Helsinki Public Transport – Learn the Essentials
Helsinki public transport system is comprehensive and efficient. It boasts diverse travel options, including buses, trams, ferries, metros, trains, and taxis. One can easily reach almost every corner of Helsinki by taking Helsinki’s public transport. The extensive coverage and reliable service aim to provide you with an enjoyable and convenient commuting experience. The price level is moderate, and you can save on the costs with the right ticket types.
The public transport is mainly operated by Helsinki Regional Transport Authority (HSL), but a few private companies also operate some of the ferries to nearby islands. The same ticket is valid for all HSL transport modes, but private operators have their own ticketing systems. Especially when heading to the popular Suomenlinna Island, make sure to check who operates the ferry before boarding and that you have the correct ticket.
HSL does not only serve the Helsinki region but also the neighbouring cities Vantaa, Espoo and Kauniainen. HSL has divided the public transport network into zones, so your ticket must include the necessary zones to travel legally. Travelling without a valid ticket results in a penalty of up to 80 euros.
Buses
Buses in the Helsinki region play a significant role in connecting the city and its surrounding areas. With over a thousand buses in operation, Helsinki aims to provide a convenient and eco-friendly commuting experience for locals and visitors.
Helsinki’s bus routes are designed to cover all parts of the cities, from dense urban areas to suburbs. These buses operate frequently, with some running from early morning to late evening. In addition to regular buses, special night buses cater to the needs of late-night commuters, especially on the weekends.
Most buses in Helsinki are low-floor vehicles, making them accessible to passengers with mobility challenges. Many buses also run on natural gas or electricity, making them eco-friendly.
Buses are named with numbers. To board a bus, you need to give a sign to the driver to show your intention to board. Otherwise, the bus may not stop. Enter the bus using the front door and show your ticket to the driver or the ticket reader. When you wish to exit, press the STOP button inside the bus, and it will stop at the next bus stop. There is no ticket sale inside buses.
City Trams
The tram system in Helsinki is one of the most iconic and recognizable modes of transport. Helsinki opened the first tram line in 1891, and since then, the system has grown into a network of more than ten lines covering the downtown and surrounding areas. The trams in Helsinki are an essential part of the city’s public transport system and are widely used by commuters and visitors alike. They operate on a frequent and reliable schedule.
The Helsinki tram system is known for its punctuality, efficiency, and convenience, offering passengers a comfortable and enjoyable commuting experience. The trams are easily identifiable by their distinctive green colour scheme, but sometimes, ads cover their natural colour. The tram lines also offer breathtaking views of the city’s landmarks and attractions, making it an ideal way to explore Helsinki. Suppose you do not want to attend the arranged tours. The Helsinki tram service is an excellent choice for anyone looking for an efficient, affordable, and eco-friendly way around the Helsinki Centre.
Trams are named with numbers. Because they do not automatically stop at every stop, you must communicate to the driver by pressing the STOP button. Ensure you have a valid ticket before boarding the tram because buying a ticket inside a tram is impossible. You do not need to show your ticket to the driver when boarding the tram. There is no need to validate your ticket to the HSL machine.
Light Rail
Metro
Ferries
Ferries are an essential mode of Helsinki public transport, connecting the city to its numerous islands. The Helsinki Regional Transport Authority (HSL) operates ferry services to the UNESCO World Heritage site Suomenlinna, but private ferry operators also bring visitors to Suomenlinna and other islands. Tickets between HSL Ferries and the other operator are not compatible.
Most ferries depart from Helsinki Market Square and serve destinations such as Suomenlinna, Vallisaari, and Korkeasaari.
The ferries are reliable and run regularly during the summer, making planning your day trips to the islands easy. They are also comfortable, with indoor and outdoor seating options and amenities like toilets. Private ferries have cafes or even bars on board. They also arrange sightseeing cruises for lunch and dinner.
The HSL ferries are recognized by the HSL logo. Since tickets are not sold on the ferries, you must buy one before boarding a ferry.
Commuter Trains
Commuter trains in the Helsinki region are an integral part of the city’s public transport system, providing a reliable and convenient means of transportation for commuters travelling between the suburbs and downtown Helsinki. With over 200 trains running daily, the commuter rail network is one of Northern Europe’s most extensive and efficient. The Finnish national railway company VR operates the rail network. The trains offer various services, including comfortable seating. The trains are also wheelchair accessible, making them an inclusive mode of transportation for all.
The trains run on time, making them a popular choice for commuters who must get to work or school on time. Additionally, the commuter trains are eco-friendly, reducing congestion on the roads and helping to reduce carbon emissions.
Commuter trains are named with letters, for example, Train A heading to Leppävaara. Not accidentally boarding a long-distance train is essential because the HSL tickets are only valid on commuter trains. Long-distance trains do not use letter naming.
The staff in commuter trains do not sell tickets, so you must buy one before boarding. A conductor sometimes asks to see passengers’ tickets, so be sure you have the correct ticket type.
A visitor to Helsinki usually meets a commuter train for the first time at Helsinki Airport. The lines P and I head from the airport to Helsinki Centre.
City Bikes
The Helsinki area has city bikes that residents and visitors can rent. Unfortunately, there are two different systems: one maintained by Helsinki Region Transport and another by Vantaa. The HSL system is available in Helsinki and Espoo , and the Vantaa system is only available in Vantaa. The HSL system is more important for travellers since it covers the Helsinki centre.
The HSL city bike system is available from April to October. It consists of 4,600 bikes and 460 stations. The bikes are not free; you have to pay a subscription fee. The subscription includes unlimited rides, but a single ride can last a maximum of 1 hour. For the extra time, you need to pay more.
A day subscription, costing 5 euros, is the perfect choice for a traveller. If you spend more than a day in Helsinki, you can pay 10 euros for the whole week.
Read more about the city bikes on the HSL website.
Scooters
A few private companies offer scooters in Helsinki, just like in other capitals and big cities. We do not recommend driving with them because you take a risk when driving in a strange traffic environment. However, if you still think you are a skilled enough scooter driver, you can easily find them in the Helsinki Center.
It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol. Scooters have mandatory insurance in case of an accident. Please be polite when driving and park them so they do not disturb the other traffic.
Read more about Helsinki Airport Taxis.
Helsinki Public Transport Zones and Tickets
The ticket system in Helsinki public transport is based on the zones, not the distance travelled. That is why you must only validate your ticket when boarding a vehicle. Validation is unnecessary if you already know your ticket is valid; for example, you have a day ticket. In buses, you need to show the ticket to the driver except on orange-coloured core bus lines.
Zones
Helsinki’s public transportation system is divided into several zones, each with its unique fare system. The zones, labelled A through D, determine your ticket price based on the number of zones you pass through. You must purchase a ticket for at least two zones to ride public transportation.
Zone A covers the downtown area, while Zone B covers the rest of Helsinki and the closest parts of the neighbouring cities. If you’re travelling to the airport or other parts of Vantaa, Espoo, or Kauniainen, you must purchase a ticket that includes Zone C.
Zones | Regions | Single Ticket Adult | Day Adult Ticket | AB | Helsinki and a few areas in Vantaa and Espoo | €3.20 | €10 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
BC | Helsinki and the majority of Vantaa (incl. airport) and Espoo excluding Helsinki Centre | €3.20 | €10 | |
ABC | Helsinki, and the majority of Vantaa and Espoo (incl. airport) | €4.40 | €12 |
We advise you to consult the HSL Route Planner to learn which zones you pass in your journey. After providing the address of your destination, the app will automatically show you the required ticket type, and you can buy your ticket instantly after you have set up mobile payment.
Ticket Types
Sale Points
The HSL App is the easiest way to buy tickets. However, if you prefer more traditional methods, you can buy tickets from ticket sale points like R-kiosks and automated HSL machines.
There are R Kiosks everywhere in the Helsinki area. They sell HSL tickets but charge a service fee. All big stations and a few more minor stops have ticket-selling machines that are free to use.
It is essential to buy a ticket before boarding any vehicle. Do not forget to validate the ticket if you are using it for the first time. We recommend purchasing day tickets for travellers because they are practical and affordable if you travel a lot.
Helsinki Public Transport Hubs
Helsinki centre is a small area. In the map below, you can see the location of the central station. Kamppi Bus Station is about 800 metres to the southeast, and Pasila Railway Station is a few kilometres north, where the Mall of Tripla is.
Stations
There are three essential transport hubs in Helsinki.
Helsinki Central Station
Helsinki Central Station, also known as Rautatiasema in Finnish, is the most important transport hub in Helsinki. It is the end station for all commuter trains and the main station for all commuter and long-distance trains departing from Helsinki. You can connect to many bus lines and the metro at Helsinki Central Station. Many tram lines pass Helsinki Central Railway Station.
Kamppi Bus Station
Kamppi Bus Station is about 1 kilometre from the central railway station. It is a big shopping mall with an underground bus station. Kamppi is the end station, especially for regional and long-distance bus lines. The metro lines go through Kamppi, too. When the weather is terrible, Kamppi Bus Station is one of the most pleasant places to have a bus connection.
Pasila Station
Pasila Railway Station is about 3 kilometres away from Helsinki Central Railway Station. All trains going to Helsinki Centre call at Pasila Station, and all trains leaving to different destinations call at the Pasila Station, making it a popular connection point for passengers who need to change trains. The rebuilt Pasila Railway Station is attached to the famous Mall of Tripla, Finland’s fourth-largest shopping mall.