Subsidized school journey tickets conveniently via the HSL app

Are you studying in an upper secondary school or in an institute of vocational education? Has Kela granted you school transport subsidy? Once you have received a decision on your application from Kela, you can buy a school journey ticket conveniently on the HSL app from 18 July. Alternatively, you can also visit a service point to buy the ticket on your HSL card.

  1. Fill in an online application for school transport subsidy in the OmaKela e-service. You will need online banking credentials or a mobile certificate in order to complete the application. (Please note that the application form for school transport subsidy is only available in Finnish and Swedish.)
  2. Once you have received the right buy subsidized school journey tickets from Kela, you can immediately purchase a ticket on the HSL app. This is because information about the subsidy granted to you by Kela will be transferred to HSL electronically. Make sure you update the HSL app to the latest version before buying a ticket.

You can also purchase a subsidized school journey ticket at a service point on your HSL card. You need to have an identity document with you when visiting a service point.

Where is the ticket valid?

You can travel as often as you like in the zones covered by your HSL ticket within the ticket’s period of validity. The zones are determined on the basis of your place of study and place of residence, meaning that the ticket is valid on journeys between your school and your home. For instance, if you live in zone C and your place of study is located in zone A, your school journey ticket will be valid in zones ABC.

More information on HSL school journey tickets

More information on the HSL app

Granted by Kela, the school transport subsidy provides compensation for the cost of travelling to and from school. It is available to students in upper secondary level educational institutions, including upper secondary schools and institutes of vocational education. You can apply for school transport subsidy by filling in an online application in the OmaKela e-service.

You can find more information on the school transport subsidy and how to apply for it on Kela's website.