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Getting around Helsinki

Public transport: 

Helsingin Kaupungin Liikennelaitos (HKL) operates Helsinki’s metro, trams and buses, as well as the ferry to Suomenlinna, but information on routes, timetables and tickets is provided by Helsingin Seudun Liikenne (HSL) (tel: 010 0111; www.hsl.fi).

Tickets can be purchased on board buses and trams and at metro stations, but are cheaper if purchased in advance from newsagents (R-kioski), the tourist office or post office. Transfers are allowed for single and multi-trip tickets within one hour of the time stamped on the ticket upon initial boarding.

The HKL Tourist Ticket (valid for one, three of five days) allows for unlimited travel on all public transport and local trains within Helsinki. Visitors also get unlimited travel with the Helsinki Card (www.helsinkicard.fi), which also provides free entry to many museums and attractions.

During the summer, rowing boats and kayaks are a popular way of island hopping and getting around Helsinki's shoreline. Several companies rent out boats and kayaks, including
Cat Sport Oy (tel: 041 530 9240; www.multi.fi/~catsport/vuokraamo.html) at the Toolonlahti kiosk on foreshore by Finlandia Hall.

Taxis: 

Taxi services are operated by Helsinki Taxi Centre (tel: (09) 100 0700). Helsinki taxis can be hailed on the street or booked by telephone, but demand often exceeds supply during the morning and afternoon rush hour. A taxi is available for hire if the yellow 'TAXI' dome is lit. As a general rule, tipping is not expected.

Driving: 

As the public transport system is excellent and most of central Helsinki is accessible on foot, it is not necessary to take a car into Helsinki city centre. Visitors who drive in the city should be aware that parking regulations are strictly enforced and delays are common during the morning and afternoon rush hours.

The city is divided into three parking zones. Central Helsinki is designated as Zone I (I-vyöhyke) and parking rules are enforced from 0900 to 1900 Monday to Saturday. Parking is less expensive outside this central zone and rules are only enforced from Monday to Friday. Parking is free everywhere on Sunday. Parking meters take ordinary coins or parking cards, which can be purchased in advance from R-kioski (newsagents) and service stations. The major car parks in the centre are located at the Forum shopping centre, Mannerheimintie 20, and Kluuvi shopping centre, Aleksanterinkatu 9.

Car hire: 

Car hire in Helsinki is available at the airport and railway station, or it can be arranged through hotels, the tourist office or directly with the operators. Companies operating in Helsinki include Avis (tel: (09) 441 155; www.avis.com), Budget (tel: 020 746 6600; www.budget.fi), Europcar (tel: 020 012 154; www.europcar.fi), Hertz (tel: 020 555 2300; www.hertz.fi) and Sixt (tel: 020 111 222; http://fi.sixt.com).

The minimum age for car hire varies from 19 to 25 years, depending on the hire company. An EU driving licence or an International Driving Permit is required, including one year's driving experience. A credit card is usually needed as a deposit. Fuel is not included in the rates and the Collision Damage Waiver is extra.

Bicycle hire: 

With the flat topography, bicycles are a popular way of getting around in Helsinki, and the city has an extensive network of cycle paths running alongside footpaths. Cyclists must obey the bicycle traffic signals to avoid a fine.

The city administration provides free City Bikes for visitors at 26 stands around the centre; a small deposit is required, but this is refunded when you return the bike to any of the stands. More details are available from the tourist office. Several private companies also offer bicycle hire but operators change regularly - contact the tourist office for an up-to-date list.

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