Kuopio Airport
Airport guide 2026

Kuopio Airport KUO

Finland

Kuopio Airport serves the main city of the Savonia region in the heart of Finland's lake region, about 15 km from the city center.

Kuopio is known for the observation tower on Mount Puijo, with views over the surrounding lakes, and for the world's largest public sauna.

Content verified on 03/09/2026
Official source: www.finavia.fi/en/kuopio

How to get to Kuopio Airport

The city center of Kuopio is approximately 15 km from the airport: the transfer requires roughly 20–25 minutes by bus or taxi.

By Car

Drivers reach the center of Kuopio in approximately 20-25 minutes.

By Train

Finland does not have a direct railway connection for Kuopio airport; the central station in the city is not directly connected.

By Bus

A bus connected to flight schedules links the airport to the centre; approximately 2.85 euros with app/card (4 euros cash).
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Tips If you have time, climb the observation tower on Mount Puijo for a panoramic view of the lakes, one of the city's symbols.

Average travel time to KUO

TrainNot available
Shuttle bus25 minutes (shuttle bus)
Taxi / Private hire20-25 minutes

Parking near Kuopio Airport

Across from the terminal is the airport-recognized parking facility.

It is video-monitored; approximately 1 euro per hour.

How to get to Kuopio from KUO

By Train

Kuopio railway station offers connections to Helsinki, but is not directly connected to the airport; taxi required.

By Bus

A shuttle bus connects the airport to the city center in approximately 25 minutes; approximately 2.85 euros via app or card (4 euros in cash).

By Taxi

Official taxis wait in the arrivals area; approximately 38–43 euros to the city center (about 20 minutes).

Need an airport transfer?

Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com

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Car rental at Kuopio Airport

Major car rental companies operate with dedicated desks near arrivals.

Keep your driving licence, passport and credit card handy.

 

Hotels near Kuopio Airport

Kuopio Airport is in Rissala, in the municipality of Siilinjärvi, about 14 km north of the centre: as with other regional Finnish airports, there are no hotels near the terminal, so the choice is concentrated around the market square (Kauppatori) and the railway station. Bus route 40 links the airport and the centre but only runs on weekdays, with timetables designed to connect with flight arrivals and departures; on weekends or outside those hours only the taxi remains.
City centre

Kuopio centre

Bus route 40, Mon-Fri, coordinated with flight times, 30-40 minutes to Tulliportinkatu (Keskusta 1 stop), zone AB ticket; taxi about 20 minutes, €35-55 depending on traffic.

Best for: Any stay: all the city's hotels are concentrated here, about 20 minutes by taxi from Rissala airport.

Pros
  • Kauppatori, the Kallavesi lakefront and the railway station within walking distance of the hotels in the centre
  • Bus route 40 is specifically designed to connect with flight times on weekdays
Cons
  • On weekends bus 40 doesn't run: only the taxi remains, pricier than the city ticket
  • No hotels near the terminal, so every stopover still means the trip into the city
See more hotels in this area
 

Airport services

The airport serves the Kuopio region, heart of the country's eastern lakes district.

Shopping & Duty Free

A compact duty-free area with Finnish design and regional products is available.

Lounges & relaxation

Dedicated lounges are completely absent at this airport.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is available in the terminal's public areas. Elisa, DNA, and Telia have a counter in the airport.

Families & Children

Families with children can count on a minimal but present service.

Terminal guide

The terminal is modest in size, befitting its role as a regional hub for northern Savonia.

Play it safe: 1.5 hours of advance time before flights is the wisest approach.

Map of Kuopio Airport

Map of Kuopio Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. What is there to see in Kuopio?

The observation tower on Mount Puijo, with panoramic views over the surrounding lakes, and the world's largest public sauna.

Q. Does Kuopio airport have international flights?

No, it handles only domestic flights, mainly to and from Helsinki: for international travel you need to change in the capital.

Q. Is Kuopio a good base for exploring the Finnish lakes?

Yes, it lies in the heart of the eastern lake region, with cruises available on Lake Kallavesi from the city harbor.

Q. What makes Kuopio's sauna special?

It's recognized as the world's largest public sauna, an authentic experience of Finnish culture.

Flight board

Real-time status of arriving and departing flights

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