Puistola Railway Station

Puistola Railway Station Helsinki: Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Comprehensive Travel Guide

Date: 15/06/2025

Introduction

Puistola Railway Station (Finnish: Puistolan rautatieasema) is a major suburban transit point in northeastern Helsinki, Finland. With a history stretching back to its establishment in 1910, the station is integral to the city’s northern districts, urban core, and the Helsinki-Vantaa Airport. Situated on the historic Helsinki–Riihimäki railway line—one of Finland’s oldest—Puistola Station is more than a transportation hub: it is a testament to Finnish railway heritage, urban development, and the evolution of suburban life. This guide details its visiting hours, ticketing options, facilities, accessibility, travel tips, and surrounding attractions.

Puistola railway station in Helsinki with tracks and platform

Puistola railway station building in Helsinki during winter

Colorful graffiti art on a wall in Tapulikaupunki

Historical Context and Significance

Opened in 1910, Puistola Railway Station was constructed during a period of significant growth in Helsinki’s suburbs. Initially serving the then-rural Puistola district, it has grown alongside the neighborhood into a vibrant residential area. The station’s development mirrors broader changes in Finnish society, as railway access enabled suburbanization and economic expansion. Its architecture reflects the functional, community-oriented style of early 20th-century Finnish railway design, with thoughtful features that have been updated over the years to enhance accessibility and passenger comfort.

Visiting Hours

Puistola Railway Station is accessible daily during train operating hours, typically from around 5:30 am until after 11:30 pm. While the station itself is unmanned and does not have formal opening or closing times, passengers have unrestricted access to platforms and facilities during these hours. For exact train schedules, consult the HSL official website.

Ticketing Information

Tickets for travel from Puistola can be purchased in several convenient ways:

HSL Mobile App: Buy single, day, or period tickets directly on your smartphone.
Ticket Machines: Located at the station entrance, these machines sell both single and multi-day tickets.
R-Kioski Stores: Nearby convenience stores sell travel cards and single tickets.

Puistola is generally within the AB fare zone, with adult single tickets costing approximately €3.10 for AB and €4.10 for ABC zones as of June 2025. Tickets are valid on all HSL-operated trains, buses, trams, and metro within the selected fare zones. Discounts are available for children, students, and seniors. Tickets must be purchased before boarding—onboard sales are not available (Guide to Helsinki).

Station Facilities and Layout

Puistola Station is designed for efficiency and accessibility:

Platforms: Two ground-level side platforms serve commuter trains (primarily K and I lines). Platform 1 is for southbound trains to Helsinki Central, Platform 2 for northbound services.
Shelters: Both platforms have covered waiting areas with seating and digital displays for real-time train information.
Pedestrian Underpass: Provides safe passage between platforms and includes ramps for step-free access.
Bicycle Racks & Car Parking: Secure, covered bicycle parking and a small free car park are available near the station entrance.
Ticketing Machines: Conveniently placed at the station entrance.
Lighting & Security: Well-lit areas and CCTV surveillance contribute to passenger safety.

Accessibility Features

Puistola Station prioritizes inclusivity:

Step-free access to all platforms via ramps.
Tactile paving for visually impaired passengers.
Platform heights aligned with train doors for easy boarding.
Multilingual signage in Finnish, Swedish, and English.
Audio announcements and guidance for non-native speakers. These features meet Finnish public transport accessibility standards (HSL Accessibility).

Safety and Security

CCTV Surveillance: Covers platforms and the underpass.
Emergency Call Points: Available on each platform.
Regular Patrols: HSL staff and local police are present, particularly during peak hours.
Winter Maintenance: Platforms are cleared and salted during cold months. Helsinki’s low crime rate ensures a generally safe passenger environment (Safe Travel Guide).

Connections and Transfers

Commuter Trains: K and I lines provide frequent connections to Helsinki Central, Tikkurila, and Helsinki Airport (less than 20 minutes away).
Bus Services: Several HSL bus lines stop adjacent to the station, facilitating easy transfers to neighboring areas like Jakomäki, Alppikylä, and Heikinlaakso (Mapcarta).
Taxi Stand: Located near the entrance, with services from Taksi-Helsinki and Kovanen Taxi (The Broke Backpacker).
Pedestrian and Cycling Paths: Connect the station to local parks and residential areas.

Nearby Attractions

Puistola Church: Local landmark within walking distance.
Green Spaces: Parks and trails for walking or cycling.
Malmi District: Nearby area with parks and dining options.
City Center: Direct train access to Helsinki’s historic sites like Senate Square, Helsinki Cathedral, and Market Square (Visit Helsinki).
Cultural Activities: Occasional community heritage walks in the Puistola district.

Weather and Travel Tips

June Temperatures: Range from 12°C to 16°C, with a chance of rain (Weather25). Bring rain gear and dress in layers.
Peak Hours: Weekday mornings (7–9 am) and evenings (4–6 pm) are busiest.
Luggage Storage: Not available at Puistola. Use lockers at Helsinki Central or Tikkurila.
Food & Restrooms: Limited at Puistola; available at larger stations.
Ticket Validation: Purchase and validate before boarding to avoid fines.
Bicycles: Permitted on trains outside peak hours.

Sustainability

Helsinki’s commuter trains are eco-friendly, helping to reduce emissions and traffic congestion. Travelers are encouraged to use public transport and cycling to minimize their environmental impact (Guide to Helsinki).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are Puistola Railway Station’s operating hours?
A: The station is open daily during train operating hours (approx. 5:30 am – 11:30 pm).

Q: Where can I buy tickets?
A: Via the HSL mobile app, station ticket machines, or R-Kioski stores.

Q: Is the station accessible for travelers with disabilities?
A: Yes. Step-free access, tactile paving, and accessible signage are provided.

Q: Are there toilets at Puistola?
A: No. Use restrooms at Tikkurila or Helsinki Central Station.

Q: Can I bring a bicycle on the train?
A: Yes, outside peak hours, and bicycle parking is available at the station.

Q: How frequent are trains at Puistola?
A: Every 10–15 minutes during peak hours; 20–30 minutes off-peak.

Summary Table: Puistola Station Key Facilities

Facility	Details
Platforms	2 side platforms, ground level
Accessibility	Step-free, tactile paving, ramps, multilingual signage
Ticketing	Machines, mobile app, R-Kioski
Waiting Areas	Sheltered, seating, real-time displays
Safety	CCTV, emergency phones, regular patrols
Bicycle Parking	Covered racks
Car Parking	Small free lot, drop-off zone
Bus Connections	Multiple HSL lines
Taxi Stand	Yes, near entrance
Shops/Cafés	Nearby, not in station
Toilets	Not on site, at larger stations

Conclusion

Puistola Railway Station is a reliable, well-equipped, and accessible part of Helsinki’s transit infrastructure. Its strategic location, frequent train services, and integrated connections to other transport modes make it a practical choice for daily commuters and visitors alike. The station’s design reflects Helsinki’s commitment to inclusive, safe, and sustainable travel. For up-to-date schedules, ticketing, and further travel planning, visit the HSL website, or explore additional resources like Guide to Helsinki and Visit Helsinki.

Whether you’re heading to the airport, exploring suburban Helsinki, or connecting to the city’s cultural sites, Puistola Railway Station offers a convenient and pleasant travel experience. Download the HSL mobile app and stay informed through local travel blogs and official transport channels to make the most of your journey.