Getting around Helsinki is refreshingly simple. You can use the same HSL ticket across the entire public transport network, which includes trams, buses, the metro, commuter trains, and ferries—making it simple to reach the most popular destinations in the Helsinki region.
With flexible ticket options, contactless payment, frequent connections, and the HSL Journey Planner to guide you, exploring the region is easy and convenient. The Journey Planner also shows which zones you’ll travel through and helps you choose the right ticket for your route. Whether you’re visiting for a few days or just passing through, HSL helps you experience Helsinki with ease.
One Ticket, Endless Destinations – The Helsinki Experience Starts with HSL
Helsinki’s public transport network, operated by HSL (Helsinki Region Transport), makes exploring the capital and its stunning surroundings easy, even if it’s your first time here. Forget about renting a car or navigating unfamiliar roads. With just one ticket, you can hop on trams, buses, the metro, commuter trains, light rail lines, and even on the ferry to Suomenlinna, Helsinki’s historic sea fortress
From iconic sights to quiet corners of the city, HSL connects you to the full Helsinki experience. You can explore world-class museums like the Ateneum, wander through the boutique-lined streets of Punavuori, relax on the shores of Hietaranta Beach, or chase thrills at Linnanmäki Amusement Park. Nature is never far either – Nuuksio National Park offers peaceful trails just a short ride away, and the historic sea fortress of Suomenlinna is just a ferry trip across the bay. Whether you’re heading to a well-known attraction or discovering something new, HSL makes it all feel close.
Plan Your Journey with the HSL App
The HSL app is your ultimate travel companion. It includes the Journey Planner (Reittiopas), which shows you the fastest route to your destination and which zones your ticket needs to cover. You can download the app for free and buy your tickets directly within it. Quick, easy and convenient! You can also access the Journey Planner online at hsl.fi.
HSL’s public transport area is divided into four fare zones, labeled A, B, C, and D, which expand outward from the heart of Helsinki. Zone A covers the vibrant city center, including shopping streets, key landmarks, and the harbor. Zone B reaches nearby residential neighborhoods and city districts just outside the core. Zone C includes Helsinki Airport and the surrounding cities like Espoo and Vantaa, while Zone D stretches out to the outer municipalities such as Tuusula, Kerava, and Kirkkonummi.
Tickets Made Simple – and Digital
For most visitors, the easiest ticket options are day tickets or single tickets. A single ticket gives you 80 to 110 minutes of travel time with unlimited transfers, while a day ticket allows unlimited travel for one or more days—perfect if you’re planning to explore several neighborhoods, take spontaneous detours, or simply enjoy the city without worrying about time limits.
HSL now also offers a contactless payment option, making travel even smoother. You no longer need to download an app or buy a paper ticket. Just tap your debit or credit card, or a mobile device, directly on the reader when you board. It’s fast and secure.
Make sure to buy your ticket before boarding, unless you’re using contactless payment. On blue buses, you’ll need to show your ticket to the driver. On trams, the metro, orange trunk route buses, commuter trains, ferries, and light rail, you can simply board with a valid ticket—no scanning or check-in required.
Helsinki’s coastline is dotted with beautiful islands that are easy to reach by ferry. The Journey Planner helps you find the fastest route to each harbor. HSL tickets are valid on the popular ferry to Suomenlinna, but for many other island routes, tickets must be purchased directly from the ferry operators.
From Airport to City in Just 30 Minutes
Getting from Helsinki Airport to the city center is quick and easy thanks to HSL’s reliable train connections. The I and P commuter trains run between the airport and downtown Helsinki every 10 minutes on weekdays and every 15 minutes on weekends. The journey takes about 30 minutes.
The train station is located directly beneath the airport terminal, accessible by escalator or elevator from both the arrivals and departures halls—no need to go outside or switch buildings.
Simply use an ABC zone ticket—just like any other HSL ticket. You can purchase it through the HSL app, at ticket machines in the terminal, or by tapping your contactless card or mobile device on the reader as you board. The ticket covers your airport transfer, and with the same ticket you can also travel on trams, buses, the metro, trains, and ferries within zones A, B, and C. Arriving in Helsinki couldn’t be more convenient.
Outdoor Adventures by Public Transport
Helsinki isn’t just a vibrant capital—it’s also surrounded by nature that’s remarkably easy to reach. With HSL, you can leave the city behind and find yourself in a national park, forest trail, or lakeside picnic spot in under an hour. Whether you’re planning a short walk or a full-day hike, public transport is a convenient and sustainable way to explore the outdoors.
Two of the region’s most beloved nature escapes are Nuuksio and Sipoonkorpi National Parks. Nuuksio, located west of Helsinki, offers a network of forest trails, lakes, and scenic viewpoints across the Espoo, Kirkkonummi, and Vihti area. It’s home to Haltia – the Finnish Nature Centre, and offers multiple starting points like Haukkalampi, Siikaniemi, and Kattila. Sipoonkorpi, on the eastern side, is known for its quiet beauty and easy access from Vantaa, with popular entry points like Kuusijärvi, Landbo, and Sotunki.
Beyond the national parks, HSL also connects you to local outdoor gems like Pirttimäki, Luukki, and Karjakaivo, all owned by the City of Helsinki. These areas offer excellent hiking and picnic opportunities and are easily reached by bus.
Ride Like a Local with City Bikes
From April to October, Helsinki’s bright yellow city bikes offer a fun, affordable, and eco-friendly way to explore the city and nearby Espoo. With over 4,600 bikes and 460 docking stations, there’s always one nearby.
Register via the HSL website, choose a pass, and ride freely for up to 60 minutes per trip. It’s perfect for quick journeys or waterfront rides. Need more time? It’s just €1 per extra half-hour.
If you’re cycling with your own bike instead of using a city bike, you can take it on the metro, commuter trains, and the Suomenlinna ferry – making it easy to combine cycling with public transport. Whether you’re heading into nature or cruising through city streets, it’s a great way to experience Helsinki like a local.
Ready to Discover Helsinki the Smart Way?
Whether you’re heading to museums, islands, forests, or design boutiques, HSL’s public transport network makes it easy to move around like a local. With flexible ticket options, contactless payment, and the HSL app to guide your journey, getting around Helsinki is simple, seamless, and stress-free. From city streets to coastal paths and green escapes, HSL helps you make the most of every moment.
For the latest information on routes, zones, ticket prices, and travel tips, visit hsl.fi or download the free HSL app.
Follow HSL on social media for real-time updates, tips, and local inspiration:
- Instagram: @hsljoukkoliikenne
- Facebook: @HSLjoukkoliikenne
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