Travel

Public transport to Otaniemi and Aalto University

Helsinki Photomedia 2024 will be held at Aalto University’s Dipoli building at the university campus area in Otaniemi, Espoo, which is located about 10 kilometers from Helsinki center. Otaniemi can be reached by metro and bus directly to the campus, and has good public transport links from other parts of Espoo and Helsinki-Vantaa Airport.

Public transport from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Otaniemi takes about an hour, but it is recommended to reserve and hour and a half in case there are delays. From the airport, either P or I trains, or the airport shuttle bus can be taken to arrive to Helsinki Central Railway station from where the quickest way to arrive to Aalto University is by metro.

These instructions will be updated as public transport schedules are prone to change, so please check this space closer to the event!

Trains

There is a direct train line from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Helsinki city centre during the day either via I train or P train. It takes around 50 minutes to get to the city center regardless which line you select. The trains depart from the plaform which can be accessed going down the escalator between terminals T1 and T2. Please note that you have to purchase an ABC area ticket in advance from the ticket vending machines at the terminal, before entering the train.

Metro

The Metro line terminus in the west is Tapiola or Kivenlahti (Espoo), and in the east Vuosaari or Mellunmäki (Helsinki). To arrive to Otaniemi from the central railway station, take the metro towards west, either going to Matinkylä or Tapiola. The Aalto-University metro stop is the 6th stop after the central railway station (travel time ca. 12 minutes). The Metro runs every 2.5 minutes during rush hours and every 4–5 minutes at other times. Please see the HSL Travel Maps here.

There are two exits at the Aalto University Metro station: Otaniementie and Tietotie. Taking the Otaniementie exit you can access the main building Dipoli.

Bus

You can arrive to Otaniemi and Aalto University from Helsinki-Vantaa airport also by bus. Busses 615, 617 and 415 from the airport to the central railway station depart from the airport bus terminal at T2. In general, bus lines 111, 550, 551, 552 and 555 all stop at the Aalto University (M) bus stop at Vuorimiehentie (stop E2225). Outside the Metro operating hours, bus 551N can be taken to Otaniemi.

Tickets

Tickets are not sold in trains, buses, trams or the metro, so be sure to buy your ticket in advance either from a ticket vending machine or via the HSL app. Inspection fee is €80 for those without a ticket on all HSL transports. he same ticket is valid on all methods of transport, and the period of validity is marked on the ticket.

During your stay you can also consider buying a day ticket, which can be used to make several journeys during one day or several days. Day tickets are available from 1 to max 13 day tickets, and can be bought from ticket vending machines or R-Kioski convenience stores.

The HSL area is divided into four zones. These are identified with the letters A, B, C and D. To travel from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Helsinki Central Railway Station or to Aalto University, you will need an ABC ticket. During your stay, an AB ticket can be sufficient depending on where your accommodation is located. Please find more details about HSL travel areas here. You can also see the areas you need for your ticket in the HSL journey planner app. The area you are in is also stated on bus and tram stops, railway stations, and metro platforms.

Useful links for public transport in and around Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa and the rest of Helsinki Metropolitan Area:

Campus area

There is plenty to see and explore around the Otaniemi campus area!

Check out the downladable walking on campus map for a stroll around the campus sights

Check out the downloadable campus map for locations in and around Otaniemi campus