Helsinki metro map

The Helsinki Metro (in finnish, Helsingin metro) is the metro system that serves the city of Helsinki, the capital of Finland.

Inaugurated on 2 of August of 1982, This underground transportation system has been a key piece in the city's urban mobility infrastructure..

The Helsinki Metro has 2 lines that extend along 43 kilometres (26.7 miles) and has a total of 30 stations. This metro system is known for its efficiency, safety and integration with other means of public transportation in the region.

Below are several maps of the Helsinki metro, click on the image to make it larger:

Helsinki metro timetables

Here is the table with the Helsinki metro timetables (year 2024):

Official Web site

• Official website of the Helsinki Metro: www.hsl.fi
• Official website of the company that is in charge of the physical management of the Helsinki metro: kaupunkiliikenne.fi
• Web with all the shows and tourist sites in Helsinki.

Metro fares

The fare system of the Helsinki metro is simple and accessible. Below are the ticket prices (year 2024) along with its equivalent in US dollars:

Considerations

• Tickets can be purchased from vending machines at the stations, via the HSL mobile app, or via SMS.
• All tickets allow unlimited transfers within the validity period of the ticket.
• There are reduced rates for students, older people and other specific groups.

For more information about rates and purchasing options, visit the official site of HSL.

History of the Helsinki Metro

The history of the Helsinki Metro is a chronicle of planning, engineering and development spanning several decades. The idea of ​​building a metro system in Helsinki initially arose in September 1955. It was in that year that a committee was formed under the direction of Reino Castrén to evaluate the need for an underground transportation system in the city.. The committee presented its report in 1963, proposing a light rail system with a total length of 86.5 kilometers and 108 stations, an idea that was rejected for being too expensive.

In 1967, the plan changed towards a heavy metro system. The works began on 7 May 1969, and a test section was built between Roihupelto and Herttoniemi in 1971. However, Various technical and corruption problems delayed the inauguration of the system until 1982.

Construction Phases and Expansions

1. Start of construction (1969): Construction of the first section began in May 1969.
2. Initial test (1971): A test track was completed between Roihupelto and Herttoniemi.
3. Official inauguration (1982): The subway officially opened on 2 of August of 1982, with six stations from the Central Railway Station to Itäkeskus.
4. Initial expansion (1983-1989): In between 1983 y 1989, key stations like Kamppi were added (1983), Sörnäinen (1984), Kontula (1986) and Mellunmäki (1989).
5. Opening of new stations (1993-1998): New stations were opened including Ruoholahti (1993) y Vuosaari (1998), significantly expanding the network.
6. Expansion to Espoo (2017-2022): The line was extended westwards with the opening of the Matinkylä-Ruoholahti section in 2017 y Kivenlahti-Matinkylä en 2022.

Engineers and Companies Involved

Reino Castrén, who led the initial planning efforts, He was a key figure in the early days of the project. After his departure in 1967, Unto Valtanen assumed the leadership of the committee, overseeing the transition to a heavy metro system. Several local and international construction companies participated in the different phases of construction and expansion, ensuring that the metro was developed according to modern standards of safety and efficiency.

Challenges and Achievements

The Helsinki metro project was not without its challenges. Delays due to technical problems and corruption were significant, but the system was finally launched successfully in 1982. Since then, The metro has been continually expanded to meet the needs of a growing city and to improve connectivity between the suburbs and the city center.

History of Helsinki Metro Map

Creation and Initial Development

The Helsinki metro map has gone through several phases of design and redesign since the opening of the system in 1982.

The first maps were created by local designers, commissioned by the Helsinki transport authorities. These early maps were notable for their clarity and simplicity., with a single line and nine stations, using unusual but effective station markers.

Evolution and Redesigns

With the expansion of the subway, especially with the extension to Espoo and the opening of new stations, maps have evolved too. In 2017, a new version of the map was introduced to reflect the extension to Matinkylä, and more recently in 2022, updated again to include the extension to Kivenlahti.

These redesigns were carried out by teams of graphic designers and transportation experts, who have worked closely with the Helsinki Regional Transport Authority (HSL) to ensure that maps are not only accurate, but also easy to understand for users.

Designers and Companies Involved

One of the notable aspects of the Helsinki metro map is the involvement of several generations of designers. Initially, The maps were designed by local teams under the supervision of transportation authorities.

In recent years, the company Kaupunkiliikenne Oy has played a crucial role in updating and maintaining these maps. This company has collaborated with contemporary graphic designers to adopt a more international and modern style, which includes standard elements such as circles for seasons and gently curved lines.

Innovations and Special Features

The Helsinki metro map not only serves as a navigation tool, but also reflects the visual identity of the city. The station of Koivusaari, For example, It is highlighted on the map for being the only metro station in the world located… under the sea!!! Besides, current maps use a bilingual layout (Finnish and Swedish) to serve the diverse population of Helsinki.

Impact and Future

The latest designs continue to improve in terms of accessibility and ease of use, preparing for future expansions and upgrades that will reflect the continued growth of Helsinki's transportation system.

Additional data

The Helsinki Metro also contributes to tourism, providing easy access to iconic landmarks such as Helsinki Cathedral, Senate Square and the modern Kalasatama district. Its integration with other modes of public transport, like buses and trams, ensures a smooth and efficient travel experience for all users.

Below we show a list of the most important and visited tourist sites in the city.:

1. Helsinki Cathedral (Season: Kaisaniemi/University of Helsinki, M1/M2 line): Neoclassical icon with green domes, located in the Senate Square.
2. Fortaleza de Suomenlinna (Season: Central Railway Station/Rautaientori, M1/M2 line): UNESCO World Heritage, accessible by ferry from the center.
3. Iglesia de Temppeliaukio (Season: Trip, M1/M2 line): rock-cut Lutheran church, known for its acoustics and unique architecture.
4. Kiasma Museum of Contemporary Art (Season: Trip, M1/M2 line): Modern museum with innovative exhibitions and contemporary collections.
5. Port Market (Season: Central Railway Station/Rautaientori, M1/M2 line): Traditional market next to the port, famous for fresh produce and local crafts.
6. Park Esplanadi (Season: Central Railway Station/Rautatientori, M1/M2 line): Popular urban park ideal for walks and cultural events.
7. Design District (Season: Central Railway Station/Rautatientori, M1/M2 line): Major area with designer shops, innovative galleries and restaurants.