12.2 BUS
For travel outside Joensuu you are eligible for special student rates, provided that you are an undergraduate student and you are travelling for a minimum distance of 80 km. The discount for a one-way or return ticket of at least 80 km is 50%. University students need to present their Student Union Membership Card and the Polytechnic students their special Matkahuolto bus discount card.

For all questions concerning travelling by bus, turn to the Matkahuolto office located inside the bus station at Itäranta 6. Phone 0200-4073 (6.34 FIM/call + local call) for local timetables and tickets, and 0200 4000 (6.34 FIM/call + local call) for timetables of long-distant buses. Timetables are also available in long- distance buses and in Carelicum. http://www.matkahuolto.com/ The basic bus fare for travel within the Joensuu area is FIM 13. If you need to take a bus daily, it is worth buying a monthly card. It is valid 30 days within the Joensuu transport area and costs FIM 220 + a renewable card FIM 40 (deposit). The card can be purchased at Carelicum or on local buses and it must always
be renewed on buses. It is also possible to place 10 or 40 fares on this card (valid for one year), or buy a ticket of 10 and 40 fares on the buses. Local buses depart from the square next to the market place. Timetables are available at Carelicum, the Matkahuolto office, on buses and via the Internet:
http://www.jns.fi/palvelut/tekniset/aikataulut/kesä/pääsivu.htm.

12.3 TRAIN
The Railway Station is located near the Bus Station, tel. 0307 40273 A Student Union Membership Card or the special Train Discount Card (Polytechnic students) entitles you to purchase special student tickets. The discount on the tickets is about 50%. In Finland, the train fare is in two parts, the general ticket and seat ticket. Please note that on many trains the seat ticket is compulsory. http://www.vr.fi/

12.4 TAXI
Ulataxi Joensuu tel. 10041 or 0600-9-8294
Market Square Taxi tel. 0600-9-0010
Niinivaara Taxi tel. 0600-9-0011
Please note that taking a taxi is expensive in Finland. If you need one, it is a good idea to share it with your friends whenever possible.

12.5 RENTING A CAR
By renting a car and making independent trips outside Joensuu, you can gain a broader perspective of Finland. There are four car rental companies in Joensuu. In order to rent a car, you naturally need a driving licence and preferably at least one year of driving experience. The rental companies require the driver to be at least 20 years of age for passenger cars and 24 years old for jeeps and minibuses. Europcar requires a credit card, while other companies accept cash payment from students although a credit card is preferred. Also, be prepared to show proof of your identity when renting a car - take a passport with you! And do not forget the insurance.

Avis, tel. (013) 122 076
Europcar, tel. (013) 226 411
Hertz, tel. (013) 123 597
Toyota Rent, tel. (013) 148 8815

12.6 DRIVING IN FINLAND
You should familiarise yourself with the booklet "Driving in Finland" available at the International Office of the University or the Polytechnic. The same information is available on the Internet at http://www.mintc.fi/www/sivut/english/default.html (transport issues, traffic rules).
Please keep in mind that driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs is strictly forbidden. There is an exact permissible limit of 0.5 per mil for alcohol in the blood. Infringement of this rule nearly always means a penalty in the form of a fine or imprisonment. 1.2 per mil is the limit before heavier penalties are imposed.

12.7 AIRLINE
The airport of Joensuu is located in Onttola, approximately 11 km from the city centre. There are 4-6 flights daily to and from Helsinki. The flight time is about 50 minutes. The air fare varies between FIM 229 (stand-by) to FIM 855 (normal basic fare). There is an airport bus departing from Hotel Kimmel 45 minutes before each flight departure and from Kirkkokatu 25 - 40 minutes before each flight departure. The fare is FIM 30 (6 Euros).

When you are planning to travel by air, do not forget to always compare the prices and conditions between the travel agencies and airlines and ask for all possible discounts.

Information about timetables and prices:
http://www.finnair.com/

Finnair; bookings and timetables: Tel. 0203 140 140 (toll-free within Finland)
Joensuu airport tel. (013) 611 7070 for flight departure and arrival times

12.8 TRAVEL AGENCIES

The Joensuu tourist office is located in Carelicum.
http://www.carelicum.fi/eng.html