HSL warns of congestion as PMMP concert approaches in Helsinki

Helsinki Regional Transport Authority (HSL) provided additional bus and train services following Coldplay’s concerts in July. However, the agency has not arranged extra transportation for the PMMP concert days, despite the similarly large audience. HSL warns of potential congestion, especially after the events. “Crowds will disperse in different directions and to various forms of transport, but it’s wise to allow ample time to arrive at the concert,” said HSL’s information planner Saana Lehtinen.

Access to the stadium is available via trams and buses. The journey from Pasila station to the venue is approximately 1.5 kilometers, with orange trunk buses 500 and 510 and trams 2 and 7 heading to the stadium. Passengers can disembark at the Aurora hospital stop. Numerous buses and trams serve the route from central Helsinki, with buses leaving from Elielinaukio, all of which stop near the stadium at Töölön kisahalli.

The bus ride from Elielinaukio to the stadium takes about seven minutes, with departures every few minutes before concert start times.

Instead of HSL, VR (Finnish Railways) is prepared for the increased number of passengers, collaborating with event organizers to assess train demand. “We are ready for PMMP’s performance in Helsinki, aiming to facilitate eco-friendly and smooth travel by train for attendees,” stated VR communications manager Taina Kuitunen.

After the concerts, VR will add extra long-distance trains: on Saturday, August 24, the IC665 train from Helsinki to Tampere departs at 00:55, and on Sunday, August 25, the same train operates at the same time. Additionally, local train services toward Riihimäki and Lahti will see added trains post-shows. However, additional services toward Turku have been limited due to ongoing night construction work on the tracks. Passengers are encouraged to book seats on the Helsinki-Turku route as soon as possible.