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.
Näin matkustat kaukoliikenteen lipuilla Suomessa
Long-distance tickets make it easy to travel from one city to another. Buses also take you where train and flight routes don’t reach. By combining tickets for different modes of transport into a travel chain with the Matkat app, you can make a single seamless trip – all the way from Helsinki Airport to Nuorgam.
- Buses cover all of Finland – complementing train and flight routes
- Most towns have a long-distance bus terminal or station
- On many routes, you can hop on at intermediate stops, for example from your hotel to the airport
- Tickets for long-distance buses are easy to find in the Matkat app or in our online store
- If you travel a lot, a multi-journey ticket in the Matkat app may be the most cost-effective option
Tip! Bus tickets are often cheaper than train tickets. For example, a budget-friendly direct route is from Helsinki to Porvoo – fast and affordable! Buy your tickets in advance — you’ll save money and make sure you get a seat.
How to Travel with Local and Regional Transport Tickets in Finland
With local and regional tickets, you can move around the city or nearby areas just like a local. Tickets can be purchased in the Matkat app under the “Single Tickets” section. Local and regional tickets help you complete your travel chain all the way to your home address, harbors or even the airport.
- Major cities have their own public transport systems, such as Turku (Föli), Tampere (Nysse) and Helsinki (HSL). Tickets are often time-based, allowing you to switch between modes of transport during the ticket’s validity period.
- Tickets can be seamlessly combined with long-distance reservations in the Matkat app.
- The “one app” strategy makes it easy to continue your journey from train or bus to your hotel or sights.
Did you know? Our app is called Matkat – which means trips. And that’s exactly what it’s made for. All routes, all tickets, the whole country – in one app.
Heading North – How to Travel to Lapland
Lapland is a favorite destination for many travelers in Finland. Most journeys start with a train or flight to Rovaniemi, then continue by bus to your final stop. Several operators run in Lapland, but with the Matkat app you can find all connections in one simple search.
The app even shows door-to-door routes – including walking sections – so you can easily get from the station to your hotel and beyond.
Popular destinations in Lapland:
One App – All Your Public Transport Tickets
The biggest advantage of the Matkat 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.
Get it now from your app store:
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?