Turku is an easy city to get around. The centre is compact, public transport is good, and the main sights are within a few kilometres of each other along the Aura River. Still, knowing your options saves time, especially when you are travelling with luggage, catching a ferry at the harbour or heading out to Naantali or the archipelago. Here is how getting around Turku works.
On foot
Most of central Turku is walkable. From the Market Square, the Cathedral is about 10 minutes away, the Market Hall 5 minutes and the riverside restaurants just a few steps. The walk along the river from the Cathedral to Turku Castle takes about 45 minutes and is one of the nicest in the city. In winter, wear shoes with good grip, because pavements can be icy even when they have been gritted.
Föli buses
Föli is the public transport network for Turku and its neighbours: Kaarina, Naantali, Raisio, Lieto and Rusko. Almost all lines pass through the Market Square, which works as the main hub.
Tickets: buy single tickets or day tickets in the Föli app, or pay on board. A single ticket includes transfers within a time limit.
Useful lines: line 1 runs to the airport and the harbour, and lines 6 and 7 go to Naantali.
Timetables: buses run frequently during the day and less often in the late evening and on Sundays. Check foli.fi for routes.
City bikes
From spring to autumn, Föli's city bikes are available at stations across the city. Turku is flat along the river and has good cycle paths, so cycling is a quick way to reach Ruissalo or the castle. The bikes are taken off the streets in winter.
The Föri ferry
The Föri is a small, orange river ferry that has crossed the Aura River near the shipyard area since the early 1900s. The crossing takes about a minute and is free. It runs all year and carries pedestrians and cyclists. Locals love it, and it is a fun shortcut between the two banks.
Taxis and fixed-price transfers
Since the 2018 taxi reform, each taxi company in Finland sets its own prices. That is why the same trip can cost different amounts in different cars (read our guide to taxi prices in Finland). With Aura Rides you book online and see the price in advance, and the most popular routes have fixed prices:
Turku Airport: €15
Port of Turku (ferry terminals): €12
Kaarina: €20
Naantali: €35
Parainen: €45
These fixed prices are from the city centre, for 1–4 passengers. For other trips see the full price list. Larger vans for 5–8 passengers are available.
What's included
Advance booking, cancellation, airport pick-up and standard luggage are all free.
Child seats are available for €10, and VIP service for €30.
Drivers are licensed, speak Finnish and English, and are available around the clock.
Getting to the airport, the harbour and the train station
Turku Airport is north of the city. A taxi takes about 15 minutes and bus line 1 about 25–30. See our airport guide.
The Port of Turku, where the Viking Line and Tallink Silja ferries leave for Stockholm via Åland, is next to Turku Castle at the western end of the centre. With luggage, or for early-morning and late-night sailings, a taxi is the easiest choice.
Turku railway station is a 10–15-minute walk north of the Market Square, and Kupittaa station is east of the centre. Trains run to Helsinki and Tampere. See our Turku to Helsinki guide.
Driving and parking
Driving in Turku is straightforward, but parking in the centre is paid on weekdays and can be hard to find near the river. Parking garages are the easiest option. Pay attention to the zone signs and pay with a parking app or at the machines. In winter, cars must have winter tyres from December to February, and streets can be narrow because of the snowbanks.
Business travel and groups
For meetings, conferences and corporate guests, a pre-booked car with a fixed price keeps things simple: the driver waits at the agreed time, and you can book several cars for a group. For groups of up to eight, one van is often the simplest and most economical choice.
Frequently asked questions
Is Turku easy to get around without a car?
Yes. The centre is walkable, and Föli buses, city bikes and taxis cover everything else.
Are taxis available at night?
Yes. Aura Rides operates 24/7. Booking in advance guarantees a car for early flights and ferries.
Can I pay by card?
Yes. Card payment is standard in Finnish taxis and on Föli buses.
Book a ride
Book your Turku taxi online. You see the price before you travel, with no hidden fees.