Jyväskylä is a dynamic, lively city in the heart of Finland. This city of nearly 150 000 residents is famous for achievements in science and technology, its nature and culture. 

Jyväskylä is also a city of education with an international academic atmosphere: every fourth person you pass on the street is a student! Renowed University of Jyväskylä and versatile JAMK University of Applied Sciences together with large vocational and general upper secondary schools attract students from all over the world. It is therefore not surprising that the educational institutes in Jyväskylä have students from more than hundred different countries.

Arriving by air

The most convenient ways to reach Finland are by airplane (to Helsinki Airport or Tampere-Pirkkala Airport) and then take a train. If you arrive by airplane, Finnair flies from Helsinki to Jyväskylä. Feel free to check connecting flights to Jyväskylä Airport. The flight takes less than an hour.

Jyväskylä airport is located 23 kilometres from the Jyväskylä city centre. Unfortunately, there is no local public transportation from the airport to Jyväskylä city centre but you can take a taxi.

Book your taxi

• Taxi Menevä
• JYTAXI

Arriving by train

You will need to use local public transportation to reach a long-distance train station (if you are travelling from "Helsinki airport change trains at Tikkurila station (from a local train to a Pendolino or InterCity train) to continue your journey.) Please check the latest information prior to travel on the local transportation operator’s website. Common mapping applications, such as Google Maps, are usually accurate as well. 

Long-distance train tickets to Jyväskylä from Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku can be purchased from the VR website. We recommend booking your train tickets as soon as possible. Trains regularly sell out and the tickets are also significantly cheaper the earlier you book them.

Arrival by long-distance train 

If you arrive by long-distance train, you should get off at Jyväskylä Railway Station (also known as Jyväskylä Travel Centre or Matkakeskus). Travel Centre is located right in the town centre. From here, you can take a taxi or a local bus to the hotel. 

Taxis in Jyväskylä 

• Menevä 
• JYTAKSI 

Buses 5 and 5k depart from the city center near the railway station and arrive right next to Hotel Alba. You can purchase a single ticket using your credit card at the ticket machine on the bus. 

• Local buses in Jyväskylä 

Arriving by a ferry

Finland can also be reached by superior-standard ferries from Sweden and Estonia. The ferries arrive either in Helsinki or Turku, from where there are good connections to Jyväskylä by train.

Other information 

Tap Water 

Tap water in Finland is clean and safe to drink. We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle with you. For example, you can refill your bottle at designated water stations at Helsinki Airport. 

Paying in Finland 

Finland is very convenient when it comes to contactless payments. Cards and mobile payments are widely accepted almost everywhere, including taxis, cafés, and grocery stores. Please note that public transport (trains, buses) rarely accepts cash payments.