Domestic bus travel is gaining popularity – these nature destinations are accessible without a car

Domestic tourism, including nature destinations, continues to attract more and more Finns, but few realize how easily these places can be reached without a private car. Bus travel offers an affordable and ecological option for summer vacationers, and Matkahuolto’s extensive network enables direct access to cultural events, festivals, and popular nature destinations alike. During the summer season, demand increases especially on routes that take travelers directly to national parks and hiking areas.

In 2024, there were 3.6 million visits to Finland’s national parks, highlighting the established popularity of outdoor activities. Hikers appreciate easy accessibility, and thanks to Matkahuolto’s extensive bus connections, destinations like the Pieni Karhunkierros Trail in Kuusamo, Koli National Park, and the wilderness areas of Lapland are easy to reach. Additionally, there are direct connections from Tampere and Jyväskylä to Helvetinjärvi and Etelä-Konnevesi National Parks, making nature tourism in Central Finland accessible even for those without a car.

“Demand for bus travel has increased as people search for more environmentally friendly and cost-effective ways to get around. Traveling by bus is not only affordable but also an ecological option compared to private cars or flying. Rising flight prices and the growing trend of sustainable travel are further driving the development of this sector,” says Petri Lindqvist, Director of Digital Transport Services at Matkahuolto.

Bus transport supports sustainable tourism by reducing the need for private car use and lowering emissions. Travel chains that combine train, bus, and ferry connections offer even more diverse opportunities to explore Finland’s nature responsibly.

Passenger volumes grow significantly during summer

Single ticket sales through Matkahuolto’s sales channels increased by several percent in 2024 compared to the previous summer, indicating travelers' desire for flexible route choices. Traveling by bus is not only affordable but also a stress-free option that allows for spontaneous trips and combining various destinations.

“In the summer, people travel in diverse ways – some head into nature, while others take advantage of bus connections to cultural events and festivals. We want to offer our customers the flexibility to travel without worrying about driving or parking, whether it's a day trip to a national park or a journey to one of the summer’s biggest events. This is also important for organizers of recreational and tourism services, as it enables events to be held in locations without extensive parking facilities,” Lindqvist adds.

The summer season is reflected in increased passenger volumes, especially on routes leading to major cultural events. For example, during the Savonlinna Opera Festival, the number of passengers on the Helsinki–Savonlinna route nearly doubles. Similarly, during Pori Jazz, traffic to Pori increases significantly.

The best place to start searching for suitable routes is the Matkahuolto Trips and Tickets app, which finds the best door-to-door route and allows you to purchase all the tickets you need, including, for example, train or local transport tickets when your journey involves several different connections with various modes of transport. Tickets can also be conveniently purchased via Matkahuolto’s website at www.matkahuolto.fi.

Matkahuolto’s popular summer 2025 routes directly to nature

• Outdoor Express: Takes hikers from Tampere to Helvetinjärvi National Park and from Jyväskylä to Etelä-Konnevesi National Park, offering easy and direct access to peaceful nature.

• Karhunkierros, Kuusamo: Bus connections from Salla, Ruka, and Kuusamo town center to the Karhunkierros Visitor Centre. The route is also accessible directly from Oulu with a bus ticket under 30 euros.

• Näsijärvi: A bike and boat collaboration along the Pimeesalmi-Maisa route offers a new way to explore the lake area by cycling and cruising. Tickets will be available in the spring.

• Norwegian bus connections: Direct bus services from Rovaniemi to Karasjok and Tromsø in Norway open up new possibilities to combine nature tourism between Finland and Norway.