There are a number of different ways to get to Finland. Those coming from further afield will most likely arrive by air, but for those coming from or continuing on to Central or Eastern Europe, options include rail, water and road. Getting around the country offers similar options.

The weather can have a big influence on travel options, and as such it should always be taken into consideration for any journey within Finland.

This Finland transportation guide lists details about both getting to and from Finland, as well as getting around Finland once you are there. For information about transport within the capital, you can go directly to our Helsinki transportation guide. A great way to get around and explore Finland is by taking a tour.

Finland Transportation Guide 

By Air

Many major carriers in Europe and North America have direct flights to Finland. The national airline is Finnair (http://www.finnair.com/). The main airport in Finland is Helsinki-Vantaa (http://www.ilmailulaitos.com/), which is located about 20 kms north of the city. There are airport buses and taxis which make the roughly 35 minute journey into the city centre. Other cities with international airports include Turku, Tampere and Rovaniemi.

By Sea

There are a number of car ferries which sail to various locations in Sweden, Germany and Estonia. There are also various cruise lines which dock in Finnish ports, including:

- Cunard (http://www.cunard.com/)
- Eckero Line (http://www.eckeroline.fi/)
- Fred Olsen (http://www.fredolsencruises.com/)
- P&O (http://www.cruiseline.co.uk/)
- Princess (http://www.princess.com/)
- Silversea (http://www.silversea.com/)

By Rail

Copenhagen, Hamburg and Stockholm all have rail-sea links to Finland, to either Helsinki or Turku. Moscow and St Petersburg also have direct rail links with Finland. There are a number of rail passes that are valid for travel to and from Finland, as well as throughout the country. These include:

- Inter-rail pass (http://www.interrailnet.com/)
- Eurailpass (http://www.eurail.com/)
- ScanRail pass (http://www.raileurope.co.uk/railpasses/scanrail.htm)

By Road

Finland has a number of different official border crossings, including ten between Finland and Sweden, eight between Finland and the Russian Federation and six between Finland and Norway. There are also a number of road-sea links, mainly between Finland and Sweden, Denmark, Germany and Estonia.

Getting Around

Air

If you are planning on covering large distances in a short amount of time, you may wish to do so by air travel. There are three main domestic carries. They are:

- Finnair (http://www.finnair.com/)
- Golden Air (http://www.goldenair.se/)
- Blue 1 (http://www.blue1.com/)

Water

Ferries and waterbuses regularly service the numerous islands and inland waterways. Trips vary greatly in things such as routes and distances, and some can even last a few days. Some of the more popular companies and routes include:

- Silver Line (http://www.finnishsilverline.com/) between Hämeenlinna and Tampere
- Saimaa Ferries (http://www.saimaaferries.fi/) operate lake routes from Lieksa, Nurmes, Koli and Joensuu
- Lake Päijänne Cruises operate from Lahti, Heinola and Jyväskylä
- Roll Cruises run services from both Kuopio and Savonlinna

Rail

Rail is a great way to get around Finland. With over 6,000 km of track, and modern, spacious and comfortable trains, it is relatively cheap, quick and efficient. The rail service is operated by VR Ltd (www.vr.fi) - check the website to see what discounted and group fares are available. One option open to European residents is to purchase the EuroDomino pass. Information is available from Rail Europe (www.raileurope.co.uk).

Car

Driving is on the right hand side in Finland. There are a number of car rental agencies in Helsinki and other larger cities and towns. A European drivers licence or International Driving Permit are required. Information about driving regulations, including important winter regulations, can be found by visiting Autoliitto (Automobile and Touring Club of Finland - www.autoliitto.fi).

Bus

The bus system in Finland is one of the most comprehensive in all of Europe, covering over 90 percent of the country with 40,000 daily bus departures. These are all timed to coincide with the air, rail and sea departures, and therefore are extremely convenient. To find information about coach services in Finland check out ExpressBus (www.expressbus.com).