In general, Finland is a very safe place for visitors, but it is always wise to take basic precautions. It is also recommended to check up on the latest government info about travel safety before arriving.
Buses are the backbone of intercity transportation in Finland. Both regular vakiovuoro buses and pricier pikavuoro expresses run between cities.
Route
Getting around Helsinki by train, bus or ferry is very easy. Day tickets are economical for visitors, and season tickets offer savings. Bus routes are operated by the municipal transport authority, HRT (Helsingin seudun liikenne), and trains by the VR Group.
The main railway line runs north through Luumaki and Simola across a fine bridge over the broad Viipuri River to reach the important junction at Viborg. From here, an international line carries passengers all the way to the frontier station at Rajajoki on the Russian border.
The high-speed S220 Pendolino train connects the capital with other major Finnish cities, cutting journey times by a third. There are also frequent ferries from Market Square to the World Heritage sea fortress of Suomenlinna, where ticket options include both public transport tickets and a combined ferry/train ticket. Within the city, trains are a good option for visiting the sights and shopping. Outside the city, buses provide a quick and easy connection to suburban areas.
Stations
As one of the most important stations in Finland, Helsinki Central railway station has an interesting and illustrious history. It is also an excellent example of the kind of railway infrastructure that is in use in the country, where rail transport is still a vital means of transportation for many people.
The station is located in the heart of Helsinki and is connected to the Metro system via the Asematunneli tunnel. The main facade of the station faces the Kluuvikatu street. There is a tram stop right outside the station, and buses to the airport leave from the adjacent Helsinki Central bus terminal.
Tickets must be purchased before boarding trains. Tickets are available at stations and on long distance and regional trains, and can be bought with cash or cards from ticket machines. The price of tickets is based on the distance travelled. Children under 7, full-time students and pensioners receiving the national pension can travel free of charge.
Fares
While Finland may not be the cheapest country in Europe, its public transportation system has become more affordable over the last few years. In addition, many public transit systems offer a variety of fare options for different circumstances. For example, children and seniors ride free with a valid student or senior ID. Purchasing a day or seasonal ticket is also cheaper than paying for individual rides.
Getting to Iisalmi from Helsinki is easy and convenient, with bus and train services running daily. The bus is the quickest option, while the train offers a more scenic route. Both options offer comfortable seating and are a great alternative to renting a car.
Helsinki’s extensive rail network includes stations throughout the city and suburbs. Using public transport is the best way to see all that the city has to offer. It is also cheap and environmentally friendly. Train tickets are very affordable if you book them in advance.
Timetable
The main line between Helsinki and Iisalmi runs on a timetable that is updated every day. The train takes 5h 34m to reach Helsinki, and is very direct with no transfers. The fare for the trip varies according to the ticket type: Value tickets are valid for 80-110 minutes, and discounts are available for pensioners receiving national pensions, full-time students, people with limited mobility, and children under 7.
Finnish trains have a reputation as being spacious, comfortable and clean. The scenery along railway lines is also considered picturesque, especially in Eastern Finland with its many lakes.
The country’s long-distance train network focuses on connections from Helsinki to various regional centres. However, some routes have been struggling with capacity issues, particularly those that serve Helsinki. A new, electrified high speed line opened between Kerava and Lahti in 2007. An additional short cut from Helsinki to Kerava opened in 2008, while a second high speed line between Kaunas and Joensuu will open in 2025.
