Bus transport prices: what does a coach charter cost in Helsinki, Turku and Tampere?

There is no single price tag for bus transport, because every charter is priced individually according to the route, the duration, the number of passengers and the timing. A few examples still give a good idea of the price level.

In this article we go through what the price of bus transport consists of and what typical transfers cost in Helsinki, Turku and Tampere. In Finland, however, the price level is largely in the same range regardless of the town.

What makes up the price of bus transport?

The price of a charter consists of these five parts. A more detailed breakdown of charter pricing can be found in the article What are you paying for in a charter?

The driver’s wage is the single largest cost item, in the range of 30–60 euros per hour depending on the time of day and the day of the week. Even on short transfers the driver is paid, in accordance with the collective labour agreement, for a minimum of five hours, which also sets a minimum price for a short transfer.

Fuel is the second largest item. A coach consumes about 30 litres per hundred kilometres, in other words roughly 50 euros per 100 kilometres driven as a rule of thumb. The positioning drive from the depot to the departure point and back is also included.

Vehicle and maintenance costs cover the purchase of the bus, servicing, spare parts, insurance and the depot space.

Office and coordination costs arise from shift planning, fleet scheduling, customer service and on-call duty.

Value added tax of 13.5% is added to all bus transport. Companies can deduct it in their own taxation.

A minibus or a full-size coach?

The price difference between vehicle sizes is often surprisingly small, because the driver is paid the same wage regardless of the size of the bus. The most significant difference comes from fuel, where a minibus saves about 15–20 euros per hundred kilometres. Per passenger, a large coach is almost always cheaper than a minibus.

A minibus (about 15–20 passengers) suits team days, client transfers, airport transfers and smaller private events. It moves nimbly around city-centre areas. Luggage space in a minibus is limited.

A full-size coach (49–57 passengers, up to 60) is the right choice for larger groups and for occasions when sports equipment or other gear is coming along. A double-decker holds up to 78 passengers.

The price of bus transport in Helsinki

Transfer	Minibus (15 people)	Large coach (49 people)
Airport transfer: Kiasma → Helsinki-Vantaa	200–250 €	250–350 €
City transfer: Olympia Terminal → Scandic Park	150–250 €	250–300 €
Day trip, return: Olympic Stadium → Nuuksio	350–500 €	450–550 €
One way: Pasila → Port of Turku	500–600 €	550–650 €
Day trip, return: Ruoholahti → Särkänniemi	600–900 €	700–1000 €

The price of bus transport in Turku

In Turku the price level matches the Helsinki metropolitan area. Short port and airport transfers are common, and Naantali and the archipelago are popular day-trip destinations.

Transfer	Minibus (15 people)	Large coach (49 people)
Port transfer: Market Square → Port of Turku	150–250 €	250–300 €
Airport transfer: city centre → Turku Airport	150–250 €	250–350 €
Day trip, return: Turku → Naantali (Moomin World)	350–500 €	450–600 €
One way: Turku → Helsinki-Vantaa	500–650 €	600–700 €
Day trip, return: Turku → Tampere	600–900 €	700–1000 €

A practical example: a group of 49 people travelling from Turku to Naantali and back costs about 10–12 euros per person.

The price of bus transport in Tampere

In Tampere the most common use for a bus is short transfers between the city centre and event venues.

Transfer	Minibus (15 people)	Large coach (49 people)
City transfer: railway station → Särkänniemi	200–250 €	250–300 €
Airport transfer: Keskustori → Tampere-Pirkkala	200–250 €	250–350 €
Day trip, return: Tampere → Ikaalinen Spa	350–550 €	450–650 €
One way: Tampere → Helsinki	500–650 €	550–700 €
Day trip, return: Tampere → Turku	600–900 €	700–1000 €

The prices are indicative examples. The final price is always determined case by case: it is affected by the number of passengers, the length of the route, the duration of the trip, the timing, waiting times and the vehicle chosen. Request an exact quote here.

What is included in the price?

Busbus quote prices include all costs, such as taxes and parking fees. There are therefore no surprises on the invoice afterwards. If some item, such as the driver’s accommodation on an overnight trip or a credit card surcharge, is not included in the price, this is stated already in the quote.

Payment is made by invoice, which as a rule falls due 14 days before departure. Up until then, changing or cancelling the booking is free of charge.

Is bus transport an affordable option?

Take, for example, a group of 50 people moving from the city centre to an event venue and back.

By taxi, the same would require about 13 cars in each direction. If one taxi ride is estimated at 25 euros, the return transport costs about 650 euros. A large charter coach typically handles the same for 400–600 euros, and the price is known in advance.

The larger the group and the longer the trip, the clearer the cost advantage of the bus. For groups of more than nine people, a charter bus is usually cheaper overall and considerably easier than arranging several cars. As a bonus, the whole group travels together and arrives at the same time.

Why does the same transfer cost a different amount from different operators?

The price difference is above all affected by how far the bus has to be driven to the departure point. A long positioning drive raises the price. The standard and age of the vehicle also show in the price.

Sometimes luck plays a part, too: if the operator has already sold a morning transfer from Tampere to Helsinki and a return trip in the evening, the bus and driver are ready and waiting in Helsinki. A transfer within the city that fits into the middle of the day can then be priced exceptionally cheaply.

7 ways to save on the price of bus transport

Book 1–3 months in advance. If you book bus transport too late, the most affordable options may already be sold out.
Choose a weekday. Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are usually the cheapest. On Sundays drivers are paid double wages under the collective labour agreement.
Travel outside the high season. April–June and August–September are the busiest times. January–March and October–November are quieter.
Don’t split the group between several small buses. One large coach is almost always cheaper than two small ones.
Stagger the departures. The same bus can often handle two transfers one after the other, so a second vehicle is not needed.
Take the driver’s driving and rest times into account. One driver may drive a maximum of 9–10 hours per day. A tight schedule may require a second driver.
Choose accommodation close to the programme. Local transfers driven at the destination add to the price.

You will find all the tips in the article 13 tips for saving on the price of a charter.

Frequently asked questions

How much does bus transport cost per hour?

A charter often costs around 80-150 euros per hour, but the price varies a great deal. Charters are not usually sold at an hourly rate; the price is calculated on the basis of the route, the duration and the vehicle. The driver is always paid for a minimum of five hours, however, so even a short transfer has a minimum price.

Is a minibus much cheaper than a large coach?
The difference is smaller than many expect, because the driver’s wage is the same. A minibus uses less fuel, and servicing it and buying it cost less than with a large coach, which is why a minibus is cheaper than a large coach. Per passenger, however, a large coach is almost always cheaper.

Is value added tax included in the price?
Yes. A value added tax rate of 13.5 per cent applies to bus transport, and it is included in the quoted price.

When should a charter be booked?
1–3 months before departure, and three weeks before at the latest. During peak seasons, earlier.

Can a booking be cancelled?
Yes, a booking can be cancelled free of charge 14 days before the departure date.

Is the price different in Helsinki, Turku and Tampere?
The price level is very similar in all three. The length of the route, the timing and how far the bus has to come to the departure point matter more.