Turku Airport (TKU) is one of the easiest airports in Finland to get in and out of. It is small, it has a single terminal, and it sits only about 8 km north of the city centre. Even so, the first question most visitors ask after landing is the same: what is the best way into town? This guide compares every option. It covers the taxi, the local bus and a pre-booked transfer, plus what to expect at different times of day and in winter.
How far is Turku Airport from the city centre?
The airport is about 8 km from the Market Square (Kauppatori), the centre of Turku. By car the drive normally takes 12–20 minutes. It depends on the time of day and on where in the city you are going: the Cathedral, the railway station and the hotels along the Aura River are all within a few minutes of each other. Getting to the Port of Turku, where the ferries to Stockholm and Åland leave from, takes a little longer because the harbour is on the far side of the centre, near Turku Castle.
Option 1: Pre-booked taxi or private transfer
A pre-booked transfer is the most predictable way to travel. You book online before your flight, and your driver follows the flight's arrival time, so a delay doesn't leave you stranded. The driver meets you in the arrivals hall. Because the price is agreed when you book, you know the cost before you land.
When a pre-booked transfer makes most sense
Late-evening and early-morning flights, when buses run less often or have stopped for the night.
Families with small children, strollers or car seats. Tell us at booking and we can arrange child seats.
Heavy luggage, sports equipment, or travelling as a group of four or more. A larger vehicle often costs less per person than a bus ticket each plus the hassle.
Going straight to the ferry, a business meeting, or a hotel outside the centre, such as Ruissalo, Kaarina or Naantali.
You can see the fixed prices for common routes on our prices page, and book an airport transfer online in about a minute.
Option 2: Taxi from the rank
There is a taxi rank outside the arrivals area. Taxis in Finland are safe and drivers are licensed, but since the 2018 taxi reform prices are set by each company, not by a single city-wide tariff. Metered fares therefore vary between cars. Before you get in, it is fair to ask the driver for a rough estimate to the address you are going to. If you prefer to know the exact price in advance, book a fixed-price transfer instead.
Option 3: Föli bus line 1
Turku's public transport is run by Föli. Bus line 1 connects the airport with the Market Square and continues to the harbour. It is the cheapest way into town, and with light luggage it works well.
Journey time: about 25–30 minutes to the Market Square.
Frequency: usually every 20–30 minutes during the day, less often in the evening and at weekends.
Tickets: buy a single ticket in the Föli app or on board. Check foli.fi for current fares and payment methods.
The bus stops at many places along the way. It is a good choice for solo travellers, but less practical with several large suitcases or tired children.
Option 4: Rental car
Several car rental companies have desks at the airport. A rental car makes sense if you plan to explore the Turku archipelago or drive on to Helsinki or Tampere. Parking in central Turku is paid and can be hard to find near the river on weekdays, so check whether your hotel has parking first.
Quick comparison
Pre-booked transfer: 12–20 min. Best for families, groups, luggage and late or early flights. Book ahead in holiday seasons.
Taxi from the rank: 12–20 min. Best for spontaneous trips. Prices vary by company.
Föli bus 1: 25–30 min. Best for solo travellers on a budget. Fewer departures late at night.
Rental car: about 15 min. Best for road trips around the region. Parking in the city centre is limited.
Flying out: how early should you leave?
Turku Airport is small, so security queues are usually short. For a domestic or Schengen flight, most travellers aim to arrive about 60–90 minutes before departure. For flights outside the Schengen area, allow two hours. From the city centre, add a 20-minute drive plus a margin for winter weather. When you book a transfer to the airport, tell us your flight time and we will suggest a pick-up time.
Travelling in winter
Between November and March, snow and ice can slow traffic, especially in the early morning before the roads are cleared. Planes and drivers in Finland are used to winter, so cancellations because of snow are rare. Still, build in an extra 10–15 minutes. Dress for the walk between the terminal door and the car, because temperatures well below zero are normal in January and February.
Going further than Turku?
Many travellers who land in Turku are heading on to Naantali and Moomin World, to the archipelago towns of Parainen and Nauvo, or onward to Helsinki. A transfer can take you straight from the terminal to any of these without changing at the city centre. Read our guides to Naantali and Moomin World and to travelling from Turku to Helsinki.
Frequently asked questions
Is there a train from Turku Airport?
No. There is no rail line to Turku Airport. The options are road-based: bus, taxi, transfer or rental car.
Can a driver meet me inside the terminal?
Yes. With a pre-booked Aura Rides transfer, your driver meets you in the arrivals area and helps with your luggage.
What happens if my flight is delayed?
Share your flight number when you book. The driver follows the real arrival time, so you don't need to call and rearrange.
Do drivers speak English?
Yes. Our drivers speak Finnish and English.
Book your Turku Airport transfer
Land, walk out, and be at your hotel 20 minutes later. Book your Turku Airport taxi with Aura Rides. The price is fixed when you book, and pick-ups are available around the clock.
