World Sauna Forum 2026 will take place on 9–11 June 2026 in Jyväskylä, located in the heart of Finnish Lakeland. Below you will find complete, step-by-step travel information designed especially for first-time visitors to Finland.
First-Timer Tip: Download and set up the needed apps beforehand for a smoother experience. Check connection times from the airport before purchasing flights, as night-time transfers can be limited.
If this is your first time in Finland, here is what you need to know to travel like a local:
The Midnight Sun: In June, the sun barely sets in Jyväskylä. Expect nearly 20 hours of daylight. Bring an eye mask if you are sensitive to light when sleeping!
Cashless Society: Finland is almost entirely cashless. You can pay for everything—from a coffee to a bus ticket—with a debit/credit card or Mobile Pay (Apple/Google Pay).
Safety & Water: Finland is one of the safest countries in the world. The tap water is not just safe; it is often higher quality and better tasting than bottled water. Carry a reusable bottle!
Punctuality: Trains and buses depart on time. Arrive at the platform at least 5-10 minutes early.
Language: Almost everyone speaks excellent English, but a simple “Kiitos” (Thank you) is always appreciated.
After landing at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL), you’ll have several options to travel to Jyväskylä.
Using the train is a convenient way to travel. The Finnish railway operator, VR, provides regular and efficient train services connecting these two cities. The journey typically takes around 3 to 4 hours, depending on the type of train. Enjoy the panoramic views of forests, lakes, and charming Finnish villages along the way, while reading a book or discussing with colleagues.
Get your train ticket
Use the VR Matkalla App and search for “Helsinki Airport” to “Jyväskylä”. This single ticket covers both the local shuttle and the high-speed train.
Once you pass through baggage claim and enter the Arrivals Hall:
1. Follow the Train Icon: Look for signs overhead marked with a train symbol and the text “Railway Station / Rautatieasema”.
2. The Long Descent: You will take a series of long escalators (about a 5-minute walk) deep underground to the airport’s own train station.
There is no direct train from the Helsinki airport to Jyväskylä; you can change at Tikkurila.
3. Board the Local Train: Take either the I-train or P-train. Both stop at Tikkurila. The ride takes about 8 minutes.
4. Exit at Tikkurila: This is a modern station with several platforms.
5. Find Your Platform: Look at the digital departure boards for your specific IC (InterCity) or Pendolino train bound for Jyväskylä.
6. Board the Green Train: Finnish long-distance trains are green and white. Your seat number will be on your digital ticket.
7. Travel time: ~3.5–4 hours.
8. Arrival point: Jyväskylä Matkakeskus (City Centre).
Pro Tip: If you have a long wait, Tikkurila station has several cafes and a grocery store inside the “Dixi” shopping center attached to the platforms.
If you prefer not to carry luggage between train platforms, the bus is a great “one-seat” option. Bus from Helsinki Airport to Jyväskylä takes around 3.5 hours.
Get your bus tickets
There are a couple of bus operators running direct connections between Helsinki Airport and Jyväskylä. Alternatively, you can first take a train to Helsinki city center and then catch a bus to Jyväskylä from there.
Get your tickets from either Matkahuolto or OnniBus and search for Helsinki Airport to Jyväskylä.
Direct connection from Airport to Jyväskylä
1. Go to the Bus Terminal: Located right outside the Arrivals hall at the airport.
2. Find Your Quay: Check your Matkahuolto or OnniBus ticket for the platform (Laituri) number.
3. The Ride: The bus takes about 3.5 hours. It is direct and drops you at the Jyväskylä Travel Centre.
Bus from Helsinki city centre to Jyväskylä
Take the P-train or Bus 600 to Helsinki city center. You can search the local transport schedules on the HSL Itinerary search and buy tickets either via the HSL app or from the ticket machine at the train platform. Board your long-distance coach (OnniBus or Matkahuolto) at the Kamppi Bus Station (located underground in the Kamppi Shopping Centre).
You can make a reservation for a rental car in advance by calling the dealership or using their website. As an alternative, you can rent a car right at the airport. This option offers flexibility, especially for groups or extended travel plans.
Check the rental companies at the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport
Distance: ~270 km.
Driving time: ~3–3.5 hours via Highway E75 (Route 4).
Note: Rental desks are on the Arrivals level.
First-Timer Tip: Keep your headlights on at all times (check the guide to driving in Finland here) and watch for “Moose Warning” signs—they are common on this stretch of highway!
Check the schedules and purchase tickets from the Finnair website.
Flight duration: ~50 mins to Jyväskylä Airport (JYV).
Important: The Jyväskylä airport is located about 20 kilometres from the city centre. The transfer from Jyväskylä Airport to the centre can be done by taxi or rental car. Please note that the taxi or rental car must be booked in advance. Rental cars can be ordered to Jyväskylä airport from Hertz and Europcar.
If you are planning to explore Helsinki for a while, downloading the HSL app helps you to get around easily. If the airplane is late and you already booked your train in advance, you can go to customer service and ask to change the time on your train ticket.
Traveling from Tampere to Jyväskylä is one of the most scenic and straightforward routes in Finland, cutting directly through the lake district. Whether you arrive at the airport or the city center, here is your step-by-step guide for the 2026 World Sauna Forum.
Most international travelers arrive via Tampere-Pirkkala Airport (TMP) or the Tampere Railway Station (Tampereen Rautatieasema).
Note that there are no direct connections to Jyväskylä from Tampere-Pirkkala Airport, you will need to take local bus (Nysse) line 103 to Tampere city centre first. See Nysse schedules on the Nysse itinerary search and buy tickets either via the Nysse app (Google Play –store / Apple store).
Read more about airport connection
Payment: Use contactless payment (Visa/Mastercard/Apple Pay) or via Nysse App on the bus reader.
Note: Drivers do not accept cash.
Frequency: Usually timed with arriving flights.
Disembark: Get off at the Tampere Railway Station (Rautatieasema) or the Bus Station (Linja-autoasema).
Here’s the options to travel from Tampere to Jyväskylä:
First get your train ticket from VR Matkalla app or the VR website and look for direct trains from Tampere to Jyväskylä.
Departure: Tampere Central Railway Station (Rautatieasema)
Travel Time: 1.5 to 2 hours.
Pro Tip: Choose a seat on the left side of the train when heading north for the best lake views as you approach Jyväskylä
Onboard: Free Wi-Fi and power outlets are available at every seat.
Arriving: the train will drop you at Jyväskylä Matkakeskus (The Travel Centre).
Get your tickets from either Matkahuolto or OnniBus and search for Tampere to Jyväskylä.
Departure: Tampere Bus Station (Linja-autoasema), a 5-minute walk from the train station.
Travel Time: Approximately 2 hours.
Amenities: Most long-distance buses have air conditioning and Wi-Fi.
Arriving: the bus will drop you at Jyväskylä Matkakeskus (The Travel Centre).
If you prefer to drive, rental desks (Car Rentals in Tampere-Pirkkala) are located at both the Airport and near the Railway Station.
Route: Take Highway E63 (Route 9) heading North-East.
Driving Time: Approx. 1 hour 45 minutes.
First-Timer Tip: Keep your headlights on at all times (check the guide to driving in Finland here) and watch for “Moose Warning” signs—they are common on this stretch of highway!
Trains and buses will drop you at Jyväskylä Matkakeskus (The Travel Centre).
Orientation: You are now in the heart of the city.
To Your Hotel: Most major hotels (Solo Sokos Hotel Paviljonki, Hotel Alexandra, Break Sokos Hotels Himos, Finlandia Hotel Alba) are within a 5–15 minute walk from the station. If you do not have hotel yet, have a look at our accommodation recommendations.
Taxis: If you have heavy luggage, the taxi stand is located immediately near the Track 1.
We look forward to welcoming you to Jyväskylä for World Sauna Forum 2026 — an international gathering celebrating sauna culture, innovation, and business.
More info will be available!
