Public transport links in the Helsinki region are based on a trunk route network

The trunk route network is a key priority in the development of public transport links in the region. Rail services and trunk bus routes form a network of frequent services that connects the key centers in the region and enables easy travel.

Trunk routes provide metro-like service with frequent headways. Waiting times are short and you don’t have to rely on timetables. Thanks to punctual operation of services, there is plenty of space for all passengers.

Trunk bus routes 520 and 530 to start in autumn 2023

Two new trunk bus routes will start on 14 August 2023

520, Matinkylä (M) – Suurpelto – Leppävaara – Myyrmäki – Martinlaakso
530, Matinkylä (M) – Espoon keskus – Jorvi – Myyrmäki

You can identify the trunk route buses and stops by their orange color.

The new trunk bus routes will run between Espoo and Vantaa without passing via Helsinki. The bus routes will connect three rail lines: The metro and Coastal Line in Espoo and the Ring Rail Line in Vantaa. This makes many new locations reachable with one interchange. Both services will run every 10 minutes on weekdays and Saturdays, every 15 minutes on Sundays. The timetables of the new routes are already available in the Journey Planner.

Map of bus route 520 (PDF)
Map of bus route 530 (PDF)

There will be changes to other bus routes with the introduction of trunk bus routes 520 and 530. Bus routes 134, 136, 531B, 532, 543, 555 and 565(B) will be withdrawn. There will be changes to routes 224, 531 and 544. Read more about the changes.

Orange trunk route bus and a man on the street

Buy your ticket in advance

The trunk routes have open fare collection. If you have a valid ticket, you can board trunk route buses also through the middle doors without showing your ticket to the driver. Thanks to the open fare collection, the dwell times at stops are shorter than for other buses.

You will, of course, need a valid ticket to travel. Buy your ticket in advance, for example, using the HSL app. Tickets are not sold on board. Read more about tickets and where to buy them

Trunk routes offer

Accessible travel

High-quality passenger information

There are digital information displays at trunk bus route stops as well as on board the buses that provide real-time information during your journey. Stop and platform displays show the next departures and the onboard displays show the next stop.

There are also next stop announcements. The HSL app makes travelling even easier: the app allows you to buy tickets, search for routes as well as to track your journey in real-time.

Download the HSL app

Fast and reliable services

Trunk route buses have traffic signal priorities. Our goal is that trunk route buses would have more designated public transport lanes and streets, which would reduce journey times.

The average speed of trunk route buses is higher than that of other services, allowing for a high-quality service without increasing operating costs.

Moreover, the new vehicles are at the forefront of environmental friendliness: rail vehicles and many buses on the trunk routes are powered by electricity.

Trunk route services

The trunk route services provide clear and direct transport links between the key centers in the Helsinki region.

The trunk route network comprises 13 commuter train routes, two metro lines and, for the moment, 12 trunk bus routes. The new trunk bus routes 520 and 530 start in August 2023.

Commuter trains

Metro

See the metro lines on a map

Trunk bus routes

20, Eira–Munkkivuori

30, Eira–Myyrmäki

40, Pelimannntie 23–Elielinaukio

200, Elielinaukio–Espoon keskus

300, Elielinaukio–Myyrmäki

400, Kamppi–Vantaankoski

500, Itäkeskus (M)-–Munkkivuori

510, Herttomiemi (M)–Kivenlahti(M)

520 (from 14 August 2023)

530 (from 14 August 2023)

550, Itäkeskus–Westendinasema

560, Rastila (M)–Myyrmäki

570, Helsinki Airport–Mellunmäki

600, Railway Square–Airport

Light rail line 15 to strengthen the trunk route network

The next major upgrade to the trunk route network will be the introduction of light rail line 15. The new service will start running between Itäkeskus and Keilaniemi in autumn 2023 or at the latest in 2024.

Trunk bus route 550 will be withdrawn as the light rail line will replace it.