Transportation in Helsinki
Compact and bijou, Helsinki is a walker's paradise, and possesses wonderfully clean air for a capital city. Most attractions are clustered in and around the centre and the city's extensive public transport network makes getting around easy. Helsinki is a haven for cyclists and bikes can be hired almost everywhere. In the centre find Senate Square, with the Lutheran Helsinki Cathedral perched above it, Market Square, Uspenski Cathedral, the train station and many museums. Take the metro out to Kallio in the north if you don't fancy the walk before a night out, and take a boat out to the Suomenlinna islands to explore the sea fortress.
Read more about transport from and to the airport
Tram
The 3T tram is particularly good for getting around Helsinki and touring the main sights. Take the number 4 for the Sibelius monument. Buses complement the tram network.
Foot
Helsinki's compact size means it's easy to navigate on foot, and you won't miss any of the sights.
Metro
To explore some of Helsinki's further-flung attractions, try the city's metro system – it operates with typical Nordic efficiency. Get off at Sörnäinen for the happening neighbourhood of Kallio.
Boat
Boats leave every 30 minutes from the Market Square to the islands of the Suomenlinna Sea Fortress. They are also a dramatic way to see the capital.
Taxi
There's no getting away from the fact that taxis in Helsinki aren't cheap, but they are state-licensed and efficient, and many of the taxi drivers speak good English.
Rent your car
Helsinki has a three-tiered parking system, costing €0.60-€3 per hour. There are some traffic jams during the week in the city centre, so to avoid this you can opt for one of the park-and-ride sites and take public transport from there.
Transportation Tips
Tickets for buses, trams, the metro and trains within Helsinki's city limits, as well as the ferry to Suomenlinna, cost €2 pre-paid from a machine and on trams, and €2.20 onboard buses, and last an hour once validated. Do keep to the speed limit when driving as it's rigorously enforced and fines are levied according to how many kilometres over the speed limit you were.
Special Transportation
Bike
Helsinki is a dream for cyclists. It's relatively flat, there are top-notch dedicated cycle paths, and cycling maps are available for free at tourist offices. Basic public city bikes are available for just a €2 deposit at stands around central Helsinki, while better bikes can be hired from outlets such as Ecobike or Greenbike.
