4th blog: The draft West Helsinki route network plan has been published

We have started planning the West Helsinki bus route network for the time when the so-called West Helsinki light rail is operational in the early 2030s. Planning has now progressed to the point where we have created a draft of the route network plan. In this post, we present the draft.

At the end of the blog, you can access a survey to evaluate how the proposed solutions would affect your journeys. Please read the draft and its contents carefully before responding to the survey. You can learn more about the background, planning constraints and existing customer insights in our earlier posts on this page.

The draft takes into account the constraints set for planning. In developing the draft, we have used existing comprehensive customer insights as well as other data sources presented in previous posts.

The survey will be open until Sunday, 18 January 2026. We will process and analyze the results in early 2026. We will share the results as soon as they become available over the upcoming months.

Why are we making changes?

The public transport system in West Helsinki will undergo a significant transformation when the new tram link and tracks built as part of the West Helsinki Light Rail project are completed and new tram routes start operating. With the introduction of the new tram link, it is essential to review the bus route network to ensure a well-functioning public transport system. Our goal is to create a public transport network based on strong trunk route connections, providing as many people as possible with good access to public transport.

Passengers often desire direct, fast and transfer-free connections from their starting point to their destination. We understand this need well, but unfortunately, we cannot provide direct connections for everyone in a cost-effective way. We plan to replace some of the current direct connections with connections that involve transfers. With these connections, we can offer more versatile public transport options, as one transfer increases the number of possible destinations compared to direct routes. In addition, connections with transfers are often more reliable because routes tend to be shorter.

The possible removal from service of the Elielinaukio bus termini creates pressure to reduce the number of buses running all the way to the city center. The route network plan also aims for more cost-effective public transport. Cost-effectiveness means avoiding excessive overlapping services so that services can be better allocated according to demand. The route network plan is thus not about cutting bus routes, but about reviewing them so that, together with tram routes, they provide even more versatile public transport connections.

Draft West Helsinki bus route network

Below are short descriptions of the routes we have planned. Due to route changes, route numbers may differ from the current ones. Another route may cover a section that is removed from the route you currently use. Therefore, it is better to focus on the routes and connections outlined in this draft rather than the route numbers.

Each route description includes a map of the route. You can also explore the overall network in the Remix service, where you can view the routes in more detail. Open the Remix map

There is also a map of the entire route network below. Routes shown in gray are current bus routes that will remain unchanged but run within the planning area.

Bus routes in the area that are not included in the review and will remain unchanged: 24, 40, 53, 56, 63, 69, 70, 200, 300, 400, 502

Map of the entire bus network (PNG file)

Bus routes

Route 25 Pajamäki – Munkkivuori – Otaniemi

Bus route 25 would run from Pajamäki to Otaniemi. The bus would run via Pitäjänmäentie to Vihdintie, from where it would follow the southern route of current bus 52 via Lapinmäentie to Huopalahdentie and along Kuusisaarentie to Otaniemi. Bus route 41 would follow the northern route of bus 52, you can read more below.

The route would provide a feeder connection from Pajamäki to trams 14 and 15. Based on the travel habit survey, the most common destinations for journeys from Pajamäki are Pitäjänmäki, Munkkivuori and Helsinki city center. Route 25 would provide a direct connection from Pajamäki to Pitäjänmäki and Munkkivuori. In addition, route 25 would provide a feeder connection to Helsinki city center: passengers could transfer to route 200 on Pitäjänmäentie or to tram 14 at the Munkkivuori shopping center.In addition, most of Pajamäki would still have reasonable walking distances to Pitäjänmäentie for direct connections to the city center.

In the draft route network plan, route 52 would be split into two separate routes: 25 and 41. Based on customer insights and boarding data, the number of journeys made from Kaarela and Haaga to Otaniemi is relatively small. We have also noticed that the southern section of the route has significantly fewer passengers compared to the northern section. By splitting the route into two, we can allocate the supply to the sections with higher demand. Passengers traveling from Otaniemi to Kaarela and Haaga would still be able to reach their destination by transferring to route 41, either from route 25 on Vihdintie or from light rail line 15 at Huopalahti station.

Kartta linjasta 25. Reitti: Pajamäki – Munkkivuori – Otaniemi. Linja kulkee Otaniemen suuntaan reittiä Pajamäentie – Pitäjänmäentie – Vihdintie – Lapinmäentie – Huopalahdentie – Ramsaynranta – Pikkuniementie – Kuusisaarentie – Otaniementie – Vuorimiehentie – Tekniikantie – Maarintie – Tietotie. Pajamäen suuntaan linja lähtee Tietotieltä ja ajaa suoraan Tekniikantielle ilman Maarintien lenkkiä.

Route 29 Kamppi – Meilahti – Munkkivuori

Bus route 29 would run from Kamppi along Mechelininkatu, Linnankoskenkatu and Paciuksenkatu to Munkkivuori. In Munkkivuori, the route would run via Ulvilantie clockwise and terminate at the Munkkivuori shopping center.

Based on the travel habit survey, the most common destinations for journeys from Munkkivuori are Töölö and Helsinki city center. Route 29 would provide a connection to these.We are proposing a direct bus service from Munkkivuori to Kamppi because street and stop network constraints make it impossible to provide a sufficiently functional feeder connection to tram route 14. Together with route 39, this route would enable a comprehensive public transport service along Mechelininkatu. In addition, the route would serve Ulvilantie and Professorintie. On Ulvilantie, route 29 would replace trunk bus route 20, while on Professorintie, route 29 would offer a connection to the city center instead of trunk route 500, which currently runs to Pasila and Itäkeskus. You can read more about the changes to trunk route 500.

Kartta linjasta 29. Reitti: Kamppi – Munkkivuori. Linja kulkee Munkkivuoren suuntaan reittiä Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu – Runeberginkatu – Hietaniemenkatu – Mechelininkatu – Linnankoskenkatu – Paciuksenkatu – Munkkiniemen puistotie – Laajalahdentie – Professorintie – Ulvilantie (myötäpäivään) – Huopalahdentie – Ulvilantie – Raumantie.

Route 37 Kannelmäki – Malminkartano – Myyrmäki

Bus route 37 would run from Myyrmäki via Honkasuo and Malminkartano to the Kaari shopping center in Kannelmäki. In Myyrmäki, the bus would follow the current route to Malminkartano. From Kartanonkaari, the bus would continue via Ruosilanmutka and Ruosilantie to Vihdintie. From Vihdintie, the bus would turn onto Kaupintie, from where it would continue to Kantelettarentie, to the Kaari shopping center. The exact location of the terminus in Kannelmäki will be determined later.

The route would provide a connection from Malminkartano to tram route 14. In addition, by transferring to route 300 on Vihdintie, passengers could continue to Ruskeasuo and the northern end of Mannerheimintie.

This route change would allow us to meet residents’ requests for a direct bus connection from Malminkartano to the Kaari shopping center. A shorter route would provide more punctual and reliable service, making transfers easier as well. By rerouting the service to Kannelmäki, we would also avoid inefficient overlapping services at the southern end of Vihdintie, allowing us to allocate services more effectively based on demand. This change would enable us to improve peak-hour frequency in a cost-neutral manner and ensure smooth transfers to commuter trains.

In the future, the Elielinaukio bus termini will probably be removed from service and the bus routes that currently terminate at Elieliaukio will be rerouted to terminate at the Kamppi terminal. However, since the capacity of the Kamppi terminal is limited, we will need to find alternative termini for some bus routes elsewhere.

Route 39 Kamppi – Meilahti – Konala – Malminkartano – Myyrmäki

Bus 39 would follow the route of the current trunk bus 30 between Meilahti and Myyrmäki. It would start from Kamppi and run via Mechelininkatu, Linnankoskenkatu and Paciuksenkatu to Huopalahdentie. From Huopalahdentie, the bus would follow the route of the current trunk bus 30 to Myyrmäki station, except that bus 39 would not run via Vanha viertotie. Vanha viertotie would not be served because the intersection of Huopalahdentie and Vanha viertotie will be removed when tram route 14 is introduced. Bus 39 would run via the Haaga roundabout.

Bus 39 would provide a connection from Vaskipelto to Malminkartano and Myyrmäki. In addition, it would provide a direct connection from Konala to Helsinki city center. We are proposing a direct bus service from Konala to the city center because journeys from Konala to destinations such as Meilahti would otherwise become significantly more difficult. Transferring from bus route 59 to tram 14 at the Haaga roundabout would not be smooth enough for an optimal connection. Tram 14 will run along Mannerheimintie in Töölö, so bus route 39 would maintain a connection from western Töölö to Munkkivuori and Pitäjänmäki.

Kartta linjasta 39. Reitti: Kamppi – Meilahti – Konala – Malminkartano – Myyrmäki. Linja kulkee Myyrmäen suuntaan reittiä Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu – Runeberginkatu – Hietaniemenkatu – Mechelininkatu – Linnankoskenkatu – Paciuksenkatu – Huopalahdentie – Haagan liikenneympyrä – Pitäjänmäentie – Konalantie – Malminkartanontie – Vanha Kaarelantie – Vaskivuorentie – Jönsaksentie – Myyrmäen terminaali.

Map showing the route of bus 39. Route: Kamppi – Meilahti – Konala – Malminkartano – Myyrmäki. The route towards Myyrmäki: Pohjoinen Rautatiekatu – Runeberginkatu – Hietaniemenkatu – Mechelininkatu – Linnankoskenkatu – Paciuksenkatu – Huopalahdentie – Haagan liikenneympyrä – Pitäjänmäentie – Konalantie – Malminkartanontie – Vanha Kaarelantie – Vaskivuorentie – Jönsaksentie – Myyrmäki terminal.

Route 41 Kuninkaantammi – Kannelmäki – Haaga – Munkkivuori – Talinranta

Bus route 41 would run from Kuninkaantammi via Kannelmäki and Haaga to Talinranta. It would follow the northern section of the current route 52 from Kuninkaantammi to Huopalahdentie, from where it would continue via Ulvilantie to Talinranta.

Bus route 41 would provide a feeder connection from Kuninkaantammi, Hakuninmaa and Maununneva to I and P trains at Kannelmäki station. At its northern end, the route would serve school journeys in particular. In Talinranta, it would link with tram 14. It would also enable the requested connection from Munkkivuori and Talinranta to Huopalahti station.

In the draft route network plan, bus route 52 would be split into two separate routes: 25 and 41. Based on customer insights and boarding data, relatively few journeys are made from Kaarela and Haaga to Otaniemi. We have also noticed that the southern section of the route has significantly fewer passengers compared to the northern section. By splitting the route into two, we can better allocate services to the sections with higher demand. Passengers traveling from Otaniemi to Kaarela and Haaga would still be able to reach their destination by transferring to route 41, either from route 25 on Vihdintie or from light rail line 15 at Huopalahti station.

Route 42 Pohjois-Haaga – Maununneva – Kannelmäki

Bus route 42 would run from Kannelmäki station via Maununneva to Pohjois-Haaga station. In Kannelmäki and Maununneva, it would follow the current route from Soittajantie to Kaarelantie. From there, it would continue to Ring I and turn onto Kaupintie, terminating at Pohjois-Haaga station.

Bus route 42 would provide connections from Maununneva to tram 14 on Kaupintie as well as to I and P trains at Kannelmäki and Pohjois-Haaga stations. It would also link with trunk route 40 at the intersection of Näyttelijäntie and Kaupintie, maintaining the connection from Maununneva to Ruskeasuo and Meilahti. The shorter route would enable more punctual and reliable service, making transfers smoother. This change would allow us to improve peak-hour service in Maununneva in a cost-neutral way.

Kartta linjasta 42. Reitti: Pohjois-Haaga – Maununneva – Kannelmäki. Linja kulkee Pohjois-Haagan suuntaan reittiä Soittajantie – Kaarelantie – Kanneltie – Vanhaistentie – Kanneltie – Kaarelan raitti – Kaarelantie – Kaarelanvierto – Kehä I – Kantelettarentie – Kaupintie – Hopeatie.

Route 57 Kontula(M) – Viikki – Koskela – Ruskeasuo – Munkkivuori

Bus 57 would continue on its current route, but its other terminus would move to Munkkivuori. From Ilmala onward, the bus would run via Hakamäentie, Vihdintie, Lapinmäentie, Huopalahdentie and the Munkkivuori shopping center.

The current terminus in Munkkiniemi will be removed from service because the City of Helsinki has zoned the area for development. The connection from Munkkiniemi to destinations such as Ilmala, Koskelantie and Viikki would involve transfers. However, based on the travel survey, destinations along route 57 are not particularly popular among Munkkiniemi residents. Shortening the route would improve reliability and punctuality without significantly affecting the travel experience.

Kartta linjasta 57. Reitti: Kontula(M) – Viikki – Koskela – Ruskeasuo – Munkkivuori. Linja kulkee nykyistä reittiä Kontulasta Huopalahdentielle, tarkempi nykyinen reittikuvaus löytyy Reittioppaasta. Huopalahdentieltä linja ajaa Munkkivuoren ostoskeskukselle reittiä Ulvilantie – Raumantie.

Route 59 Herttoniemi – Aleksis Kiven katu – Pasila – Konala

Bus 59 would continue on its current route with minor changes. At the eastern end, the route would run via Aleksis Kiven katu instead of Teollisuuskatu. The other terminus would move from Malminkartano to Konala at Riukutie, which would slightly shorten the route.

Bus route 59 would run via Aleksis Kiven katu because we want to improve service on Teollisuuskatu by moving trunk routes 500 and 510 there. Teollisuuskatu is home to numerous workplaces and educational institutions, making routes 500 and 510 well-suited for commuting and school journeys from longer distances. On Aleksis Kiven katu, tram route 9 and bus route 59 would together provide an adequate level of service for residents. Passenger numbers at stops in Malminkartano have been very low, so shortening the route would improve reliability and cost-effectiveness.

Kartta linjasta 59. Reitti: Herttoniemi – Aleksis Kiven katu – Pasila – Konala. Linja kulkee Konalan suuntaan reittiä Itäväylä – Junatie – Aleksis Kiven katu – Savonkatu – Ratapihantie – Pasilansilta – Pasilankatu – Radiokatu – Ilmalankatu – Ilmalanrinne – Ilmalanreuna – Hakamäentie – Vihdintie – Haagan liikenneympyrä – Pitäjänmäentie – Konalantie.

Route 212 Meilahti – Laajalahti – Kauniainen

Bus 212 would continue on its current route from Kauniainen to Laajalahti, but would terminate in Meilahti instead of running via Töölö to Kamppi. The exact location of the terminus in Meilahti will be confirmed later.

Several constraints affect this route change, preventing the route from running all the way to the city center. The bus has previously run along Topeliuksenkatu and Runeberginkatu, which will now be reserved for tram services. In addition, trams 5 and 14, which will run from Meilahti to the city center, will reduce the need for buses on the same route. In the future, the Elielinaukio bus termini will probably be removed from service and the bus routes that currently terminate at Elieliaukio will be rerouted to terminate at the Kamppi terminal. However, since the capacity of the Kamppi terminal is limited, we will need to find alternative termini for some bus routes elsewhere.

Kartta linjasta 212. Reitti: Meilahti – Laajalahti – Kauniainen. Linja kulkee nykyistä reittiä Kauniaisista Meilahteen. Tarkempi nykyinen reittikuvaus löytyy Reittioppaasta.

Route 213 Meilahti – Suvela – Espoon keskus – Kauklahti

Bus 213 would continue on its current route from Kauklahti via Espoo center and Suvela, but it would terminate in Meilahti instead of running via Töölö to Kamppi. The exact location of the terminus in Meilahti will be confirmed later.

Several constraints affect this route change, preventing the route from running all the way to the city center. The bus has previously run along Topeliuksenkatu and Runeberginkatu, which will now be reserved for tram services. In addition, trams 5 and 14, which will run from Meilahti to the city center, will reduce the need for buses on the same route. In the future, the Elielinaukio bus termini will probably be removed from service, and the bus routes that currently terminate at Elielinaukio will be rerouted to terminate at the Kamppi terminal. However, since the capacity of the Kamppi terminal is limited, we will need to find alternative termini for some bus routes elsewhere.

Kartta linjasta 213. Reitti: Meilahti – Suvela – Espoon keskus – Kauklahti. Linja kulkee nykyistä reittiä Kauklahdesta Meilahteen. Tarkempi nykyinen reittikuvaus löytyy Reittioppaasta.

Route 500 Itäkeskus – Teollisuuskatu – Pasila – Ruskeasuo

Bus route 500 would run via Teollisuuskatu instead of Aleksis Kiven katu, together with bus route 510. At the western end, the route would no longer serve Munkkivuori; its new terminus would be located on Nauvontie in Ruskeasuo. In the direction of Ruskeasuo, the bus would run via Mannerheimintie, Hakamäentie and Nauvontie. From Ruskeasuo, it would run via Nauvontie, Koroistentie and Mannerheimintie before continuing on its current route.

Buses 500 and 510 would be rerouted to run via Teollisuuskatu because the area is home to a significant number of workplaces and educational institutions. This change would allow these trunk routes to efficiently serve commuters and students traveling from longer distances. Bus route 59 would run via Aleksis Kiven katu, where it and tram 9 together would provide an adequate level of service for residents.

At its western end, the new route would replace the western section of bus route 506, which would terminate in Pasila. A significant number of journeys are made from Ruskeasuo and Pikku Huopalahti to Pasila station, which is one of the most popular destinations for residents. The route would no longer run to Munkkivuori because the plan is to extend the tram route 13 from Pasila via Meilahti to Munkkivuori, maintaining a direct connection from Munkkivuori to Pasila. Walking distances to bus stops would increase slightly around Tenholantie.

Kartta linjasta 500. Reitti: Itäkeskus – Teollisuuskatu – Pasila – Ruskeasuo. Linja kulkee nykyistä reittiä Itäkeskuksesta Reijolankadulle, katso reittikuvaus Reittioppaasta. Reijolankadulta linja kulkee Ruskeasuolle reittiä Mannerheimintie – Hakamäentie – Nauvontie. Ruskeasuolta linja ajaa reittiä Nauvontie – Koroistentie – Mannerheimintie – nykyinen reitti.

Route 510(A) Herttoniemi – Teollisuuskatu – Pasila – Westendinasema (– Kivenlahti)

Bus route 510 would run via Teollisuuskatu instead of Aleksis Kiven katu, together with bus route 500. In the future, the bus would operate under two route numbers: 510 and 510A. Bus 510 would follow the current route to Tapiola, but it would run from Etelätuulentie to Westendinasema instead of Kivenlahti. Bus 510A would follow the current route to Kivenlahti, maintaining a direct bus connection from Länsiväylä to Pasila. Every other service on the route would run to Westendinasema and every other to Kivenlahti.

Passenger numbers on the current route along Länsiväylä are significantly lower than at the eastern end of the route. By terminating some of the services at Westendinasema, we could allocate services more effectively to the section with the highest demand, improving cost-effectiveness.

Route 506 Myllypuro – Viikki – Kumpula – Pasila

Bus route 506 would otherwise remain unchanged, but it would terminate in Pasila instead of Ruskeasuo, as trunk route 500 would run to Ruskeasuo. The exact location of the terminus in Pasila will be confirmed later.

Trunk route 500 would still provide a direct bus connection from Ruskeasuo to Pasila. It is not efficient for both bus routes to run to Ruskeasuo, as one route provides sufficient service for the area. The shortened route would improve reliability and punctuality and make the service more cost-effective. The exact route in Pasila depends on where the terminus can be located.

Kartta linjasta 506. Reitti: Myllypuro – Viikki – Kumpula – Pasila. Linja kulkee nykyistä reittiä Myllypurosta Pasilaan. Tarkempi nykyinen reittikuvaus löytyy Reittioppaasta.

Map of the entire tram network (PNG file)

West Helsinki tram routes

Below you can view the future tram routes.

The planning of the tram network is guided by identified service needs and integrating them with the additional capacity provided by new rail links. The new tram links will offer new travel options but also require reshaping the current network. The outlined tram route network aims to prevent congestion within the network and provide more versatile connections.

In addition to the new tram service running from Munkkiniemi to Kannelmäki, one of the questions for the tram network is the new north–south tram connection through Töölö and southern Helsinki, which is currently served by buses. One of the key needs is to ensure high-quality public transport between Kamppi and Meilahti. Direct, transfer-free connections to the city center will remain, although they will change slightly in the new route network. Our aim is to meet customer needs while keeping costs moderate.

Below you can find a map of the entire tram network.

Tram routes not included in the review and remaining unchanged: 3, 6, 8, 9, 10, (11, 12), 15.

Tram 14 City center – Munkkiniemi – Kannelmäki

The purpose of tram route 14 is to serve as a new fast connection to the city center. It is an important part of the rail-based network city and provides a rail service for areas not covered by commuter train services. In the central city area, the route will link with other tram services, with tram route 15 at the Haaga roundabout, and with trains at Valimo and Pohjois-Haaga stations. Tram 14 will replace the current service of tram 4 from Munkkiniemi to Mannerheimintie.

Kartta linjasta 14. Reitti: Keskusta-Munkkiniemi-Kannelmäki. Linja kulkee reittiä Kantelettarentie – Kaupintie – Vihdintie – Huopalahdentie – Paciuksenkatu – Tukholmankatu – Mannerheimintie – Kolmikulma.

Tram 5 Eira – Kamppi – Meilahti

Tram 1 Käpylä – Töölö – Katajanokan terminaali

The tram will follow its current route between Käpylä and Lasipalatsi. From Lasipalatsi, it will continue along Aleksanterinkatu towards the Katajanokka terminal. With the route change at the southern end of the route, we aim to ensure service for Katajanokka and the terminal. Tram route 1 will also provide a direct connection between Töölö and the city center, as well as a trunk connection between the eastern and western parts of the central city, together with tram route 8. Tram route 5 will replace the discontinued section of tram route 1 in Punavuori and Eira.

Kartta linjasta 1. Reitti: Käpylä-Töölö-Katajanokan terminaali. Linja kulkee nykyistä reittiä Käpylän ja Lasipalatsin välillä, tarkempi nykyinen reittikuvaus löytyy Reittioppaasta. Lasipalatsilta linja jatkaa Aleksanterinkatu – Katajanokan terminaali

Tram 2 Katajanokka – Mannerheimintie – Messukeskus

Tram 4 Munkkiniemi – Töölö – Kamppi – Olympia Terminal

Tram 7 Jätkäsaari – Kruununhaka – Sörnäinen – Pasilan asema

Tram 13 Kalasatama – Pasila – Munkkivuori

Tram route 13 will be extended from Pasila to the Munkkivuori shopping center. Following this change, trunk bus 500 will no longer run from Pasila to Munkkivuori; instead, it will terminate at Ruskeasuo. This route change means there will no longer be a direct connection from Munkkivuori to Itäkeskus, but the direction connection to Kalasatama will remain available.

Tram route 13 will increase capacity between Pasila and Meilahti, as it will be operated with larger vehicles. The number of direct tram services in Munkkiniemi will also increase.

Kartta linjasta 13. Reitti: Kalasatama-Pasila-Munkkivuori. Linja kulkee nykyistä reittiä Pasilan ja Nihdin välillä, tarkempi nykyinen reittikuvaus löytyy Reittioppaasta. Pasilasta linja kulkee Reijolankatu – Tukholmankatu – Huopalahdentie – Munkkivuori. Munkkivuoresta linja ajaa reittiä Huopalahdentie – Tukholmankatu – Reijolankatu – Nordenskiöldinkatu – Pasila – nykyinen reitti.

Respond to the survey and assess how the solutions in the draft network plan affect your travel within the planning area!

Assess the impacts of the draft on your travel and respond to the survey. The survey opens on 5 January, and you can respond until Sunday, 18 January 2026. Access the survey here

What next?

We will process and analyze the survey results in early 2026. Once the results are available, we will share them over the coming months and use them to finalize the West Helsinki route network plan. We will revise the draft route network plan in early 2026 based on the survey results, bearing in mind the planning constraints. Our goal is to have a completed plan ready for decision-making by late spring 2026.

You can learn more about the background, planning constraints and existing customer insights in our earlier posts on this page.