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Air Travel

Air Travel

South Coast, Finland

Major Airports & Airlines

Turku Airport TKU

This is the main airport serving Turku and the surrounding Southwest Finland region. It is about 8 kilometers north of the city center, a quick transfer. Airlines include Finnair (domestic) and low-cost carriers like Wizz Air, Ryanair (European routes).

Terminal Facilities

  • A few cafes and restaurants.
  • Duty-free shop.
  • Car rental desks available.

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport HEL

Finland's largest international airport, about 170 kilometers east of Turku. Many international travelers fly into HEL and then connect to Turku by train or bus. It has a much wider range of international flights.

Terminal Facilities

  • Numerous shops and a wide selection of restaurants and cafes.
  • Several lounges.
  • On-site hotels and various car rental options.

Seasonal Price Swings

Flight prices peak during summer (June-August) and around major holidays (Christmas, Easter). Low-cost carriers may have limited schedules in low season.

Budget Flight Opportunities

Dollar Flight Club for flight deals.

Flight Search

Skyscanner for comparing flight options.

Airport Transfers

From Turku Airport TKU

  • Föli bus line 1 operates regularly between the airport and Turku city center (Market Square). Journey: 20-30 minutes. Ticket: €3.50 (driver) / €3 (app).
  • Taxi stands are outside the terminal. Fare to city center: €25-€35.
  • Car rental desks are inside the airport terminal.
  • Direct flights to TKU are mainly from within Europe, mostly with low-cost carriers.

From Helsinki-Vantaa Airport HEL

  • Take Finnair City Bus or HSL train to Helsinki Central Railway Station (30 min). From Helsinki Central, direct VR trains run frequently to Turku (2 hours).
  • Direct long-distance bus services (OnniBus.com, Matkahuolto) operate from HEL directly to Turku (2-2.5 hours). Book in advance for economy.
  • DiscoverCars.com for rental options.
  • For intercontinental travel, connecting flights are typically necessary via HEL or another major European hub.

Local Car Rental Options

Avis & Budget

Major rental companies with presence at TKU and city.

Europcar & Hertz

Further options for rental vehicles in Turku.

Sixt

Another international car rental provider.

Land Transportation

Train Services

VR (Finnish Railways) operates frequent and reliable train services connecting Turku to major Finnish cities, mainly Helsinki and Tampere.

Train Travel Details

  • Turku Central Railway Station: Close to city center, bus or walk.
  • Travel time: Helsinki to Turku is about 2 hours. Tampere to Turku is about 1.5-2 hours.
  • Book tickets online via VR's official website: Www.vr.fi/en.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Matkahuolto is a major bus network connecting Turku to various towns and cities. OnniBus.com offers competitive fares, especially with advance online booking.

Bus Travel Details

  • Matkahuolto: Extensive routes across Finland.
  • OnniBus.com: Low-cost express operator to Helsinki, Tampere, Oulu.
  • Turku Bus Station: Located slightly north of the city center.

Self-Driving & Road Conditions

Finland is a well-maintained and good road network. Major highways are in excellent condition. Driving side is right-hand.

Important Driving Facts

  • Valid national driver's license needed. Non-EU/EEA licenses need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside.
  • Winter Driving: Mandatory use of winter tires (studded or non-studded) from November 1 to March 31. Road conditions can be challenging with snow/ice.
  • Wildlife: Moose and deer can be a hazard, especially at dawn/dusk outside urban areas. Look for warning signs.

Border Crossing Information

Finland shares land borders with Sweden, Norway, and Russia. Border crossings with Sweden and Norway are generally open and seamless due to Finland being part of the Schengen Area.

Border Details

  • No land border crossings directly affect travel to or from Turku.
  • Travelers from outside the Schengen Area will undergo standard border control.
  • Roads are generally safe. Speed limits are strictly enforced.

Road Conditions & Safety Concerns

  • Speed limits are strictly enforced, and automatic speed cameras are common.
  • Wildlife, especially moose and deer, can be a hazard, especially at dawn and dusk, especially outside urban areas.
  • In winter, prepare for slippery conditions by using winter tires and driving carefully.
  • Finland has zero tolerance for drunk driving.
  • Headlights must be on at all times, even during daylight hours.
  • Seatbelts are for all occupants.

Sea/River Arrivals

Ferry Services & Cruise Ports

Turku Passenger Harbour is a major ferry port connecting Turku to Stockholm, Sweden, and the Åland Islands. It is a busy hub for both passenger and vehicle ferries.

Ferry Details

  • Ferry Companies: Viking Line and Tallink Silja Line operate daily overnight ferries between Turku and Stockholm, with Åland Islands stops.
  • Terminal Facilities: Shops, cafes, and check-in desks at the Passenger Harbour.
  • Cruise Ships: Turku serves as a port of call for international cruise lines during summer.

River Transportation Options

During the summer months, small river ferries operate along the Aura River. The "Föri" is a charming, free cable ferry that crosses the river near Turku Castle.

River Transport Details

  • Föri: Free cable ferry crossing the Aura River near Turku Castle. A good local experience.
  • Water Bus: Operates in summer, connecting city center to Ruissalo Island and Turku Castle. Part of Föli public transport.
  • Archipelago Cruises: Various companies offer scenic cruises and island-hopping tours into the Archipelago Sea during summer.

Immigration Procedures

Standard Schengen border control procedures apply for passengers arriving from outside the Schengen Area. For ferries arriving from Sweden or the Åland Islands (both within the Schengen Area), no passport checks upon disembarkation (carry documents).

Connections to Land Transport

From Turku Passenger Harbour: Föli bus lines run regularly from ferry terminals to Turku Market Square. Taxis are available. Walk to city center (2-3 km).

Future Transport

A light rail system is planned for Turku, with future connections to the harbor, which will greatly improve accessibility.

Departure Information

Departure Procedures & Timing

Finland levies no specific exit fees or taxes on travelers departing. For international flights from Turku Airport (TKU), attempt to arrive at least 1.5-2 hours before your scheduled departure time.

Timing Recommendations

  • For Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL), plan for 2-3 hours before departure for non-Schengen flights and 1.5-2 hours for Schengen flights.
  • Ferry Travel: Check-in times for ferries (Viking Line, Tallink Silja) are usually 30-60 minutes before departure for foot passengers, and longer for vehicles. Always confirm specific ferry company's requirements.
  • Train/Bus: For train or bus departures from Turku Central Railway Station or Turku Bus Station, arriving 15-30 minutes before departure is generally sufficient.

Airport/Station Facilities for Departing Travelers

Turku Airport (TKU) has basic services. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) has extensive facilities.

Facility Details

  • Turku Airport (TKU): Offers limited facilities for departing travelers, including a small cafe and a duty-free shop.
  • Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL): Has extensive facilities, including numerous shops, a wide range of restaurants, and various lounges.
  • Turku Central Railway Station/Bus Station: These stations offer basic waiting areas, sometimes with kiosks or small cafes.

Border Crossing Information

Finland's Borders

Finland shares land borders with Sweden, Norway, and Russia.

Schengen Area Ease

Border crossings with Sweden and Norway are generally open and seamless.

No Direct Impact on Turku

No land border crossings directly affect travel to or from Turku.