Our cruise ships docks at Hernesaari Port. The RS guidebooks suggest purchasing an all-day bus pass for eight euros at the Tourist Info kiosk. The guidebook mentions that the kiosk only takes credit cards. Has anyone purchased bus passes from this kiosk using a credit card from the US? Does the ticket machine want a PIN to complete the transaction? I have contacted my credit card companies and none issue a PIN. Will an ATM card from an American bank work as an alternative?
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
I assumed Rick's description to mean a staffed kiosk, in which case they should be more flexible with credit card processing. That's also the impression I get from the photo and caption at http://cruisecrocodile.com/cruise-port-information/helsinki-finland/.
Posted by
Medford, OR, USA
5837 posts
The Helsinki transit website page on tickets:
https://www.hsl.fi/en/tickets-and-fares?qt-tickets_and_fares=1#qt-tickets_and_fares
Says:
Day ticket 2016
1 day ticket from bus, tram or train 8,00€
I would assume that taken literally, one could buy a 1 day pass from the bus operator. To buy a multi-day pass you would need to find a machine or ticket outlet.
You can find sales points using: https://www.hsl.fi/en/tickets-and-fares/sales-points
Posted by
OP
5 posts
The links provided the needed information. On the day of our port call, the TI booth was not open. I prepared with enough cash on hand for the four of us. The bus driver appreciated the exact change. There many tourists taking the bus that morning.
Posted by
Rick Steves' Europe
16895 posts
Thanks for reporting back!
Posted by
United States
9 posts
I’m glad everything worked out well for you @damon_chu! I was in Helsinki in 2015 and I did the same: I bought a day ticket from the tram driver. I really like Helsinki with its architecture and the Lutheran Cathedral of Helsinki is so impressive. Crossing the sea by a ferry was an amazing experience as well. I hope you enjoyed your sightseeing tour in Helsinki!