Espoo is Finland's second-largest city, home to Aalto University and tech companies.

About Espoo (Otaniemi/Tapiola)

Espoo is Finland's second-largest city and a major technology hub, seamlessly connected to Helsinki by the West Metro (Länsimetro). Otaniemi is the home of Aalto University, where Alvar Aalto's modernist campus architecture is a pilgrimage site for design enthusiasts. The campus sits on a forested peninsula along the Gulf of Finland.

Tapiola, a planned "garden city" built in the 1950s-60s, was a showcase of Finnish modernist urban planning and is now a thriving commercial center with the new Ainoa shopping complex, cultural center, and residential towers. The Espoo Museum of Modern Art (EMMA) at WeeGee Exhibition Centre is one of Finland's largest art venues.

Espoo is home to the headquarters of Nokia, Fortum, and numerous tech companies, making Keilaniemi the Finnish equivalent of a business district. The Nuuksio National Park, just 20 minutes north, offers pristine Finnish wilderness with hiking trails, lakes, and Nordic forests—remarkably close to the urban area.

Nearby Landmarks

Aalto University campus Tapiola Garden City WeeGee Exhibition Centre Nuuksio NP

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost €40-€60
Time 30-40 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost €30-€50
Time 30-40 minutes

Arrivals level taxi stand

Step-by-Step Directions

Take bus 415 from airport to Tikkurila, then train to Pasila, then metro to Otaniemi/Tapiola.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi €40-€60 30-40 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare €30-€50 30-40 minutes Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The West Metro runs until approximately midnight. After that, night buses serve the Espoo routes. A taxi from Helsinki Airport to Espoo costs €35-50. The Uber app works throughout the Helsinki metropolitan area. Tapiola has limited nightlife options.

Luggage Tips

Trains and metro have luggage space. The transfer at Vuosaari/Pasila may require platform changes with elevators available. Tapiola and Otaniemi metro stations have elevators. Wide sidewalks and modern infrastructure make luggage easy throughout Espoo.

Accessibility

The Ring Rail Line and West Metro are fully accessible with elevators at all stations. Espoo's modern infrastructure provides excellent wheelchair accessibility. Aalto University campus has accessible paths. Nuuksio National Park has some accessible trails and a nature center.