Helsinki’s public transport system is comprehensive and efficient. It offers a diverse range of 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, allowing you to save on costs with the right ticket types.
Helsinki Regional Transport Authority (HSL) primarily operates public transport, while a few private companies also operate ferries to nearby islands. The same ticket is valid for all HSL transport modes; however, private operators have their own ticketing systems. Especially when heading to the popular Suomenlinna Island, check who operates the ferry before boarding and that you have the correct ticket.
HSL serves the Helsinki region and the neighbouring cities of 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 1,000 buses in operation, Helsinki aims to provide a convenient and eco-friendly commuting experience for both locals and visitors.
Helsinki’s bus routes are designed to cover all parts of the city, from densely populated urban areas to suburban areas. 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. You need to signal the driver to board the bus to show your intention to get on. Otherwise, the bus may not stop. Enter the bus using the front door and show your ticket to the driver or the ticket reader. To exit, press the STOP button inside the bus, and it will stop at the next bus stop. There are no ticket sales inside the buses.
City Trams
The tram system in Helsinki is one of the most iconic and recognisable modes of transport. Helsinki opened its first tram line in 1891, and since then, the system has expanded into a network of more than ten lines, covering the downtown area and its surrounding neighbourhoods. The trams in Helsinki are a vital part of the city’s public transportation system, widely used by both commuters and visitors. They operate on a frequent and reliable schedule.
The Helsinki tram system is renowned for its punctuality, efficiency, and convenience, providing passengers with 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 seeking an efficient, affordable, and environmentally friendly way to navigate the Helsinki City Centre.
Trams are named with numbers. Because they do not automatically stop at every stop, you must communicate with the driver by pressing the STOP button. Ensure you have a valid ticket before boarding the tram, as purchasing one inside is not possible. You do not need to show your ticket to the driver when boarding the tram. There is no need to validate your ticket at the HSL machine.
Light Rail
Helsinki has one light rail line, Route 15. It runs from Keilaniemi in Espoo (western Helsinki area) to Itäkeskus (East Centre). The route conveniently intersects with all the commuter train lines, allowing for easy transfers between light rail and commuter trains.
Route 15 is long and doesn’t reach the very centre of Helsinki. It’s worth noting that at Itäkeskus, you can also transfer to the Helsinki Metro for further travel within the city. Light rail is one of the most comfortable ways to travel outside the city centre in Helsinki.
You need the Zone B ticket to travel on the light rail.
Metro
Helsinki Metro is a rapid transit system serving the cities of Helsinki and Espoo. It has operated since 1982 and is the world’s northernmost metro system. The system comprises only two lines and 30 stations, spanning a total length of 43 km. It is the primary rail link between the eastern suburbs of Helsinki, the western suburbs of Espoo, and the city centre of Helsinki.
The metro is a convenient and reliable way to get from east to west, especially during rush hours.
Visitors can recognise the retro stations from the big orange-white letter M. The end station of a metro is visible on the front of the metro train and on the station’s information screens. You must purchase a ticket before entering the metro platform. There are no ticket sales in metros, so ensure you have a valid ticket before boarding. Ticket inspections are standard in metro stations.
Ferries
Ferries are an essential mode of public transportation in Helsinki, 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 it easy to plan your day trips to the islands. They are also comfortable, offering both indoor and outdoor seating options, as well as amenities such as toilets. Private ferries have cafes or even bars on board. They also arrange sightseeing cruises for lunch and dinner.
The HSL logo recognises the HSL ferries. 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 need to arrive at work or school on time. Additionally, the commuter trains are eco-friendly, reducing road congestion and helping to lower carbon emissions.
Commuter trains are named with letters, for example, Train A, which runs between Helsinki Central Station and Leppävaara Station in Espoo. 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.
Commuter train staff do not sell tickets, so you must buy one before boarding. A conductor may occasionally request to see passengers’ tickets, so ensure 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 the Helsinki Centre.
City Bikes
The Helsinki area has bike-sharing systems that residents and visitors can use. Unfortunately, there are two different systems: one maintained by Helsinki Region Transport and another by the City of Vantaa. The HSL system is available in Helsinki and Espoo, while the Vantaa system is available only in Vantaa. The HSL system is more important for travellers since it covers the Helsinki centre.
To start riding the bikes, you need to register for an HSL account and provide payment details.
The bikes are not free; you have to pay a subscription fee when registering. 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.
The HSL city bike system is available from April to October. It consists of 4,600 bikes and 460 stations.
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 navigating a foreign traffic environment. However, if you still think you are a skilled enough scooter driver, you can easily find them in the Helsinki Centre.
It is illegal to drive under the influence of alcohol. Scooters are required to have mandatory insurance in the event of an accident. Please be polite when driving and park your vehicle so it does not disturb other traffic.
Read more about Helsinki Airport Taxis.
Helsinki Public Transport Zones and Tickets
The ticket system in Helsinki public transport is based on 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, if 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 own 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
| BC | Helsinki, and the majority of Vantaa and Espoo (incl. the airport) | € 3.20 | € 10 |
| ABC | Helsinki, and the majority of Vantaa and Espoo (incl. airport) | € 4.40 | € 12 |
If you travel through a zone without stopping, you still need a ticket that covers that zone. For example, if you take Train I from zone A to zone B but the train passes through zone C, you must have a ticket valid for zones A, B, and C. Fortunately, this situation is quite rare.
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 display the required ticket type, and you can purchase your ticket instantly after setting up mobile payment.
Ticket Types
HSL offers a variety of tickets, including single, day, and season tickets. The official HSL website provides a quick overview of the current ticket types.
The most practical way to buy a ticket and check the current fares is to install the HSL App on your phone. With the app, you can quickly see the prices, and buying a ticket with a payment card is fast. However, you need a SIM card on your phone to have an internet connection. Read more about the app on the HSL pages.
Helsinki Card also includes a public transportation ticket.
Sale Points
The HSL App is the easiest way to buy tickets. However, if you prefer more traditional methods, you can purchase tickets from ticket sales points, such as R-kiosks and automated HSL machines. Contactless payment is another flexible option.
There are R Kiosks everywhere in the Helsinki area. They sell HSL tickets, but a service fee is charged. All major stations and several 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 for frequent travellers.
Contactless Payment
You can pay for public transport using a contactless Visa or Mastercard. When boarding a bus, train or tram, you’ll see a blue card reader — the same device used for both prepaid tickets and contactless cards. On ferries and the metro, the card reader is located on the platform before boarding. Please note that passing the reader without a valid ticket may result in a penalty fee.
On the screen, select the zones you wish to travel in. Then, choose the number of tickets if there is more than one passenger. Otherwise, tap your card on the reader. The reader will display the validity period of the ticket.
When transferring between modes of transport, tap your card again. You won’t be charged if your previous ticket is still valid. If a ticket inspector approaches, show your card. They can verify the validity of your ticket.
You can’t purchase discounted tickets with a contactless card.
Ticket Inspectors
Ticket inspectors do operate in Helsinki, but encounters are relatively rare. You’re most likely to see them on trams, trains, or metro platforms. They usually wear uniforms but may sometimes be in plain clothes.
If you don’t have a ticket at all, you will almost certainly be fined. If your ticket is the wrong type, invalid, or expired, you will likely face a penalty as well. However, if you honestly explain that you made a mistake as a foreigner, they might show some leniency. We recommend always purchasing the correct ticket type to avoid any issues.
Helsinki Public Transport Hubs
Helsinki’s centre is a small area. The map below shows the location of the central station. Kamppi Bus Station is approximately 800 metres to the southeast, and Pasila Railway Station is located a few kilometres north, near the Mall of Tripla.
Stations
Helsinki has three essential transport hubs.
Helsinki Central Station
Helsinki Central Station, also known as Rautatieasema in Finnish, is Helsinki’s primary transportation hub. It is the end station for all commuter trains and the central 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 also pass through Kamppi. When the weather is terrible, Kamppi Bus Station is one of the most pleasant places to wait for a bus.
Read more about Shopping in Helsinki.
Pasila Station
Pasila Railway Station is approximately 3 kilometres away from Helsinki Central Railway Station. All trains heading to Helsinki Central Station call at Pasila Station, and all trains departing for different destinations also stop at Pasila Station, making it a popular transfer point for passengers who need to change trains. The rebuilt Pasila Railway Station is adjacent to the famous Mall of Tripla, Finland’s fourth-largest shopping mall.