One-Day Itinerary: A Day Trip from Turku to Helsinki
Exploring Helsinki, the vibrant capital of Finland, is a fantastic day trip option if you're based in Turku. Whether you’re intrigued by Helsinki’s rich history, its stunning architecture, or its lively cultural scene, a day trip here offers a delightful escape into urban Finnish life. Here below, you will find the best ways to travel from Turku to Helsinki, what to do when you get there, and how to make the most out of your one-day itinerary.
Getting from Turku to Helsinki:
The journey from Turku to Helsinki is straightforward and enjoyable, with multiple transportation options available:
1. By Train:
Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
Frequency: Multiple departures daily.
Booking: You can book your tickets easily via Omio Here (affiliate link), which offers a user-friendly interface to compare times and prices. Trains are a popular choice due to their comfort and speed.
2. By Bus:
Duration: About 2 to 2.5 hours.
Cost: Generally cheaper than trains but slightly slower.
Booking: Tickets can also be purchased on Omio Here (affiliate link). Buses offer a flexible schedule with numerous departures throughout the day.
For a day trip, I recommend taking an early train or bus from Turku, aiming to arrive in Helsinki by morning. This gives you a full day to explore the city before heading back in the evening.
One-Day Itinerary in Helsinki:
Morning:
Start at Senate Square: Begin your Helsinki adventure at Senate Square to see some of the city’s most significant historical and architectural landmarks, including Helsinki Cathedral.
Visit the Old Market Hall: After exploring the square, head to the Old Market Hall where you can sample local Finnish delicacies like salmon soup or Karelian pastries and deer meat.
Midday:
Explore Suomenlinna: Catch a ferry to the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This historic fortress offers beautiful views and intriguing museums.
Afternoon:
Stroll Along the Esplanadi: Back in the city center, walk through the Esplanadi park, a green oasis lined with shops and cafes — perfect for some relaxation and people-watching.
Shopping and Architecture: Visit the Design District for unique Finnish design items (Mari Makko Store), or marvel at the architectural beauty of the Helsinki Central Library Oodi.
Evening:
Dine at a Local Restaurant: Before heading back, enjoy dinner at one of Helsinki’s excellent restaurants. Consider trying traditional Finnish dishes like reindeer or a modern Nordic meal.
Heading Back to Turku:
Catch a late evening train or bus back to Turku. Trains and buses run until late, so you can maximize your time in Helsinki.
Getting from Turku to Helsinki:
The journey from Turku to Helsinki is straightforward and enjoyable, with multiple transportation options available:
1. By Train:
Duration: Approximately 2 hours.
Frequency: Multiple departures daily.
Booking: You can book your tickets easily via Omio Here (affiliate link), which offers a user-friendly interface to compare times and prices. Trains are a popular choice due to their comfort and speed.
2. By Bus:
Duration: About 2 to 2.5 hours.
Cost: Generally cheaper than trains but slightly slower.
Booking: Tickets can also be purchased on Omio Here (affiliate link). Buses offer a flexible schedule with numerous departures throughout the day.
For a day trip, I recommend taking an early train or bus from Turku, aiming to arrive in Helsinki by morning. This gives you a full day to explore the city before heading back in the evening.
One-Day Itinerary in Helsinki:
Morning:
Start at Senate Square: Begin your Helsinki adventure at Senate Square to see some of the city’s most significant historical and architectural landmarks, including Helsinki Cathedral.
Visit the Old Market Hall: After exploring the square, head to the Old Market Hall where you can sample local Finnish delicacies like salmon soup or Karelian pastries and deer meat.
Midday:
Explore Suomenlinna: Catch a ferry to the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This historic fortress offers beautiful views and intriguing museums.
Afternoon:
Stroll Along the Esplanadi: Back in the city center, walk through the Esplanadi park, a green oasis lined with shops and cafes — perfect for some relaxation and people-watching.
Shopping and Architecture: Visit the Design District for unique Finnish design items (Mari Makko Store), or marvel at the architectural beauty of the Helsinki Central Library Oodi.
Evening:
Dine at a Local Restaurant: Before heading back, enjoy dinner at one of Helsinki’s excellent restaurants. Consider trying traditional Finnish dishes like reindeer or a modern Nordic meal.
Heading Back to Turku:
Catch a late evening train or bus back to Turku. Trains and buses run until late, so you can maximize your time in Helsinki.
