Travel services

I am 14 years old. Can I use a child's ticket to travel or must I pay the full fare?

Those aged 4 to 11 are entitled to use a child's ticket to travel at half the price. Young people between 12 and 16 receive a youth discount for single trips of at least 80 km. Usually, the youth discount is 30%.

Does the ISIC card entitle me to a student discount?

The ISIC card does not entitle you to a student discount. To be eligible for a student discount, you need a student identity card issued by a student union showing Matkahuolto's logo, or Matkahuolto's or VR's student identity card. For more details about the criteria required to receive a student discount, see Discounts.

Is it necessary to book a seat on the bus in advance and what does it cost?

While it is not obligatory to reserve a seat on the busses, it is advisable to do so, particularly during weekends and around Christmas, Easter, Midsummer, etc. Seats can only be reserved on express and non-stop express busses. The charge for a seat reservation is € 2,50 per seat.

Is a person using a youth/student/conscript/pensioner ticket to travel also entitled to the return trip discount?

One passenger is only entitled to a single discount at a time. Therefore, no return fare discount is granted for prices that have already been reduced.

Can I get the same discounts if I purchase the ticket on the bus from the driver?

Normally, bus companies grant the same discounts as Matkahuolto does. So, discount tickets can often be bought on the bus but Matkahuolto's discount terms apply only to tickets purchased in advance.

I am planning a trip from Helsinki to St. Petersburg. Can I book the ticket by phone or on the Internet?

For trips between Finland and Russia, it is advisable to get your ticket in advance. Buy your ticket from a Matkahuolto service outlet. To buy the ticket, you need a valid passport and visa. The ticket cannot be booked by phone or online.

Bus tickets are priced according to the distance travelled. Where can I find information about the length of the journey?

The timetables for all services also include information about distances. For more details about each service, go to the timetable search page and click the link for your bus shown under the heading "Service".

I bought a ticket in advance at Matkahuolto's office but the driver demanded an additional late night supplement. Was he right to do so?

Bus companies are entitled to demand an extra charge for trips started between 23:00 and 4:00. The policy varies from one company to another, but normally the charge for trips less than 20 km is the same as the single fare for a standard trip over the same distance. For trips longer than 20 km, a fixed supplement equivalent to the 20 km standard fare is normally collected. Some bus companies make no special charge for night rides.

Is the Matkahuolto/VR student identity card available directly from the ticket office or do I have to wait for it?

You will receive your identity card right away

Is a person accompanying a handicapped or sight-impaired person entitled to a discount or a free bus ride?

Companions pay the standard fare for the trip.

Is a young person/student/pensioner/conscript/member of the press entitled to a discount for a single trip shorter than 80 km?

Full discount is granted when the distance travelled is at least 80 km. A discount ticket for 80 km is sold for the trip if the price would be lower than the standard fare for the distance actually travelled. 

Can I reload my travel card on the bus?

Normally, Matkahuolto's travel cards (including regional tickets) can be recharged on busses. However, all onboard terminals are not able to reload cards, so it is advisable to check with the bus operator. The Bus Pass can only be reloaded at Matkahuolto's ticket office.

What is the VAT tax included in bus fares?

All domestic tickets include VAT at 9 %.

A cash receipt indicating the amount of VAT is always issued for all tickets sold by vending machines. A VAT receipt is given for hardcopy tickets upon request.

The 0.00 receipt is a receipt issued by the bus company for the completion of the trip, and it does not indicate price or the VAT rate.

What methods of payment are acceptable to Matkahuolto?

  

Matkahuolto's service outlets accept payments in cash, with Finnish charge cards, credit cards issued by Luottokunta (Eurocard, Visa, Master Card), American Express, and Diners Club. Additionally, Visa Electron and the current credit card issued by Nordea Asiakasrahoitus Oy are acceptable methods of payment.

 

What means of payment can I use on busses?

Busses accept Euro-denominated banknotes and coins. The acceptability of charge and credit cards varies from one company to another. For the time being, Visa Electron cannot be used for payment because it requires online verification, which is currently unavailable on busses.

In local transport, the fare is paid when the trip starts. If possible, use exact change to pay the fare and no banknotes bigger than € 20.