Travelling with ExpressBus

I am planning to take an express bus from Helsinki to Lahti. Can I get on the bus at any bus stop along the route?

Express and non-stop express buses stop only at specific express stops as shown in the timetables. Express bus stops are marked with the blue long-distance sign and a special sign saying "PIKAVUORO" (Express). It is a good idea to check the express bus stops by using the timetable search because routes may vary depending on departure times, etc. To see an accurate route description, select your bus from the search results in the Service column.


How do I recognise the right stop?

As a rule, passengers board and get off the bus at signed locations. The signs are determined by road traffic regulations. The sign for ExpressBus services is blue with the text "PIKAVUORO SNABBTUR" in white. Drivers announce when the bus is arriving in larger localities, thus making it easier to know when to get off.

Passengers travelling on express buses may only be picked up or dropped off at the specific locations specified in the bus company’s operating license (express bus stops). When you want to get on a bus, clearly flag it down. When you want to get off, press the stop button in time. Be extra careful when at the bus stop and its immediate vicinity.


Do I have to show my ID or other card required for the discount on the bus?

When using a personal ticket, you have to be able to prove your identity. If you are entitled to a discount on a bus fare, you have to prove you are entitled to it when paying and when on the bus (students, pensioners, etc.).


Is it compulsory to wear a seat belt on the bus?

If the bus is fitted with seat belts, it is obligatory for passengers, and it is their responsibility, to wear it. Failure to use the seat belt may carry a fine that is always payable by the passenger.


How much luggage can I take with me? Are there any restrictions?

According to the recommendations of the Finnish Bus and Coach Association, ordinary hand luggage is transported free of charge when placed at the feet of the passenger or on the shelves. Other luggage is placed in the hold. Hand luggage carried in the passenger compartment should not be so large that it interferes with the comfort of other passengers. A passenger on a long-distance bus can carry two suitcases or bags in the hold free of charge. Please notify Matkahuolto or the bus company 24 hours in advance if you want to take a bicycle or pram or other large luggage with you. The bus operator may charge a fare for transporting large items.


I would like to listen to the radio on the bus. Can I ask the driver to switch it on?

The possibility of listening to the radio on the bus varies according to the company and type of transport. According to the recommendation issued by the Bus and Coach Association, listening to the radio is permitted as long as it does not disturb other passengers. The volume is adjusted to an audible level but allows normal conversation between passengers. The radio must be switched off even if only one passenger asks for it. Passengers may use their own radios or portable music players with earphones as long as this does not disturb other passengers.


The driver is talking on his or her mobile phone while driving. Is this permitted?

According to the recommendation of the Bus and Coach Association, the driver may make any phone calls required by his or her duties within the limits imposed by the Road Traffic Act.
Passengers may use their mobile phones as long as this does not disturb other passengers.


Can I eat and drink on the bus?

It is permissible to eat and drink on the bus if you are careful and tidy, as long as the refreshments are not specifically prohibited (such as ice cream and grilled snacks). Drinking alcohol, the use of other toxicants and smoking are always prohibited on a bus.


I easily get travel sick. What precautions can I take?

People who are prone to travel sickness should sit at the front of the bus. A passenger must cover the cost for any cleaning as a result of his or her travel sickness. The charge depends on the company involved.


What happens if a passenger disturbs the other passengers or staff or vandalizes the bus?

All passengers have the right to enjoy a comfortable bus ride. The staff must be allowed to do their job without interference. The staff have the right to remove from the bus any passenger who causes a disturbance and continues to do so despite having been warned by the staff to stop his or her behaviour. If the passenger cannot be removed immediately, the staff have the right to restrain him or her until he or she can be removed from the bus. Other passengers can, upon the request of a member of staff, assist in removing or restraining a passenger causing a disturbance. If necessary, staff members can ask the police for assistance. A passenger may not be removed from a bus if it would jeopardise his or her health. Passengers are requested to inform the driver of any vandalism to the bus. Passengers are liable to pay compensation for any damage they cause to the bus.


I left my bag on the bus by mistake. Where do I enquire about lost and found items?

You can use the feedback form to enquire about lost and found items. Use the form to describe the item you have lost and state the bus on which you were travelling, the time and the place of departure and arrival. The ExpressBus customer service will contact you by email when it has gone through the information you have supplied.

Travelling with Expressbus

I am planning to take an express bus from Helsinki to Lahti. Can I get on the bus at any bus stop along the route?

Express and non-stop express buses stop only at specific express stops as shown in the timetables. Express bus stops are marked with the blue long-distance sign and a special sign saying "PIKAVUORO" (Express). It is a good idea to check the express bus stops by using the timetable search because routes may vary depending on departure times, etc. To see an accurate route description, select your bus from the search results in the Service column.

How do I recognise the right stop?

As a rule, passengers board and get off the bus at signed locations. The signs are determined by road traffic regulations. The sign for ExpressBus services is blue with the text "PIKAVUORO SNABBTUR" in white. Drivers announce when the bus is arriving in larger localities, thus making it easier to know when to get off.

Passengers travelling on express buses may only be picked up or dropped off at the specific locations specified in the bus company’s operating license (express bus stops). When you want to get on a bus, clearly flag it down. When you want to get off, press the stop button in time. Be extra careful when at the bus stop and its immediate vicinity.

Do I have to show my ID or other card required for the discount on the bus?

When using a personal ticket, you have to be able to prove your identity. If you are entitled to a discount on a bus fare, you have to prove you are entitled to it when paying and when on the bus (students, pensioners, etc.).

Is it compulsory to wear a seat belt on the bus?

If the bus is fitted with seat belts, it is obligatory for passengers, and it is their responsibility, to wear it. Failure to use the seat belt may carry a fine that is always payable by the passenger.

How much luggage can I take with me? Are there any restrictions?

According to the recommendations of the Finnish Bus and Coach Association, ordinary hand luggage is transported free of charge when placed at the feet of the passenger or on the shelves. Other luggage is placed in the hold. Hand luggage carried in the passenger compartment should not be so large that it interferes with the comfort of other passengers. A passenger on a long-distance bus can carry two suitcases or bags in the hold free of charge. Please notify Matkahuolto or the bus company 24 hours in advance if you want to take a bicycle or pram or other large luggage with you. The bus operator may charge a fare for transporting large items. 

I would like to listen to the radio on the bus. Can I ask the driver to switch it on?

The possibility of listening to the radio on the bus varies according to the company and type of transport. According to the recommendation issued by the Bus and Coach Association, listening to the radio is permitted as long as it does not disturb other passengers. The volume is adjusted to an audible level but allows normal conversation between passengers. The radio must be switched off even if only one passenger asks for it. Passengers may use their own radios or portable music players with earphones as long as this does not disturb other passengers.

The driver is talking on his or her mobile phone while driving. Is this permitted?

According to the recommendation of the Bus and Coach Association, the driver may make any phone calls required by his or her duties within the limits imposed by the Road Traffic Act.
Passengers may use their mobile phones as long as this does not disturb other passengers.

Can I eat and drink on the bus?

It is permissible to eat and drink on the bus if you are careful and tidy, as long as the refreshments are not specifically prohibited (such as ice cream and grilled snacks). Drinking alcohol, the use of other toxicants and smoking are always prohibited on a bus.

I easily get travel sick. What precautions can I take?

People who are prone to travel sickness should sit at the front of the bus. A passenger must cover the cost for any cleaning as a result of his or her travel sickness. The charge depends on the company involved.

What happens if a passenger disturbs the other passengers or staff or vandalizes the bus?

All passengers have the right to enjoy a comfortable bus ride. The staff must be allowed to do their job without interference. The staff have the right to remove from the bus any passenger who causes a disturbance and continues to do so despite having been warned by the staff to stop his or her behaviour. If the passenger cannot be removed immediately, the staff have the right to restrain him or her until he or she can be removed from the bus. Other passengers can, upon the request of a member of  staff, assist in removing or restraining a passenger causing a disturbance. If necessary, staff members can ask the police for assistance. A passenger may not be removed from a bus if it would jeopardise his or her health. Passengers are requested to inform the driver of any vandalism to the bus. Passengers are liable to pay compensation for any damage they cause to the bus.

I left my bag on the bus by mistake. Where do I enquire about lost and found items?

You can use the feedback form to enquire about lost and found items. Use the form to describe the item you have lost and state the bus on which you were travelling, the time and the place of departure and arrival. The ExpressBus customer service will contact you by email when it has gone through the information you have supplied.