Helsinki’s new Crown Bridges tram route tested ahead of possible early launch
Tuesday 12th May 2026 on 14:30 in
Finland
Passenger tram services across Helsinki’s new Crown Bridges route could begin earlier than expected, possibly before the end of this year, Finnish public broadcaster Yle reports after test-driving the line from Hakaniemi to Yliskylä.
The 1.2-kilometre Crown Bridge (Kruunuvuorensilta), Finland’s longest bridge, opened to pedestrians and cyclists less than a month ago. On Tuesday, Yle joined a test tram travelling from Hakaniemi to Laajasalo’s Yliskylä district, reaching speeds of up to 70 km/h—comparable to the current fast tram line 15 on Viikintie.
Minna Mustonen, a tram driver and instructor for Helsinki’s public transport, described the route as “pleasant to drive, scenic, and exciting.” The bridge’s height and maritime surroundings offer a unique experience for both drivers and future passengers.
Passenger service may start in late 2026 The Crown Bridges tram project includes three new bridges and roughly eight kilometres of new track. While passenger service was initially planned for early 2027, Helsinki Regional Transport Authority (HSL) project manager Teuvo Syrjälä now says an earlier launch is possible.
“Currently, it looks like we could start passenger service by the end of this year, and that’s what we’re aiming for,” Syrjälä told Yle. The bridge’s early completion and faster-than-expected preparatory work have accelerated the timeline.
Two new tram lines will operate on the route. Line 11 will run between Kruunuvuorenranta, Kalasatama, and Pasila, increasing frequency between Pasila and Kalasatama by sharing tracks with the existing line 13. Line 12 will connect Yliskylä, Hakaniemi, and Helsinki Central Railway Station, creating a direct link between central Helsinki and Laajasalo.
Initially, line 12 will terminate at the Central Railway Station due to metro construction disruptions in Kalasatama starting in 2027. The endpoint will later return to Hakaniemi once renovations on Kaivokatu and Kaisaniemenkatu are completed.