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    Do you show your ticket to the driver on HSL buses?

    How boarding and ticket checks work in the Helsinki region.

    Answered at: Checked at:

    Short answer

    It depends on the vehicle. HSL says you can board commuter trains, the metro, the Suomenlinna ferry and trunk bus lines 200, 500, 510, 550 and 560 without showing your ticket to anyone. You must still have a valid ticket and show it when an inspector asks. On other buses you board at the front and show the ticket to the driver.

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    Why

    1. HSL lists the metro, commuter trains and the Suomenlinna ferry as free-boarding services.
    2. HSL names trunk lines 200, 500, 510, 550 and 560 as free-boarding buses.
    3. HSL says a valid ticket must be shown on request.

    Details

    Ticket inspectors check tickets on all HSL services. Travelling without a valid ticket leads to a penalty fare.

    Tip

    Buy and activate your mobile ticket before you board. A ticket bought after an inspector boards is not valid.

    What may differ

    The list of free-boarding bus lines can change. Check HSL's page on boarding.

    Common misconception

    If nobody checks your ticket when you board, you do not need one.

    What actually happens

    A valid ticket is always required, and inspectors check them.

    People also ask

    • What is the penalty fare on HSL?
    • How much is a bus ticket in Helsinki?
    • Can you pay by contactless card on HSL?

    Sources

    This answer is for reference only. Ticket rules and prices change, so check HSL before you travel.

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