Settings -
£
$
¥
$
¥
HomeRoad TripsEuropeNorth EuropeScandinaviaFinlandSouthern Finland
Finland

Southern Finland Road Trip

Helsinki - Porvoo - Lappeenranta - Lahti - Hameenlinna - Tampere - Rauma - Turku

Expect on your itinerary

Security Security
Road conditions Road conditions
Comfort Comfort
Benefit-stress ratio Benefit-stress ratio
Urban life Urban life
Culture Culture
Landscape Landscape
Historical sites Historical sites
Southern Finland Road Trip ACTIVATE MAP Stages8 km1,067 h/stage1.9

Best months to drive

I II III IV V VI
VII VIII IX X XI XII

Road Trip Costs

How much does it cost to go on a Southern Finland Road Trip in Finland?

Economy
Low budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 378EUR drive & more 150EUR sleep & more 462EUR eat & more 672EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,284EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 1,662EUR
Standard
Mid budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 504EUR drive & more 188EUR sleep & more 781EUR eat & more 1,008EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,977EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,481EUR
Premium
High budget options by car rental, accommodation and catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,260EUR drive & more 263EUR sleep & more 1,155EUR eat & more 1,344EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 2,762EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 4,022EUR
Camper
On the road in RV, overnight at camp grounds with self-catering. In- and Out-bound travel expenses are not included.
rent & more 1,575EUR drive & more 288EUR sleep & more 385EUR eat & more 672EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) 1,345EUR Total (est. for 2 prs.) incl. rented car 2,920EUR
Car rental Book hotel Flights
Share this link.

Southern Finland Road Trip Itinerary

The Southern Finland Road Trip is a great way to explore the beauty of Finland. Starting in the capital city of Helsinki and ending there, this 1067km journey takes you through four towns: Porvoo, Lahti, Tampere and Turku. You can expect excellent road conditions, making this a great choice for any driver. The best time of the year to take this trip is during the warmer months, when you can take in the UNESCO Heritage Monuments on the route. With a journey of 7 days, you can expect to make some amazing memories and experience the best that Southern Finland has to offer. Although this road trip can be managed with a high budget, it is well worth it for the level of experience and memories you can take away.
number of days 7 number of days
route length 1,067 km route length
budget high budget
good for family good for
traffic direction on the right traffic direction
accident level low accident level

START Helsinki

Distance 1,047 km Driving time 15.4 h Pace: fast 314.2 kWh Airports HEL
[detailsContainer]
Helsinki, the vibrant capital of Finland, is the perfect starting point for the Southern Finland Road Trip. Known for its unique architecture, its outdoor activities, and its many museums, Helsinki has something to offer for everyone. Begin your journey in the heart of Helsinki at the Senate Square, surrounded by the historical buildings of the Helsinki Cathedral, the Government Palace, and the University of Helsinki. From there, explore the city's many parks, including the beautiful Esplanadi and the lush Kaivopuisto. Or take a stroll along the harbor to check out the lively Market Square and the nearby Uspenski Cathedral. For art lovers, don't miss the Ateneum, Finland's National Gallery, and the Design Museum. Afterwards, take a ferry out to the fortress island of Suomenlinna, one of Finland's most important historical sites. For those traveling by air, Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport (HEL) offers car rentals for the start of your road trip. Plus, it's only a 20-minute drive from the airport to the heart of Helsinki. So you can hit the ground running and start your Southern Finland Road Trip right away.

1 Helsinki - Porvoo

Distance 48 km Driving time 0.6 h Pace: fast 14.3 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips UNESCO World Heritage Site interesting  historic site accommodation options
[detailsContainer]
Embark on an exciting road trip from Helsinki to Porvoo! This 48 km journey takes less than an hour to complete and takes you to some of the most interesting places in Finland. Start your journey in Helsinki, the vibrant capital of Finland. Here, you can explore the city's many historical sites such as the Helsinki Cathedral and the Senate Square, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites. As you drive towards Porvoo, you will pass through an enchanting landscape of forests and lakes. Once you arrive in Porvoo, you can explore its charming old town, which is one of the oldest in Finland. Here, you can find cobblestone streets, traditional wooden houses, and the Old Town Hall, which dates back to the 14th century. There are also many cafes and restaurants here where you can sample the local cuisine. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage.

2 Porvoo - Lappeenranta

Distance 181 km Driving time 2.2 h Pace: fast 54.4 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips attractive landscape accommodation options
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for an unforgettable road trip from Porvoo to Lappeenranta? This 181 km journey will take you less than 3 hours to complete, giving you plenty of time to explore the most interesting places along the way. Start your journey in Porvoo, a beautiful small town with a rich history, where you can visit the Porvoo Cathedral and the Old Town Hall. Then, continue to the city of Kouvola, where you can explore the Repovesi National Park and the Kymi River. Next, you can visit the small town of Miehikkälä, where you can admire the picturesque landscapes and the Miehikkälä Church. Then, continue to the city of Imatra, where you can explore the Imatrankoski rapids and the nearby Vuoksi River. Finally, you will reach your destination, Lappeenranta, where you can explore the Lappeenranta Fortress and the Linnoitus Church. Along the way, you will have the opportunity to admire the stunning Finnish countryside and take in the breathtaking scenery. Be sure to keep an eye out for the picturesque landscapes and take plenty of photos! For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

3 Lappeenranta - Lahti

Distance 146 km Driving time 1.8 h Pace: fast 43.9 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips accommodation options
[detailsContainer]
Embark on a road trip from Lappeenranta, Finland to Lahti and explore the beauty of the Finnish countryside! This 146 km journey will take you less than two hours, and you can look forward to a variety of attractions along the way. Start in Lappeenranta and take a stroll in the harbour area, where you can admire the old wooden buildings, and then visit the Lappeenranta Fortress, which dates back to the 18th century. Don't forget to take a photo of the iconic Saimaa Canal, which is the longest canal in Finland. On the way to Lahti, make sure to stop at the beautiful town of Kouvola, where you can find the Repovesi National Park and the Linnansaari National Park. Here you can enjoy the lush forests and many outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, and canoeing. Finally, arrive in Lahti and visit the ski museum and the Sibelius Hall, which is a concert hall and a popular tourist attraction. You can also check out the Lahti Art Museum, which features a variety of Finnish and international art. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

4 Lahti - Hameenlinna

Distance 79 km Driving time 1.2 h Pace: fast 23.6 kWh View map Itinerary
interesting  historic site accommodation options
[detailsContainer]
Welcome road-trippers! Get ready for the most exciting stage of your journey, starting in Lahti, Finland and ending in Hameenlinna, only 79 km away. This short drive will take you less than 2 hours, but you'll be able to discover some of the most interesting places in the area. In Lahti, make sure to visit the beautiful Sibelius Hall and the picturesque Lahti Harbor. From there, you'll be able to admire the view of the lake Vesijärvi. Then, drive to Hollola, where you'll find the historical Hollola Church and the Hollola Manor. On your way to Hameenlinna, you'll pass by the Valkeala Church and the Valkeala Manor. Once you arrive in Hameenlinna, you can explore the Hame Castle, the Hameenlinna Church, and the Aulanko Nature Reserve. As you drive along this route, don't forget to admire the stunning landscapes and the many historical sites. More information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route is available in the "Itinerary" of this stage. Enjoy the ride!

5 Hameenlinna - Tampere

Distance 78 km Driving time 0.9 h Pace: fast 23.5 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting  historic site attractive landscape accommodation options
[detailsContainer]
Are you ready for an exciting road trip from Hämeenlinna to Tampere? This 78 km drive will take you less than an hour and the journey will be full of interesting sights and experiences. You can start your journey by visiting the Häme Castle, a 13th century fortress located in the heart of the town. Afterwards, you can drive to the picturesque town of Valkeakoski and admire its beautiful canals and parks. Continue your journey and you will arrive in Akaa, where you can explore the historical sites of the town and take a walk in the nearby forests. Don't forget to take a break in the local cafés and restaurants. The last stop of your journey is Tampere, the largest inland city in the Nordic countries. Here, you can explore the beautiful lakeside parks, visit the Tampere Cathedral and the Tampere Hall. On your way, don't forget to admire the stunning landscapes and take some pictures. You can also find more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route in the "Itinerary" of this stage. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready for an unforgettable road trip experience!

6 Tampere - Rauma

Distance 142 km Driving time 1.9 h Pace: fast 42.7 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips UNESCO World Heritage Site interesting  historic site accommodation options
[detailsContainer]
Welcome to the Tampere-Rauma Road Trip! This 142 km journey will take you less than two hours to complete, and along the way you will get to experience some of the most interesting historical sites in Finland. Start your journey in Tampere, the third-largest city in Finland, and explore the old wooden houses of the city centre, the old stone church, and the Tampere Cathedral. As you drive through the countryside, take time to admire the lush forests and the beautiful lakes. You will also pass through some UNESCO World Heritage Sites, so be sure to take a few pictures! When you reach Rauma, you can explore the old wooden houses of the city centre, the Rauma Maritime Museum, and the Rauma Church. Don't forget to try the local delicacies while you're there! To make the most of your trip, make sure to check the "Itinerary" of this stage for more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route. Enjoy your journey!

7 Rauma - Turku

Distance 142 km Driving time 2.8 h Pace: modest 36.8 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips interesting  historic site accommodation options
[detailsContainer]
Welcome to the Rauma-Turku road trip! This 142 km journey will take you less than three hours of driving, so you can enjoy the beautiful views of the Finnish countryside. Start your trip in the historical city of Rauma, where you can visit the Old Rauma area, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here you can admire the unique architecture of the 18th and 19th century wooden houses, as well as the Rauma Maritime Museum, the Rauma Art Museum and the Rauma Town Hall. Continue your journey to Turku, the oldest city in Finland, where you can explore the Turku Castle, the Turku Cathedral and the Turku Art Museum. You can also take a boat trip to the nearby archipelago and enjoy the beautiful nature of the islands. Along the way, make sure to take a break and admire the historical sites and monuments, as well as the breathtaking views of the countryside. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please check the “Itinerary” of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

8 Turku - Helsinki

Distance 231 km Driving time 4.0 h Pace: modest 60.1 kWh View map Itinerary
junction of road trips UNESCO World Heritage Site interesting  historic site accommodation options
[detailsContainer]
Take a road trip from Turku to Helsinki and explore the historical sites of Finland! This 231 km journey will take you about 4 hours and you will be able to see some of the UNESCO Heritage sites along the way. Start your journey in Turku, the oldest city in Finland, and explore its historical churches, museums, and the Turku Castle. Then, make a stop in Rauma, a city known for its traditional wooden houses and cobblestone streets. Don’t forget to visit the Old Town of Porvoo, with its picturesque red warehouses, and the historic town of Loviisa. As you approach Helsinki, take a break in Espoo, the second largest city in Finland, and explore its green parks and beautiful beaches. Once you reach the capital, you can explore the many attractions of Helsinki, such as the Senate Square, the Sibelius Monument, and the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress. For more information about attractions, accommodation options, recommended restaurants, and campsites along the route, please refer to the Itinerary of this stage. Enjoy your road trip!

  Helsinki

[detailsContainer]
Helsinki, the capital of Finland, is the perfect end to a Southern Finland Road Trip. With its vibrant culture, stunning architecture, and countless attractions, Helsinki offers something for everyone. Start your exploration of the city by visiting some of its most renowned attractions. The Senate Square, with the beautiful Helsinki Cathedral at its center, is a sight to behold. The Temppeliaukio Church, carved from solid rock, is a remarkable feat of architecture. The Seurasaari Open-Air Museum gives visitors a glimpse into traditional Finnish life. Helsinki is also home to numerous museums, theaters, and galleries. Make sure to visit the Ateneum Art Museum, the National Museum of Finland, and the Natural History Museum for a comprehensive look at Finnish culture and history. If you're looking for a more active experience, Helsinki has plenty to offer. Take a walk around the harbor, visit the nearby islands, or take a boat tour of the city. You can also explore the city's many parks, such as the Central Park of Finland, the Kaivopuisto Park, and the Sibelius Park. For those traveling by air, the closest international airport is Helsinki Airport (HEL). After a wonderful Southern Finland Road Trip, you'll be sure to leave Helsinki with amazing memories.

Southern Finland Road Trip at a glance

Surely, our Southern Finland Road Trip gave you plenty of inspirations for your future holiday excursions.
The tour we’ve suggested can be used as a foundation that can be recreated in its entirety or only partially and that can be enriched with interesting attractions of your choice.
If car travel is a travel mode that you prefer, there are a number of essential traffic regulations to follow and a number of elements to keep in mind to make your trip smooth. These tips will surely become useful for tourists who are interested in car hire or renting a camper.
It is important to keep in mind the local road regulations when on a road trip around Finland. Alcohol is best to be avoided at any price if Finland is your travel destination. Holidaymakers should remember that the permitted consumption limit is low and is only 0.5‰. In order to avoid a speeding fine, it is best to never exceed 50km/h, which is the maximum speed when travelling around the the city streets. Outside the cities, you can travel at the maximum car speed of 80km/h. Bear in mind that the speed limit is 120km/h on highways in Finland. We recommend driving with your headlights on at daytime and equipping your car with a fire extinguisher and first aid kit in order to stay safe.
The majority of holidaymakers wonder about the costs of the whole trip. Well, depending on your needs, the cost may differ. Check out the available budget possibilities.
In the cheapest option, you have to spend the maximum of 150 EUR on fuel to cover the planned 9 stages across Finland. You will have to pay approximately 462 EUR for economy accommodation. The travel expenses connected with restaurants and food within this option can cost up to approximately 672 EUR. Travellers will have to pay about 378 EUR if they aim for the cheapest car hire option as well. Thus, going for vehicle rental will increase the expenses of the road trip from more or less 1,284 EUR to around 1,662 EUR.
Drivers who seek greater comfort and the standard option will pay roughly 188 EUR for the gasoline needed to cover the tour. If you are into standard accommodation options, you should remember that the expenses can amount up to more or less 781 EUR. The slightly increased standard in comparison to the budget option entails costs amounting to about 1,008 EUR. Travellers who are also interested in a standard car rental should expect a cost of around 504 EUR. Summing up the standard offer, the estimated cost of the road trip will total more or less 2,481 EUR for holidayers who would like to try car hire and 1,977 EUR for those who are not interested in rental.
The available premium option has been prepared with the most demanding holidayers in mind. Drivers who would like to rent a car will pay around 4,022 EUR for the whole tour, whereas those who are not interested in vehicle rental will spend approximately 2,762 EUR. Travellers who would like to cover the tour in a premium rental vehicle should expect a cost of around 1,260 EUR. If you are interested in the highest standard of the road trip, you have to spend the maximum of 263 EUR on the gasoline needed to cover the tour. Tourists who opt for top services in all aspects of their trip should expect to pay around 1,344 EUR for food and restaurants and around 1,155 EUR for accommodation options.
Our adventure will also be ideal for all camper lovers, as it can be easily adjusted to their expectations. If you choose this travel means, it costs around 1,575 EUR. You will spend more or less 288 EUR on gasoline allowing to cover all stages of the itinerary. Drivers who choose camper hire should expect to pay approximately 385 EUR for overnight stays and about 672 EUR for expenses connected with food.
You can check all of the details connected with expenses in the Road Trip Costs section.
The best travel opportunity when visiting the part of Finland presented in our road trip idea is between June and September. There are numerous exciting journeys that are available on our website if you like Southern Finland Road Trip. Even the most demanding of holidayers will surely be pleased with the great versatility of our trips.

Facts for safer driving in Finland

drink drive limit drink drive limit 0.5
max speed urban max speed urban 50 km/h
max speed rural max speed rural 80 km/h
max speed highway max speed highway 120 km/h
headlights at daytime headlights at daytime on
fire extinguisher fire extinguisher no
tolls tolls no
seat belts seat belts yes

Recommended trips

Scandinavia Road Trip Scandinavia Road Trip
Scandinavia Road Trip
Europe - Norway
4,682 km 61 km/h 25 days roadtrip
Nordkapp Road Trip Nordkapp Road Trip
Nordkapp Road Trip
Europe -
4,414 km 71 km/h 20 days roadtrip
Finland Road Trip Finland Road Trip
Finland Road Trip
Europe - Finland
2,687 km 67 km/h 14 days roadtrip
Karelia Road Trip Karelia Road Trip
Karelia Road Trip
Europe - Finland
2,548 km 73 km/h 12 days roadtrip
East Finland Road Trip East Finland Road Trip
East Finland Road Trip
Europe - Finland
1,371 km 79 km/h 12 days roadtrip
Into the North Road Trip Into the North Road Trip
Into the North Road Trip
Europe - Finland
1,310 km 82 km/h 7 days roadtrip