Arriving on campus

Arriving in Finland

Before travelling to Finland, check the current border-crossing requirements on the Finnish border guard (opens in a new tab).

For general information on how to reach Helsinki (Finland’s capital), see Getting to Helsinki (opens in a new tab).

Travelling to Finland by ferry

Several ferry routes connect mainland Europa and Scandinavia to Finland:

• Finnlines: Travemünde (Germany) → Helsinki
• Nordic Ferry Center: Various Baltic routes
• Tallink Silja Line: Stockholm (Sweden) → Helsinki or Turku
• Viking Line: Stockholm (Sweden) → Helsinki or Turku

Travelling from Helsinki to your campus city

Both campus cities are well connected to Helsinki by train, bus, and air.
Joensuu (about 440 kilometres north-east from Helsinki), 4-5 hours by train
Kuopio (about 380 kilometres north-east from Helsinki), 4-5 hours by train

 

Transport options

• VR Finnish Railways (opens in a new tab) – Trains depart from Helsinki Central Railway Station.
• Matkahuolto (opens in a new tab) – Long-distance buses depart from Kamppi Bus Station (Helsinki city centre).
• Onnibus (opens in a new tab) – Long-distance busses leave from the Kamppi Bus Station (Helsinki city centre).
• Finnair (opens in a new tab) – Domestic flights from Helsinki airport.

Connecting from Helsinki airport by train

If you want to travel by train from Helsinki Airport to Joensuu or Kuopio

1. Take a local commuter train (I or P line) from the airport to Tikkurila station.
2. At Tikkurila, transfer to a long-distance train towards Joensuu or Kuopio.

For local transport options at Helsinki Airport, see HSL Airport connections.

Student discounts on public transport

You are entitled to student discounts on Finnish trains and long-distance buses only with a valid Finnish student card. To obtain one, you must:

1. Have an active study right at UEF.
2. Be registered as a UEF student.
3. Have paid your tuition fee (does not apply to exchange students).
4. Have paid the student union membership fee (does not apply to exchange students).

Read more about student cards

Arriving in your campus city

• The housing companies Joensuun Elli in Joensuu and Kuopas in Kuopio have limited opening hours but you can agree with them to get the key from their key lockers which are available 24/7 with a code you get from the housing company.
• If your student tutor is in the campus city when you arrive, the tutor might be able to pick up the key for you if you inform them about your arrival well in advance. The tutor will then meet you on your arrival.

Joensuu

Airport: Joensuu airport is approximately 11 km from the city centre. A connecting bus typically operates after each arriving flight. See Joensuu airport info  (opens in a new tab). City of Joensuu (opens in a new tab) Public transport (local buses) in Joensuu (opens in a new tab) Joensuu Campus map and Parking on Campus (opens in a new tab) Joensuu Campus Facilities (pdf)

Kuopio

Airport: Kuopio airport is approximately 14 km from the city centre. Kuopio airport info (opens in a new tab). Important: Public bus service from Kuopio Airport operates Mon – Fri until 17.50 only. There is no public transport from the airport during evenings, weekends, or nights. In those cases you will need to take a taxi . If available, consider an airport taxi (shared taxi) to reduce cost. Always confirm the fare with the driver beforehand. Busses from Kuopio airport to the city centre (opens in a new tab) Public transport (local buses) in Kuopio (opens in a new tab) City of Kuopio (opens in a new tab) Kuopio Campus map and Parking on Campus (opens in a new tab) Lecture rooms on Kuopio Campus (opens in a new tab) Kuopio Campus Facilities (pdf)

Taxis in Finland

Taxis in Finland are relatively expensive, prices vary between companies, times of day, and days of the week. depending on the day or the time of the day. It is usually cheaper to share a taxi with your friends whenever possible. Practical advice

• Always confirm the fare with the driver before starting the journey.
• Share a taxi with others when possible to reduce costs.
• Use taxi apps such as Valopilkku to book and compare prices.
• You can also search online or call taxi companies directly.