About Herttoniemi Metro Station
Herttoniemi Metro Station is a gateway to East Helsinki and a major public-transport hub connecting eastern suburbs and neighborhoods with the city center. It serves metro lines M1 (Kivenlahti–Vuosaari) and M2 (Tapiola–Mellunmäki), with adjacent bus terminals and bicycle parking for transfers. The station serves around 35,000 passengers daily (Helsingin Uutiset).
Opened in 1982, Herttoniemi combines functionalist design with civil defense facilities and connections to pedestrian paths, public spaces, buses, and bicycles. It is also close to Herttoniemi Manor, Kivinokka beach, and Viikki Nature Reserve (Wikipedia: Helsinki Metro; UrbanRail.Net).
History
Helsinki began planning a metro system in the mid-20th century to modernize urban transit. By 1955, city officials recognized the need for a metro with a separate right-of-way, pioneering the concept in Finnish city planning (Wikipedia: Helsinki Metro). Herttoniemi was selected as a key connection between the eastern suburbs and the city center.
Construction began in 1971, and tunneling was largely completed by 1976. Herttoniemi Metro Station opened on August 2, 1982, as part of the first operational metro segment, from Hakaniemi to Itäkeskus (UrbanRail.Net). It became an important interchange, linking metro services with feeder buses from surrounding islands and neighborhoods.
What to see
Station design and civil defense
The station’s late-20th-century Finnish functionalist design uses concrete, glass, and steel. Its above-ground, shallow construction provides rapid access, and the entrances, platforms, and connecting bus terminals are integrated for transfers (UrbanRail.Net).
The station is set among pedestrian paths, bicycle parking, and landscaped public areas. Herttoniemi’s change from an industrial precinct to a mixed-use district reflects the metro’s role in local urban regeneration (Helsingin Uutiset).
Reflecting Cold War-era planning, the station can also serve as an air raid shelter. It is part of a metro-wide system capable of protecting up to 21,000 people (UrbanRail.Net).
Station and area renewal
A €6 million renovation is planned to improve elevators, escalators, lighting, security, and ticket halls, with completion expected by the late 2020s ([Helsingin Uutiset](https://www.helsingin-u uutiset.fi/paikalliset/7867216)).
A new, expanded bus terminal is planned to improve connections to Pasila and Helsinki Central. Integration with the Kruunusillat light rail is intended to reduce bus congestion and provide direct tram links to the city center.
Mixed-use “hybrid blocks” above and near the station are planned to add housing, offices, and retail. Pedestrian and cycling infrastructure upgrades, expanded bike parking, and new green spaces are intended to support Helsinki’s carbon neutrality goals (City of Helsinki Urban Planning).
Practical visiting information
Visiting hours and services
The station follows the Helsinki Metro operating schedule and is open daily from approximately 5:00–5:30 AM until midnight. During rush hours, trains run every 2.5–4 minutes in central sections (Helsinki Metro Fandom).
Tickets and fares
Tickets are available through the HSL mobile app, ticket machines at the station, or authorized retailers. Herttoniemi is in the AB fare zone.
- Single AB zone ticket €2.80–€3.10
- 24-hour pass (all zones) €15
Passes provide unlimited travel on metro, tram, and bus services within the selected zones. Contactless payment options are also listed among the station’s ticketing facilities (Nomadic Matt).
Getting there and station facilities
The station is in East Helsinki. Adjacent bus terminals and ample bicycle parking support multimodal travel, while car parking is limited; public transport or cycling is recommended.
Station facilities and access information include:
- Above-ground platforms with clear bilingual signage in Finnish and Swedish
- An adjacent bus terminal for transfers
- HSL ticket machines and contactless payment options
- Elevators, ramps, tactile guidance, and audible announcements
- Well-lit, monitored areas, with staff assistance available
- Digital displays showing real-time train and bus schedules
The station is described as fully accessible, with high security and cleanliness standards.
Tips
- The above-ground platforms, entrance pavilion, and nearby parks are suggested photo spots.
- Download the HSL app for schedules and tickets.
- City bikes are available for local exploration.
- Visiting the parks during daylight is suggested for the best park experiences.
Nearby places
Herttoniemi Manor
Herttoniemi Manor dates to the 17th century and offers insight into Helsinki’s rural and urban evolution. The manor house and landscaped gardens are preserved as a living museum of Finnish architecture and local history.
- Opening May–September, 10:00 AM–6:00 PM; check the official site for updates.
- Admission The gardens are free; guided tours and exhibitions may require tickets.
- Tours Available in Finnish and English, covering the manor’s history and stories.
- Accessibility The grounds are wheelchair-accessible, with paved paths and ramps.
- Getting there A 10-minute walk from Herttoniemi Metro Station, or accessible by bus. Parking nearby is limited.
The manor is also listed as a 10-minute walk from the station (Urtrips). Local cafés, waterfront trails, and historical sites such as Helsinki Cathedral and Suomenlinna Fortress are also mentioned as nearby sights.
Other local attractions and amenities
- Kivinokka A forest and beach area for swimming and birdwatching.
- Viikki Nature Reserve Described as Helsinki’s largest nature reserve and a haven for wildlife.
- Local amenities Cafés, bakeries, supermarkets, and waterfront walks.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are Herttoniemi Metro Station’s opening hours?
Daily from approximately 5:00–5:30 AM until midnight.
How do I buy tickets?
Use the HSL app, station ticket machines, or authorized retailers. AB zone fares apply.
Is the station accessible?
Yes. It has elevators, ramps, tactile guidance, and staff assistance.
Are there guided tours at the station?
There are no official station tours, but tours are available at Herttoniemi Manor.
What nearby attractions can I visit?
Herttoniemi Manor, Kivinokka, Viikki Nature Reserve, and local cafés.
When will the new bus terminal and hybrid blocks be completed?
Major upgrades are expected by the late 2020s, with developments continuing in phases.
