Oulu Airport serves the main city of northern Finland, an important technology and university center, about 15 km from the city center.
Oulu is also a reference point for those heading further to Lapland or exploring the Gulf of Bothnia coast.
How to get to Oulu Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to OUL
Parking near Oulu Airport
The airport manages an official parking area right in front of the terminal.
It is video-monitored; approximately 2–4 euros per hour.
How to get to Oulu from OUL
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Oulu Airport
Major car rental companies are represented in the arrivals area.
Bring your driving licence, passport and credit card in your name; winter tyres are mandatory during the cold season.
Hotels near Oulu Airport
Oulu centre
Bus lines 8 and 9 take 30-40 minutes (about 3-5 euros) from the centre; taxi takes 15-20 minutes (about 25-45 euros) for the roughly 15 km that separate the airport from the city.
Best for: Those who want the harbour market, restaurants and the railway station within walking distance, with direct buses to the airport.
- The harbour market (Kauppatori) and the Oulujoki river are walkable from the central hotels
- Railway station a few minutes' walk from several hotels, handy for combining train and plane
- Airport buses are infrequent outside peak hours: with early morning flights a taxi is needed
- In the city centre at weekends there is traffic and noise from nightlife venues
Recommended hotels
- Radisson Blu Hotel, Oulu On the riverside, 3 minutes on foot from the Kauppatori market and the Valve Cultural Centre; gym, sauna and free bicycles for guests. View availability
- Scandic Oulu Station 4 minutes on foot from the central station and Oulu cathedral; indoor pool, sauna and a buffet breakfast flagged as a strong point by reviews. View availability
Airport area
A few minutes from the Oulunsalo terminal, along the same access road to the airport.
Best for: Very early morning flights or layovers of a few hours, when you would rather not face the 15 km and 20-40 minute transfer to the centre.
- No 15 km transfer to face before a very early morning flight
- A cheaper alternative to central hotel rooms for a single layover night
- Residential area of Oulunsalo, with no restaurants or shops within walking distance
- For an evening in the centre you still need 20-30 minutes by car or taxi
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is appropriately sized for its role as northern Finland's primary hub.
It's best to be at the airport with 1.5–2 hours of buffer when flying.
Map of Oulu Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Is Oulu considered Finland's tech capital?
It's an important tech and university center of the country, often referred to as an innovation hub in northern Finland.
Q. Can you cycle in Oulu even in winter?
Yes, the city is known for its cycling culture practiced all year round, with well-maintained bike paths even in the snow.
Q. What makes Oulu internationally famous?
It hosts the Air Guitar World Championships every year, an eccentric event that draws competitors from all over the world, alongside its more serious role as a tech hub in northern Finland.
Q. Is Oulu a good transit point to Lapland?
Yes, Oulu's railway station offers connections to the towns of Lapland further north.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights