Getting to Oulu is about to become easier than ever! With new routes and more flights, both international and domestic connections are expanding. The boost comes as Oulu prepares to shine as the European Capital of Culture 2026 and strengthens its role as a vibrant hub for business and tourism.
Add to favouritesShow all favouritesOulu welcomes stronger flight connections for seamless travel
Oulu welcomes a new direct flight from Frankfurt
Discover Airlines, part of the Lufthansa Group, opened a new direct connection between Frankfurt and Oulu in the summer season 2025. Initially, flights on the Frankfurt–Kittilä route included a stop in Oulu, and from January 2026 onwards the service will operate as a fully direct route from Frankfurt to Oulu. During the winter season 2026, flights will operate twice weekly – on Mondays and Fridays. From April, the flight days will shift to Monday and Saturday, and from the end of May, a third weekly flight will be added on Fridays for the summer season.
This new connection strengthens Oulu’s international role as the northern gateway between Central Europe and the North, while also supporting tourism growth, increasing the region’s appeal, and highlighting Oulu’s upcoming year as the European Capital of Culture 2026.
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AirBaltic launches new Riga–Oulu route in 2026
AirBaltic will launch direct flights between Riga and Oulu on 29 March 2026. The route will operate five times a week, opening exciting new opportunities for both leisure and business travel.
This new connection enhances Oulu’s accessibility ahead of its European Capital of Culture 2026 year and makes it easier than ever for travelers from the Baltics and Central Europe to reach Northern Finland.
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Finnair increases capacity on the Oulu–Helsinki route
From March 2026, Finnair will increase the number of flights on the Oulu–Helsinki route by 15 percent. This means smoother domestic connections for visitors arriving via Helsinki, making it easier than ever to continue your journey to Northern Finland.
The added capacity also supports Oulu’s role as the European Capital of Culture 2026, ensuring that travelers can enjoy reliable connections and plenty of seat availability during this special year.
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Travel to Oulu by train: New Pendolino Plus and additional services strengthen connections
From December, traveling between Helsinki and Oulu will be even easier with the launch of the new Pendolino Plus train. The service offers more and flexibility when exploring Northern Finland.
In the new Ekstra Plus class, passengers can enjoy spacious seating, attentive service, pre-ordered meals, and even private compartments for working. Families will also appreciate the dedicated children’s play coach.
This addition provides a convenient alternative to flying and ensures smoother connections for weekend travel and cultural trips during Oulu’s European Capital of Culture 2026 year.
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