Turku

How to Get to Turku

Turku is served by Turku Airport (TKU), located approximately 8 kilometers from the city center.

From Airport

• Bus Line 1: This is the primary and most convenient connection to the city center. Buses depart every 20 minutes.
• Journey Time: Approximately 20 minutes to the city center (Market Square/Kauppatori).
• Cost: €3.15 for a single adult ticket (or €4.15 for night travel between 11 p.m.–4 a.m.).
• Payment: Pay easily using a contactless debit or credit card directly on the bus reader. You can also purchase tickets via the Föli mobile app.
• Important: Turku uses a unified "Föli" fare system. There are no complex zones to worry about; a single ticket is valid for 120 minutes and includes transfers to other Föli buses.

From City Center

• Local Buses (Föli): The Föli bus network is the standard way to travel within the city. For trips to the Turku Central Railway Station (now located at Logomo), use Line 20, which runs frequently along Ratapihankatu.
• Walking: Turku is a compact city. If you are staying in a central hotel, the train station is often within a 15-minute walk of the Market Square.

By Taxi

• Journey Time: Approximately 15 minutes from the airport to the city center.
• Cost: Expect to pay around €20–€30.
• Payment: All official taxis accept major credit and debit cards. You can reserve a taxi in advance by calling +358 200 10041.

Tip: Download the Föli app before you arrive to check real-time routes and schedules. It is the most stress-free way to navigate the city.

Platform Guide & Layout

Navigating Turku Central Station in 2026 requires a quick mental adjustment. Due to ongoing modernization, the primary rail hub has shifted from the historic station building to a new, streamlined platform area located near the Logomo cultural centre. Think of this current layout as a straightforward, linear arrangement rather than a complex multi-level terminal.

The station currently operates with three main platforms serving four tracks. This is a compact, single-level layout, making it far more manageable than larger European hubs. Because all platforms are situated in a single row along the tracks, you will not need to worry about navigating between different floors or levels. Whether you are heading toward Helsinki or north toward Tampere, the boarding process is simple: once you cross the Logomo bridge, you will find the platforms clearly numbered 1 through 3, with the tracks serving as the main arteries for your journey.

As a first-time visitor, the most critical tip is to ignore the historic station building for departures. Instead, head directly to the Logomo Silta (Logomo bridge) area, which acts as your primary access point to all platforms. Because the layout is so compact—essentially a single, accessible row—the walking time between the furthest points is minimal, typically taking no more than 3 to 5 minutes even with luggage. This makes it an exceptionally low-stress station to navigate, provided you arrive at the correct location.

A common point of confusion for travelers is the location of station services. Because the station is undergoing renovations, traditional amenities like large waiting halls or extensive luggage lockers are limited or relocated near the Logomo side. I recommend checking the digital signage near the bridge steps upon arrival, as this is where you will find the most accurate, real-time information regarding your specific train’s track. While the station is small, the lack of traditional signage inside the old building can be jarring; stick to the Logomo bridge access point, and you will find the transition to your train effortless. Allow yourself ten minutes to get from the city-side arrival point to your platform to ensure a relaxed start to your journey.

Navigating a new station can be stressful, but I wish someone had told me these insider tips before my first trip to Turku. Don’t worry, but do keep these practicalities in mind to ensure a smooth journey.

Before You Arrive

• Download the VR Matkalla app: This is essential for buying tickets and tracking your journey. It provides real-time updates, which is vital because renovations mean platform changes can occur.
• Check your destination: A common point of confusion is that some trains from Helsinki stop at Kupittaa instead of the main Turku station. Double-check your final stop in the app to avoid ending up at the wrong station.
• Book online: Buying tickets via the app is faster and avoids potential queues at station machines. Your ticket is stored digitally, so you don’t need to worry about paper printouts.

At the Station

• Know where to go: The main station building is largely out of use for departures. Trains now depart from new platforms near the Logomo cultural centre (address: Logomon Silta 1). It’s about a 10–15 minute walk from the old station building.
• Accessibility: If you have heavy luggage, note that accessible access to the tracks is via the Logomo bridge, which is equipped with elevators from Ratapihankatu and Vaunukatu.
• Prepare for limited facilities: Due to ongoing renovations, station amenities like cafes and luggage lockers are currently very limited or unavailable. Pack your own snacks and drinks for the journey.
• Toilets: Public restrooms are available, but keep some coins handy, as some facilities may still require coin-based payment.

Common Mistakes

• Ignoring platform updates: Never assume your platform is fixed. Because of the ongoing renovation work, always check the digital displays or your VR Matkalla app 20–30 minutes before your departure, not hours in advance.
• Over-relying on station lockers: Do not count on finding available luggage lockers at the station, as they are scarce and often out of order. If you need to store bags, look for private storage options in the city center beforehand.

Through station serving Turku, Finland. Originally opened in 1876, the current station building was reconstructed in 1940 and remains a vital hub for regional and local rail connections, including services to Helsinki and Tampere. While the historic station building stands as a landmark, recent infrastructure updates have shifted passenger operations to new platforms accessible via the Logomo bridge, located a short walk from the original structure. The station serves approximately one million passengers annually.

For first-time visitors, the layout may seem slightly unconventional due to the transition between the historic building and the modern platform access point. However, the station is straightforward and well-signposted. If you are arriving or departing, expect to walk 10–15 minutes from the old station building to reach the new platforms via the bridge. Displays are clear, but always verify your specific platform information on the digital boards or the VR website, as platform assignments can change closer to departure. To ensure a stress-free experience, arrive at the station at least 20–30 minutes before your scheduled departure to comfortably navigate the walk to the platforms. The station is fully accessible, with elevator access provided for those requiring assistance.