Express Tram
In Helsinki, the need for efficient and fast public transport is more important than ever. With the city’s continued growth and population increase, the need for fast and sustainable mobility solutions has led to the creation of the Express Tram. This new rapid tram service is designed to meet the needs of modern passengers, and it offers a means of transport that combines speed, comfort and efficiency. In this article, we will explore in detail its operation, routes, schedules, prices and the benefits it offers.
The Express Tram is not just another tram, but a significant advancement in the city’s transport infrastructure. By reducing travel time and improving the passenger experience, it has quickly become a popular choice among Helsinki residents and visitors. Thanks to careful planning and innovative implementation, this rapid tram service promises to transform the way we move around the city and make daily trips faster and more pleasant.
What is Pikaratikka (Express Tram)?
It is a rapid tram that operates in Helsinki and its surroundings. Unlike traditional trams, the Express Tram has fewer stops and travels faster, which allows for a more efficient journey through the city.
Line 15 traffic, launched in October, has already established itself in our passengers’ daily lives. Approximately 40,000 journeys are made daily on the Express Tram. People are very satisfied with the new form of transport: nine out of ten passengers are very or fairly satisfied with HSL’s public transport. Passengers are particularly satisfied with the cleanliness of the cars and the signs at the stops on the Express Tram.
Express Tram Routes and Operation
The Express Tram connects several key points in Helsinki and provides fast and direct access to different parts of the city. The routes are designed so that intermediate stops are minimized, which significantly reduces travel time. In addition, the Express Tram tracks are separated from vehicle traffic, which reduces delays caused by congestion.
Stops and Traffic Information
The Express Tram offers high-quality real-time traffic information at stops, including announcements about the arrival of the next tram and traffic disruptions. The busiest stops (Itäkeskus, Viikki, Oulunkylä, Maunula, Hämeenlinnanväylä, Huopalahti, Leppävaara, Aalto University and Otaniemi) have larger info displays. There is a button in the stop shelters that, when pressed, you can hear the departure time of the next shift, which especially helps the visually impaired.
🚊 Line 15: Itäkeskus to Keilaniemi | 34 high-quality stop pairs | Up to 70 km/h | ~1 hour journey
Express Tram Line 15 route from Itäkeskus to Keilaniemi has 34 high-quality stop pairs, and even 70 kilometers per hour speed. The eastern terminal stop is temporarily at the intersection of Raaseporintie and Marjaniementie, near Itis metro station, and will move to the bus terminal after renovation. The western terminal stop is located near the northern entrance of Keilaniemi metro station.
The stops are on average 800 meters apart and are located in areas that have or will have many homes, jobs or services. The journey from one terminal stop to another takes about an hour.
Transfer Points Along the Line
The Express Tram line has numerous stops where it is convenient for you to change to other modes of transport. Important transfer points are:
- Keilaniemi – connection to metro
- Aalto University – connection to metro and bus
- Leppävaara – connection to train and bus
- Huopalahti Station – connection to train and bus
- Hämeenlinnanväylä – connection to bus
- Maunula – connection to bus
- Oulunkylä Station – connection to train and bus
- Viikki Science Park – connection to bus
- Itäkeskus – connection to metro and bus
Schedules and Frequency
It operates frequently, especially during rush hours. The schedules are designed to complement the other public transport system, so that they can be seamlessly integrated with buses and trains.
- During rush hours: Every 5-10 minutes
- Outside rush hours: Every 15-20 minutes
Complete Stop Schedule – Line 15
| Stop | Code | Zone | Current Departure | Next Departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Keilaniemi (M) | E0776 | B | 09:00 | 09:15 |
| Otaranta | E0774 | B | 09:01 | 09:16 |
| Aalto-yliopisto (M) | E0772 | B | 08:48 | 09:03 |
| Maari | E0770 | B | 08:51 | 09:06 |
| Lahdenpohja | E0768 | B | 08:53 | 09:08 |
| Laajalahti | E0766 | B | 08:56 | 09:11 |
| Linnoitustie | E0764 | B | 08:57 | 09:12 |
| Alberganesplanadi | E0762 | B | 08:59 | 09:14 |
| Leppävaara Station | E0760 | B | 09:02 | 09:17 |
| Perkkaa | E0758 | B | 08:49 | 09:04 |
| Vermo | E0756 | B | 08:51 | 09:05 |
| Ravitie | E0754 | B | 08:53 | 09:07 |
| Tali Allotments | H0752 | B | 08:54 | 09:09 |
| Takomotie | H0750 | B | 08:56 | 09:11 |
| Kutomotie | H0748 | B | 08:57 | 09:12 |
| Vihdintie | H0746 | B | 09:00 | 09:15 |
| Huopalahti Station | H0744 | B | 09:01 | 09:16 |
| Ilkantie | H0742 | B | 08:49 | 09:04 |
| Hämeenlinnanväylä | H0740 | B | 08:50 | 09:05 |
| Pirkkola | H0738 | B | 08:52 | 09:07 |
| Pirjontie | H0736 | B | 08:53 | 09:08 |
| Maunula | H0734 | B | 08:55 | 09:10 |
| Kustaankartano | H0732 | B | 08:56 | 09:11 |
| Teininpuisto | H0730 | B | 08:57 | 09:13 |
| Oulunkylä Center | H0728 | B | 09:00 | 09:15 |
| Oulunkylä Station | H0726 | B | 09:03 | 09:18 |
| Veräjämäki | H0724 | B | 09:04 | 09:19 |
| Viikinmäki | H0722 | B | 09:06 | 09:20 |
| Viikki Science Park | H0720 | B | 08:48 | 09:08 |
| Latokartano | H0718 | B | 08:50 | 09:10 |
| Karhukallio | H0716 | B | 08:52 | 09:13 |
| Kauppamyllyntie | H0714 | B | 08:54 | 09:14 |
| Roihupelto | H0712 | B | 08:56 | 09:16 |
| Itäkeskus (M) | H0710 | B | 08:58 | 09:19 |
Prices and Travel Cards
The price of the Express Tram is similar to other public transport in Helsinki. Passengers can use the same travel card as on the bus and train, so switching between different modes of transport is easy and affordable.
Zones
Express Trams operate in zone B: Express Tram Line 15 is located entirely in ticket zone B. Since you cannot buy a single zone ticket in the HSL area, you need at least an AB or BC ticket for the trip.
🎫 Zone B Service | Minimum AB or BC ticket required
Ticket Types and Prices 2024
| Ticket Type | Duration / Info | AB / BC / CD | ABC / BCD | ABCD |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Single Tickets | ||||
| Single Ticket (Adult) | For occasional trips Valid 80-110 min |
€2.95 | €4.10 | €4.50 |
| Multi Tickets | ||||
| 10-trip Multi | For frequent travelers 10 tickets + 1 free trip |
€26.55 (€2.66/trip) |
€36.90 (€3.69/trip) |
€40.50 (€4.05/trip) |
| 20-trip Multi | 20 tickets + 3 free trips | €50.15 (€2.51/trip) |
€69.70 (€3.49/trip) |
€76.50 (€3.83/trip) |
| Season Tickets (Adult) | ||||
| Continuous Saver Subscription | 1-year commitment (12 charges) |
€55.50 (€1.85/day) |
€82.80 (€2.76/day) |
€91.40 (€3.05/day) |
| Continuous Subscription | 30 days Cancel anytime |
€66.60 (€2.22/day) |
€99.40 (€3.31/day) |
€109.70 (€3.66/day) |
| Day Tickets | ||||
| 1-Day Adult | Valid 1 day | €9.00 | €11.00 | €12.00 |
| 2-Day Adult | Valid 2 days | €13.50 | €16.50 | €18.00 |
| 1-Day Child (7-17) | Valid 1 day | €4.50 | €5.50 | €6.00 |
| 2-Day Child (7-17) | Valid 2 days | €6.70 | €8.20 | €9.00 |
Prices are also available in PDF format for 2024.
Journey Planner
You can use the route planner with schedules, frequency and the best possible combinations across the entire Helsinki public transport network: here.
Download the HSL App
The HSL app is free and available for both Android and iOS devices. The app allows you to easily buy tickets on your mobile phone or other mobile device. Among the many useful features of the HSL app is the ability to customize the Journey Planner service so that it always shows your home or work address by default. Mobile tickets purchased in the app are valid on all public transport in the Helsinki area. The HSL area is divided into four travel zones, most of Helsinki belongs to zone AB.
HSL App Features:
- Free for Android and iOS
- Buy tickets easily on mobile
- Customize Journey Planner with home/work addresses
- Mobile tickets valid on all Helsinki area transport
- 4 travel zones: A, B, C, D (Most of Helsinki = AB zone)
Express Tram Benefits
The benefits are numerous and clearly visible. First, the speed and efficiency of the service allow passengers to save time on their daily commutes. In addition, the Express Tram reduces the number of stops, so it minimizes disruptions and offers a more comfortable and continuous journey.
Another significant benefit is the reduction of traffic and pollution. By offering an attractive alternative to car use, it promotes a cleaner and less congested city.
If you are looking for a means of transport that saves time and offers a hassle-free journey, the Express Tram is the ideal choice.
In summary, the Express Tram is a valuable addition to Helsinki’s public transport system. Thanks to its speed, comfort and efficiency, this rapid tram is the preferred choice of many passengers. If you are looking for a means of transport that saves time and offers a hassle-free journey, the Express Tram is the ideal choice. Undoubtedly, this service is transforming the way we move around the city, and its many benefits are hard to ignore.