Finland does not have a very dense railway system; its main lines are not very long. However, it has some fine modem locomotives which would do credit to any country.
The main line to Hanko was opened in 1873. Today the railway is operated by VR Group. It is a great way to explore the southernmost part of Finland.
Karis?Hanko Station
The railway line passes by Luumaki and Simola, crosses the wide Viipuri River on a fine bridge and reaches the city of Viipuri (Viborg) at 194 1/2 miles from Helsinki. It is a busy junction for ocean-going steamships and has a lively trade in timber and coal.
Nearly all trains between Helsinki and Turku stop here; and there are commuter train services from Helsinki to Hanko (often substituted by bus). The line also serves cargo traffic.
The current station building represents post-functionalism and was completed in 1952. It is a landmark of the Hanko–Hyvinkaa railway. The station also features a rock monument to commemorate the southernmost point in mainland Finland and the emigration that took place there in the past. The port town is served by buses to Helsinki and other places in the country. Moovit makes travelling to Bussi Karjaa – Hanko easy, which is why over 1.5 million users, including travellers from Karjaa, trust Moovit for their public transit needs.
Trains
Finland’s railways are comfortable and clean, as you might expect from a technologically advanced Nordic nation. But they are not always well-suited to the country’s topography. The main line from Helsinki to Kajaani skirts the eastern arm of Lake Simpele, passing within half a mile of the Russian frontier—a reminder of a Karelian past that inspired Finnish folklore and music in the 19th century.
A slick Allegro train looks very smart in the morning sunshine as it slips out of Helsinki. It’s the latest of many such trains that have made St Petersburg just a three-and-a-half hour ride from this lively capital, though this service was recently axed in protest at Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. But if you can get out of town, a trip by rail is the best way to appreciate Finland’s breathtaking natural scenery. Modern trains feature a wide range of amenities depending on the type, including quiet carriages, child-play areas and space for pets.
Buses
The main bus company in Finland, Oy Matkahuolto Ab, offers long-distance coach connections to nearly all parts of the country. This is a convenient way to get around, particularly as most trips between cities can be booked in one ticket and require significantly less time between rides.
Within Helsinki, the city-run “mobility on demand” transit service Kutsuplus provides WiFi-equipped buses that roam the central core. The system automatically routes buses to nearby passengers, with pickup points just a few minutes’ walk from most city bus stops. Payment is arranged through the app, eliminating the need for fumbling with transit cards.
Trains are the preferred mode of transport for many Finns, and it’s no wonder: trains are comfortable, spacious, and quiet. Plus, long-distance trains have restaurants that serve small snacks and drinks, including alcoholic beverages, and private cabins for sleeping. Train travel is also cheaper and faster than bus travel, and you can use a multi-country rail pass if you’re travelling long distances.
Parking
Whether you’re traveling for business or pleasure, it’s important to know where the closest parking lot is located. In Helsinki, paid parking is available in three zones, Vuehuke 1, Vuehuke 2, and Vuehuke 3. The zones are based on their proximity to the city center, and each zone has its own price. The cost for a parking space is indicated by a sign. It is possible to pay with payment machines, special mobile services, or a device called Komet, which allows you to pre-pay for parking.
The system can also detect dangerous situations at railway crossings and switch to alarm mode. In addition, it can alert the railway operator and the police about potential dangers.
It’s best to rent a car in Hanko, as it can be expensive to take taxis for long distances. Having a car will also give you the freedom to travel beyond city limits and visit nearby attractions or other cities like Turku, Espoo, and the capital Helsinki.
