How to Travel in Finland with Public Transport
Welcome to Finland!
Public transport in Finland is safe, reliable and easy to use. Unlike in many countries, buses and trains here run on time, and tickets are fairly priced. Matkahuolto is your trusted travel companion – the service that locals also use. With us, you can always be sure to get the right ticket, at the right time, to the right place.
Long-Distance Travel
Most visitors arrive in Finland by plane or train and continue their journey by bus. Long-distance bus terminals are the easiest starting points – no need to worry about small stops that might be hard to find.
Tip: Bus tickets are often cheaper than train tickets, and you can book them at the last minute. For example, a budget-friendly direct route is from Helsinki to Porvoo – fast and affordable!
Local & Regional Transport
In most cities, travel is done using the city’s own public transport. Local tickets are usually time-based, meaning you can switch between different modes of transport within the zone as often as you like while your ticket is valid.
With the Trips & Tickets app you’ll find nearly all local transport tickets as well (Turku not included). Tickets are available in the app under “Single Ticket.”
Explore Finnish Lapland
This is the highlight of many trips!
The most common way to travel north is by train to Rovaniemi and then continue by bus. Lapland has many operators – but with our app, you can buy all tickets in one place.
The app even shows door-to-door routes, including walking directions, so you can easily find your way from the train station to your hotel.
Popular destinations in Lapland:
One App – All Your Public Transport Tickets
The biggest advantage of the Trips and Tickets app is that it gives you the entire travel chain in one place. No more juggling different apps or paper tickets – just one smooth journey.
With the app, you can buy tickets for your whole trip:
From Helsinki city centre (even directly from your hotel address)…
…to Rovaniemi by train or bus…
…and onwards to your Lapland hotel or Santa Claus Village.
The app combines local tickets, long-distance buses, trains, and even walking routes into one clear plan. You’ll always know where to go next, and you’ll always have the right ticket ready.
Door-to-door travel in Finland is this easy!
Travel across Finland with just one free app – from hotel to hotel, city to city, even all the way to Lapland.
Safety Tips for Public Transport in Finland
Public transport in Finland is safe, clean, and reliable. Still, a few tips make your journey smoother:
- Keep your ticket ready for inspection on buses and trains.
- Book tickets for Lapland routes early during peak Christmas and ski seasons – they can sell out quickly.
- Public transport is safe even at night, but always keep valuables close.
Luggage & Tickets
Many travelers wonder about luggage when using public transport in Finland, especially whether large suitcases are allowed on buses or trains.
- On long-distance buses in Finland, large suitcases go in the luggage compartment free of charge.
- On trains in Finland, there are special storage areas for big bags.
- Keep your carry-on with you in the seating area for easy access.
- If your ticket has a QR code, scan it at the reader. It may also include a code for the driver to read or your personal identifier. Always check the receipt for instructions on how to use your ticket.
3 Easy Ways to Plan Your Visit
With us, you can create the perfect travel chain across Finland – from Helsinki to Lapland, from Rovaniemi to Santa Claus Village, or even across the border to Norway. All tickets can be bought in one place.
- One app for every journey. The Routes and Tickets app combines local transport, long-distance buses, and trains into one smooth door-to-door travel chain – even walking sections are included.
- Know your destination? Buy your tickets directly from our online store – perfect for city-to-city travel, like Helsinki to Tampere.
- Plan ahead online, travel smoothly with the app. The journey planner shows your entire route from hotel to hotel, including buses, trains, local transport, and walking directions. Then transfer your plan directly to the app and buy your tickets.
Most Popular Public Transport Routes in Finland
Discover the most popular routes, favored by locals. Perhaps one of them could be your next destination?
Timetables and ticket purchase