How to get to Turku

Located on the southwest coast, Turku is Finland's oldest city and the gateway to a picturesque archipelago. This important cultural centre offers travellers excellent transport accessibility: it is easy to reach by plane, train, bus, or car. A trip to the former capital promises to be comfortable thanks to developed infrastructure and scenic routes.

The fastest way to reach the city is via Turku Airport (TKU), which welcomes over 453,000 passengers annually. The air hub serves flights from various airlines, ensuring direct and convenient connections to the region.

Alternatively, one can consider flying to neighbouring cities such as Pori (118 km) or Mariehamn (134 km), although logistics from there will require additional time. Also, Forssa is located 86 km away, but the main flow of tourists prefers to fly directly to the main destination airport.

Rail connections to the city of Turku are excellently developed, linking it with key points of the country. Comfortable trains run regularly from Helsinki and Tampere, arriving at the Central Station or Kupittaa Station.

A train journey is one of the most reliable and eco-friendly ways to reach your destination. Modern carriages are equipped with everything necessary for a pleasant journey, allowing you to enjoy the Scandinavian landscapes along the way.

Bus services offer scenic and budget-friendly routes to Turku from various corners of the region. A trip from the city of Forssa will take just about 1.5 hours, covering a distance of 91 km along high-quality highways.

Travellers from the city of Pori face a journey of 144 km, which lasts approximately 3.5 hours. For lovers of long adventures, there is a route from Mariehamn: the journey, including ferry crossings, takes about 11.4 hours.

Travelling by car to Turku gives freedom of movement and the opportunity to enjoy the views. The fastest route from nearby hubs runs from the city of Forssa: the distance of 90 km can be comfortably covered in about 1.3 hours.

The road from Pori will take about 1.7 hours (139 km). If you are driving from the islands, for example, from Mariehamn, the path will require about 5.8 hours and will include ferry crossings through the archipelago.

Preparing for a visit to Turku will make your journey through Finland's oldest city easy and pleasant. Here are some proven recommendations to help you feel confident:

1. Clothing and Essentials. The weather on the coast is changeable and often windy. It is recommended to dress in layers and definitely have a waterproof jacket and comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestones.
2. Transport. The city centre is compact and convenient for walking. For longer distances, use the yellow Föli city buses — a ticket is valid for two hours and allows transfers.
3. Finances. The country's currency is the Euro (EUR). Bank cards are accepted everywhere, even in small kiosks, so cash is practically not required.
4. Health and Safety. Tap water here is of excellent quality; it can be drunk without boiling. Pharmacies (Apteekki) are easy to find, but remember that many medicines are dispensed only by prescription.
5. Communication. The city is officially bilingual (Finnish and Swedish). Most locals also speak English fluently, so communication problems should not arise.
6. Local Etiquette. Finns value personal space and silence. Greetings are usually limited to a handshake, and loud conversations in public places are not customary.
7. What to Avoid. Be attentive and do not walk on designated bicycle lanes — this can create a dangerous situation and cause dissatisfaction among cyclists.
8. Extra Tip. Be sure to use the free city ferry Föri to cross the Aura River — it is not just transport, but a true symbol of the city.

By following these simple tips, you can avoid minor inconveniences and fully focus on exploring the rich history and culture of Turku.