Helsinki public transport links the city and surrounding municipalities by metro, tram, bus, train and ferry. HSL tickets cover these modes, and the HSL app combines ticket purchases with journey planning and real-time information.
- Service area: Helsinki and eight surrounding municipalities.
- Fare zones: Five zones, A to E, extending outward from central Helsinki.
- Metro: Two lines, M1 and M2.
- Tickets: Single, day and season tickets are available in the HSL app.
Which transport modes serve Helsinki?
HSL tickets are valid on buses, trams, the Metro, trains and ferries, so one ticket can cover different modes within its zones and validity period.
HSL’s trunk-route network includes commuter trains, Metro lines, trunk bus routes and a light-rail line. The network gives you options for journeys around Helsinki and beyond, while the service area reaches Espoo, Vantaa, Kauniainen, Siuntio, Kirkkonummi, Sipoo, Kerava and Tuusula.
For a trip from the airport, see how to get from the airport to Helsinki. Once you’re in the city, check the relevant zones before choosing a ticket: a ride that crosses a zone boundary may need broader coverage than a journey within one zone.
Using the metro and tram
Helsinki’s two Metro lines, M1 and M2, connect the western and eastern parts of the network, while trams offer another way to travel on HSL.
M1 runs between Kivenlahti and Vuosaari. M2 runs between Tapiola and Mellunmäki. Use the HSL Journey Planner to check a route and real-time public transport information before setting off; the app also sells tickets.
For station layouts, HSL’s station-map directory includes Kamppi and Central Railway Station, also called Rautatientori. These maps can help you orient yourself at those stations. If your plans include walking between stops and sights, the one-day Helsinki route from Hietalahti is another useful planning reference.
Tickets, zones and travel cards
- Tickets
- a journey within the zones requires a ticket for at least two zones
HSL uses five fare zones, A, B, C, D and E, extending outward from central Helsinki, and there are no single-zone tickets: a journey within the zones requires a ticket for at least two zones.
Choose coverage for every zone on your route. Adult single tickets bought with contactless payment cost €3.50 for AB, BC, CD or DE; €4.80 for ABC, BCD or CDE; €5.30 for ABCD or BCDE; and €6.50 for ABCDE.
Single-ticket validity varies by zone combination: AB, BC and DE tickets last 80 minutes; ABC, CD and CDE last 90 minutes; BCD and BCDE last 100 minutes; and ABCD and ABCDE last 110 minutes. Paper single tickets from ticket machines are valid for 10 minutes longer than other single tickets.
HSL sells single, day and season tickets through its app. You can also buy adult single tickets using contactless payment at card readers; the payment card or device becomes your ticket.
Ticket machines and sales points, including R-kiosks and S Group outlets, sell single and day tickets. An HSL card costs €5 and can be topped up with value or season tickets.
Contactless single-ticket purchases made with the same payment method within 24 hours are capped at the applicable day-ticket price: €10.60 for AB, BC, CD or DE; €12.80 for ABC, BCD or CDE; €13.80 for ABCD or BCDE; and €17.20 for ABCDE.
After reaching the cap, you still need to buy a ticket for each journey, using the same payment method for journeys counted toward it.
Getting around Helsinki by public transport
Central Railway Station is a 13-minute walk from Home Hotel Jugend. For a Helsinki stay with twin beds between public-transport journeys, see a Standard Twin room at Home Hotel Jugend.
HSL trunk bus route 400 runs between Kamppi and Vantaankoski. Route 600 connects Railway Square with Helsinki Airport. Check the Journey Planner for the route that fits your destination and current travel plans.
For the airport journey, use the linked guide to getting from Helsinki Vantaa Airport into the city. A one-day itinerary starting in Hietalahti can help you plan a day around Helsinki’s streets and sights.
Before you go: Ticket details and services can change, so check the official site before you go.
FAQs
Can you use one HSL ticket on different transport modes?
Yes. HSL tickets are valid on buses, trams, the Metro, trains and ferries, subject to the ticket’s zones and validity.
Does Helsinki have a subway?
Yes. Helsinki’s Metro has two lines, M1 and M2.
Can you buy an HSL ticket with contactless payment?
Adults can buy single tickets at card readers with contactless payment. The card or device used for payment serves as the ticket.
Do HSL single tickets cover just one fare zone?
No. HSL does not offer single-zone tickets for zones A to E; a journey within those zones requires coverage for at least two zones.