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 Munich.
Once you arrive in Oulu, the best way to get around the city center is, of course, by bicycle or the local bus!
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. As of January 2026, In 2026, Discover Airlines will start flying directly from Frankfurt to Oulu and back. Read more about the connection between Oulu and Frankfurt at businessoulu.fi (link opens to a new tab)
From Oulu Airport, you can reach the city center via bus, taxi, or car rental. The airport bus service, Line 8, provides a convenient and affordable connection to downtown Oulu.
In 2026, Discover Airlines will start flying directly from Frankfurt to Oulu and back.
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.
