๐ Route Information Joensuu-Lieksa-Nurmes
๐ Why choose bus Joensuu-Lieksa-Nurmes?
๐ Joensuu โ Lieksa
- โข Travel time: ~1h 20min
- โข Distance: 80 km
- โข Price: โฌ14-18
- โข Stop at Koli junction
๐ Lieksa โ Nurmes
- โข Travel time: ~1h 15min
- โข Distance: 65 km
- โข Price: โฌ12-16
- โข Northern tip of Lake Pielinen
๐ Bus Operators on Joensuu-Lieksa-Nurmes Route
Matkahuolto
- โข 3-5 departures daily
- โข Travel time: ~2h 45min
- โข Tickets: โฌ20-24 (full journey)
- โข WiFi and power outlets
Pohjolan Liikenne
- โข Local services
- โข Travel time: ~3h (with stops)
- โข Tickets: โฌ18-22
- โข Stops in smaller villages
Carpool
- โข Facebook groups
- โข Travel time: ~2h 15min
- โข Varies by arrangement
- โข Flexible schedule
๐ Typical Departure Times Joensuu-Lieksa-Nurmes
Weekday Timetables
Monday โ Friday
Joensuu Bus Station
Starting point for full journey
๐ Torikatu 41, Joensuu
๐ Matkahuolto, Pohjolan Liikenne
๐ Departures: 06:30, 09:00, 12:00, 15:00, 17:30
Lieksa Travel Center
Intermediate station and transfer
๐ Pielisentie 9, Lieksa
๐ All services stop here
๐ Arrives: 07:50, 10:20, 13:20, 16:20, 18:50
Nurmes Travel Center
Final destination
๐ Kirkkokatu 34, Nurmes
๐ Journey endpoint
๐ Arrives: 09:15, 11:45, 14:45, 17:45, 20:15
Koli Junction
Transfer to Koli
๐ Highway 6, Lieksa
โฐ๏ธ Connection to national park
๐ Stops on request
Vuonislahti
Small village on Lake Pielinen
๐ Highway 73, Lieksa
๐ฒ On route to Nurmes
๐ Some services stop here
Valtimo
Village along the route
๐ Valtimo center
๐ Local services
๐ Less frequent services
๐ก Tips for Joensuu-Lieksa-Nurmes Bus Journey
Ticket Buying Tip
Book tickets in advance online โ you'll often get the best prices. Also ask about season tickets if you travel regularly in North Karelia.
Timetable Check
Verify current timetables before traveling โ in winter, snowfall can affect schedules especially in the Koli region.
Luggage
Hikers note: large backpacks and ski equipment fit in luggage compartment. Notify in advance about large luggage.
Nature Tourism
Route passes through magnificent nature sites. Lake Pielinen scenery and Koli hills make the journey an experience itself.
Payment Methods
Card payment works on all buses. Mobile ticket is most recommended โ works even in areas with weak network coverage.
โ Frequently Asked Questions โ Joensuu Lieksa Nurmes Bus
How long does the Joensuu-Nurmes bus journey take?
Direct journey from Joensuu to Nurmes takes approximately 2 hours 45 minutes. Between Joensuu-Lieksa the travel time is about 1h 20min and Lieksa-Nurmes about 1h 15min. On local services that stop more frequently, the journey can take up to 3-3.5 hours.
How much does a Joensuu-Nurmes bus ticket cost?
Tickets start from approximately โฌ14 (Joensuu-Lieksa) and full journey Joensuu-Nurmes ticket costs โฌ20-24. Between Lieksa-Nurmes tickets are โฌ12-16. Students and pensioners often receive discounts. Season tickets for regular travel are more economical.
How often are there Joensuu-Lieksa-Nurmes services?
Matkahuolto operates 3-5 departures daily on weekdays. On weekends there are 2-3 services. In summer there may be additional services for hikers heading to Koli. In winter during ski season also additional services.
Where do buses depart from in Joensuu?
Main departure point is Joensuu Bus Station (Torikatu 41). The station is located right in the city center, near the Market Square area. Some services may also stop at other locations, such as near the university.
Does the bus stop at Koli?
Most services stop at Koli junction on request. From there it's about 8 km to Koli summit. In summer there may be direct connections to Koli. In winter it's advisable to arrange a taxi or carpool between the junction and Koli. Notify the driver in advance of your wish to get off at Koli.
Are there WiFi and power outlets on buses?
Yes, Matkahuolto's newer buses have WiFi and power outlets. On Pohjolan Liikenne's local buses equipment varies. Due to the journey length (2h 45min) it's advisable to charge devices in advance.
Do I need to book a ticket in advance?
Highly recommended especially on weekends and during holiday periods. In summer during Koli peak season and in winter during ski season buses can be full. Online booking guarantees a seat and often the best price.
Can I bring ski equipment?
Yes โ skis and other large hiking equipment go in the luggage compartment. Preferably notify about large luggage when booking. In winter during ski season it's advisable to book tickets early as there are many hikers.
How does weather affect travel times?
In North Karelia in winter, snowstorms and icy roads can cause 15-30 minute delays. Highway 6 is generally kept in good condition, but allow extra time between December-March. Drivers are experienced in winter conditions.
Are there breaks on the route?
Yes โ due to the journey length (2h 45min) most services have one break in Lieksa for about 10-15 minutes. The break point is typically Lieksa travel center, which has a cafรฉ and toilet facilities.
What attractions are along the route?
Koli is Finland's most famous national landscape. Lake Pielinen is Finland's fourth largest lake with magnificent scenery. Lieksa offers Pielinen Museum and Paaterin Manor. Nurmes is known for its idyllic wooden town and Bomba House.
๐ Why Joensuu-Lieksa-Nurmes is a Great Route?
National Landscape
Koli's magnificent scenery and hills โ Finland's most famous nature site
Lake Pielinen
Finland's fourth largest lake with crystal clear waters
Winter Sports
Koli ski resort and Vuokatti tracks nearby
Karelian Culture
Bomba House, Pielinen Museum and Karelian traditions
๐ฏ Popular Attractions Along the Route
Koli National Park
Finland's most famous national landscape. Ukko-Koli summit at 253 meters height above Lake Pielinen.
- ๐ Lieksa (8 km after junction)
- ๐ฅพ Hiking trails and scenery
- โท๏ธ Ski resort in winter
Pielinen Museum
North Karelia's open-air museum in Lieksa. Old Karelian village environment and buildings.
- ๐ Lieksa center
- ๐ก Over 70 buildings
- ๐ Open during summer season
Nurmes Wooden Town
Idyllic wooden town center and Bomba Karelian cottage. Walking distance from travel center.
- ๐ Nurmes center
- ๐ Traditional architecture
- ๐ด Local restaurants
Paaterin Brewery Museum
Manor museum and brewery history in Lieksa. Beautiful park area and summer cafรฉ.
- ๐ Paaterinkatu 2, Lieksa
- ๐ฐ 19th century manor
- ๐บ Brewery history
Lake Pielinen Cruises
Summer boat tours on Lake Pielinen. Departures from both Lieksa and Nurmes.
- ๐ Lieksa and Nurmes harbors
- โต Operates June-August
- ๐ Sunset cruises
Bomba House
Karelian traditional house in Nurmes. Food traditions and handicrafts.
- ๐ Bomba, Nurmes
- ๐ฒ Karelian cuisine
- ๐จ Craft exhibitions