Traffic in Helsinki

Helsinki's transportation landscape in 2024 showcases a diverse range of commuting options, with bicycles leading the way.

The city's focus on sustainable transport is evident in the high percentage of bicycle use and efficient public transport systems.

Average Commute Times

The average commute time in Helsinki is approximately 25.15 minutes, with significant contributions from walking and cycling.

  • Bus - Bus commuters spend about 23.52 minutes on the bus, with additional time for walking and waiting.
  • Car - Car users experience a driving time of 18.63 minutes, with minimal walking involved.
  • Train - Train commuters have a total travel time of around 24.47 minutes, including waiting and walking.
  • Walking - Walking as a primary mode involves about 14.50 minutes of walking time, with some waiting and short tram rides.
Traffic Breakdown
Bicycle
28%
Car
20%
Bus
19%
Walking
17%
Train
12%
Tram
3%
Motorcycle
1%

Traffic Data

The following traffic data has been gathered from 122 user contributions.
Overall average travel
Distance
6.2 miles
Walking
5.4 mins
Waiting
1.8 mins
Driving Car
3.7 mins
Bus / Trolley
5.0 mins
Bicycle
4.3 mins
Motorcycle
0.1 mins
Train
4.0 mins
Tram
0.7 mins
Other
0.1 mins
Total:
25.1 mins
Average when primarily using Bus
Distance
7.1 miles
Walking
6.2 mins
Waiting
4.2 mins
Bus / Trolley
23.5 mins
Train
2.2 mins
Total:
36.2 mins
Average when primarily using Car
Distance
9.5 miles
Walking
0.8 mins
Driving Car
18.6 mins
Total:
19.5 mins
Average when primarily using Train
Distance
12.7 miles
Walking
8.3 mins
Waiting
5.7 mins
Bus / Trolley
3.9 mins
Train
24.5 mins
Tram
0.7 mins
Other
1.1 mins
Total:
44.3 mins
Average when primarily using Walking
Distance
2.7 miles
Walking
14.5 mins
Waiting
1.1 mins
Bus / Trolley
0.5 mins
Train
3.3 mins
Tram
0.1 mins
Total:
19.5 mins

More Information

Seasonal Trends

Winter months see a slight decrease in bicycle usage due to weather conditions, with increased reliance on public transport.

Summer encourages more walking and cycling, reducing congestion and emissions.

Commuter Pain Points

Traffic congestion during peak hours can lead to delays, particularly for car users.

Limited parking availability in the city center adds to commuter stress.

Best Travel Times

Traveling outside of peak hours, such as mid-morning or early afternoon, can significantly reduce commute times.

Weekends generally offer smoother traffic flow, ideal for car travel.

Event Impacts

Large public events, such as festivals and sports games, can cause temporary spikes in traffic congestion.

Public transport is often enhanced during events to accommodate increased demand.

Sustainability Efforts

Helsinki is investing in expanding its cycling infrastructure to promote eco-friendly commuting.

The city is also enhancing its public transport network to reduce reliance on cars.

Ride-Sharing Impact

Ride-sharing services are gaining popularity, offering flexible commuting options and reducing the need for personal vehicles.

These services help alleviate parking issues and contribute to lower traffic congestion.

Worldwide
Finland

Traffic Rankings

Helsinki ranks 1st on the Traffic rankings in Finland.
The Traffic Index for Finland combines user-contributed data on commute times, traffic dissatisfaction, CO2 emissions, and traffic system inefficiencies in Finland, to provide insights into overall traffic conditions.
Worst to BestUpdated: Oct, 2025