Travel Information

This page contains relevant travel information for SMC-17 participants. Please scroll down for a list of recommended hotels.

Welcome to Finland!

Venue

The main conference venue will be Aalto University's TUAS buidling in Otaniemi, located in eastern Espoo in the capital area of Finland. Concerts will take place at Korjaamo Culture Factory, one of the largest independent arts centers in the Northern Europe. SMC-17's banquet will be organized at the Hanasaari Swedish-Finnish Cultural Center.

The following map shows the key SMC-17 locations.

Traveling to Finland

Finland can be accessed by plane from most major European cities. Good connections to East Asia and North America are also available. The closest airport to the conference venue is Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, located about 20 km from Otaniemi.

A taxi from Helsinki Airport to Otaniemi costs around 50€ and takes 25 minutes. Taxis are available outside the terminal. The new Ring Rail (Kerärata) provides a transport link between Helsinki Airport and Helsinki city center. Visitors also have the option of traveling to the city center by bus. Helsinki offers excellent connections to SMC-17's main venue in Otaniemi (see below).

Public Transportation

Public transportation in Finland is both efficient and reliable. Information on ticket types and prices (including multi-day tickets for visitors) is available here.

The easiest way to travel between Helsinki city center and Otaniemi is via bus 102. Bus 102 departs from the ground floor of Kamppi, Helsinki's main bus station and shopping center, and offers several runs per hour. The journey takes around 20 minutes. Travel between Helsinki and Espoo requires a regional ticket, costing 5.50€. You can purchase tickets directly from bus drivers.

If you know your location and destination addresses, you can plan your trip using the HSL Journey Planner. Important addresses:

  • Airport: Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, Vantaa
  • Kamppi Bus Station and Shopping Center: Urho Kekkosen katu 1, Helsinki
  • Aalto University TUAS building: Maarintie 8, Espoo
  • Korjaamo Culture Factory: Töölonkatu 51 A-B, Helsinki
  • Hanasaari Swedish-Finnish Cultural Center: Hanasaarenranta 5, Espoo
Practical Information
  • Finland's currency is the Euro (€). You can change money at banks, hotels and Forex. Banks and Forex are available at the Airport and around Helsinki City Center.
  • Major credit cards (Visa, MasterCard, Diners) are widely accepted, including taxis but excluding buses.
  • Electricity is 230V, 50 Hz, with Schuko CEE 7/4 sockets.
  • No tipping necessary or expected.
  • Tap water is safe and tasty, that is what we drink. It is also what you get in restaurant if you order still water.
  • Practically everybody in the capital area speaks English.
  • This is FINLAND - Things you should and shouldn't know
  • The Official Travel Site of Finland
  • For sightseeing and tours, see Helsinki Expert.
  • Espoo - Official Visitor's Guide
Accommodation

SMC-17 will take place at Aalto University's campus in Otaniemi, Espoo, around 10 km west of Helsinki city center. Located by the sea, Helsinki is the cultural hub of Finland. It offers visitors a wide variety of touristic attractions, restaurants, cafés, bars and shopping centers. It is a city renowned for its design and friendly atmosphere. Conference participants wishing to stay in downtown Helsinki will find excellent public transport links between the city and the conference venues in Otaniemi (see above). Accommodation options closer to the conference venue are also available.

SMC-17 and Aalto University recommend the following hotels for conference participants. Please contact the hotels directly to make a booking.

Hotels in Downtown Helsinki


Scandic Hotel Marski
Comfortable hotel located in the center of Helsinki. The fashion stores of Esplanadi and Helsinki's Design District are located right next door, as are some of the most popular sights such as the market square and the cathedral.
Address: Mannerheimintie 10, Helsinki. Tel: +358 9 68061


Sokos Hotel Vaakuna
This hotel is located in the center of Helsinki, across from the central railway station. The city's main shopping areas, restaurants and cafés are also located withinn walking distance.
Address: Asema-Aukio 2, Helsinki. Tel: +358 9 4337 7100


Omena Hotels
This chain of low cost hotels offers budget accommodation throughout Finland. Their two hotels in Helsinki are centrally located within walking distance of most touristic sights and transport links.
Address: Yrjönkatu 30, Helsinki
Address: Lönnrotinkatu 13, Helsinki


Eurohostel Helsinki
Located on Helsinki’s Katajanokka island, this hostel is a 5-minute tram ride from the city center. It offers shared kitchens and bathrooms, free Wi-Fi and a free morning sauna. Student discounts are also available.
Address: Linnankatu 9, Helsinki. Tel: +358 9 622 0470


Hotels in Espoo

Radisson Blu Hotel
Modern and eco-friendly hotel located in Otaniemi, Espoo, 9 kilometers from Helsinki city center. This is the closest hotel to the main conference venue.
Address: Otaranta 2, Espoo. Tel. +358 2 012 34705


Hotel Hanassaari
Hanasaari hotel is situated in the midst of the Finnish archipelago, close to Helsinki city center. This hotel is part of The Hanasaari Swedish-Finnish Cultural Center.
Address: Hanasaarenranta 5, Espoo. Tel. +358 9 4350 2411


Hotel Hellsten
Hellsten Espoo hotel is situated close to the Sello shopping center, one of the largest in Finland. This hotel is located 15 minutes away from the main conference venue by bus. Helsinki city center can be accessed by train in 12 minutes.
Address: Porarinkatu 3, Espoo. Tel. +358 9511051