Getting around Helsinki – tips for newcomers
Getting around Helsinki – tips for newcomersHelsinki is an ideal setting for biking and walking. Reliable public transportation also zips you quickly to wherever you need to go year-round.
Public transport
Helsinki’s public transport system is one of the city’s greatest strengths. It is efficient, reliable and reasonably priced. Helsinki Region Transport (HSL) is the capital city area’s public transport operator. It serves every neighbourhood, meaning that even those living far from the city centre can get around easily without a car.
HSL operates a large fleet of buses, over a dozen commuter trains, several tram and light rail connections, a crosstown underground metro service, and even a few ferries. Park & Ride facilities allow people to park their car or bike and continue their journey on public transport. Each mode of transportation has its own rules about using it and presenting your ticket. See the HSL website for details.
HSL website(Link leads to external service)
HSL app and card
The HSL app is a free application that allows you to plan trips and buy tickets on your mobile phone or other electronic device. The app’s mobile tickets are valid on all modes of HSL public transport in the capital city area.
Alternatively, you can purchase an HSL card at a HSL service point. The HSL card costs a small fee at the outset, and can hold either value or a season ticket. Season tickets have a set price for unlimited travel within a certain period of time, available as a one-off purchase or an auto-renewing subscription.
If you only need a ticket for a few days, HSL sells disposable day tickets for 1 to 13 days. These tickets are available for purchase on the HSL app and at the HSL service point. For more assistance, call HSL Customer Service at tel. +358 9 4766 4000 (local network rate), open Mon-Fri 8.30-18.00 and Sat 9.30-17.00.
HSL app(Link leads to external service)
Fares, discounts and safety
HSL has divided the capital area into four travel zones. Most of Helsinki is in the AB zone. In the AB zone, a single ticket on any mode of municipal transport (good for 80-110 minutes) sells for EUR 3.20. An adult season ticket that grants unlimited travel can be purchased for EUR 60.10 monthly, if you commit for a year. See the HSL website for all of the options that are available.
Discounts are extended to children, students, pensioners, customers over 70 years of age and people with reduced mobility. Customers with impaired visibility and those that use a wheelchair can use the services for free. Those who are travelling with a child aged between 0 and 6 years in a pram, stroller or bicycle trailer can also travel for free. Using a reflector during the dark winter months can save your life.
Finnish Road Safety Council: Reflectors improve pedestrian safety(Link leads to external service)
Cycling
Cycling is very popular in Helsinki. Many of the city's residents use their bikes regularly year-round, as they are an easy, eco-friendly and safe way to get around. Helsinki has over 1,500 kilometres of well-maintained cycling paths. Cyclists can use the HSL Journey Planner service to map out the ideal bike route for their commute or leisure time. The pages below link to popular cycling routes, information on Finland's traffic rules for cyclists and instructions for bringing your bike on the metro or a train.
City bikes
Cycling in Helsinki is easy even if you don’t own a bike! Since 2016, Helsinki has provided a bike sharing service for residents and visitors that is available April to October. Simply buy a daily, weekly, or season pass and collect a bicycle from the bike station nearest you any time you need it. When you are done, you can return the bike to any city bike station nearby.
Using a car in Helsinki
Individuals holding driving licences from an EU or EEA country may drive in Finland for as long as their licence is valid. Citizens of other countries must exchange their driving licence within one or two years of their move to Finland.
Traficom: Information on driving licences(Link leads to external service)
Learn Finland's traffic rules, speed limits and traffic signs carefully before you get behind the wheel. The Helsinki Police issue fees and fines for even minor traffic infractions. If you haven't driven on ice and snow before, make sure to read the link below about driving in difficult conditions.
Finnish Road Safety Council: Rules of the road(Link leads to external service)
Finnish Road Safety Council: Driving in difficult conditions(Link leads to external service)
Parking in Helsinki
Parking in Helsinki is subject to hourly fees in neighbourhoods where you are not a resident. As a rule, these fees are applicable from 9-21 on weekdays and can be paid via mobile phone or automated ticket machines.
Individuals living in the city centre can apply for resident parking permits. These permits allow residents to park in a designated zone near their registered address.
The city's website pages on parking will provide you with helpful information on parking areas, prices, resident parking permits, and parking enforcement in Helsinki. Keep in mind that parking is only permitted in designated parking areas and violations are swiftly ticketed.
Be prepared to park elsewhere on occasion
Street maintenance keeps Helsinki’s streets clean, clear, and safe, particularly during the winter months. Temporary signs are posted from time to time along streets that are scheduled for snow ploughing in the winter or street washing in the spring. During the period marked on the sign, all vehicle owners in the area must move their vehicles and park elsewhere. If you fail to do so, the city will tow your vehicle. You may have to move your vehicle occasionally during roadwork as well.
Maps of the city
During your first few months in the city, maps can be a big help in finding your way around. They can also help you find the city’s wide range of services.
Service Map
Helsinki’s Service Map helps you to find municipal services and facilities in the city. Search for health stations and dental clinics, daycare centres, libraries, and sports facilities near your home by entering a keyword, address or postal code in the search field. Click on the map icons to learn more about the location, such as contact information, opening hours and accessibility information.
Helsinki Service Map(Link leads to external service)
Public transport maps
The public transport provider Helsinki Region Transport (HSL) has several maps that can help you navigate the city. Easy-to-understand route maps are available for the different modes of transport, and there are also area and station maps of the Helsinki city centre and its neighbouring cities.
HSL: Route maps and station maps(Link leads to external service)
