From the airport to the city centre Finland
Transport links to the capital are located opposite terminals 1 and 2. The terminus is in the railway station square (Rautatientori), where you'll find numerous connections with the metro, buses and streetcars. To get to the airport, trains depart from the train station every 20 minutes between 5 a.m. and midnight (platform 5 at Rautatientori or platform 30 at Elielinaukio).
Municipal buses 600. To get downtown, take the 600 bus (€5), which runs from 5 a.m. to midnight. Allow 40 minutes with a frequency of 4 buses per hour. Departure from platform 21. Tickets can be purchased on board.
Finnair shuttle. The journey is slightly shorter (30 minutes), more comfortable, but more expensive (€6.30). Departure from platform 10 every 20 minutes between 5am and 1am. Tickets can be purchased on board or at the airport information desk.
Cabs. Expect to pay at least €40 for a private cab to the city center, and a little less with the Yellow Line shuttle (www.airporttaxi.fi), which will drop you off wherever you like.
Train. A rail link connects Helsinki station (downtown) to the airport in 30 minutes for €4.10 (zones ABC - www.hsl.fi). The line operates every day between 5 a.m. and midnight.
Arrival by boat Finland
Helsinki's geographical location makes it easy to reach neighboring capitals such as Stockholm and Tallinn by boat. The plethora of services on offer, in terms of both frequency and type of boat, speaks volumes about the importance of maritime transport in Helsinki. The total number of passengers passing through the port of Helsinki is slightly lower than that of the airport, at 11 million. Tallinn in Estonia is only an hour and a half from Helsinki. You might consider spending the day there and returning in the evening. You can also take comfortable ferries to Germany, Sweden or the Åland archipelago.
South port (to Estonia, Sweden and Åland): this is Helsinki's most important port for passengers with or without cars. It's certainly one of the most beautiful arrivals in Helsinki. The Presidential Palace, Protestant Cathedral and Uspenski Orthodox Cathedral dominate the site. At the far end of the harbor, the Market Square teems with activity in summer, and the Esplanade Park is a haven for strollers. Even for pedestrians strolling through the city, the sight of the gigantic ferries is unforgettable and almost picturesque. Please note that there are several terminals: shuttles leave from Market Square for the surrounding islands, but ferries to other countries leave either from Makasiini (just past the covered market), from Olympia a little further along the same quay, or from the quay opposite Katajanokan.
North port (for Germany): the north port is home to the Finnlines ferry service between Travemünde and Rostock in Germany.
West port (for Estonia): the west port handles departures to Tallinn.
Public transport Finland
Finland's railroad network covers some 6,000 km and is managed by the national public company Valtion Rautatiet, abbreviated VR. Fares are generally similar to those of buses, with online discounts for early bookings. There are pendolino express trains (more expensive), regional intercity trains (IC) and sleeper trains, which can sometimes take cars. Seats are free for children under 6 and reduced for those under 17. Interrail and Eurail also offer very attractive discounts for adults, especially those under 26. For further information, visit www.interrail.eu and www.eurail.com.
FINNISH RAILROADS - VR HELSINKI
+358 6 004 1902 www.vr.fi
Please note that transport prices vary according to date: the earlier you book your tickets, the cheaper they will be. The https://opas.matka.fi/ website lists all modes of transport in Finland, allowing you to plan your trip in advance. Good to know: Helsinki is the only city with a metro and streetcars.
Lapland. Finnair (www.finnair.fi) and Finavia (www.finavia.fi) provide numerous air links between Helsinki and the major Lapland towns. Rovaniemi is served two or three times a day, Ivalo has two rotations and Kittilä and Kuusamo have one flight a day. However, it is impossible to fly directly from Lapland to Finland. Access to the borders (Sweden, Norway, Russia) is also possible by bus or car. Visas are compulsory for those wishing to travel to Russia. The zeal of Russian customs officers is legendary... It is also possible to reach the main Lapland towns by train from other Finnish cities such as Helsinki or Oulu. For more information, visit www.vr.fi.
More than twenty cities are served by daily air services. Ivalo is home to the country's northernmost airport. In summer and winter, buses provide parallel services to the most remote towns. The road network is reliable. However, you may have to cross a dirt track in the forest, or take a ferry across a river.
In Helsinki. Locals and tourists alike agree that public transport in Helsinki is very well organized. The best way to get around the city center is by streetcar, especially the 3T, which takes in all the sights. For more out-of-the-way districts, there are numerous buses running to and from the central station. In the city center, you can easily walk from one point of interest to another, as distances are short. Ideal for discovering the city's ambience. Helsinki's public transport network (HSL) comprises buses, streetcars, a metro line and ferries to the fortress island of Suomenlinna. Bus and streetcar routes are detailed at departure and terminus stations. Maps and timetables are available from HSL ticket offices and the tourist office. It's easy to commit fraud on public transport, but checks are frequent and fines are high (€80). You should also be aware that fare evasion is extremely frowned upon locally. Children under 7 travel free of charge, and children aged 7 to 16 pay half fare. Please note that the person accompanying a child traveling in a stroller is entitled to free transport.
Metro. Its single line crosses Helsinki from east to west. You can't go wrong! Trains run from 5.15 a.m. to 11.30 p.m. Monday to Saturday, and from 6.15 a.m. to 11.30 p.m. on Sundays. Tickets are also available from vending machines. The application is just as effective.
Buses. HSL buses operating within the city center leave mainly from the station square (Rautatientori), while longer routes leave from the Kamppi shopping center (basement level).
Streetcars. Green streetcars are part of the capital's landscape. The 3T streetcar (3B in the opposite direction), or "tourist streetcar", passes several interesting monuments.
Single tickets. A single ticket costs €2.80 and is valid for one hour after stamping on the entire network, including connections. Tickets purchased directly from the driver are more expensive (€3). They can also be purchased on the application and used directly from the phone.
Day tickets. These are valid on all public transport, including the ferry to Suomenlinna (round trip within 12 hours). Tourist tickets are on sale for €8 per day, €12 for 2 days, €16 for 3, €20 for 4, €24 for 5, €28 for 6, €32 for 7. Purchase from the driver (exclusively for one-day tickets), at ticket offices, vending machines, at the HSL service point (at the main station), at tourist office offices (including the one at the airport) or at R-Kioski newsagents for tickets for 2 days or more. Whatever the duration, the tourist ticket is in the form of a green card that must be validated each time you board public transport. If you're staying longer, it may be worthwhile having a Travel Card created for you: €47.10 for 15 days, €62.70 for a month (Personal Season Card) or a card used by several people. These cards can be loaded with time or a certain monetary value, so that less-frequent journeys can be paid for a little more cheaply than single journeys. Ask for them at HSL offices or the tourist office.
Helsinki City Pass. Another option is to buy a Helsinki City Pass, valid for 1, 2 or 3 days. On sale at tourist offices, R-Kioski, Helsinki Expert offices (also online, on their website) and in some hotels. Prices start at €17 for children aged 7 to 16 and €39 for adults. It's best to buy it at the tourist office. The staff will suggest the most suitable card.
Helsinki Card Region from €44 and €55 with free travel to Helsinki's nearby regions such as Espoo and Vantaa is also practical.
HSL or the smart travel site: hsl.fi, the site created by HSL that lets you plan your journeys without stress!
Bike, scooters & co Finland
In Helsinki, you can easily rent bicycles in many stores or with the municipal and seasonal Citybike system (https://www.hsl.fi/en/citybikes). There are also many self-service scooters available. Cycling is a great way to discover the city! Especially since June 2012, the 1.3 km-long former "Baana" railway pit has been converted into a cycle path below the Palais Finlandia. Respect for motorists and the presence of nature are all good reasons to pedal a little. Don't forget to pick up a map of the cycle paths at the tourist office!
Bicycles are available for hire in all Finnish towns. Ask at tourist offices, hotels or campsites, which often offer their own bicycles at low prices and indicate reserved routes. The Turku archipelago is the kingdom of the little queen. Bicycles can generally be carried on trains, buses and ferries. Helmets are not compulsory, but recommended.
With a driver Finland
Uber and other VTC agencies serve the Finnish capital and major cities well. If you're a little more out of the way, don't hesitate to ask your hotel or tourist office for the contact details of a cab agency.
In Helsinki, the only number to call to order a cab is +358 100 0700. The fare starts at around €5.90 on weekdays (6 a.m. to 8 p.m.) and rises to around €9.50 at weekends and in the evenings, so the cost is often very high, even for short journeys. Cab fares are the same throughout Finland, so don't expect to find cheaper fares outside the capital... Please note that most cabs are equipped with a CB machine.
By car Finland
Driving. Finns respect the law to the letter. Driving in Finland is a pleasure, as aggressive driving is the exception. Driving is on the right, and right of way applies at intersections. The extremely fussy police don't compromise with the rules. French driving licenses are valid in Finland. The permitted blood alcohol level is 0.05 g/l. Seatbelts are compulsory in the back seat, and drivers are required to turn on their low-beam headlights day and night. Beware of the many signs indicating the possible presence of elk or reindeer. In the event of an accident with one, notify the police so that the owner can be compensated. Anyone responsible for an accident must report it to the Finnish central office, which will draw up a declaration in duplicate, one of which must be sent to the insurer within five days. Speeding is severely punished. Numerous fixed and flying speed cameras have been installed on the Helsinki Turku and Tampere routes.
Roads and freeways. The road network covers some 76,000 km, of which 44,000 km are paved. The main roads are in excellent condition, and can be used all year round with winter tires, which are compulsory from November to the end of April. Some secondary roads in the north may be impassable between November and March. Special feature: many communal roads are accessible once the frost has cleared the lakes and rivers. Freeways, on the other hand, are few and far between. They are, however, free and concentrated around the Helsinki region.
Speed limits. In summer, the speed limit is 80 km/h or 100 km/h on national roads. Where there is no sign, the basic speed limit is 80 km/h. Count on 50 km/h in built-up areas and 120 km/h on freeways. In winter, speeds are reduced to 100 km/h on freeways. Be careful to keep your speed down to 100 km/h in winter, especially when it snows (September to April). You can check road and weather conditions at https://liikennetilanne.fintraffic.fi/pulssi/ For cars with caravans or other trailers and motorhomes, do not exceed 80 km/h.
Petrol. Fuel prices are almost identical to those in France. Most rental cars run on unleaded. However, diesel is rarely used. Gas stations generally close at 9 or 11 pm. So be sure to fill up before venturing into remote areas. Visa cards are generally accepted for payment. EuroCard MasterCard, on the other hand, is sometimes rejected. For the latest prices, visit https://www.cargopedia.net/europe-fuel-prices.
Car rentals. Prices are generally quite expensive, but it's always possible to find good deals online on sites such as Auto Europe, especially if you book well in advance. Cars can sometimes be left in another city to save you a return journey, but of course at an extra cost. All cars are fitted with snow tires during the season. Cheaper prices at weekends. You'll find agencies at all airports
Finland by camper van? Perhaps the most convenient way to explore the Nordic countryside and relax on the many roads the country has to offer. It's a good idea to rent a luxury motorhome and hit the road in Scandinavia! Touring Cars aims to adapt to every customer in four countries: Finland, Sweden, Norway and Iceland. Established in 1982, with 30 years' experience, Touring Cars offers well-equipped motorhomes, airport transfer service, 24/7 roadside assistance and professional customer service from start to finish, all at a very affordable price.
Hitchhiking. Apart from the fact that you may spend hours on the side of the road in remote parts of Lapland, hitchhiking is quite safe in Finland, even if it's not a very common practice.
Traffic density in Helsinki is low: there are around 33 cars for every 100 inhabitants. So distances are covered quickly. On the other hand, you need to be aware of one-way streets and the direction of traffic. In winter, when the roadway is covered with snow or ice, hanging signs remind you of the direction assigned to each lane. Some traffic signs differ from the French system. The greatest danger comes from streetcars, which generally travel in the same lane as motorists. The municipality is currently following with interest the experience of London and especially Stockholm to further reduce traffic in the city center. Eventually, a congestion charging system could be introduced.
Free parking combined with public transport. This is the best way to visit the capital when arriving by car. Park and Ride parking lots are located close to the main public transport lines. They are normally free of charge, but a ticket may be required.
Pay parking lots. There are three concentric parking zones from the center of Helsinki. Parking rates decrease as you move away from the city center. On-street parking is charged from Monday to Saturday, 9am to 7pm. On Saturdays, zone 1 rates apply throughout the city. Covered parking lots apply the rate for the zone in which they are located, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. There is a 24-hour flat rate. Sunday parking is generally free.
Accessibility Finland
Trains and buses are required to be adapted for people with reduced mobility, and to offer an access ramp.
