Getting Around Finland: Trains, Buses, Metro and Car Rental

Getting around Finland

Finland is easy to travel thanks to clean, punctual public transport and well-maintained roads. Distances between cities can be long, so plan around trains and buses for the south and a rental car for Lapland.

Trains

VR runs the national rail network. Fast Pendolino and InterCity trains connect Helsinki with Tampere, Turku, Oulu, Rovaniemi and beyond. Book on the VR app or vr.fi, where early tickets are far cheaper. The overnight Santa Claus Express to Rovaniemi even carries cars and has sleeper cabins. Trains are comfortable, with free Wi-Fi, a restaurant car and family and pet coaches.

Metro, trams and city transport

Helsinki has Finland's only metro, plus an extensive tram and bus network run by HSL. Buy a single ticket or day ticket in the HSL app, which covers the metro, trams, buses, the Suomenlinna ferry and local commuter trains. A day ticket is great value for sightseeing. Tampere has a modern tram line, and most cities have reliable local buses.

Intercity buses

For towns trains do not reach, long-distance buses are excellent. OnniBus offers very cheap fares booked in advance, while Matkahuolto aggregates regional coach routes across the country. Buses are punctual and comfortable, often with Wi-Fi and power sockets.

Car rental

Renting a car makes sense for Lapland, the Lakeland and the archipelago. Major firms (Hertz, Sixt, Europcar) operate at airports and city centres. Roads are excellent but watch for elk and reindeer, especially at dusk. In winter, winter tyres are mandatory and snow-covered roads demand slow, careful driving. Headlights must be on at all times, year-round.

Ride apps and taxis

Bolt, Yango and FREENOW operate in larger cities, alongside traditional taxis (Taksi Helsinki, Lähitaksi). Taxis are metered and bookable by app. In Helsinki, city bikes are a fun warm-season option.

Intercity travel tips

• Book trains and OnniBus early for the lowest fares.
• The HSL and VR apps handle tickets, maps and live times.
• Allow extra time in winter; check conditions before driving north.
• Ferries connect Helsinki with Tallinn and Stockholm if you are continuing your trip.

Stay connected in Finland

A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online for maps, live timetables, translation and bookings the moment you land, with no roaming fees. Activate it before departure and arrive ready to navigate.