May Day brings a festive buzz to Helsinki – traffic and public transport changes expected
May Day will be celebrated across Helsinki on 30 April–1 May 2026 with a wide range of events. On May Day Eve, 30 April 2026, ferry passengers are advised to allow extra time to travel to the terminals.
The Esplanades and their side streets, as well as the area around Senate Square, will be closed to motor traffic on 30 April from 3:00 pm to 9:00 pm due to the traditional capping of the Havis Amanda statue. Parking is prohibited in the area during the closure.
On May Day, 1 May, Iso Puistotie will be closed to general traffic. Ehrenströmintie and Merisatamanranta will be partially one-way, with traffic flowing westwards from the Olympic Terminal. Puistokatu will be one-way eastbound.
In public transport, Friday timetables will apply on May Day Eve, and Sunday timetables will be in effect on May Day, 1 May.
Read more:
HSL public transport over May Day holiday