Helsinki Travel Guide - Getting Around

If you choose to hire a car, you’ll be pleased to note that traffic is considerably lighter than in most other European cities, due to its size and also to a well-designed ring road system that helps drivers reach their destinations without creating exit bottlenecks. Parking in the centre is based on a zone system and dœes tend to be expensive.

Metro: services run from the mail rail station (Rautatientori) through the centre and on to the eastern sectors. They are a good way to travel around the city and tickets can be used in conjunction with bus and tram travel.

Bus: an extensive bus network covers most all of Finland, with a number of private companies involved in providing the services. Helsinki’s main bus terminal is located to the west of the central post office, between Salomonkatu and Simonkatu. Tickets can be purchased at the main station, or on board the bus.

Taxi: taxis can be hailed on the street, or booked in advance by phone. They are typically late-model Mercedes and are available for hire if the yellow sign (‘TAXI’) on the dome is lit. Tipping is not expected.