Arriving & Accommodation

Here are some tips on how to get to Turku, temporary accommodation options and information about the transport possibilities in the city.

By air

It is quite convenient to arrive in Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. Long-distance bus connections and a train connection are leaving approximately every hour from the airport to Turku. The travelling time between Helsinki-Vantaa airport and the Turku bus station is about two and a half hours.

Several international flights are arriving directly at Turku Airport. The airport is 8 kilometres from the city centre, which can be reached by taxi (approximately €20-25) or by local bus number 1 (3€). If your arrival time to Turku Airport is after the last bus and there is no taxi to be found, you can order one by using the service phone which is located near the exit on the arrivals level of the terminal.

By bus

The national long-distance bus service Matkahuolto departs from local bus stations throughout Finland and also from Helsinki-Vantaa airport. The final stop in Turku for long-distance buses is at the Turku Bus Station (linja-autoasema) which is located at the city centre.

There may be a change of bus in Espoo during the trip from Helsinki-Vantaa airport to Turku. The bus personnel will inform you about the change and your luggage will be transferred by the bus personnel.

Another possibility is to use the bus service Onnibus.

Both bus services have online offers on tickets. Usually, you get the tickets cheaper if purchased in advance.

By train

The national train company VR departs from the local railway stations throughout Finland. There are two railway stations in Turku: The main railway station (Päärautatieasema) which is at the city centre at Ratapihankatu 37, will be closed due to the renovation for 2 years starting from August 2022.  Kupittaa railway station is located about 1.5 kilometres from the city centre and 0.5 kilometres from the university campus. Only the trains coming from the direction of Helsinki stop at Kupittaa, and Kupittaa Railway station will be the final station from Helsinki starting on August 15 2022 onwards.

There is a train connection from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Kupittaa.

By ferry

There are two cruise lines which have regular connections between Stockholm and Turku: Viking Line and Silja Line.

The Port of Turku (Turun Satama) is approximately two kilometres from the city centre and can be reached by local bus number 1.

Green travel

If you are travelling from Europe, consider choosing a green travel option. Travelling by train, bus or even by carpooling you have the chance to travel in a climate-friendly fashion and enjoy the changing sceneries during your journey.

Train is by far the most ecological means of transport but by choosing a bus or even by carpooling you will have travelled to your destination more sustainably compared to flying. When choosing a train or a bus as a means of transport, you also do not need to worry about baggage weight restrictions.

For example, you can first travel by train to Stockholm (tip! You can find a direct train connection from Berlin to Stockholm), and then continue with the ferry from Stockholm to Turku.

Useful links:

Rome2rio: discover how to get anywhere

Interrail – travel through Europe by Train

Deutsche Bahn

Omio – book trains, buses & flights 

Direct Ferries

Temporary Accommodation

Check out the University of Turku’s recommended options for accommodation to assist with your planning: Housing | University of Turku > Hostels, Airbnb, and other temporary accommodations.

Getting around in Turku

Local bus connections are efficient and safe and it is an easy and economical way to get to your apartment or the university campus area. The local bus network covers also the Turku airport, harbour, railway station and bus station with frequent connections.

A single bus ticket costs 3€ and is valid for transfers on all local buses for up to two hours. Students can purchase discount bus passes from the local transportation office.

Local buses run approximately at 6.00 – 23.00. There are also few night connections. The ticket for the nighttime busses is 1€ more expensive.

Please see the Turku Local Transport website for timetables and prices.

Navigating Turku Using Föli Buses – Beginners Guide for Students (A blog post written by our student Esther)