Overcrowding on replacement bus route 8X – read our list of alternative services

Bus route 8X has been providing replacement services for tram 8 since 3 June. The route has been more popular than originally anticipated and we are currently looking into ways how to improve the service. You can look for alternative services in the Journey Planner or on this page.

The buses on route 8X have been crowded and unable to keep up with their schedule, which is why the route has not been able to operate a consistent 10-minute headway. We are currently looking into ways how to improve the service.

Below there is a list of alternative services that you can use especially when travelling between Sörnäinen, Töölö and Ruoholahti. In addition, you can find alternative services in the Journey Planner.

Alternative services for bus route 8X replacing tram 8

From the direction of Sörnäinen, Kallio and Hakaniemi towards Töölö

  • Trunk bus routes 500 and 510 from East Helsinki via Itäväylä and Aleksis Kiven katu towards Meilahti.
  • Bus route 502 from Karhupuisto. The bus stops at the Hakaniemi Metro Station on Toinen linja.
  • Bus route 70 from Malmi via Sturenkatu to Töölö and Kamppi.
  • Tram 7 from Sörnäinen via Pasila to Meilahti.
  • Tram 3 from Hakaniemi and Kallio via Nordenskiöldinkatu towards Meilahti.

From the direction of Sörnäinen, Kallio and Hakaniemi to Ruoholahti

  • Trams 9 and 9B from Kallio and Hakaniemi to Ruoholahdenranta and Välimerenkatu.
  • Tram 7 from Sörnäinen via Aleksanterinkatu to Ruoholahdenranta.
  • Bus route 70 from Sturenkatu to Kamppi, from where you can continue to Ruoholahti by bus route 21.

From Ruoholahti to Töölö

  • Bus route 21 to Kamppi, from where you can continue to Töölö by tram 2 or trunk bus route 20, 30 or 400 (there are also other services from Kamppi towards Töölö).

From Ruoholahti towards Kallio, Hakaniemi and Sörnäinen

  • Trams 9 and 9B from Välimerenkatu and Ruoholahdenkatu to Hakaniemi and Kallio.
  • Tram 7 from Ruoholahdenranta via Aleksanterinkatu to Sörnäinen.
  • Bus route 21 to Kamppi, from where you can continue to Sturenkatu by bus route 70.

To Hakaniemi, Kallio and Sörnäinen from the direction of Töölö

  • Tram 3 from Töölöntulli via Kallio to Hakaniemi.
  • Tram 7 from Meilahti via Pasila to Sörnäinen.
  • Trunk bus routes 500 and 510 from Meilahti via Pasila and Aleksis Kiven katu to Itäväylä and further to Itäkeskus and Herttoniemi.
  • Bus route 502 from Meilahti via Kisahalli to Hakaniemi and Karhupuisto.
  • Bus route 70 from Runeberginkatu via Sturenkatu to Kustaa Vaasan tie and Lahdenväylä.

From Töölö to Ruoholahti

  • Tram 2 or any HSL bus running via Topeliuksenkatu and Runeberginkatu to Kamppi, from where you can continue towards Ruoholahti by bus route 21.

How to use replacement bus 8X

You can board the replacement bus also through the middle doors, just like trams. You do not need to show your valid ticket to the driver or card reader. Card readers are only at the front door. When you are at a stop and see the bus approaching, put your hand out to stop the bus.

If you are travelling on a replacement bus, you can check the location of the nearest bus on a map. Search for bus route 8X in the Journey Planner and you will see a map that shows you all the buses currently in traffic.