Oulu Airport (OUL/EFOU): Northern Finland’s Essential Gateway and Second-Busiest Hub
Oulu Airport is the crucial air traffic hub for Northern Finland and serves as the nation’s second-busiest airport. Strategically located in Oulunsalo, approximately 11 km south-west of Oulu city center (coordinates: 64° 55′ 45” N, 25° 21′ 29” E), it is the primary gateway for Oulu—a dynamic technology and university city—and provides seamless access to the region’s famous nature and winter destinations.
In 2024, the airport successfully served approximately 580,000 passengers, highlighting its growing importance in connecting Northern Finland with the rest of Europe and supporting both year-round business travel and expanding leisure tourism.
Airlines, Scheduled Routes, and International Connectivity
Oulu Airport provides vital domestic links and increasingly strong international connections, catering to both scheduled and charter traffic.
Key Scheduled Airlines & Destinations (2025):
- Finnair: Operates the crucial domestic route with a robust schedule to Helsinki (HEL), offering multiple daily flights and onward global connections.
- Discover Airlines (Lufthansa Group): Offers scheduled international services to Frankfurt (FRA), providing a key central European hub connection for travellers.
- Air Baltic: Scheduled to resume service to Riga (RIX), connecting Oulu to the Baltic states and providing further European access.
Popular Charter and Seasonal Destinations: The airport is also a significant departure point for popular package holiday destinations, especially during the summer and winter seasons, with tour operators like TUI offering direct charter flights to sunny destinations such as:
- Canary Islands: Tenerife, Gran Canaria (Winter)
- Mediterranean: Rhodes, Crete, Kos, Sicily, Mallorca, Makarska Riviera (Croatia)
Modern Terminal Facilities and Passenger Experience
OUL Airport operates a single, modern terminal designed for efficiency and passenger comfort. Finavia, the operator, ensures a stress-free travel experience with a wide array of high-quality services:
- Connectivity: Free, unlimited Wi-Fi access is available throughout the terminal.
- Shopping & Dining: Passengers can enjoy duty-free shopping and a selection of restaurants and cafés serving local and international cuisine.
- Premium Services: A dedicated VIP lounge offers a tranquil space for business travellers and passengers seeking added comfort.
- Accessibility: The terminal is fully equipped with comprehensive disabled access facilities and support services.
Accommodation Near OUL: Travellers have excellent options for proximity and comfort, including highly-rated hotels such as the Scandic Oulu City and the Radisson Blu Hotel Oulu.
Convenient Ground Transportation and Parking
Accessing Oulu city centre and the surrounding region from OUL is straightforward due to efficient and well-organised transport links:
- Taxi: Taxis are readily available outside the terminal. The quick 15-minute journey to the city centre typically costs between 20–25 EUR.
- Bus: The public bus service offers an affordable and convenient option, reaching the city centre in approximately 20 minutes with a standard fare of around 4 EUR.
- Car Rental: Major international car rental agencies, including Avis, Hertz, and Sixt, have desks located on-site, allowing for easy onward travel to Lapland or other parts of Finland.
- Parking: The airport offers flexible short-term and long-term parking solutions, including a multi-story car park with the added benefit of heated parking options—a crucial convenience during the cold Northern Finnish winter.
Airport Contact and Official Information
- Operator: Finavia
- Address: PL 33, 90461 Oulunsalo, FINLAND
- Official Phone: +358 20 708 000
- Official Website: www.finavia.fi/fi/oulu