Tampere Pirkkala Airport serves central Finland with direct flights to major cities across Europe and beyond. Opened in 2014, it replaced the older Tampere-Lento airport as the region’s main gateway for air travel. The modern terminal handles both domestic routes and international connections, including popular destinations like Stockholm, Copenhagen and Berlin. Located just a few kilometers from downtown Tampere, the airport provides easy access to train stations, buses and car rentals. Its compact layout makes navigating simple for travelers of all ages.
| Power Grid: |
230 V, 50 Hz Plug: Type C , Type F
Type C:
  Read about power adapters |
|---|---|
| Currency: |
Euro (EUR) £1 ≈ €1.19 |
| Cashless info: |
Rating 5/5
Cashless payments are very common, and even small transactions are typically cashless.
Save with a travel credit card |
| eSIM providers: |
Best value: Saily Flexibility: Airalo Read our in-depth comparison |
| Tipping: | Tipping is not customary, but rounding up the bill or leaving a small amount is appreciated. |
|---|---|
| Public drinking: | Public drinking is regulated and often prohibited outside designated areas. |
| Public smoking: | Smoking is restricted in public spaces and near entrances. |
| Midsummer (June) |
Public celebrations occur nationwide. |
|---|---|
| Independence Day (December) |
Cultural events and commemorations happen. |
| Christmas (December) |
Festive markets and closures. |
| Emergency contact: | Emergency Number: 112 (Police, Fire, Ambulance) |
|---|---|
| Taxi apps: | Uber, Bolt |
| Other: | Saunas are an essential part of Finnish culture. Winter can be extreme, so pack accordingly. |
Tampere–Pirkkala Airport is located in Pirkkala, just 13 kilometers southwest of Tampere city center. It is Finland’s sixth-busiest airport and is known for its efficient services catering mainly to international and leisure travelers. The airport blends modern facilities with a clean and accessible atmosphere, making the travel experience stress-minimized.
The airport has two terminals and provides a range of passenger services such as food concessions, free Wi-Fi and charging stations, though it is not as large or fully equipped as major Nordic hubs. Due to its size, the airport offers a more intimate setting but be aware that amenities like extensive shopping and entertainment options are limited.
Public transport links include bus routes that connect the airport to Tampere city center in about 25 minutes, though bus frequencies can be low outside peak times. Taxis and car rentals are readily available but more costly. The airport’s flight options have shifted recently with Finnair replacing some short domestic routes by buses and airlines like airBaltic increasing seasonal international flights.
One should note that the airport can feel quiet during off-peak hours and has a limited number of gates, so planning and checking schedules beforehand is wise. Nonetheless, its calm environment and friendly staff make it a pleasant starting point for exploring Tampere and the surrounding Finnish Lakeland.
Tampere–Pirkkala Airport has a business lounge offering comfort for travellers seeking relaxation before flights. Facilities typically include seating areas, light refreshments, Wi-Fi, and workspaces. Access policies vary, with some lounges accessible via airline status, paid entry, or private bookings.
Most visitors base themselves in Tampere city center, where there is a wide selection of accommodation – from budget hotels and hostels to upscale boutique and business hotels. The airport area itself has very few lodging options, so staying in Tampere offers more variety and better access to cultural and dining experiences.
To Tampere city:
Tampere city is about 13 kilometres northeast and easily accessible by bus line 103, which runs several times daily with a journey time near 25 minutes and ticket prices typically around €3 (£2.52) to €6 (£5.04). Taxis offer a faster 15-minute ride at a cost between €25 – 35 (£20.99 – 29.39). Timing your trip with bus schedules is important as off-peak frequencies can be limited.
To Pirkkala:
Pirkkala, the municipality hosting the airport, is reachable via bus line 34 from the airport. The trip takes around 20 minutes, with hourly services during peak times. Taxis and hire cars provide faster and more flexible options.
To Nokia:
Nokia, a nearby town, can be reached by transferring buses from Tampere city or by car. Public transport is less direct, so hiring a car or taxi is recommended for convenience when venturing beyond Tampere.
