Welcome to Oulu!
The Oulu2026 area spans a large part of northern Finland. You can easily reach the heart of the European Capital of Culture year, Oulu, using various modes of transportation. Trains and buses run to Oulu several times a day from different parts of Finland. Oulu Airport is just a stone’s throw from the city center, making it convenient to arrive by air from Helsinki or Riga.
Once you arrive in Oulu, the best way to get around the city center is, of course, by bicycle or the local bus.
Read more: Oulu named as one of the world’s best destinations for 2026 – Oulu2026
When to visit Oulu? See some of the Must-See Experiences in 2026
Upcoming
Year-round highlights
- Earworm – Media Art from Kiasma: An exhibition curated from the collections of the Finnish National Gallery, hosted at Oulu City Hall, offering cutting-edge media art experiences. See the event
- Layers in the Peace Machine: An immersive media installation at Oulu City Hall, exploring the concept of peace through AI and interactive art. See the event
- PLAY – Fotografiska Tallinn X Oulu2026: A brand-new exhibition curated for Oulu2026, inviting visitors to see beyond the ordinary and envision a future where creativity and community are at the forefront. See the event
Travelling to Oulu
By plane
Oulu Airport makes air travel the fastest way to reach Oulu. Located approximately 15 kilometers from the city center, the airport is well-connected to Helsinki. The flight time from Helsinki to Oulu is about one hour.
Air Baltic will operate direct flights from Riga to Oulu five days a week from March 29 until the end of March 2027: on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays.
From the airport, bus number 8 and 9 transport you to the city center in 20 minutes. Local taxi services are ready to pick you up from the airport -also preordered!
By train
Oulu is well-connected by train. The Finnish national railway company, VR, operates daily trains to Oulu from major cities like Helsinki, Tampere, and Rovaniemi. The journey from Helsinki to Oulu takes approximately 5–6 hours. For regional travelers, there are frequent connections from nearby cities such as Ylivieska and Kemi.
By bus
Traveling to Oulu by bus is convenient and affordable. Several bus companies provide frequent services to Oulu from major cities across Finland. The trip from Helsinki to Oulu takes around 8–9 hours, with multiple departures daily. Oulu Bus Station is centrally located, providing easy access to the city’s cultural events, attractions and accommodations.
Getting around in Oulu & our region
By train
From Oulu you can take the train to the northern parts of our region, all the way up to Kemi. Also, if you want to explore the Eastern region, you can reach Kajaani in 2 hours. For regional travellers, there are frequent connections from nearby cities such as Ylivieska and Kemi.
By bus
Traveling in Oulu by bus is convenient and affordable. You can also download OSL-app and buy tickets in advance.
By taxi
Our friends at Otaxi provide services in Oulu and Kuusamo. You can also prebook taxis, also from and to the Airport!
Cultural sites of Oulu
Oulu is a city where history, creativity, and northern spirit meet. As European Capital of Culture in 2026, the city invites visitors to explore its rich cultural scene through music, theatre, art, and living history. From concerts and contemporary exhibitions to unique museums, there is something for everyone. Whether you’re uncovering medieval ruins, stepping into the Stone Age, or relaxing in a modern cultural hub, Oulu offers inspiring experiences all year round. By clicking the image, a link will open to a new tab.
Discover Oulu2026-region!
Oulu is the European Capital of Culture together with 39 cities and munincipalities. Join the adventure as culture, art and diverse event take over our northern region!
Arctic Delicacies
Arctic Food Lab highlights the rare ingredients and food traditions from our region. Rooted in pure nature, bright summers, and long Arctic winters, our offerings invite travellers to taste, explore, and experience something truly distinctive.
