Transportation
Traveling by plane
According to top-medical-schools, the Finnish domestic flight network is one of the densest in the world. The numerous airports spread across the country make traveling around Finland quick and hassle-free. Hubs are the airports of Helsinki, Turku and Tampere. The former Finnair (AY) flight connections between Helsinki and Turku and between Helsinki and Tampere have been replaced by bus connections. Finnair (AY) serves a variety of domestic destinations. Norra – Nordic Regional Airlines (N7) is a subsidiary of Finnair and operates domestic flights on behalf of Finnair.
Traveling by car/bus
The Finnish road network consists of around 78,000 km and is very well developed in the south. More than half of the roads are paved or often covered with oil gravel in the north of the country. Despite the well-developed road network, you can often only reach your destination via detours because of the numerous lakes. The further north you go, the less dense the road network is. One should always pay attention to deer crossings in Finland. Warning signs draw attention to moose, deer and reindeer. Anyone who hits a moose or a reindeer must report this to the police. There are no toll roads in Finland. Petrol stations are mostly open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m.; in the big cities often 24 hours a day. The gas station network is nationwide.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Right
Road classification
State roads (Finnish: Valtatie) are the highest road category in Finland. They connect the largest cities in the country. They have a total length of about 8,500 km. They are marked on road signs with a white number on a red background. Approximately 700 km of state roads have been developed like motorways.
Car rental
Rental cars are available in Helsinki and other major cities. The minimum rental age is 19 and you must have held your driver’s license for at least a year. Drivers under the age of 25 may be charged a young driver fee.
Taxi
Taxis are readily available in every major town, at airports and in front of major hotels. There are also shared taxis at airports, which you can use to reach the city inexpensively with other travellers. Taxis can also be ordered by phone or hailed on the street in major cities.
Coach
Express buses, including the Matkahuolto bus company, serve much of the entire road network. Even the most remote places are approached. Buses are the most important means of transport in Lapland, so the bus network is well developed. Public buses usually run twice a day, stopping at small bus stations along the way.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – It is compulsory to wear seat belts. – Alcohol limit: 0.5 ‰. – Children under 135 cm tall and under 3 years old must be secured with a restraint system. If not available, children under 3 years of age will not be permitted to travel and children over 3 years of age must be secured in the rear seat with a seat belt. – The wearing of fluorescent warning vests or reflectors is compulsory for motorists and all occupants as well as motorcyclists when leaving the vehicle outside of built-up areas and staying on the road, eg in the event of breakdowns or accidents. – Drivers must always drive with dipped headlights or, if there is sufficient light and visibility, with daytime running lights. – Winter tires are compulsory from December 1st to the end of February (in Lapland from mid-October to the end of April) for all vehicles up to 3.5 tons; with trailers also for braked trailers. – Snow chains can be mounted in addition to winter tires; Spikes are allowed from November 1st to the first Monday after Easter and must be mounted on all four wheels when in use. Speed limits: In built-up areas: 50 km/h; on country roads: 80-100 km/h; on motorways: 120 km/h; The maximum speed for cars with a trailer is 80 km/h.
Roadside Assistance
The ADAC partner club in Finland is AL autoliito in Helsinki, Tel. +358 9 77 47 64 00. But the ADAC foreign emergency call also offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns and traffic accidents, loss of documents and money to medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; in the event of vehicle damage: Tel. +49-89 22 22 22, in the event of illness: Tel. +49-89 76 76 76.
Documentation
National driver’s license and registration papers must be carried. For citizens of EU and EFTA countries, the license plate number is valid as proof of insurance. Nevertheless, EU and EFTA citizens are recommended to take their international motor insurance card with them in order to be able to enjoy full insurance cover in the event of damage. Otherwise, the statutory minimum liability insurance coverage applies. In addition, the international motor insurance card can make it easier to record accidents. All drivers require full insurance coverage. For information, contact the Finnish automobile club Autoliitto, tel. +358 9 7258 4400.
Note on travel by road
Anyone involved in an accident must immediately inform the Liikennevakuutuskeskus Car Insurance Office, tel. +358 40 450 45 20.
Traveling in the city
In Helsinki, Helsinki City Transport (HKL) operates a well-coordinated transport network of buses, trams, metro, suburban trains and a ferry to Suomenlinna Fortress. In addition to single tickets, there are also day tickets for 1-7 days and regional tickets, with which you can also use public transport in the neighboring cities of Espoo, Kauniainen and Vantaa. Interesting sights can be found on the route of tram 2. We recommend taking line 4 for anyone interested in architecture, and line 6 for lovers of design and art. All three lines start in the south and go in different directions. The Helsinki Card is for 1, Available for 2 or 3 days and valid for unlimited travel on public transport in Helsinki. It also includes free entry to numerous museums and other attractions, as well as a panoramic sightseeing bus tour of Helsinki. Children under the age of 7 can use the transport network for free when accompanied by an adult. You order the Helsinki Card online and you can either have it sent to you by post or pick it up in Helsinki at the airport or at Hotel Seurahuone, next to the Central Station.
Locally on the way by train
The modern Finnish rail network connects all major cities in the country. The two main lines run north to Kemijärvi, Rovaniemi and Kolari in Lapland. The VR Group is a logistics group that emerged from the Finnish state railway, which, in addition to rail transport, also operates bus transport with its subsidiaries, among other things. Trains with sleeper coaches run from Helsinki and Turku to distant major Finnish cities.
rail passes
The Interrail One Country Pass is also valid in Finland. The Eurail Scandinavian Pass entitles non-European residents to unlimited rail travel in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland.
Note on the train journey
Express trains operate on long-distance routes in the south, IC trains to popular cities and regions, and high-speed trains between major cities. Night trains connect Helsinki with Kemijärvi, Kolari and Rovaniemi. Reservations are required for IC, high-speed and night trains. Tickets and information on timetables, prices and discounts can be obtained from the VR Group. Fare reductions: Children under the age of 4 travel for free without their own seat. Children aged 4-16 receive a 40% discount on long-distance trains, seniors over 65 and pensioners under 65 receive a 20% discount.
Traveling by ship
Steamers and motor boats operate on the inland waterways. Depending on the dimensions, there are a large number of different routes and connections. Hopealinjat offers cruises to Tampere, Hämeenlinna, Virrat, Ruovesi, Nokia, Lempäälä, among others. Each Hopealinjat ship is also available for individually planned charter trips. Liners operate on Lakes Saimaa, Päijänne, Inarijärvi and Pielinen (there is also a car ferry on the latter).
