On board
Using public transport is convenient and safe for all of us when we follow certain guidelines, whether it is about transporting a bike or skateboard or travelling with a pet.
Tips for travel
When boarding a bus, show
- your HSL card or disposable cardboard card to a card reader
- your paper single or day ticket or HSL app ticket view to the bus driver.
You can board commuter trains, the metro and the Suomenlinna ferry as well as trunk buses 200, 500, 510, 550 and 560 without showing your ticket. However, you must show your ticket to a ticket inspector, conductor or driver if they ask you to.
If you are using the HSL app, buy your ticket before you start your journey. Please make sure you have received the ticket on your phone before boarding a bus, tram or train. When travelling on the metro, the ticket must be on your phone before you enter the payment area after passing the card readers.
When travelling on the Suomenlinna ferry, the ticket must be on your phone before you enter the ferry pier.
You are entitled to free travel when travelling with a child aged between 0 and 6 years in a pram, pushchair or wheelchair.
You can carry your bike on the metro and commuter trains free of charge at any time, provided there is room. On the Suomenlinna ferry, bicycles can be carried for a fee. Bicycles are not allowed on buses and trams.
You may take regular luggage on public transport free of charge. You can bring with you, for example, shopping bags, suitcases, prams or skis. Restrictions on transporting large luggage are possible on U line buses.
Please make sure that your luggage does not cause inconvenience to other passengers. A driver can refuse to carry large items of luggage if it may cause inconvenience to other passengers.
In addition, drivers can refuse to take on board prams, pushchairs or wheelchairs if no space is available for them.
You can carry dogs, cats and other pets on public transport, provided they do not disturb other passengers. Pets can be carried free of charge. On the metro and commuter trains, pets can only be carried in carriages with no sign indicating prohibition on the outside.
Small pets travel most comfortably on your lap, larger pets in the legroom. At stations, it is safer to use a lift than to take stairs.
Guide dogs, assistance dogs and service dogs are always allowed on board.
Prams and pets are usually not allowed on U line buses free of charge. Read more
You can carry a skateboard or kick scooter on public transport. Always carry your skateboard under your arm and make sure you do not inconvenience other passengers.
You have to take off your roller skates before boarding. If the driver needs to brake suddenly and you are balancing on your skates, you may fall over and hurt yourself or someone else.
