Traffic report Finland

Are you going to Finland by car? Then prepare yourself well with our practical information about route and traffic. In Finland, some things are sometimes slightly different than in other European countries. Read the traffic rules and view the checklist with the items that you must bring in the car.

Finland Traffic News

Phone

• In Finland traffic information in English is provided 24 hours a day by Liikennevirasto (Finnish Transport Agency) on 0200 2100 (from abroad +358 200 2100).

Internet

• Traffic rules: autoliitto.fi
• Road safety and winter driving tips: liikenneturva.fi
• Road map with information about the roads: liikennevirasto.fi/web/en (English) and liikennetilanne.tmfg.fi (English).
• rajaliikenne.fi with traffic information at the Russian border.
• Ferry services: directferries.fi

Road network

• The main connections in Finland are of good quality.
• In rural areas there are still (two-lane) gravel roads, which, however, are usually well passable.

Road safety

• In the wet months of April, May and September, the secondary gravel roads are sometimes in bad condition.
• In winter, motorists in Finland should take into account that the days are short and they often have to drive in the dark.
• In winter, secondary roads, especially in the north of Finland, can become impassable due to heavy snowfall.
• Be aware of wildlife on the road. Also be suspicious of deer and moose in the dark that can suddenly cross a road (also a main road). In the fall, deer and moose are most active and most of the accidents occur with these animals.

Busy roads

• The busiest roads are the Helsinki ring road, Kehä I (within the city road number 1, outside it number 101) and to a lesser extent Kehä III (ring road 3).
• Roads of Helsinki and Tampere.
• Roads around major coastal towns such as Turku, Kuopio and Oulu.
• Hours of delays are rare on Finnish roads.

Busy border crossings

With Sweden

• Haparanda / Tornio (E8 / E4).

With Russia

• Delays mainly for freight traffic at the border posts Vaalimaa (E18), Nuijamaa (E13) and Imatra (K62).
• Passenger traffic is not delayed here.
• Work is underway on a new border crossing at Parikkala. Delivery planned in 2024.

Busy ferry services

• Ferry services can be very busy, especially in the summer period. It is advisable to book the crossing in advance.
• Popular ferry terminals are Helsinki (Länsisatama, western port, many sailings to Estonia) and Turku (ferry services to Sweden).

Roads and Routes

• There are many routes to Finland. The ferry services connect numerous coastal towns in Scandinavia with each other.
• The most common route to Finland is via Hengelo – Osnabrück – Bremen – Hamburg – Flensburg – Kolding – Odense – Great Belt Bridge (toll) – Copenhagen – Oresund Bridge (toll) – Malmö – Stockholm. Then by ferry (whether or not via Åland) to Turku. It is advisable to book the crossing. It can be busy, especially in the summer period.

New roads

• V6: Tykkimäki – Kaipainen (19km). First of all, Tykkimäki-Kuivala, although very uncertain. Delivery date unknown.
• VT8: At Eurajoki (4.5 km) Completion planned in 2022.
• V12: Okeroins – Kujala (6 km) and Southern Ring Lahti.

ROAD WORKS

• E18
  • KT 50 Kehä III ring road 3 Helsinki, at Vantaankoski Pakkala. Delivery November 2021.
  • At Askisto. Completion December 2023.
  • Turku ring road. (Kausela- Kirismäki): First phase delivery in 2021, 2nd phase in 2023.
• V4
  • Oulu-Kemi (122 km). Delivery at the end of October 2021.
  • Hartola and Oravakivensalmi. Start in 2021. Completion in 2023.
• V5
  • Mikkeli – Juva (44 km). Completion summer 2022.
• 101 (Helsinki ring road)
  • At Laajalahti. Delivery date unknown

Breakdown assistance in Finland

• Safety first
• Park your car as far as possible (preferably on the roadside).
• Turn the wheels towards the shoulder.
• Turn on your hazard lights (also make them flash after placing a warning triangle).
• Put on a safety vest and have your passengers put on a vest as well.
• Get out of the car on the side where there is no traffic and let your passengers out on that side as well.
• If necessary, place a warning triangle.
• Stand behind the crash barrier or on the verge and wait for the roadside assistance service, with a view of the traffic.
• Never cross the highway, that is dangerous!

Here you will find more information about Finland.