Helsinki Metro — Map, Lines, Route, Hours, Tickets

Helsinki Metro Information

Exclusive to Finland, the Helsinki Metro can boast of being the only metro system in operation in Finland. Also known as the world’s northernmost metro system, it began operation in 1982. It currently operates on 2 lines, serving only 17 stations. However, if things go according to plan, it could serve 30 stations in the near future. This rapid transit line is operated by Helsinki City Transport and is just over 20 km long. The metro mainly operates between the city centre and East Helsinki and boasts an annual ridership of 62,000,000 (2014).

The Helsinki Metro, managed by Helsinki City Transport, is an important part of the city’s public transport infrastructure. It has a daily passenger volume of approximately 199,339. Each trip costs 2.10.

Although the metro doesn’t offer 24-hour service or air conditioning, it does allow passengers to walk between platforms. The system does not use driverless trains or screen doors on platforms.

Operating hours are the same throughout the week. From Monday to Saturday, the metro runs from 5.30am to 11.30pm. On Sundays and holidays, the service is available from 6:30 to 23:30. The fare is €2.70 in local currency.

Helsinki Metro Map

Map of Helsinki Metro showing different lines and stations. Click on the map to enlarge it or download the Helsinki Metro map in PDF format.

Helsinki Metro Parking

The Helsinki metro offers park and ride facilities for its passengers. For detailed information as to where exactly are the parking lots located, you can visit the official website.

Helsinki Metro Services

The Metro allows certain privileges for certain deserving people. Visually impaired people can be accompanied by guide dogs, and they are not obliged to show their tickets to the reader. Another benefit is that one person can accompany such a person free of charge, provided that the assisted person has their ticket. The Metro allows walking frames and wheelchairs to be carried on the trains. Passengers in electric wheelchairs can travel free of charge. The comfort of people with reduced mobility is guaranteed. Seats are reserved for them on every train. Children between the ages of 0 and 6 can travel free of charge in their pushchairs.

Lines and Stations

The Helsinki metro system currently consists of a single line, although plans for a second line are in the early stages and extensions to the existing line are under construction. The metro line has three termini, one in the city centre and the other two in the eastern part of the city. At the Itäkeskus station, the line splits into two separate lines.

At the north-eastern end of the line is Mellunmäki station, which holds the unique title of being the northernmost metro terminal in the world. This station serves a residential area where commercial activity is limited, but where there is significant demand on weekdays.

To the south-east is the Vuosaari terminus, which serves the district of the same name. This station was opened to the public in 1998, making it a relatively recent addition to the network compared to the first stations, which were opened in 1982. Both Mellunmäki and Vuosaari stations serve the Ruoholahti district in the centre of Helsinki. Future plans for the metro are to extend coverage to the western part of the city. Station names are in both Finnish and Swedish, reflecting the country’s two official languages.

Station Descriptions

Hakaniemi/Hagnäs: Opened in 1982, this station serves the city centre districts of Hakaniemi and Kallio.

Herttoniemi/Hertonäs: Opened in 1982, this station serves the Herttoniemi district in the east of the capital.

Itäkeskus/ Östra centrum: Also opened in 1982, this station is named after the Itäkeskus shopping centre, which is located directly in front of the station.

Helsingin yliopisto/Helsingfors universitet: Opened in 1995, this station connects the Kaisaniemi district in the city centre and serves the University of Helsinki, from which it takes its name.

Sörnäinen/ Sörnäs: Opened in 1982, it serves the Sörnäinen district in the city centre.

University of Helsinki/ Helsingfors universitet: it opened in 1995 and serves the University of Helsinki, from which it takes its name.

Vuosaari/ Nordsjö: it started operation in 1998 and serves the easternmost district of Helsinki, Vuosaari.

For more information, please visit the official website of Helsinki Region Transport.

Hours of Operation and Frequency

The Helsinki Metro starts at around 5:30 am on weekdays and at around 6:30 am on weekends. The service ends at around 23:30 on all days. The metro runs every 4 minutes during peak hours and every 7-8 minutes during off-peak hours and weekends.

Fares

Helsinki Metro ticket prices are determined by the zones travelled, with the city of Helsinki forming one zone and the surrounding areas divided into additional zones. From 2023, a single ticket for one zone will cost €2.80 if purchased from a ticket machine and €3.20 if purchased on board. There are also options for day tickets, which allow unlimited travel within selected zones for a number of days, and season tickets, which allow unlimited travel for 30 days or more.

Travel cards: There are two types of card. One for regular users and one for visitors or occasional users. The visitor’s card can be loaded with single tickets or with a travel pass for one or more days. Prices are the same as for day tickets. For regular users, there are 30-day passes, which cost €59.00 for adults and €29.50 for children.

Tickets must be purchased before travelling and shown to the driver or ticket inspector on request. Tickets can be bought at HSL service points, ticket machines, R-Kioski shops, online or with a mobile application. In trams and buses, it is also possible to buy a single ticket with cash directly from the driver.

Regulations

Passengers should be aware of the following rules when using the Helsinki Metro:

Always have a valid ticket before starting your journey.
You should give up your seat to elderly or disabled passengers.
You should not disturb other passengers with loud music or noise.
Eating and drinking is allowed, but you should not consume alcoholic beverages.
Bicycles are allowed on the metro outside peak hours (7:00-9:00 and 15:00-18:00 on weekdays) and in the last carriage of the train.
Dogs and other small pets are allowed on the metro. They must be in a carrier or on a lead.
Smoking is not allowed on the metro or in stations.

Other services

In addition to providing transport, the Helsinki Metro offers a number of other services to make passengers’ journeys more comfortable and convenient:

Lost and found: If you lose something on the metro, it will be collected and stored for a certain period of time. You can contact the Lost and Found office for more information.
Shopping: Many Metro stations are conveniently located near shopping centres and other commercial areas. It is easy to combine a metro trip with a shopping trip.
Parking: Several metro stations have park and ride facilities nearby, making it convenient for those who wish to drive part of the way and then take the metro.
Cycle racks: Bike racks are available at most stations for those wishing to cycle to the station.
Facilities for the disabled: All Metro stations and trains are accessible to disabled passengers. There are lifts and escalators at every station, and train floors are level with the platform for easy boarding. Service dogs are welcome on the Metro.
Free WiFi: Free WiFi service is available at all Metro stations.

Recommended behaviour

Passengers are encouraged to be respectful and considerate of other passengers and Metro staff. This includes

Seats: Seats should be given up for elderly, disabled or pregnant passengers.
Doors: Passengers should avoid blocking doors and allow others to exit the train before boarding.
Personal belongings: Personal belongings should be kept with you at all times and should not occupy a seat when the train is crowded.
Emergency situations: In the event of an emergency, passengers should follow the instructions of metro staff and emergency services.
Bicycles: may be carried, but only at certain times and provided they do not cause inconvenience to other passengers. On weekdays, bicycles are allowed on the metro from the start of service until 7:00 am, between 9:00 am and 3:00 pm, and again from 6:00 pm until the end of service. On Saturdays, bicycles are allowed from the start of the service until 16:00 and from 19:00 until the end of the service. On Sundays and public holidays bicycles are allowed all day.
Animals: are allowed on the Helsinki Metro provided they are transported in a suitable carrier or kept on a lead. Guide dogs and assistance dogs accompanying disabled passengers are always allowed.
Luggage: that does not obstruct other passengers or pose a safety risk is allowed on the metro. There is no extra charge for luggage.
Lost and Found: Lost items found on the Helsinki Metro are taken to the Lost and Found office at the Kamppi metro station. You can report lost items by telephone or in person during opening hours.
Accessibility: The Helsinki Metro is accessible to people with reduced mobility. All stations have lifts and/or ramps, and each train has space reserved for wheelchairs. Guide dogs and other assistance dogs accompanying disabled passengers are always allowed.
Safety and security: The Helsinki Metro is monitored by CCTV and there are emergency call points in all stations and trains. It’s also regularly patrolled by security personnel. Passengers are advised to be aware of their surroundings and to report any suspicious behaviour to metro staff or the police.

Future Expansion

The westward extension of the Helsinki metro is one of the largest infrastructure projects in Finland. Construction of the Länsimetro, as it is known, began in November 2009 and has been the subject of much debate due to high costs and delays. The first phase of the project was completed in 2017, adding 13.9 kilometres to the metro system and eight new stations.

The second phase of the expansion, which includes 7 more stations and 7 kilometres of track, is currently underway and is expected to be completed in 2023. Once completed, the Helsinki metro will have a total of 35 stations and 48 kilometres of track, making it a much more important part of the city’s transport system. The extension will also mean that the metro will reach the city of Espoo, one of Helsinki’s neighbours, for the first time.

Curious Facts

The Helsinki metro is known for its unique orange colour. This is because the colour was chosen by the public in a vote held in the 1970s. The distinctive orange colour is used on the metro trains, signs and uniforms of the metro staff.

The Helsinki Metro is also the northernmost metro system in the world. It is also one of the few metro systems in the world to have bilingual station names, in this case in Finnish and Swedish, the two official languages of Finland.

The metro system is also an important part of Helsinki’s efforts to reduce its carbon footprint and become a carbon neutral city by 2035. The metro trains are electric and the electricity used is 100% renewable, coming from wind and hydro power.

Important Information

Some regulations must be taken into account before entering the metro:

Smoking is prohibited in the metro premises, as well as on the trains.
Eating is allowed, as long as the food doesn’t cause a disturbance to other passengers.
Drinking alcoholic beverages is not permitted on the metro.
Music can be played, but only with headphones.
Pets are allowed, but only if they are in carriers or on a leash. Bigger pets, like dogs, can travel during non-peak hours.
Bicycles are allowed on the metro, but only during non-peak hours and on certain parts of the trains.
Passengers should offer their seats to the elderly, disabled, pregnant women and those travelling with young children.

Tips

Here are some useful tips to make your journey on the Helsinki Metro more comfortable:

If you’re a tourist and planning to use public transportation a lot, consider buying a Helsinki Card, which includes unlimited travel on public transport in Helsinki, free entry to over 30 museums and attractions, a free sightseeing tour and various discounts.
Mobile tickets are available and they are valid immediately after purchase, so there’s no need to print out anything.
On weekdays, the metro is often crowded during the morning (7:00 – 9:00) and afternoon (15:00 – 18:00) rush hours.
Although Finnish people are known for their proficiency in English, all signs and announcements in the metro are in Finnish and Swedish. Therefore, it might be useful to familiarize yourself with the names of the stations you plan to visit.

Notable Events

One of the most significant events in the history of the Helsinki Metro was the introduction of automated trains in 2023. As the first automated metro line in the Nordic countries, the Helsinki metro system now operates without train drivers, improving efficiency and punctuality. However, during the initial phase of automation, an attendant was on board each train to ensure passenger safety and comfort.

Not far from Kamppi station is the Temppeliaukio Church, also known as the Rock Church. This unique architectural wonder is built directly into a solid rock and is an absolute must for tourists. It’s a place of worship and contemplation, but also serves as a concert venue due to its excellent acoustics.

Near Helsingin yliopisto railway station is the Finnish National Museum, where you can immerse yourself in Finnish history and culture. The museum has an extensive collection of artefacts from prehistoric times to the present day.

Another fascinating site near Rautatientori railway station is the Market Square. One of the most famous open-air markets in Northern Europe, it offers a wide variety of Finnish food, treats and handicrafts. You can sample fresh local produce, traditional Finnish pastries and other delicious foods. You’ll also find stalls selling handicrafts and souvenirs, perfect for taking home as a memento of your visit to Helsinki.

Close to Kalasatama railway station is the Helsinki Zoo, located on the island of Korkeasaari. It’s one of the oldest zoos in the world and houses animals from the Arctic tundra to the tropical rainforest. The zoo can be reached on foot from the railway station or, in the summer, by ferry from the city centre.

Last but not least, don’t forget to visit the iconic Helsinki Cathedral. It’s just a short walk from Helsingin yliopisto station, and its magnificent white structure dominates the city’s skyline. As well as being a place of worship, it’s one of the most photographed sites in the city. Its grandeur and architectural beauty make it a must-see when visiting Helsinki.

Helsinki Metro Rules and Tips

Tickets must be validated before entering the metro. If you are caught with an invalid ticket, you can be fined 80 euros plus the price of a single ticket. One adult accompanying a child aged 0-6 in a pushchair/pram can travel free of charge. Bicycles are allowed on the metro at off-peak times. Small pets can travel free of charge. Most stations are accessible to people with disabilities as they are at ground level. Escalators and lifts are also available at underground stations.