Can you pay at Helsinki parking machines by card?
Paying for a parking space without an app.
Short answer
The City of Helsinki says its parking ticket machines accept debit and credit cards, but not American Express, as well as contactless cards, Apple Pay and Google Pay. Some machines also take coins. You choose the parking time by the euro amount, and you should not enter your PIN code. If you have no card, the city suggests buying a prepaid card from a bank or an R-kiosk. You can also pay with parking apps, which add a small service fee, or by text message to 16234 with a €1 surcharge.
Why
- Cards and contactless accepted.
- No American Express.
- Do not enter your PIN.
Details
The city says some machines still accept coins.
Tip
Parking apps let you extend the time from your phone.
What may differ
Machine types vary by street; check the payment options on the machine.
Common misconception
Helsinki parking machines only take coins.
What actually happens
The city says they take cards, contactless and mobile wallets.
People also ask
- When do you have to pay for street parking in Helsinki?
- Can you pay for parking in Helsinki by text message?
- Do you need a parking disc in Finland?
Sources
This answer is for reference only. Rules, fees and prices change, so check the official sources before you rely on them.
Transport, roads, car rentalRelated questions
-
What day tickets are there on Vilkku buses in Kuopio?
Vilkku says day tickets are valid for 1 to 14 days, and mobile day tickets for a maximum of 3 days.
-
Is there a new student season ticket on Nysse in Tampere from 2027?
Nysse's fare notice of 28 October 2026 lists two new ticket products from 4 January 2027.
-
Is there a summer season bus ticket in Lappeenranta?
The City of Lappeenranta says the 90-day summer season ticket is sold from 1 May to 15 June.
-
How does contactless payment work on Pori buses?
Pori public transport says contactless payment covers only adult single tickets at €3.50, except for the €1 Citylinja ticket in the CITY zone on line 1 between Puuvilla and Isomäki.

