visits over several days, significant savings for 3+ trips.
Where to Buy: Train stations, VR website, or official app with instant activation.
High-Speed Options
Pendolino high-speed trains connect Helsinki to major cities like Turku and Tampere.
Booking: Reserve seats weeks in advance for best prices, discounts up to 50%.
Helsinki Stations: Main station is Helsinki Central, with connections to Pasila and Tikkurila.
Car Rental & Driving
Renting a Car
Essential for exploring Lapland and rural areas. Compare rental prices from €40-60/day at Helsinki Airport and major cities.
Requirements: Valid license (EU or International), credit card, minimum age 19-21.
Insurance: Comprehensive coverage recommended, check what's included in rental.
Driving Rules
Drive on the right, speed limits: 50 km/h urban, 80 km/h rural, 120 km/h highways.
Tolls: Few tolls, mainly ferries to islands; winter tires mandatory Nov-March.
Priority: Give way to right unless signposted otherwise, roundabouts common.
Parking: Free in many rural areas, metered €2-4/hour in cities, apps for payment.
Fuel & Navigation
Fuel stations plentiful at €1.70-1.90/liter for petrol, €1.60-1.80 for diesel.
Apps: Use Google Maps or Waze for navigation, both work well offline.
Traffic: Expect congestion in Helsinki during rush hours and summer holidays.
Urban Transport
Helsinki Metro & Trams
Modern network covering the city, single ticket €3, day pass €9, 10-journey card €20.
Validation: Validate tickets in yellow machines before boarding, inspections are frequent.
Apps: HSL app for routes, real-time updates, and mobile tickets.
Bike Rentals
City Bike system in Helsinki and other cities, €5-10/day with stations throughout.
Routes: Dedicated cycling paths across Finland, especially in coastal and urban regions.
Tours: Guided cycling tours available in major cities, combining sightseeing with exercise.
Buses & Local Services
HSL (Helsinki), Matkahuolto (national), and local operators provide comprehensive bus networks.
Tickets: €3-5 per ride, buy from driver or use contactless payment.
Long-Distance: Express buses connect to Lapland, €20-50 depending on distance.
Accommodation Options
Accommodation Tips
- Location: Stay near train stations in cities for easy access, central Helsinki or Rovaniemi for sightseeing.
- Booking Timing: Book 2-3 months ahead for summer (June-Aug) and major festivals like Midsummer.
- Cancellation: Choose flexible rates when possible, especially for unpredictable weather travel plans.
- Amenities: Check for WiFi, breakfast inclusion, and proximity to public transport before booking.
- Reviews: Read recent reviews (last 6 months) for accurate current conditions and service quality.
Communication & Connectivity
Mobile Coverage & eSIM
Excellent 5G coverage in cities, 4G throughout most of Finland including remote areas.
eSIM Options: Get instant data with Airalo or Yesim from €5 for 1GB, no physical SIM needed.
Activation: Install before departure, activate upon arrival, works immediately.
Local SIM Cards
Elisa, DNA, and Telia offer prepaid SIMs from €10-20 with good coverage.
Where to Buy: Airports, supermarkets, or provider stores with passport required.
Data Plans: 5GB for €15, 10GB for €25, unlimited for €30/month typically.
WiFi & Internet
Free WiFi widely available in hotels, cafes, restaurants, and most public spaces.
Public Hotspots: Major train stations and tourist areas have free public WiFi.
Speed: Generally fast (20-100 Mbps) in urban areas, reliable for video calls.
Practical Travel Information
- Time Zone: Eastern European Time (EET), UTC+2, daylight saving March-October (EEST, UTC+3).
- Airport Transfers: Helsinki-Vantaa Airport 20km from city center, train to center €5 (30 min), taxi €40, or book private transfer for €50-70.
- Luggage Storage: Available at train stations (€5-8/day) and dedicated services in major cities.
- Accessibility: Modern trains and metro accessible, many saunas and rural sites have limited access.
- Pet Travel: Pets allowed on trains (small free, large €10), check accommodation policies before booking.
- Bike Transport: Bikes allowed on trains off-peak for €5, folding bikes free anytime.
Flight Booking Strategy
Getting to Finland
Helsinki-Vantaa (HEL) is the main international hub. Compare flight prices on Aviasales, Trip.com, or Expedia for the best deals from major cities worldwide.
Main Airports
Helsinki-Vantaa (HEL): Primary international gateway, 20km north of city center with train connections.
Rovaniemi (RVN): Northern hub for Lapland, 10km from city, bus €6 (20 min).
Turku Airport (TKU): Regional airport with European flights, convenient for southwest Finland.
Booking Tips
Book 2-3 months in advance for summer travel (June-Aug) to save 30-50% on average fares.
Flexible Dates: Flying mid-week (Tuesday-Thursday) typically cheaper than weekends.
Alternative Routes: Consider flying into Stockholm or Tallinn and taking ferry to Helsinki for potential savings.
Budget Airlines
Norwegian, Ryanair, and Finnair serve Helsinki with European connections.
Important: Factor in baggage fees and transport to city center when comparing total costs.
Check-in: Online check-in mandatory 24 hours before, airport fees higher.
Transportation Comparison
Money Matters on the Road
- ATMs: Widely available, typical withdrawal fee €2-5, use bank ATMs to avoid tourist area markups.
- Credit Cards: Visa and Mastercard accepted everywhere, American Express less common in smaller establishments.
- Contactless Payment: Tap-to-pay widely used, Apple Pay and Google Pay accepted in most places.
- Cash: Still needed for markets, small cafes, and rural areas, keep €50-100 in small denominations.
- Tipping: Service charge included in restaurants, round up or add 5-10% for excellent service.
- Currency Exchange: Use Wise for best rates, avoid airport exchange bureaus with poor rates.