HSL tickets: zones and getting around Helsinki
Short answer: choose an HSL ticket covering every zone on your route. Travel between central Helsinki and the airport requires ABC. An app ticket must reach your phone before boarding. Information and fares were checked on 12 November 2026.
Five zones, at least two at a time
The HSL area has zones A, B, C, D and E. A ticket covers at least two adjacent zones. Your starting address alone does not determine the ticket: the destination and route also matter.
Enter your hotel and destination addresses in the HSL Journey Planner. Its results show the ticket required. The Helsinki hotel directory can help assemble accommodation options; HSL determines the journey's zones.
Adult single fares
HSL lists these fares as valid from 2 June 2026 until further notice. They are not a confirmed fare list for 2027.
| Zones | App, HSL card or sales outlet | Contactless or ticket machine |
|---|---|---|
| AB, BC, CD, DE | €3.30 | €3.50 |
| ABC, BCD, CDE | €4.50 | €4.80 |
| ABCD, BCDE | €5.00 | €5.30 |
| ABCDE | €6.10 | €6.50 |
Compare the same zones and ticket type. For example, the €4.50 and €4.80 ABC fares represent different purchase methods, not different train classes.
Buy before travelling
App tickets are bought in advance; contactless tickets are bought at the reader. Drivers do not sell tickets.
| Purchase method | What to do |
|---|---|
| HSL app | Wait for the ticket to arrive before boarding a bus, train or tram |
| App with the metro or Suomenlinna ferry | Buy before entering the platform's paid area |
| Contactless | Select your zones and use the reader |
Contactless fare capping covers adult single tickets bought with the same payment method within 24 hours. Buy a ticket for each journey even after reaching the cap.
The airport and Suomenlinna on one visit
The train between the airport and central Helsinki requires ABC. On the HSL ferry to Suomenlinna, a valid HSL ticket including zone A is accepted, such as AB or ABC.
This helps with arrival-day planning, but the route and ticket validity must fit together. Pair a central walk with a place from the Helsinki restaurant directory or SuomiGuide's destination rankings.
Frequently asked questions
No. HSL tickets cover at least two adjacent zones.
Not from central Helsinki. This journey requires ABC.
The adult fare is €4.50 in the app or €4.80 by contactless in the fare list checked on 12 November 2026.
No. Use HSL's other sales channels.
No. The ticket must already be on your phone before boarding.
The HSL ferry accepts a valid HSL ticket including zone A.
HSL groups the purchases associated with the same payment method.
Yes. Enter your departure and destination addresses to search for your actual journey.
Sources
Checked on 12 November 2026.
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