Logistics & Travel

How do I travel to Ikaalinen spa hotel?

Most international participants will arrive in Finland via Helsinki Airport. From there, the easiest route to the event venue is by train to Tampere, followed by an organised shuttle bus to Ikaalinen Spa Hotel. Distance Tampere–Ikaalinen: about 55 km.

Please note!

Please note when purchasing your ticket that the student discount in Finland is only available to those who are studying in Finland.

Step 1: From Helsinki Airport to Tampere by train

The easiest way to reach Tampere from Helsinki Airport is by train. Trains are operated by VR, the Finnish national railway company.

Travel time: about 1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours
Typical ticket price: €20–35 one way

You may also want to book your train ticket as early as possible. Prices vary depending on demand and departure time. Early bookings are usually significantly cheaper. As an example, tickets from Helsinki Airport to Tampere have been available from about €9.90 one way when booked in advance (price checked in February). Closer to the travel date, prices are typically €20–35.

Timetables and tickets (English):
https://www.vr.fi/en

Search route:

  • From: Helsinki Airport

  • To: Tampere

  • Date: Tuesday 28 July

We recommend choosing a train that arrives in Tampere between 12:30 and 17:00 to match the shuttle schedule.

Step 2: Free shuttle bus from Tampere to Ikaalinen Spa Hotel

  • First bus: 13:15

  • Last scheduled bus: 17:00

  • Four buses operating continuously during this period

  • Travel time: about 45–60 minutes

Event registration at the hotel starts at 14:00.

At Tampere railway station, Festinord staff will be present in front of the main entrance of the station building to guide participants to the shuttle departure area.

Please note:
The buses cannot stop directly at the station entrance due to limited space in the city centre. The shuttle departure point is located about 500 metres from the station. Staff will guide participants on foot to the correct location.

All buses will be clearly marked with a FESTINORD sign.

During event registration, participants will be asked:

  • Do you need a shuttle from Tampere to Ikaalinen?

  • Do you need a return shuttle from Ikaalinen to Tampere?

If you arrive after 5 pm

If your train arrives in Tampere after 17:00, please contact the event organisers in advance. Contact details will be provided closer to the event.

We will try to arrange a minibus service for late arrivals, operating approximately once per hour until midnight.

Alternative: Long-distance bus to Tampere

In addition to trains, you can travel from Helsinki Airport or Helsinki city centre to Tampere by long-distance coach. This can be a good option if train times do not match your arrival.

Main bus operators in Finland:

Search route:

  • From: Helsinki Airport or Helsinki

  • To: Tampere

Typical travel time: 2.5–3 hours
Typical ticket price: €15–30

If you arrive in Tampere by bus, get off in the city centre and walk to Tampere railway station. Festinord staff will meet participants in front of the main entrance and guide you to the shuttle buses.

Arriving by ferry from Sweden or Estonia

If you arrive by ship to Helsinki, Turku, or another Finnish port:

  1. Travel from the harbour to the nearest railway station by taxi, tram, or local bus.

  2. Take a train to Tampere using the VR website above.

  3. Continue with the Festinord shuttle from Tampere railway station.

Typical prices:

  • Local transport from harbour to station: €3–15

  • Train Turku–Tampere: about €15–30