🚆 Stress-free transport in Finland: VR, HSL and Waltti trains

When Finnish mobility works well, it's like magic! The timetable is perfectly in sync with the weather, and the app suggests the right ticket in the blink of an eye. Once you've got the hang of VR, HSL and Waltti, you'll be able to combine city and long-distance trips in no time at all, just like you do with your weekends!

🚕 How does transport work and where to start?

The Finnish transport puzzle is made up of long-distance VR trains, regional buses and city networks, which all work together to make getting around easy for everyone. HSL for the capital region and Waltti for dozens of cities. You can buy tickets pretty much anywhere using apps or ticket machines. It's always a good idea to plan your transfers in advance and allow for extra time, so you don't get caught short.

🚆 HSL A–D: which travel card should you choose for Helsinki and its suburbs?

The best choice for you depends on the pairs of zones you travel between. If you're buying single or daily tickets, just remember that they're for visits. But if you're planning on doing a few trips a day, a few times a week, then period tickets could be worth buying. They'll save you money! And don't worry about the QR code for inspection, it's always there in the app.

🚆 What is Waltti and how does it differ from HSL?

It's a really handy ticketing system that's simple to use. You can use the card and the app, and the zones and prices are set locally, so it's great for getting around. Hey, just a friendly reminder to check the activation and zone boundaries – we know it's easy to get a little confused, but we're here to help!

📱 VR: how to buy tickets and choose seats?

We kindly ask you to book in advance to make sure you get the best price and to choose your seat. We have different seating options, including quiet zones, 'office' zones and family zones. Don't worry about getting your bike on the train, we've got you covered! Bikes can be transported on a separate reservation, so you don't have to worry about them taking up space in the luggage compartment. And for those long journeys, night trains have compartments with showers and meals, which are especially popular during the high season.

🚕How do I get to the airport? By train, bus or taxi?

Large airports are easily accessible by train or express bus, with journey times of just 30 to 45 minutes. And if you're travelling as a small group at night, don't worry - you can often find affordable taxis by sharing the ride.

💰 Taxis: where to catch them and how much do they cost?

Whether you're using apps or just chatting at taxi ranks, it's always a good idea to agree on a price before you get going. We accept card payments, but there's a small surcharge for card payments made after 10pm. Tips are totally optional, but we'd be delighted if you could leave a little something to show your appreciation for our hard-working team!

📱 Travel cards or single tickets — which do you think is cheaper?

If you find yourself travelling in the same zones quite a lot, then I would really recommend taking a look at the great value of a period ticket! And don't forget to check out the amazing transfer times and sweet discounts for children and students!

😥 Where can I find the 'train and bus' options, do you know?

Don't worry - if there are delays, some tickets will protect your transfer! You can find this option in operators' apps and on portals with synchronised timetables.

😰 Night lines: how to travel safely?

The good news is that the routes are shorter and less frequent, so you can just check transfers in advance and choose well-lit stops. And don't forget to keep your phone charged!

😥 What if you've left something behind on public transport?

Operators have lost & found and online forms; prepare a description, route and time. Hey, just a heads-up: we've got limited time to store this, so please get it to us as soon as you can.

Finland is a great place for those of you who like to plan ahead! All you need to do is install a couple of apps, choose a travel card for your zones and think about protecting your transfers — and you'll forget about rushing, queues and 'where's my ticket?'. So, spontaneous trips are a piece of cake: you can hop on the electric train and head to the sea, or take a night VR trip to the north. It's not about luck, it's about finding a system that's on the same wavelength as you.