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Helsinki to Oulu from $35: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Helsinki, Finland
to
Oulu, Finland

How to Get from Helsinki to Oulu: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$35 by busBest price
537 kmDistance
3h 24m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Helsinki to Oulu with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
Finnish Railways (VR)
Train
Average Duration
5h  25m
Estimated price
$50-80
Recommended
Company
Onni Bus
Bus
Average Duration
8h  10m
Estimated price
$35-45
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 537 km
Duration: 3h 24m

See more options

Pricing table
Company
Finnish Railways (VR)
Train
Average Duration
9h  15m
Estimated price
$50-80
Company
Finnair
Plane
Average Duration
3h  24m
Estimated price
$73-237
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
7h  7m
Estimated price
$120-190
Company
Viking Line / Finnair
Drive
Plane
Average Duration
8h  8m
Estimated price
$202-305

Compare prices for your selected dates

TypeMo 20/01Tu 21/01We 22/01Th 23/01Fr 24/01Sa 25/01Su 26/01
Bus $18 $17 $20 $17 $17 $17 $17
Train $26 $30 $24 $32 $32 $30 $27
Fly $69 $68 $69 $67 $69 $95 $74
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Helsinki to Oulu

The journey from Helsinki to Oulu offers a striking contrast between the vibrant city life and cultural pulse of the capital and the serene, nature-rich surroundings and calm atmosphere of Oulu.

Best Neighbourhoods in Oulu

Oulu features diverse neighborhoods that showcase its unique character and charm.

Keskusta (City Center)
• Bustling shopping and dining options abound.
• Key cultural attractions are easily accessible.
Hollihaka
• Known for beautiful parks and green spaces.
• Offers a peaceful, residential vibe.
Linnanmaa
• Hosts the University of Oulu campus.
• Vibrant student life with trendy cafes.

Best Times To Visit Oulu's Attractions

Timing your visits to Oulu's attractions can greatly enhance your experience.

Oulu Market Hall
Visit early in the morning on weekdays for a quieter atmosphere and fresh local products.
Nallikari Beach
Late afternoon during weekdays offers fewer visitors and stunning sunset views.
Tietomaa Science Centre
Weekday mornings provide a less crowded experience, ideal for family explorations.

Oulu Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Oulu experiences a continental climate, featuring warm summers and cold winters—ideal for summer activities or winter sports, depending on your preference. The best times to visit are late spring and early autumn for mild weather, while the winter months offer a picturesque, wintry backdrop for unique adventures.

Dining Recommendation in Oulu

Try the smoked reindeer at Restaurant Sokeri-Jussin Kievari, where the rich flavors of local ingredients create a dining experience that's distinctly Northern. This cozy eatery offers a warm, rustic atmosphere that contrasts beautifully with the more cosmopolitan dining scene in Helsinki.

Helsinki - Oulu operators

Explore transport companies operating between Helsinki and Oulu, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+358 600 41900
Website
https://www.vr.fi/en/

Train from Helsinki Central Station to Oulu

Average Duration
5h 25m
Estimated price
$50-80

Train from Helsinki Central Station to Oulu

Average Duration
9h 15m
Estimated price
$50-80
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+358 600 02010
Website
https://www.onnibus.com/home

Bus from Helsinki, linja-autoasema, Kamppi to Oulu, linja-autoasema

Average Duration
8h 10m
Estimated price
$35-45
Plane Show flights
Website
https://www.finnair.com

Plane from Helsinki (HEL) to Oulu (OUL)

Average Duration
1h 14m
Estimated price
$65-290
all-pages.other Show other routes
Contact phone
+358 9 123 575
Website
https://www.vikingline.fi/sv-fi/

Other from Helsinki to Tallinn

Average Duration
2h 30m
Estimated price
$76-0

Helsinki to Oulu: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Helsinki and Oulu offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a picturesque road trip from Helsinki to Oulu, spanning 609.9 km of scenic Finnish landscapes, lakes, and forests. 💰 Enjoy the flexibility of pricing options ranging from €110 to €175 for the journey by car, allowing you to tailor your travel expenses to suit your budget. 🌲 Immerse yourself in the beauty of Finland as you drive approximately 7 hours and 7 minutes from the vibrant capital city of Helsinki to the charming city of Oulu, known for its unique culture and friendly locals.
Average price
€111 - €175
🌲 Sit back and relax on the approximately 5 hours and 25 minutes ride through the beautiful Finnish landscapes. Finnish Railways operates the Helsinki to Oulu train services, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable travel experience for passengers. 🎫 Ticket prices range from €46 to €74, making the train a cost-effective and efficient way to travel between these two charming Finnish cities.
Departure Point
Helsinki Central Station
Arrival Point
Oulu station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train journey from Helsinki to Oulu, you can expect onboard catering services provided by VR (the main operator). They offer a selection of snacks, sandwiches, and beverages available for purchase via a trolley service that passes through the train. You might also find some trains equipped with a restaurant car where you can enjoy a wider variety of meals.
• When booking your seats, VR offers three classes of service: Economy, Business, and First Class. Economy Class includes standard seating with comfortable configurations for budget travelers. Business Class offers more spacious seating with additional legroom and complimentary snacks and drinks. First Class provides an even more luxurious experience with larger seats, privacy, and premium meals. Make sure to choose based on your comfort preference.
• For your train trip, the primary operator is VR. You can visit their website at vr.fi for booking tickets, checking the schedule, or exploring additional travel information. Other operators may include Allegro, although primarily focused on routes to Russia; for domestic routes, VR is the main service provider.
🛫 Flying from Helsinki Airport to Oulu Airport is a convenient option, with the direct flight taking only 1 hour and 5 minutes with Finnair. ✈️ The total travel time from Helsinki to Oulu by plane is approximately 3 hours and 24 minutes, making it a quick way to reach your destination in northern Finland. 💸 Flight prices between Oulu and Helsinki can range from €67 to €218, providing travelers with various options based on their budget and preferences.
Departure Point
Helsinki Airport
Arrival Point
Oulu Airport
🚌 Embark on a scenic bus journey from Helsinki's Kamppi station to Oulu, enjoying the comfortable ride provided by Onni Bus. 🕰️ Relax and unwind during the approximately 8-hour trip, with departures available every four hours to suit your schedule, ensuring a hassle-free travel experience. 💰 With ticket prices ranging from €32 to €41, this affordable and convenient bus service offers a budget-friendly way to travel from the vibrant capital to the charming city of Oulu.
Departure Point
Helsinki, linja-autoasema, Kamppi station
Arrival Point
Oulu, linja-autoasema station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Helsinki to Oulu.

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The distance between Helsinki and Oulu is approximately 542.3 km by air and 610.3 km by road. Travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. By train, it takes approximately 5 hours and 24 minutes to reach Oulu from Helsinki. If taking a bus and then a train, the travel time increases to 12 hours and 25 minutes. Lastly, by plane, it takes approximately 3 hours and 19 minutes to fly from Helsinki to Oulu.
The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from Helsinki to Oulu is by bus, which costs €28-€41 and takes approximately 7 hours and 46 minutes. This option allows you to save money while still reaching your destination within a reasonable timeframe. However, if time is a priority, the quickest way to travel would be by plane, which takes 3 hours and 19 minutes, but costs €69-€183.
The prices for a train ticket from Helsinki to Oulu typically range between €46 and €73. On the other hand, the prices for a bus ticket from Oulu to Helsinki vary from €28 to €41.
To get from Helsinki to Oulu without using public transportation, you can choose to drive. The road distance between the two cities is approximately 609.9 km, and the journey takes around 7 hours and 7 minutes. The prices for renting a car and driving from Helsinki to Oulu usually range from €110 to €174.
The best way to travel from Helsinki to Oulu without a car is by train. The journey takes approximately 5 hours and 24 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from €46 to €73. Another option is to take a bus, which takes around 7 hours and 46 minutes and costs between €28 and €41. If you prefer a quicker option, you can fly from Helsinki to Oulu, which takes about 3 hours and 19 minutes with fares ranging from €69 to €183.
Yes, there is a direct link between Helsinki and Oulu. Finnish Railways operates direct train services departing from Helsinki station and arriving at Oulu station. The journey takes approximately 5 hours and 24 minutes, with trains departing hourly every day. Additionally, there is also a direct bus service operated by Onni Bus, with buses departing every four hours from Helsinki and arriving in Oulu in approximately 7 hours and 46 minutes.
The flight between Helsinki and Oulu typically takes 1 hour and 5 minutes. The prices of flights between the two cities range from €71 to €183.
There are numerous accommodation options available near Oulu. With over 150 hotels to choose from, there is something to fit every budget and preference. Prices for hotels in Oulu start at €69 per night.