Helsinki has an excellent public transport system (HSL) comprising bus, tram, metro, commuter train and ferry services. With a single ticket you can hop aboard trams, buses, the metro and even the municipal ferry to Suomenlinna. You can even change from one mode of transport to another as long as your ticket is still valid. Single tickets can be purchased using the HSL mobile app or from HSL ticket machines, R-kiosks and other HSL sales points.
A day ticket is handy if you plan to make several journeys during one day or several days. You can buy a ticket for 1–13 days. Day tickets can be purchased using the HSL mobile app or from HSL ticket machines and sales points in Helsinki Central Station. Other sales points include R-kiosks and many shops. One-day tickets (24 hours) can be purchased also from HSL ticket machines; these tickets are printed out and valid immediately upon payment.
The HSL public transport region is divided into four zones identified by the letters A, B, C and D starting from the city centre. Purchase a ticket for all the zones in which you plan to travel. If you plan to travel in zones A, B and C, you will need an AB, BC or ABC ticket, as there are no one-zone tickets for zones A, B and C. The online Journey Planner notifies which ticket you need together with the search results.
Helsinki Card holders can travel free of charge on public transportation depending on their card within zones A/ B or A/B/C.
Walking
Helsinki is a compact city that is easy to explore on foot, as most of the sights are within walking distance. Even in the busy city centre, you are never far away from green areas and the sea. Tourist Information has a selection of thematic maps to help you plan your walks around the city.
By bike
Cycling is a fast and easy way of getting around Helsinki. A popular route is the Baana pedestrian and cycling corridor that runs through the centre of Helsinki along a stretch of disused railway line. Baana is part of an impressive 1200-kilometre network of bike paths in Helsinki that makes it easy to get from the Keskuspuisto “Central Park” to the north to the ferry terminals to the south, and from the bustling city centre to the quiet fields and forests in the surrounding countryside – even to the islands of the archipelago.
City bikes
City bikes are a popular and convenient way of getting around the city in summertime. In 2023, there were no less than 4 600 yellow city bikes available in Helsinki and Espoo. The city bike season will start again at the start of April.
By tram
Trams are a convenient way of getting around the city centre. Tram 2 is the traditional sightseeing route, as it passes many points of interest along the way. You can also change into tram 3 at Eläintarha or Auroran sairaala stop and return to the city centre. Other tram routes that are good for sightseeing include 4, which passes many architectural gems, and 6, which is perfect if you are interested in design. Carry a route map with you to help locate all the stops and points of interest.
Single tickets and day tickets can be purchased using the HSL mobile app or from HSL ticket machines, R-kiosks and many other sales points throughout the city. Tickets cannot be purchased from the driver on trams. Helsinki Card holders can travel free of charge on all trams.
By metro
Helsinki’s metro network operates from the city centre to Espoo (M1 Kivenlahti/M2 Tapiola) and East Helsinki (M1 Vuosaari/M2 Mellunmäki). To travel from end to end (Kivenlahti to Mellunmäki, the world's northernmost metro station) you will need an ABC ticket, and the journey takes about 49 minutes. The metro is also a convenient way to get out of the busy city centre and into the nature.
Single tickets and day tickets can be purchased using the HSL mobile app or from HSL ticket machines, R-kiosks and many other sales points throughout the city. Helsinki Card holders can travel free of charge on the metro.
By train
Helsinki Region Transport (HSL) operates commuter train services throughout the metropolitan area. Commuter trains depart from and arrive at Helsinki Central Station. Commuter trains are a convenient way to get to Pasila, for example, where Hartwall Arena and the Messukeskus Expo and Convention Centre are located. You can also get to the tranquillity of Rhododendron Park (Alppiruusupuisto) in the Haaga district very quickly by commuter train (A, E, U or P).
Single tickets and day tickets can be purchased using the HSL mobile app or from HSL ticket machines, R-kiosks and many other sales points throughout the city. Tickets cannot be purchased onboard commuter trains. Helsinki Card holders can travel free of charge on all commuter trains.
Trains to the airport
Commuter trains I and P are a fast and convenient way of travelling between the city centre and the airport. The journey takes approximately 30 minutes. From the train station at Helsinki Airport you can walk directly to your terminal without having to go outside. To get to or from the airport, you will need an ABC ticket.
Public transport connections to the airport and ferry terminals
Commuter trains I and P operate from Helsinki Central Station to Helsinki Airport daily every 10 minutes or so. I trains operate via Tikkurila and P trains via Huopalahti.
Many long-distance buses also stop at the airport (415N, 431N, 562, 570 and 600). Trams are a convenient way to get to ferry terminals.
- West Terminal (Länsiterminaali): trams 7 and 9
- Olympic Terminal (Olympiaterminaali): trams 2 and 3
- Katajanokka Terminal (Katajanokan terminaali): trams 4 and 5
Other useful links:
By bus
Helsinki Region Transport (HSL) operates buses throughout the metropolitan area. All bus routes and schedules can be found online using the Journey Planner. Single tickets and day tickets can be purchased using the HSL mobile app or from HSL ticket machines, R-kiosks and many other sales points throughout the city. Helsinki Card holders can travel free of charge on buses.
Long-distance buses depart from the Kamppi bus terminal.
Buses to the airport
Buses 415N, 431N, 562, 570 and 600 operate between the airport and city centre. To get to or from the airport, you will need an ABC ticket, which you can purchase from HSL ticket machines, throug HSL mobile app or sales points like R-kiosk.
You can travel to and from the airport by commuter train (I/P).
Getting to the islands
Helsinki is surrounded by the sea on three sides: the South, the East and the West. There are around 330 islands off the coast of Helsinki, many of which are accessible for recreational use. In Helsinki it is possible to enjoy the sea and archipelago with your own boat or on archipelago cruises.
HSL operates a municipal ferry between the Market Square and the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress all year round. The ferry terminal is situated on the east side of the Market Square, opposite the Presidential Palace. Both public transportation tickets and the Helsinki Card are valid on the ferry. Single tickets and day tickets can be purchased for example from the HSL ticket machine at the ferry terminal, by HSL app or from ticket sales points.
By taxi
Taxis can be ordered by phone, from taxi stands or hailed from the street. Taxi stands can be found throughout the city centre, for example outside Helsinki Central Station, around Senate Square, along Esplanade Park and at ferry terminals. Taxis are available whenever the yellow light on the roof is on. The journey between Helsinki Airport and the city centre by taxi takes approximately 30 minutes and costs around €40-45 when you take the taxi from taxi lines 1-3.
- Taksi-Helsinki, tel. +358 100 0700
- Airport Taxi Yellow Line, tel. +358 600 555 555
- Kovanen, tel. +358 200 6060
- Lähitaksi, tel. +358 100 7300
- Menevä, tel. +358 800 02120
By car
In the centre of Helsinki it is recommended to walk or use public transport. If you are driving into Helsinki, you can avoid and help reduce congestion by utilising HSL’s Park & Ride facilities at public transport stations and stops. You can then continue your journey by metro, bus, tram or commuter train. The cost of parking in the city centre depends on the parking zone. Parking zones and spaces can be found on this map. Parking is free on Saturdays in Zone 3 and on Sundays and holidays in all zones, with some exceptions. Disabled parking spaces can be found on this map, and information about parking permits for persons with disabilities can be found on the Traficom website.
There are numerous parking garages in Helsinki, including EuroPark and Q-park. Parking spaces are also available at ferry terminals.
Information on international driving licenses can be found on the Traficom website. Information on traffic signs and traffic rules can be found on the Finnish Transport Agency website.