Getting Around Finland
Buses
The Finnish coach route network is one of the most comprehensive in Europe covering more than 90% of the public roads. There are more than 40,000 daily bus departures. Timetables are usually adapted to fit in rail, air and ship services. Oy Matkahuolto Ab's coach stations, authorised agents and travel agencies throughout Finland give additional information about coach traffic. Local transportation in the cities is organised very well too.
Taxis
Taxis are available in Helsinki and all main towns.
Car Hire
Car rental can be very expensive in Finland, and with such a good public transport system it is not often necessary. All major car hire agencies have offices at the airport and in Helsinki.
Driving
Moving around by road is very easy. The highway and freeway network is good between the city centres. Roads are generally in good condition though in spring watch out for melting snow.
Your driving license should always be with you when you are driving. Please check the regulations concerning acceptable driving licenses before driving!
Trains
The rail network interconnects the major Finnish cities. Trains have 5741 kilometres of tracks (passenger trains 3977 kms). The most important sections of line are electrified, like the lines from Helsinki to Turku, to Pori, to Tampere, to Jyväskylä, to Rovaniemi, to Iisalmi and to Joensuu.
Finnish trains are spacious, comfortable and clean. The scenery among the lines is beautiful, especially in Eastern Finland where there are many lakes. You can travel either by a car carrier train or by a passenger train. You can also choose whether you would like to travel through the night or at the day time.
Several discount tickets are available such as children aged 6-16 years get 50% discount from the prices. Children under 6 years travel free of charge. Group reduction for 3 passengers is 15% from the normal rate.
Boats
Almost all of Finland's coastal towns run boat services as well as organised sightseeing and charter cruises. Finland's coastal towns provide a wide choice of charter and local cruises for travellers. There are also scheduled services in the Åland Islands and archipelago.
