The public transportation system in Helsinki is extremely efficient. The city has a wide variety of transportation options, creating a dense web of routes across the Helsinki Metropolitan Area. It’s easy, cheap and convenient to get around Helsinki using public transportation, and this post will show you exactly how to do it!
Keep reading to learn more about the public transportation options in Helsinki and how to use them.
In This Post
- Types of Public Transit in Helsinki
- Routes & Zones
- Plan Your Trip
- How to Buy Tickets
- How to Ride …
- How to get from the Helsinki Airport to the City Center
Types of Public Transit in Helsinki
Helsinki is a well connected city. They achieve that by offering a variety of transportation options, which are all operated by Helsinki Regional Transport Authority (HSL). Each mode of transportation runs on different routes, at different speeds, with varying frequencies, but they all operate on a shared ticket system. Combined, it’s easy to get between just about any two points in Greater Helsinki using some combination of these options.
The Helsinki public transit landscape includes the following:
- Trams: Trams are the main method of transportation for getting around central Helsinki. Trams are like a bus and a train had a baby. Trams run on tracks, but they’re at street level and share the road with other vehicles.
- Bus: Buses are a little slower and often run less frequently than the trams, but they serve a wider network of routes because they don’t require any special infrastructure.
- Ferry: The archipelago of Helsinki comprises hundreds of islands, and you can easily get to a few by Ferry. The most popular public ferry route is to Suomenlinna, which runs regularly throughout the year.
- Metro: There is only one underground Metro line in Helsinki. It connects the central business district to the cities and districts to the east and west. It’s not the most useful for getting around within the city center itself.
- Commuter Train: These train lines connect the further towns and districts of Greater Helsinki and beyond to Helsinki Central Station. The train that runs from the airport to the city center is one of the most popular Commuter Trains.
Helsinki Public Transit Routes & Zones
These different modes of public transportation span the Helsinki Metropolitan Area, and they are meant to supplement one another. There is not an exact order to the routes, but there are some general themes. You can review all the different maps here.
Nearly all of the tram lines all pass nearby Helsinki Central Station, and branch out in all directions from there. (It reminds us a lot of the Chicago L train system in that way.) Some lines are loops, but overall it looks a lot like a hub-and-spoke system.
The Metro and Commuter Trains also all pass through Helsinki Central Station. All Commuter Trains begin or end at Helsinki Central Station, and then branch out in all directions across the region. The single Metro line cuts east-west across Greater Helsinki.
Bus routes operate closer to a grid system. It’s not exact, but they do tend to follow north-south and east-west routes. The buses cover a more extensive network of routes than trams or trains, and not all of them pass by Central Station.
That leaves us with ferries. HSL has three ferry routes with service to Suomenlinna and Kruunuvuorenranta. Unlike the other modes of transit, the ferry schedules and routes vary throughout the year due to the weather and demand.
All of these different routes span a broad swath of Greater Helsinki, so the service area is divided into four zones. Zone A is in the middle and comprises most of Central Helsinki. Zones B, C and D extend out and away from the city center. The zones are marked on maps and some station stops, and are used solely for pricing purposes.
Nearly all of the top tourist attractions in Helsinki are located in Zones A and B. The airport itself is located in Zone C.
Plan Your Trip on Helsinki Public Transit
There are two easy ways to plan your route on Helsinki public transit.
The first is directly through HSL. Surprisingly, HSL has a great Journey Planner tool. (In my experience, it’s rare that a government agency has a functioning and useful tool. Maybe that’s because I’m American.) The Journey Planner is available on both the HSL app (download here) and website (here).
Using the Journey Planner, you can enter your starting point and destination. It will give you a route or routes that may combine different modes of transportation. For each route, it will tell which ticket (zones) you need. If you’re using the app, you can click to buy the correct ticket right from the Journey Planner. It also displays the carbon emissions used for the route, and even compares it to a car. Love to see it!
Alternatively, you can also get Helsinki public transit directions in Google Maps. If you (like me) have all of your favorite things stared and saved in Google Maps, you don’t need to go anywhere else for directions. Just use Google Maps to look up directions to where you need to go. Click the transit icon, and then you can review the suggested routes based on scheduled transit times. The biggest downside to Google Maps is that it won’t tell which Zones you’re going through, to know which ticket to buy.
The suggested routes and schedules aren’t exactly the same on both platforms, but they’re pretty close. They are clearly pulling from the same schedule, and the scheduled transit times are displayed a minute or so apart. Sometimes they disagree on when to walk/bus for more complicated routes, but either planning tool will get the job done.
NOTE: In our experience, the actual tram times did not always line up to the scheduled times in either platform. The predicted tram times on the digital signs at the stops themselves were usually the most reliable.
How to Buy Tickets for Public Transit in Helsinki
All public transportation in Helsinki uses the same ticket system. You can buy digital tickets in the HSL app or paper tickets at kiosks and sales points around the city. Tickets are sold by zone and duration, and can be used on any transit mode (bus, ferry, train, etc) within those zones and time frame.
There are few different types of tickets.
- Single Ride Ticket: This ticket is valid for 80-110 minutes, depending on your selected zones. The name is a little misleading, because this ticket includes unlimited transfers within your zone(s) during the validity period. The time starts when the ticket is activated, which will vary based on how you purchase your ticket.
- Day Pass: This ticket is valid for unlimited transit within the defined zones for a set number of days. If you’re planning on traveling 4 or more times in a day, a day pass may be more cost effective.
- Multi-Journey Ticket: You can buy packs of 10 or 20 single-ride tickets at a discounted rate. This is might helpful if you’re in Helsinki for several days, and expect to transit a lot, but aren’t exactly sure when.
- Season Pass: This ticket category is primarily for locals and regular commuters. You can save quite a bit on your fare by committing to this subscription for 30 days or 1 year at a time.
Tip: The Helsinki card is a tourist ticket that includes accesses to a variety of attractions around the city for a set price. If you purchase the Helsinki Card CITY or Helsinki Card REGION, it includes unlimited rides on public transit (Zones AB or ABC, depending on the card) within the validity period.
There are a few different places to buy Helsinki public transit tickets.
- HSL App: It’s easy to buy tickets in the HSL App. Select your ticket type and zone. For single ride tickets, you can also define when the validity period starts. (It defaults to immediately.) You only need to enter your credit card information the first time, and then it will save and auto-populate for future purchases. Your valid ticket will then be available in the app.
- HSL Kiosks: There are kiosks around the city, specifically near popular transit stops, where you can buy transit tickets using a credit card or sometimes cash. If you buy a single ride ticket from a kiosk, your validity time will begin immediately. If you buy a day pass, your start time may vary based on the kiosk and exact ticket type. (Some begin immediately, some you can activate later.)
- Shops & Stores: Several mini marts around town sell certain public transit tickets, including the popular R-kioski and S-market. You can find locations here.
If you have cellular data, the HSL app is the best option. It’s quick and easy to buy tickets (for you and others if needed), plus you don’t have to worry about activating your ticket in most cases. However, if you don’t have cell service, buying from a ticket kiosk is the next best option. If you’re buying paper tickets, just be sure to note when the ticket is active. Some tickets you can buy in advance and activate at the start of your journey, but some are activated immediately.
How to use your ticket on public transit varies based on what you’re taking. So let’s get into that next!
How to Ride Public Transit in Helsinki
In these next sections, we will explain how to take each specific mode of transportation in detail. While each mode of transit operates a little bit differently, they do share some similarities. At a high level, this is how to take public transportation in Helsinki.
- Buy a ticket. This can be a digital ticket in the app or a paper ticket from a kiosk or select stores.
- Activate the ticket. Digital tickets can be activated in the app and will display as a moving image. Paper tickets need to be activated at the start of your first journey at a card reader. The card reader will be onboard (bus, tram), near the entrance (ferry) or on the platform (Metro, train).
- Board. The bus is the only mode of transit that you must display your ticket (digital or paper) to the driver when you board. On all other transit types, as long as your ticket is active, you do not need to show or scan your ticket anywhere. Unless …
- Keep your ticket handy. Random ticket checks may be conducted on all modes of transit. If a conductor or inspector asks for your ticket, you must display it immediately. If your ticket is invalid or not activated, you will be charged a fine.
- Disembark. If you’re riding a bus or tram, press the “STOP” button onboard to get off at the upcoming stop. The ferry, Metro, and Commuter Trains stop at every station stop automatically.
- Transfer. If your ticket still has valid time remaining, you can transfer to any other mode of transit within your ticket’s valid zones. If your ticket is already active, you do not need to activate it again at a card reader.
How to Ride the Tram in Helsinki
The tram is the most common mode of public transportation in Helsinki, so let’s start with that.
First, you will need a valid ticket. Some tram stops have a ticket kiosk nearby, but not all. If you bought a ticket in the app, make sure it is active before you board the tram. An active ticket will show up in the “Your Tickets” tab and will display a moving image. If you have a paper ticket that is not already activated, you can activate it on the tram.
Then, approach the tram stop. Most tram stops are on the right side or middle of the road. Each tram stop has a sign with a tram icon, the zone the stop is located within, and a list of all the trams that stop at that stop. Most tram stops also have a digital board that lists upcoming tram times. Wait at the stop till the tram arrives.
Trams are driven by human drivers. They usually stop at every stop by default, but during off hours you may want to wave them down so they know to stop for you. You can board the tram at any door.
If you have a paper ticket (single journey or day pass) you will need to activate it when you begin your first journey. You can do this on the tram by scanning your ticket under the card reader onboard. If you already activated your ticket on a previous ride or if your ticket was activated immediately at the ticket kiosk, you do not need to do anything onboard.
If you have an active, digital ticket, you also do not need to do anything when you board the tram. You will only need to show your ticket if an inspector or conductor asks you to. If you are caught without an active ticket, you will receive a hefty fine — as of 2024, the fine is €100 plus the ticket cost.
The tram has a digital sign onboard that displays the next stop. Press one of the “STOP” buttons throughout the tram to request a stop at the upcoming station. During busy times, the tram usually stops at every stop anyway.
When the tram approaches a stop, the doors will automatically open. You can exit the tram at any door.
If your ticket is still valid, you can transfer to any other mode of public transportation.
How to Ride the Bus in Helsinki
Buses in Helsinki are useful for getting to specific destinations that aren’t served by the faster moving trains or trams.
First, you will need a valid ticket. Very few bus stops have a ticket kiosk nearby, so you may need to plan ahead. If you bought a ticket in the app, make sure it is active before you board the bus. An active ticket will show up in the “Your Tickets” tab and will display a moving image. If you have a paper ticket, you can activate it on the bus.
Then, approach the designated bus stop. Bus stops are located on the right side of the road, in the direction of travel. Each bus stop will have a detailed sign that includes a bus icon and a list of all the buses that stop at that stop. Some bus stops also have a digital board that lists upcoming bus times. Wait at the stop till the bus arrives.
Buses usually only stop at bus stops when a passenger onboard requests a stop or when there is a passenger waiting at the bus stop. If you’re waiting at a stop, be sure to give the driver a wave to be sure they stop for you.
Board the bus at the front door. If you have digital ticket, show the driver your ticket when you board. Active tickets in the app will display a moving image in a specific color, so the driver will be able to quickly verify your ticket. If you have a paper ticket, scan it under the card reader to activate your ticket. If it’s already active, you can just show your ticket.
The bus has a digital sign onboard that displays the next stop. Press one of the “STOP” buttons throughout the bus to notify the driver that you want to get off at the upcoming stop.
When the bus approaches a stop, the doors will automatically open or you may have to push lightly to open the door. Exit the bus from the rear door.
If your ticket is still valid, you can transfer to any other mode of public transportation.
How to Ride the Ferry in Helsinki
Not a lot of city public transit systems include ferries, so this one is fun. The ferry operates on the same ticket system as other modes of public transit. Buying a ferry ticket is the same cost and process as buying a ticket for the train or bus.
Before you board the ferry, you will need a valid ticket. Both ferry routes are within Zones A and B. There are several self-service ticket kiosks at the main ferry terminal in Helsinki, which is located across from the Presidential Palace near the Ferris wheel. However, there are often lines for the ticket kiosks just before scheduled ferry times. Be sure to arrive early or purchase a ticket in the app to be sure you don’t miss the ferry.
If you bought a ticket in the app, make sure it is active before you board the ferry. An active ticket will show up in the “Your Tickets” tab and will display a moving image. You can set the validity period to begin shortly before the scheduled departure time or you can activate it immediately if you plan to travel within 80 minutes.
Wait at the pier until the ferry arrives. After they let off the current passengers, they will open the gates for new passengers. There is a card reader near the entrance to the ferry. If you have a paper ticket, scan it under the card reader to activate your ticket.
If your ticket is already active or if you have a digital ticket, you do not need to do anything with your ticket when you board the ferry. You will only need to show your ticket if an inspector or conductor asks you to. If you are caught without an active ticket, you will receive a hefty fine — as of 2024, the fine is €100 plus the ticket cost.
You can sit anywhere on the ferry. There is indoor and outdoor seating on both levels of the ferry. Most ferries only make one stop. However, if there are multiple stops on the route, they will be announced over the speaker.
When you arrive at the destination, exit the ferry as instructed. If your ticket is still valid, you can transfer to any other mode of public transportation.
How to Take the Metro in Helsinki
Helsinki also has one Metro line, which cuts across a good chunk of Greater Helsinki. The line stretches from the city of Espoo in the west, through central Helsinki, and on to Vuosaari or Mellunmäki on the far east.
Fun fact! Mellunmäki is actually the northernmost metro station in the world.
To ride the Metro, you will need a valid ticket. Most Metro stops have a ticket kiosk at or near the station.
There are card readers located at the entrance or on the platform. If you have a paper ticket (single journey or day pass) you will need to activate it when you begin your first journey. You can do this by scanning your ticket under the card reader. If this is not the first ride of your journey and you already activated your ticket on a previous ride, you do not need to do anything at the card reader.
If you have have a digital ticket, you don’t need to do anything with the card readers, either. Instead, digital tickets must be active by the time you pass the card readers. An active ticket will show up in the “Your Tickets” tab and will display a moving image.
You will only need to show your ticket if an inspector or conductor asks you to. If you are caught without an active ticket, you will receive a hefty fine — as of 2024, the fine is €100 plus the ticket cost.
Metro trains will automatically stop at every station. During busy times, doors will open automatically. During less busy times, there are buttons on the inside and outside of the doors to open them. You can enter and exit the Metro from any door.
If your ticket is still valid, you can transfer to any other mode of public transportation.
The Helsinki Metro is the only mode of public transportation we didn’t personally take. The city center and tourist districts of Helsinki are so well connected by other modes of transit, that we never needed the Metro. The Metro feels more like a regional or commuter rail service than an intracity network in Helsinki.
How to Ride the Commuter Train in Helsinki
Riding the Commuter Train in Helsinki is very similar to riding the trams. Well, the cars themselves are much larger, they move faster, and they run on different tracks, but the boarding and ticketing process is pretty much the same.
As always, you will need a valid ticket. It’s important to pay attention to the Zones on the Commuter Train, because most routes will travel through multiple zones.
Nearly all Commuter Train stations have a ticket kiosk nearby or you can buy digital tickets in the app. It’s a good idea to use the HSL Journey Planner or review your journey at a kiosk to ensure you are getting the right ticket for the right zones.
If you bought a ticket in the app, make sure it is active before you board the train. An active ticket will show up in the “Your Tickets” tab and will display a moving image.
If you have an active, digital ticket, you do not need to do anything with or show anyone your ticket when you board the train. You will only need to show your ticket if an inspector or conductor asks you to. If you are caught without an active ticket, you will receive a hefty fine — as of 2024, the fine is €100 plus the ticket cost.
If you have a paper ticket (single journey or day pass) you will need to activate it when you begin your first journey. You can do this by scanning your ticket under the card reader on the platform. If this is not the first ride of your journey and you already activated your ticket on a previous ride, you do not need to do anything at the card reader or onboard.
Most Commuter Trains run in both directions. At some stations, there is one platform with trains on both sides. At other stations, there are multiple platforms for trains going in different directions or to different destinations. Be sure to go to the right platform and look for the train going in the right direction. This might require knowing the terminus station for the direction you’re going.
Commuter Trains in Helsinki are really nice. There is comfortable seating, luggage storage racks, small tables (though we don’t recommend eating or drinking on the train) and even outlets.
Commuter Trains automatically make stop at every scheduled station. Doors will automatically open at each stop. You can board and exit from any door.
If your ticket is still valid, you can transfer to any other mode of public transportation.
How to Take the Train from the Helsinki Airport to the City Center
One specific Commuter Train journey worth noting individually is the train from the Helsinki Airport to the city center of Helsinki. Since many tourists will take this exact route, it’s worth going through individually.
Start by navigating to the railway station at Helsinki Airport. There are clearly marked signs throughout the terminal that you will guide you there.
The signs will guide you down several escalators before you arrive on the platform. (Note: It is open air, so you’ll want to keep your coat on.)
Next, buy your tickets. You will need a ticket for Zones ABC. There are several ticket kiosks on the platform, or you can buy tickets in the HSL app (if you have cell service.) If you buy tickets in the app, be sure you set them to activate immediately (this is the default). If you buy tickets at the kiosk, they should will be active immediately.
There are two trains that stop at the Helsinki Airport train station: the I and the P. Both of these trains follow the same looped route between the airport and city center, just in opposite directions. The P is slightly quicker from the airport to the city, but just barely so. Practically speaking, you can take either train.
The train will automatically stop at the station, and you can board from any open door. As long as your ticket is active, you don’t need to do anything with the ticket when you board. You will only need to show your ticket if an inspector or conductor asks you to. If you are caught without an active ticket, you will receive a hefty fine — as of 2024, the fine is €100 plus the ticket cost.
There are digital boards inside the train car that list the upcoming stops and times. The train will automatically make all scheduled stops. The most central stop in city center is simply called “Helsinki.” This stop is at Helsinki Central Station.
If your ticket is still valid — which it should be if you activated it at the airport — you can transfer to any other mode of public transportation to get to your final destination.
