The new one-hour train link between Helsinki and Turku will reinforce the standing of local communities, promoting economic growth. It will also reduce travel times and make commuting to Helsinki easier for people living in the cities along the route.
Book a seat on a high-speed Pendolino trip between major hubs or an InterCity ride for comfort and convenience. For long trips, choose a sleeper train for airplane-style seats or berths upstairs (at a higher price).
Lines
Most passenger lines radiate from Helsinki Central, but local routes are also served. The line to Naantali and Uusikaupunki have long been discontinued as passenger services, but the local lines are still used for goods traffic.
The new ELSA line offers a journey time of less than an hour between Helsinki and Turku, with stops along the way at Espoo, Salo and Kouvola. The Finnish Transport Agency has approved plans to double track the line between Helsinki and Salo, as well as to build stations in Hista (Espoo), Veikkola, Nummela and Lempola. The plan has met with some opposition from residents of the Lukkarinmaki neighbourhood, who fear it will force them to demolish their homes.
The line is operated by the VR Group and serves up to six departures a day during the week. Onboard facilities include WiFi, power outlets at every seat and ample leg room in all classes. See the Helsinki-Turku train schedule to find the best time to travel.
Stations
With 12 departures daily, the journey from Helsinki to Turku is easy and pleasant. Whether you travel during the day to enjoy stunning countryside views or in the evening to catch breathtaking sunsets, your train will be equipped with all the facilities you need to make the most of your trip.
All Finnish trains are operated by state-owned VR and offer an incredible variety of services. They’re punctual and safe, with comfortable reclining seats, individual power outlets and bathrooms. Some also feature modern restaurant cars, where you can order meals straight to your seat.
Turku Central railway station offers connections along the Rantarata line to Helsinki and east towards Tampere. It’s also a key stop for trains to the port at ship departure times.
Timetables
Long distance buses are comfortable, modern and frequent. Some are air-conditioned and feature reclining seats. Most include bathrooms, individual power outlets and free Wi-Fi. Buses are often cheaper and faster than trains in longer journeys. Look for the words “Tarjous” or “Tarjoukset” to indicate special offers.
Electrification of the main lines is ongoing, with sections as long as 250 km (155 mi) being electrified so far. There is a small break of gauge between Finland and Russia, but this is within the tolerances and through running is possible.
The ELSA-rata project aims to reduce the journey time between Helsinki and Turku to 75 minutes, with additional stations in Vihti and Lohja, and releasing capacity on the existing Rantarata railway line following the coast. Local residents in the Lukkarinmaki area of Salo have gathered over 2,500 signatures against the plan, due to the potential need to demolish properties.
VR has a monopoly on passenger rail transport in the Helsinki region, although one private railway company, Paakaupunkiseudun Junakalusto Oy, operates class Sm5 EMUs in the city. The most up-to-date route-specific timetables are available through a trip search.
Fares
The city’s metro and commuter rail network serve areas east and west of Helsinki, but if you want to travel further afield, it is best to take a combination of bus and train. The national rail operator VR manages an extensive network with a range of routes to cities like Tampere, Turku and Oulu; trains also reach further north to places like Lahti and Riihimaki, or as far south as Kouvola and Kuopio on tracks shared with long distance trains.
Most long distance buses in Finland are modern, comfortable and punctual. They are often air-conditioned, with reclining seats and bathrooms; some include individual power outlets and free Wi-Fi. Tickets can be purchased online, in the app or from FlixBus service points.
The direct bus to Turku from Helsinki-Vantaa airport departs around every hour and takes about 2-2,5 hours. It is possible to travel to Turku by train, with departures almost every hour from Helsinki Central station and Pasila.
