Joensuu



Joensuu, the second largest city in Eastern Finland and the capital of North Karelia, and at the outfall of the river Pielisjoki.

The city centre is on the right bank of the river around the main square, and this is the place to find sights, restaurants, hotels and shops. Joensuu has square town plan. From the main square a bridge leads across the island Ilosaari to the train station.

Understand
Joensuu ("River's mouth" in Finnish) is near the point where the Pielisjoki river flows into the Lake Pyhäselkä. It is one of the relatively fast growing centres in Eastern Finland. The University of Eastern Finland supplies a constant stream of fresh student meat from all over the country and exchange students from abroad. Joensuu's industry, as well as a large part of the University programs, is dominated by forestry.

By plane
Many daily flights from Helsinki provided by Finnair to Joensuu Airport (JOE), about 11 km northwest of the centre. A bus runs between the airport and town (the university and downtown) before and after each flight. The bus takes 10 minutes and costs €5. There are also taxis at the airport.

By train
Direct connection from Helsinki via Lappeenranta, several trains a day. Travel time is about 5 hours. If coming from Russia, transfer at Kouvola. There are also trains from Pieksämäki. The station is small and open only during the day. It's on Railway Square on the left bank of the river. For more information see the website of Finland's national railway company.



By bus
From Helsinki one departure a day seasonally with a traveling time of about 7 hours, see timetables. Services also from Jyväskylä, Kuopio, Oulu,Kajaani and Savonlinna. There is a daily connection from Petrozavodsk. Joensuu bus station is on the Railway Square.

By car
National road 6 goes from Helsinki via Lappeenranta and Kouvola in Joensuu and further Nurmes and Kajaani, although the route via Mikkeli and Varkaus is shorter. Joensuu is also along the Blue Highway from Mo i Rana via Umeå, Vaasa and Kuopio, the last stretch along national road 9.

If coming from Saint Petersburg or Vyborg in Russia, after Nuijamaa in Lappeenranta you turn on the main road 6, which leads to Joensuu.

From Petrozavodsk (Petroskoi) the route along the Blue Highway via the Värtsilä/Niirala (Вя́ртсиля) crossing in Tohmajärvi is shorter.

By boat
Joensuu is on the shore of lake Saimaa which is accessible from sea by the Saimaa Canal.

By bus
The local bus terminal is located one block south from the main market square, a 10-minute walk from train and the bus station. There are ten bus lines which serve traffic inside the city of Joensuu. Departures are usually every hour per line, most traffic runs in work/school days and there are less departures in Saturdays and Sundays. Some bus lines continue to countryside outside the city.

A one-way ticket on Joensuu local buses costs €2 (June 2016). If you travel frequently, Waltti card will offer a discounted rate. If you are a Joensuu resident there are even 30-day cards available at the City of Joensuu service point Carelicum. Waltti Mobiili mobile app can be used for ticket purchase.

Information about local buses can be found here. You can use route planner to seek local bus routes between given locations and addresses.

Demand responsive Noutopoika service is available on city area. Call Noutopoika-bus by calling, +358 13-337-7002. The bus will pick you up from the agreed spot. Try booking at least an hour before your departure. You can pay for your journey with cash, use your Waltti card or download an app on your phone and purchase a single ticket directly to your phone.

Demand responsive Taxis operate in Eno, Kiihtelysvaara, Tuupovaara, and Uimaharju. Taxis run on fixed routes according to schedule, but will spur from its route slightly if needed. Try to call the taxi at least a day before by calling the driver directly, indicate your destination and agree the time with the driver. Only cash will be accepted.

By scooter
You can rent electric kick scooters for use in the centre from German Tier.

By bike
Many locals ride their bicycle all year around. Easybike offers city bikes for rent.

By taxi

 * Smartphone apps: Valopilkku, 02 Taksi
 * Smartphone apps: Valopilkku, 02 Taksi
 * Smartphone apps: Valopilkku, 02 Taksi
 * Smartphone apps: Valopilkku, 02 Taksi

See




Drink
There are plenty of pubs around the city centre.



Go next
Ski resort and national park of Koli north of the city. You can reach Koli ski resort by bus of Matkahuolto.