Finland Transport Guide: Loop Trains, Night Trains & City Trams
Transport Guide
2026-10-03
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Understand the HSL, VR trains and airport loop — getting from southern cities to Lapland isn’t far.
Arrival & Getting into Town
| Airport | Getting into Town | Time/Price |
|---|
| Helsinki (HEL) | Loop Train Lines P/I | Approx. 30 mins, around €4–6 |
| Helsinki (HEL) | Bus 615 | Approx. 40 mins, around €4 |
| Rovaniemi (RVN) | Airport Bus Santa’s Express | Approx. 20 mins |
| Ivalo (IVL) | Airport Bus to Saariselkä | Approx. 30–60 mins |
City Transport
- Helsinki: HSL operates metro, trams, buses, commuter trains and Suomenlinna ferry, with fares divided into zones A–E.
- Tickets: The HSL app is the most convenient way to buy tickets, or you can purchase them at ticket machines or convenience stores.
- Helsinki Card: Includes city transport and entry to most museums, ideal for intensive sightseeing.
Inter-city Transport
- Helsinki – Turku: Around 2 hours by train.
- Helsinki – Rovaniemi: Around 8–12 hours by night train (including sleeper), or about 1 hour 20 mins by plane.
- Rovaniemi – Saariselkä: Around 3–4 hours by bus.
- Helsinki – Tallinn: Around 2 hours by ferry, with same-day return possible.
Tips
- VR train tickets are cheaper the earlier you book; sleeper berths on night trains require advance reservation.
- In winter, Lapland roads may be affected by ice and snow — allow extra time for long journeys.
- Helsinki trams are the most pleasant way to explore the city, and Line 2 is known as the sightseeing tram.