How to Get to Tampere. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports & Airlines

Tampere-Pirkkala Airport (TMP) directly serves Tampere, is around 17 kilometers (11 miles) southwest of the city center. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) is Finland's largest international airport, about 170 kilometers (106 miles) southeast of Tampere.

Flight Information

TMP Airlines: Finnair (domestic, some European), Ryanair (various European), Air Baltic (to Riga).
HEL Airlines: Finnair (global network), Lufthansa, SAS, British Airways, KLM, The National flag carrier airline of turkey, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways.
Ticket prices for flights are normally peak in summer and during major holidays. Book flights in advance for better fares. Consider Dollar Flight Club for deals or use Skyscanner to compare.

Airport Facilities & Transfers

Airports have various facilities and services for travelers. Ground transportation from air terminals to the city center is efficient.

Transfer Options

TMP to Tampere City: Nysse bus route 103 (30-40 min), Taxi (~€30-€40), or Car Rental.
HEL to Tampere City: Train (most efficient, 2-2.5 hours via Tikkurila/Pasila), Long-cross-country buses, or Taxi/Private Transfer (~€250-€350).
HEL has wide-ranging services: shops, restaurants, lounges, currency exchange, on-site hotels, free Wi-Fi. TMP has basic services: cafe, car hire counters, free Wi-Fi, taxi stand.

Arrival Ease

TMP provides a quicker and more straightforward experience for those arriving.

Global Reach

HEL is a key center for global connections, often serving as the main entry point.

Booking Timing

Booking flights in advance is a good idea, notably for the summer season travel.

Direct Flight Availability

Tampere-Pirkkala TMP

Direct flights from major global hubs to TMP are limited.
Travelers usually use a connecting flight within Europe.
European cities often act as connection points.
Certain paths to TMP can be seasonal, with fewer flights in winter.

Helsinki-Vantaa HEL

Direct flights to HEL are available from major global hubs.
Cities like New York, Tokyo, London, Paris, Frankfurt, and Amsterdam give direct links.
These direct connections make HEL a preferred entry point for long-haul travelers.
A wide selection of European and foreign carriers serve HEL.

Departure Information

Exit Fees

Finland does not levy specific exit fees or taxes for departing travelers. Costs are typically part of your ticket price.

Departure Timing

For international flights from HEL, be THERE two-3 hours prior. For domestic/Schengen flights (TMP or HEL), arrive 1-1.5 hours prior. For trains/buses, 15-30 minutes prior to leaving.

Airport/Station Facilities

TMP: Basic amenities. HEL: Extensive facilities (shops, restaurants, lounges, VAT refund). Tampere Railway/Bus Stations: cafes, kiosks, waiting areas. Image: Train arriving at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport station. View Image Source

Land Transportation

Train Connections & Services

VR (Finnish Railways) operates an extensive network. Tampere is a primary railway hub featuring frequent connections.

Routes & Features

Helsinki: 1.5-2 hours, frequent trains.
Turku: 1.5-2 hours.
Northern Finland: Connections to Oulu, Rovaniemi, including overnight trains that head to Lapland.

Long-Distance Bus Options

Bus services offer connections throughout Finland, often reaching smaller towns.

Bus Companies & Stations

OnniBus.com: Budget operator having frequent connections from Tampere to major cities.
Matkahuolto: Extensive network covering most of Finland, including smaller towns.
Tampere Central Bus Station: Found by the city center, offering access to local public transport.

Self-Driving Considerations

Greater flexibility for exploring Tampere and the Pirkanmaa region.

Requirements & Rental

Valid national driver's license (AN international driving priving is recommended for non-EU/EEA).
Credit card for security deposit. Minimum age 20-21 (surcharge under 25).
Major international rental companies (Avis, Budget, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt, Enterprise) have offices. Book in advance, especially during peak season. Explore car hire possibilities with DiscoverCars.com.

Road Conditions & Safety

Finland's roads are well-maintained. Be aware of specific driving rules and hazards.

Driving Rules & Hazards

Winter driving (Dec-Feb): Winter tires mandatory. Roads can be snowy/icy. Carry a car Emergency kit.
Wildlife: Watch for moose and deer, especially at dawn/dusk in rural areas.
Speed Limits: Strictly enforced. 50 km/h in cities, 80-100 km/h main roads, 120 km/h motorways. Dipped headlights mandatory always.

Border Crossings & Sea/River Travel

Finland shares land borders with Sweden, Norway (straightforward, Schengen).
Russian Border: Must have a valid visas for both countries; subject to specific regulations and geopolitical situation.
Tampere is away from the sea, no direct sea ferry services. Helsinki and Turku are major ferry ports for Sweden and Estonia.

Border control at seaports: Standard Schengen control for non-Schengen arrivals. Free disembarkation from Schengen countries.
River transportation: Limited to seasonal lake cruises on Lake Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi for sightseeing (e.g., Poet's Way).
Ferry terminals connect properly to land transport for onward travel to Tampere.

Local Transport Tips

Public Transit Overview

Tampere boasts an efficient and extensive public transportation system, simplifying access to various parts of the city.

Nysse System

Run by Nysse, consisting of a modern tram network and an extensive bus network.
Main Hubs: Central Square (Keskustori), Railway Station (Rautatieasema), Bus Station (Linja-autoasema).
Ticketing: Single ticket on board (contactless card), Nysse Mobiili application to get in and passes. Day tickets offer best value.

Taxis & Ride-Sharing

Convenient, on-demand transportation, specifically when carrying luggage or traveling late.

Services & Safety

Licensed Taxis: Dark-colored with "TAXI" sign, metered fares. Hail on street, find at stands, or order via app. Dependable and regulated.
Ride-Sharing: Bolt is popular, Uber also operates. Transparent pricing, card payment via apps.
Safety: Taxis are highly safe. Ride-sharing generally safe; verify car, plate, and driver photo with the app.

Cycling & Walking

Tampere's compact size and green spaces make it an excellent city for walking and biking.

Rental Options

For greater flexibility, car and bicycle rental options are available.

Specialized Transport

Beyond standard options, Tampere offers unique getting around for specific experiences.

Public Transport Details

Ticketing & Accessibility

Fares vary by zone. Most tourist attractions fall within zones A and B.

Fares & Accessibility

Single tickets: On board (contactless card) or via Nysse Mobiili app.
Daily tickets (1-7 days): Best value for frequent use, via Nysse Mobiili app.
Accessibility: New trams are low-floor, offering easy access for wheelchairs and strollers. Buses also have ramps.

Operating Hours & Efficiency

Public transport runs extensively, with high frequency on main routes.

Frequency & Tips

Hours: Generally from early morning (around 5:00 AM) until late evening/midnight.
Frequency: High on main routes (5-15 min intervals during peak). Reduced on weekends/holidays.
Tips: Download Nysse Mobiili app for tickets plus genuine-time schedules. Use Google Maps for directions. Always get your ticket stamped.

Rental Options & Driving

Car Rental

Requires valid license, credit card. Age 20-21+ (surcharge under 25). Major companies available. Winter tires mandatory Dec-Feb. Drive on right. Dipped headlights always on.

Bicycle Rentals

City Bikes (May-Oct) via mobile app. Several shops feature daily/multi-day rentals. Good network of dedicated bike lanes. Helmets recommended.

Walking

City center is pedestrian-friendly. Areas for walkers only around Keskustori and Tammerkoski. Walking paths around lakes and in parks (Pyynikki Ridge). No "no-go" areas for pedestrians.

Mobility in Tampere

Tampere offers diverse travel choices, from modern trams to scenic lake cruises, ensuring smooth travel experiences.

How to Get to Tampere