Port information & tips for Turku
Turku is the oldest city in Finland and a fascinating gateway to the extensive archipelago of the Baltic Sea. This history-steeped metropolis impresses with its idyllic location at the mouth of the Aurajoki river, where Nordic serenity meets a vibrant cultural landscape. Right at the harbor, highlights such as the imposing medieval Turku Castle and the maritime museum Forum Marinum delight visitors, while the picturesque riverbank invites a visit to the magnificent Turku Cathedral. Cruise ships dock at the terminal in the Linnansatama port area, which directly borders the historic castle. From here, the city center is easily and quickly accessible thanks to excellent bus connections or an approximately three-kilometer walk along the green waterfront promenade.
The Port of Turku at the mouth of the Aurajoki River is an important hub for ferry and cruise traffic in Finland. Thanks to its central location and good connections, the terminal is easily accessible, even though separate terminals currently exist for Viking Line and Tallink Silja. A new joint terminal is planned for the end of 2025.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Turku Airport (TKU), located only about 12 to 13 kilometers from the port. After landing, you can reach the port directly thanks to bus line 1 (Föli). This runs regularly (every 10-15 minutes) between the airport, city center, and port; the journey takes around 30 to 35 minutes and costs about 5 Euro. Alternatively, a taxi is available, which will take you to the terminal in about 16 minutes for approximately 30 to 45 Euro.
Auto
The Port of Turku is excellently connected to the Finnish road network. From Helsinki, you can reach the port easily via the E18 motorway, while the journey from Tampere is via the E12/E63, followed by a change to the E63. Simply follow the signs for "Turun Satama" or "Satama". There are sufficient parking spaces for short-term and long-term parkers available in the port area, which are only a short walk from the terminals. Parking fees are, for example, 1.70 Euro per hour or 20 Euro for 26 hours, with a maximum parking duration of 8 days possible at the ticket machines. Payment is possible at machines by card or via various apps such as Aimo Park, ParkMan, EasyPark, or Moovy.
Bahn
The Turku Satama (Turku Port) railway station is located in the immediate vicinity of the terminals and is only about 100 to 200 meters away. Direct train connections to the port station exist from Turku Main Station (Turku asema), with a travel time of only about 7 minutes. Public transport is perfectly coordinated with the ship departure times, enabling a relaxed arrival. For a particularly relaxed start to your cruise, the Hotel Seaport directly in the port area is a recommended option for an overnight stay.
Check-in & Einschiffung
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The Port of Turku at the mouth of the Aurajoki River is an important hub for ferry and cruise traffic in Finland. Thanks to its central location and good connections, the terminal is easily accessible, even though separate terminals currently exist for Viking Line and Tallink Silja. A new joint terminal is planned for the end of 2025.
Airplane
The nearest airport is Turku Airport (TKU), located only about 12 to 13 kilometers from the port. After landing, you can reach the port directly thanks to bus line 1 (Föli). This runs regularly (every 10-15 minutes) between the airport, city center, and port; the journey takes around 30 to 35 minutes and costs about 5 Euro. Alternatively, a taxi is available, which will take you to the terminal in about 16 minutes for approximately 30 to 45 Euro.
Auto
The Port of Turku is excellently connected to the Finnish road network. From Helsinki, you can reach the port easily via the E18 motorway, while the journey from Tampere is via the E12/E63, followed by a change to the E63. Simply follow the signs for "Turun Satama" or "Satama". There are sufficient parking spaces for short-term and long-term parkers available in the port area, which are only a short walk from the terminals. Parking fees are, for example, 1.70 Euro per hour or 20 Euro for 26 hours, with a maximum parking duration of 8 days possible at the ticket machines. Payment is possible at machines by card or via various apps such as Aimo Park, ParkMan, EasyPark, or Moovy.
Bahn
The Turku Satama (Turku Port) railway station is located in the immediate vicinity of the terminals and is only about 100 to 200 meters away. Direct train connections to the port station exist from Turku Main Station (Turku asema), with a travel time of only about 7 minutes. Public transport is perfectly coordinated with the ship departure times, enabling a relaxed arrival. For a particularly relaxed start to your cruise, the Hotel Seaport directly in the port area is a recommended option for an overnight stay.
Check-in & Einschiffung
Please note that you will usually receive a fixed time slot for check-in with your travel documents, which is binding for your embarkation. Plan sufficient time for the journey to the port accordingly and take into account that the latest embarkation time - depending on the cruise line and destination area - is usually scheduled about one hour before the planned departure.
The following also applies during the voyage: for shore excursions, you should be back on board at least one hour before departure. Always pay attention to the current announcements as well as the notices on board, as docking and departure times can change at short notice.
The Port of Turku is conveniently located on the banks of the Aura River and, thanks to its excellent infrastructure, allows travelers a comfortable start to exploring Finland's oldest city.
Föli Buses
The yellow buses of the local transport network Föli stop directly in front of the terminals and offer a quick connection to the center. Line 1 operates at short intervals and takes you comfortably to the central market square as well as other sights in the city.
On Foot
The path to the city center leads for about three kilometers directly along the idyllic riverbank. This walk takes around 40 minutes and offers you the opportunity to admire the famous Turku Castle as well as historic ships and maritime monuments from up close.
Taxi
Numerous taxis wait immediately at the exits of the passenger terminals for arriving guests. The ride to the city center is efficient and also offers a flexible alternative for travelers with a lot of luggage or a tightly timed excursion schedule.
To make the most of your stay in Finland's oldest city, we recommend focusing on the historical heritage directly at the harbour as well as a relaxed stroll along the lively riverbank in the centre.
Turku Castle
This imposing medieval fortress is located in the immediate vicinity of the cruise terminal and offers a fascinating insight into Nordic history thanks to its magnificent halls and well-preserved defensive structures.
Aura Riverbank and Turku Cathedral
The picturesque riverbank forms the pulsing heart of the city and invites you to take a walk past historic museum ships to the monumental Cathedral, which impresses both as a national sanctuary and an architectural masterpiece.
Ruissalo Island
This idyllic natural paradise is within easy reach thanks to comfortable water bus connections and captivates with its charming 19th-century wooden villas as well as extensive parklands and fine sandy beaches directly on the Baltic Sea.
Turku Castle and the Aura Riverfront
The majestic medieval Turku Castle is located in the immediate vicinity of the harbor and can be reached directly after a short walk or a convenient five-minute drive. This impressive landmark offers fascinating insights into over 700 years of Finnish history and also houses a stylish café for a relaxing break in a historical setting. Thanks to its ideal location, a visit can be perfectly combined with a stroll along the picturesque Aura promenade, which exudes a unique atmosphere with its charming cafés and views of the museum ships docked in the river. It is best to visit the castle right when it opens in the morning to explore the exhibitions at your leisure, and return to the harbor relaxed in the early afternoon with many new impressions.
The way back from the city center to Turku Port is very straightforward and safe thanks to the short distance and excellent infrastructure.
Taxi
You can reliably find free taxis at the central Market Square (Kauppatori) and directly in front of major hotels such as the Radisson Blu Marina Palace on the banks of the Aura. The ride to the terminal takes only about ten minutes and offers a convenient option for a punctual return to the ship.
Public Bus (Line 1)
Bus line 1 runs at short intervals between the Market Square and the port and is easy to find thanks to the clear Satama destination display. The stop is located directly in front of the port building and allows for a quick and easy journey back to the terminal.
On Foot
A walk along the wide riverside path of the Aura leads you on a direct and scenic route to the port area. The path is level throughout and can be covered in a relaxed manner within about 30 to 40 minutes thanks to the clear signage and the pleasant atmosphere on the riverbank.
