On board
Using public transport is convenient and safe for all of us when we follow certain guidelines, whether it is about transporting a bike or skateboard or travelling with a pet.
Boarding a vehicle and presenting your ticket
Use the front door to board the blue buses.
Once on board, please present your valid ticket either to the driver or the card reader.
If you have a ticket on the HSL app or a paper single or day ticket, show it to the driver.
If you have an HSL card or a disposable cardboard card, show it to the card reader. If you are using value stored on your HSL card, first select the zones you need and then show your HSL card to the reader.
On the orange trunk route buses, you do not need to show your ticket when boarding. You can board the buses through the front and middle doors. However, you must present your ticket to a ticket inspector or the driver if requested. Please allow passengers to alight before boarding.
Please remember that even with open fare collection, you must have a valid ticket. Buy your ticket in advance, for instance, using the HSL app, as tickets are not sold on board. If you are using value stored on your HSL card, buy your ticket at a card reader as soon as you board.
The open fare collection system speeds up travel: thanks to it, the dwell times of trunk route buses at stops are shorter than those of other buses.
You can board commuter trains through any of the doors. You do not need to present your ticket when boarding. However, you must present your ticket to a ticket inspector or conductor if requested.
Please remember that even with open fare collection, you must have a valid ticket.
You can board the Metro through any of the doors. Please allow passengers to alight before boarding.
You must have a valid ticket to travel on the Metro. Make sure you have a valid ticket before entering the Metro platform area. The payment area starts at the card readers. At tunnel stations, it starts at the top of the escalators leading to the platforms. Buy your ticket in advance. If you are buying your ticket via the app, please make sure you have received the ticket on your phone before entering the payment area. If you are using value stored on your HSL card, buy your ticket at a card reader.
You do not need to present your ticket when boarding. However, you must present your ticket to a ticket inspector if requested.
You can board trams through any of the doors without showing your ticket. However, you must present your ticket to a ticket inspector or the driver if requested.
Please remember that you must have a valid ticket to travel. Buy your ticket in advance, for instance, using the HSL app. Make sure that you have received the ticket on your phone before boarding the tram. Tickets are not sold on board. If you are using value stored on your HSL card, purchase your ticket at a card reader as soon as you board.
Entrance to the ferry is from the ferry pier. Please allow passengers to disembark before boarding.
You do not need to present your ticket when boarding or passing through the gate at the ferry pier. However, you must present your ticket to a ticket inspector if requested.
Even with the open fare collection, you must have a valid ticket before entering the ferry pier. Buy your ticket in advance, for instance using the HSL app. Tickets are not sold on board. If you buy your ticket using the HSL app make sure you have received the ticket on your phone before entering the ferry pier. If you are using value stored on the HSL card, buy your ticket at a card reader at the ferry pier.
Tips for travel
You are entitled to free travel when travelling with a child aged between 0 and 6 years in a pram, pushchair or wheelchair.
You can carry your bike on the metro and commuter trains free of charge at any time, provided there is room. On the Suomenlinna ferry, bicycles can be carried for a fee. Bicycles are not allowed on buses and trams.
You may take regular luggage on public transport free of charge. You can bring with you, for example, shopping bags, suitcases, prams or skis. Restrictions on transporting large luggage are possible on U line buses.
Please make sure that your luggage does not cause inconvenience to other passengers. A driver can refuse to carry large items of luggage if it may cause inconvenience to other passengers.
In addition, drivers can refuse to take on board prams, pushchairs or wheelchairs if no space is available for them.
You can carry dogs, cats and other pets on public transport, provided they do not disturb other passengers. Pets can be carried free of charge. On the metro and commuter trains, pets can only be carried in carriages with no sign indicating prohibition on the outside.
Small pets travel most comfortably on your lap, larger pets in the legroom. At stations, it is safer to use a lift than to take stairs.
Guide dogs, assistance dogs and service dogs are always allowed on board.
Prams and pets are usually not allowed on U line buses free of charge. Read more
You can carry a skateboard or kick scooter on public transport. Always carry your skateboard under your arm and make sure you do not inconvenience other passengers.
You have to take off your roller skates before boarding. If the driver needs to brake suddenly and you are balancing on your skates, you may fall over and hurt yourself or someone else.
Mobility scooters for people with limited mobility are allowed on the Metro, trains and the Suomenlinna ferry. You do not need to buy or present a ticket if you are traveling with a mobility scooter.
Mobility scooters are not allowed on buses or trams, as they do not fit in the space reserved for wheelchair users. Other electric scooters are not allowed on HSL public transport.
