Transport in Finland in 2026: HSL, trains, taxis and cars

How does public transport work in Finland?

Finland has regional public transport systems rather than a single nationwide bus-and-train ticket. Helsinki's HSL services include local rail, metro, trams and buses within their valid zones. Long-distance VR trains and many regional buses require different tickets. Check the fare zone, boarding rules, activation method and transfer validity.

HSL fares do not apply to every city or long-distance train. Figures below are verified against provider information as of 9 November 2026. You can find travel agencies in our directory.

What are HSL single fares in 2026?

According to HSL's price list valid from 1 January 2026, an adult single ticket costs €3.30 for AB/BC/CD/DE zones with the HSL app or HSL card and €3.50 with contactless payment. ABC/BCD/CDE costs €4.50 in the app and €4.80 contactless. ABCD costs €5.00 and €5.30, and ABCDE €6.10 and €6.50. Ticket validity ranges from 80 to 110 minutes depending on the zones.

Contactless payment can be used to buy adult single tickets. A ticket bought by contactless payment can also be used by others, not only adults, but the price stays the same. In zones A, B and C there are no single-zone tickets: a ticket always covers at least two zones. Make sure you have a valid ticket before boarding. According to Yle, the HSL board decided to raise prices by an average of 1.8% at the start of 2027, when an adult AB single ticket rises from €3.30 to €3.35.

Sources: HSL, single ticket prices; HSL, contactless payment instructions; Yle, HSL ticket prices for 2027 (checked 9 November 2026).

What changed in the HSL zones in June 2026?

HSL introduced zone E on 2 June 2026. All of Järvenpää is in zone E. Single-zone tickets covering only zone D were removed from sale, and tickets that include zone E were added. The transition period ended on 2 August 2026, and since then travelling in zone E requires a ticket that includes zone E. Use the journey planner to determine the correct zones for your trip.

Sources: HSL, zones; HSL, conditions from 2 June 2026 (checked 9 November 2026).

How do you get from Helsinki Airport to the city?

According to Finavia, commuter trains P and I reach central Helsinki in about 30 minutes. The station is directly beneath the terminal, and lifts and escalators connect it to the arrivals and departures halls. HSL bus 600 takes about 40 minutes to the city centre. Tickets can be bought in the HSL app or from ticket machines on the train platform and in the airport bus platform area.

The journey planner shows which ticket you need. More on the zone: Which zone is Helsinki Airport in: do you need ABC?.

Source: Finavia, Helsinki Airport access (checked 9 November 2026).

How do you buy VR train tickets?

VR sells long-distance and commuter tickets based on the actual departure date and route. In a notice dated 1 September 2026, VR said railway-station ticket machines would be retired by the end of November 2026. Tickets can be bought through the VR Matkalla app, vr.fi, R-kioski shops, VR customer service by phone, the VR Service Point at Helsinki Central Station and from conductors on long-distance trains.

VR reported that about 96% of tickets are already bought digitally. Sales of paper 10-journey commuter tickets end on 30 November 2026, while digital multi-tickets remain available. More on buying tickets: How do you buy and use train and bus tickets in Finland?.

Source: VR, ticket vending machines to be retired by the end of November (checked 9 November 2026).

What are the taxi pricing rules?

Finnish taxis can charge different fares. According to Traficom, from 1 September 2026 the driver must give the price information orally or in writing on request before the journey begins. For trips not booked in advance or with variable fares, the total fare or the basis for calculating it must be clear and must not change during the journey.

Compare operators, confirm the price and keep a receipt. More on choosing: Should you choose Bolt, Uber or a Helsinki taxi?.

Source: Traficom, changes in taxi transport regulation (checked 9 November 2026).

When should you rent a car?

A car may suit remote destinations, but the true cost includes rental, fuel or charging, insurance excess and parking. Winter driving and tyres require extra attention. Check whether your driving licence is recognised, how additional drivers are covered and the conditions for returning the vehicle. You can find rental services among the car rental companies. More on pricing: Car rental in Finland: what is included in the price.

For city travel, public transport may be simpler depending on accommodation, route and season, and a bicycle can suit short trips: see the bicycle shops.

Related Suomiguide.fi pages

• Should you choose Bolt, Uber or a Helsinki taxi?
• How do you buy and use train and bus tickets in Finland?
• Which zone is Helsinki Airport in: do you need ABC?
• Car rental in Finland: what is included in the price
• How does Helsinki transport run at Christmas and other holidays?
• Utility bills in Finland: electricity, water, waste and internet

In other countries

• Transport in Norway: public transit, trains and driving
• Transport in Sweden: tickets, trains, taxis and cars
• Transport in Denmark: metro, trains, taxis and driving
• Getting around Georgia: buses, metro, trains and taxis