Getting Around Finland: Transport Options & Driving Rules

Finland's public transport network—trains, intercity buses, flights, and city trams and metros—is reliable and well-connected, making it the easiest way to get around. Driving is also straightforward with well-maintained roads and no tolls, so the right choice depends on whether you're staying in cities or covering long distances.

What's the best way to travel between cities?

For longer distances, passenger trains, intercity buses, and domestic flights are all solid options and are the recommended way to travel in Finland. To plan any route across the country—whether by bus, train, tram, metro, ferry, or flight—use Fintraffic, the national journey planner, which covers timetables and connections for all public transport modes.

How do I get around within cities like Helsinki?

In the Helsinki region, download the HSL app—it's the standard tool for using buses, trams, metro, and suburban trains. You can buy single-use tickets, day tickets (available from 1 to 13 days), or season tickets directly through the app. The region is split into four travel zones (A, B, C, D) radiating out from the city centre, and fares are based on which zones you travel through, so check which zone your destination falls into before buying a ticket.

What do I need to know about driving in Finland?

Drivers must be at least 18 with a valid licence; EU/EEA licences are accepted as long as they haven't expired. Headlights must be on at all times, year-round. Winter tyres are required when conditions call for them between 1 November and 31 March. The blood alcohol limit is strictly 0.05%.

Speed limits shift by season: in summer, expect 30-50 km/h in built-up areas, 80 km/h on rural roads, and 100 km/h on major highways (up to 120 km/h on motorways). In winter, these drop to 80 km/h on rural roads and 100 km/h on highways. There are no toll roads anywhere in the country. For current road surface conditions and warnings, check Fintraffic's road weather service at liikennetilanne.fintraffic.fi. Car rental is available at major airports and cities—including Helsinki-Vantaa, Tampere, Turku, Oulu, and Rovaniemi—through companies like Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and Budget; book ahead in summer and winter.

What about taxis and staying connected on the move?

Taxis are safe and commonly used, with Taksi Helsinki, 02 Taksi, Bolt, and Uber the most popular options, though they cost more than in many U.S. cities. For staying online while traveling, Finnish mobile networks offer reliable coverage at low cost, with prepaid SIMs sold at kiosks and grocery stores; many plans include unlimited data (rajaton), which is handy for using journey-planning apps on the go.

FAQ

Do I need an international driver's licence in Finland? Not if you hold a valid EU/EEA licence—it remains valid as long as it hasn't expired.

What number do I call in an emergency? Dial 112 for all emergencies in Finland.

Can I buy a single bus ticket instead of a season pass in Helsinki? Yes, the HSL app offers single-use tickets alongside day tickets (1-13 days) and season tickets.

Sources

• Finland Travel Advisory | Travel.State.gov
• https://www.visitfinland.com/en/articles/guide-to-drive-in-finland/
• Fintraffic
• How to Use Public Transport in Helsinki: Metro, Tram, Bus, Ferry & HSL [2026]
• Public Transport in Finland: HSL, VR and Beyond | NordicExpat
• Helsinki Transport Tickets: HSL Zones, Day Tickets, App & Airport Fare [2026]
• Helsinki Transit Tickets 2026: ABC, AB, and Apps
• https://ihhelsinki.fi/wp-content/uploads/newcomersguide.pdf