Helsinki to vote on banning cars entirely from central railway station area

Helsinki city council will decide on Wednesday whether to remove all car traffic from the area in front of the city’s central railway station, public broadcaster Yle reports. If approved, the historic Eliel Saarinen-designed station’s surroundings would become fully car-free, with tram lines and expanded pedestrian spaces replacing vehicle access.

The proposed changes would end all east-west car traffic in front of the station, Finland’s busiest building and a key public transport hub with up to 200,000 daily visitors. The area would instead feature two new tram routes—including a future express tram connecting Laajasalo to Jätkäsaari—along with additional terraces, trees, and greenery. The city aims to create a more inviting urban space that strengthens Helsinki’s appeal for tourism and year-round events.

The transformation carries a price tag of roughly €26 million for zoning changes and €15 million for new tram infrastructure and utilities. Some costs will also fall on owners of underground properties. While the plan includes limited access lanes for taxis near Rautatientori and Sokos department store, through-traffic would be eliminated.

Public reaction remains divided. Some residents, like Johanna Blym, called the proposal surprising for one of Helsinki’s busiest streets. Others, including Anni Kemppainen and Elias Siivari, welcomed the shift, with Siivari noting it could cut his daily commute time. The council debate is expected to be contentious, though the city board unanimously backed the plan earlier this month, aligning with Helsinki’s new urban strategy and a 2024 traffic system overhaul for the downtown core.