It is easy to get to Vaasa using different means of transportation from abroad and from within Finland. Vaasa is an EU Green Leaf city in 2026, and encourages visitors and residents to choose sustainable mobility. By traveling on public transport, you reduce your impact on the environment. It is possible to arrive in Vaasa comfortably by train or boat, and – if the weather allows – moving around the city on foot or by bicycle is truly enjoyable.
Traveling to Vaasa by Train
Vaasa is well connected by train, with regular services from major Finnish cities such as Helsinki and Tampere. The train station is located in the city center, within walking distance of hotels, restaurants, and attractions. Train services in Finland are operated by VR, the national railway company.
Check train schedules here or visit www.vr.fi/en
From the Vaasa railway station, it is approximately 1.9 km (about a 27-minute walk) to the Tervahovi building (University of Vaasa) and about 1.2 km (an 18-minute walk) to the Academill building (Åbo Akademi University, Vaasa campus). These are the estimated times according to Google Maps.
Traveling to Vaasa by Ferry
The ferry runs from Umeå, Sweden to Vaasa with a scenic route between Finland and Sweden. The port of Umeå is located in Holmsund, approximately 20 kilometers south from Umeå on the E12 highway. The Vaasa terminal is located on Vaskiluoto island, which is approximately 4 kilometers west from the city center of Vaasa. Check ferry schedules here or visit https://www.wasaline.com/en/
The ferry option allows you to arrive in Vaasa on the environmentally friendly passenger ship Aurora M / S Botnia. Aurora Botnia has been awarded a Key Flag symbol for recognition of a product made in Finland.
Traveling to Vaasa by Plane
The Vaasa airport is located 10 km from the city center with direct flights from Helsinki and Stockholm. You can travel from or to Vaasa airport by taxi or bus number 4.
Traveling to Vaasa by Bus or Car
Several bus companies operate routes to Vaasa from different parts of Finland. Long-distance buses arrive at the Vaasa Travel Centre, conveniently located near the city center, by the railway station. Bus travel offers an affordable and comfortable way to reach Vaasa.
Check bus schedules from Onnibus or from Matkahuolto or visit www.onnibus.com/ or https://www.matkahuolto.fi/en
From the Vaasa Travel Centre, it is approximately about 2.1 km (a 30-minute walk) to the Tervahovi building (University of Vaasa) and about 1.4 km (about a 20-minute walk) to the Academill building (Åbo Akademi University, Vaasa campus). These are the estimated times according to Google Maps.
In addition, Vaasa can easily be reached by car. The travel time from Helsinki to Vaasa is approximately 5 hours.
More Information about Traveling to Vaasa
More information on traveling to Vaasa can be found here.
Tips for responsible and sustainable travel in Vaasa are conveniently linked here.
Getting Around in Vaasa
Vaasa is a very walkable city, and it is easy to reach many destinations in the city on foot including the conference venues and other points of interest during your leisure time. Also, some hotels have e-bikes that they rent out and traditional bicycles that they borrow.
If you need public transportation, check schedules and routes of the Lifti line. Buses in the city of Vaasa have a convenient ticket purchase system that allows travellers to buy a single ticket inside the bus with debit card/mobile phone, cash, or tickets purchased in Waltti app (select zone A).
The app Waltti Mobile can be used to check routes, schedules and real-time bus arrivals. Single trip tickets and day tickets can also be bought on the app.
E-scooter services provided by Dott and Ryde apps are operating in Vaasa.
If you need private transportation such as a taxi, check Taxi Vaasa.