Method and arrangement for changing the direction of travel of a reel being moved by a incoming conveyor (12), for transfer to the following conveyor, in which method the reel is first brought to a turntable and the direction of travel of the reel is changed by turning the turntable. After turning, the reel is removed to a receiving conveyor. In order for the turntable to be able to turn reels, the width of which is greater than the diameter of the turntable, the reel is lifted on the turntable from the level of the incoming and receiving conveyors, for the duration of the turning.