# HSL — user reviews > 163 indexed App Store user reviews of HSL by Helsingin seudun liikenne, rated 3.90/5 from 481 ratings. - Source: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hsl/id1340229182/reviews - App overview in markdown: https://appshunter.io/ios/app/hsl/id1340229182.md - Rating breakdown: 5★ 315 · 4★ 26 · 3★ 14 · 2★ 15 · 1★ 111 ## What do users think of HSL? Overall sentiment: negative **Pros** - 🚀 Excellent app for travel in Helsinki - 👍 Convenient and worked very well - 🚀 Great experience, nice UI **Cons** - 🐛 Buggy and annoying - 🐛 Doesn't work with international numbers - 🐛 Kept coming with error triangle or claiming no internet connection - 🐛 App doesn't function, unable to purchase tickets **Commonly reported bugs** - Version 4.2.0 does not work on iPhone6 (iOS 12.5.5) - Routes go blank, nothing to go back - Login problems, like a scam - Unable to create account, login, or purchase tickets **Most requested features** - Allow buying multiple tickets in a single purchase - Add maps showing all routes - Provide email verification option instead of just SMS ## Newest reviews (20 of 163) ### 3/5 — Beste App für Helsinki *2026-08-09* Wir nutzen schon seit Jahren die App und sind sehr zufrieden. Egal ob Bus, Straßenbahn oder U-Bahn, für alle Verkehrsmittel gibt es hier die Routen, Fahrzeiten und Tickets. ### 2/5 — Still. No USA phone authentication. *2026-08-04* It is possible to use as a guest for transit tix. That’s worth two stars. But to use the bikes, one has to register. And it’s frustrating to go through the long registration process just to find it won’t send the authentication text to a USA phone. Registration is required to use a bike. So that means no bike use with a USA phone. **Developer response:** Hi. I apologize for the issue with HSL ID account. We still have problems delivering SMS verification to some foreign operators. We are looking for solution but this is no short term fix unfortunately. Kind regards, Joona/HSL ### 1/5 — Doesn’t work for non-Finnish mobile numbers *2025-10-08, version 6.12.0* It used to work because I have an account but now it won’t make one for my husband. The SMS messages it claims to send never arrive. I tried three numbers that I have in two countries. ### 1/5 — Stone Age App *2025-09-13, version 6.11.1* 2025 and they haven’t figured out how to send a SMS message. Hey the world has moved to different auth mechanisms than sending text messages, maybe move with the times. ### 2/5 — Another American :) *2025-09-01* My niece and I traveled from the USA to Helsinki in both 2022 and 2025. We used this app in 2022 without issue, buying a 5-day pass in the app and using it both to navigate and as our pass. It was fantastic and I raved to everyone about Finnish mass transit and how streamlined it was. Then 2025 rolled around and neither of us could buy a pass in the app. Unfortunately we didn’t think to read the reviews, because we had used it before so seamlessly and didn’t assume something so elegant would have been broken. Why ruin a good thing? Anyway it’s apparently broken. We ended up buying a paper pass from the kioski and using the app to find routes but it was certainly less convenient and I was afraid I was going to lose my 50eu pass that I had to scan vs just having the app on my phone. It still is fantastic for finding your way around Helsinki however. **Developer response:** Hi. Thank you for your feedback. I apologize for the poor experience with HSL app. We have added a new registration flow for various reasons since 2022. However it has turned out that SMS verification to some foreign operators including US numbers fails. There is a workaround by re-installing the app and after onboarding views one can choose the lowest option "proceed as a guest". This way HSL ID account is not created and no SMS verification is required. Single tickets and 1-3 day passes are available with this "guest mode". We are looking for solution for this SMS verification issue but unfortunately there is no short term fix available. I sincerely hope we can improve before your next visit. Kind regards, Joona/HSL ### 2/5 — Doesn’t accept USA phone number for account creation and now can’t buy tickets in app *2025-08-28* After my friends 3 day pass was deleted after trying to buy a BC zone single ticket I screenshot my ticket, sent myself receipts, and then tried to create an account in hopes that my 3 day pass won’t disappear like my friends did. My USA number never received a phone verification number so now I can’t buy any additional tickets. While my friend was at a HSL service desk trying to fix the deleted 3 day pass issue I asked how am I supposed to buy tickets now. The service agent said to not touch anything such as logging out (which I can’t even do since it is greyed out) or attempt to delete the account or try to sign in. He said to not touch anything so I guess I will just pray that my remaining 2 days don’t disappear and will have to buy single tickets on board. Otherwise the app is great but the devs and QA and product team have a lot of work to do here to make this 5 stars. **Developer response:** Hi. Thank you for your feedback. I apologize for the issue with tickets and account creation. We have problems delivering verification SMS to some foreign operators including US numbers and there is no short term solution available. The guest mode in app was designed as a workaround to help visitors for buying single or daily tickets. The actual HSL ID account is required for permanent residents purchasing season tickets (and Citybike usage). I agree there is a lot to improve and we aim for frequent release cycle in order to fix known errors and bring more new features in. Kind regards, Joona/HSL ### 1/5 — Impossible to purchase a ticket for someone with an international phone number *2025-08-20, version 6.9.0* The app requires me to confirm my phone number via an SMS code, but then I never receive the SMS code. Considering that they warn about the high fines for riding without a ticket, you’d think they’d make it possible for people to purchase them! ### 1/5 — Works only with WiFi *2025-08-17* If wifi is available, the app works very well. Without wifi you have no chance to register, enter a route or buy a ticket! Despite 5G!!! Absolutely inadequate when you're out and about in the city. **Developer response:** Hi. Thank you for your feedback. We have times when service level to foreign operators is reduced but we are taking measures to avoid this. I apologize for the inconvenience caused. Kind regards, Joona/HS ### 1/5 — Garbage app *2025-08-16, version 6.9.0* Can’t verify US phone number. Tried two different US numbers and still didn’t receive confirmation code. The app blocks you from purchasing any ticket if your phone number isn’t verified. ### 1/5 — Not for Ulkomaalainen *2025-08-13* Ticketkauf funktioniert nur mit finnischem wlan ### 1/5 — No verification code for US numbers *2025-08-12, version 6.9.0* I would like to use the bike share system in Helsinki but I can’t register because I have a US number ### 1/5 — No use for me *2025-08-12, version 6.9.0* I live in the U.K. and Ive always been able to use my U.K. debit cards to purchase tickets. Not any more! The payment kept failing even though I had approved them in my banking app. Luckily I was able to use a Finnish friends card instead, otherwise we would have been stuck! ### 1/5 — No Customer Service *2025-08-03, version 6.9.0* Apparently other users have also pointed out that the app won't validate US mobile numbers even though it provides +1 as a country code option. I have now submitted a complaint three times and received zero responses despite requesting one. This creates two problems: without an actual account you can't use the wonderful CityBikes that are all over town. I brought 20 Americans to Helsinki this summer and most planned to use the bikes, but were unable to do so. Second, if you try to create an account but it fails to send a validation text, then you can't even use it to buy transit tickets! You have to uninstall and reinstall and then be sure to only use it in guest mode. This seems like such an unnecessary bug in the app for such a tech savvy country, but I am learning that many Finnish services are only developed with Finns who live in Finland in mind. ### 1/5 — Not for visitors from the US *2025-07-18, version 6.9.0* The app uses your phone number for verification. While it allows entering US phone numbers I never received the verification SMS. Disappointing. ### 1/5 — Only for domestic use *2025-07-01, version 6.9.0* Probably great if you have Finnish phone number but waste of time with a foreign phone number. You won’t be able to verify you cell number and the app won’t allow you to use any nice features without a verified number. ### 1/5 — SMS requirment *2025-06-24, version 6.9.0* SMS is outdated technology and codes persistently fail to send blocking major functionality ### 1/5 — Bad mechanism *2025-06-21, version 6.9.0* Doesn’t let you buy most tickets without having an account, so i created one, but it wanted me to phone number verified, yet the verification code never sent to my phone. Triple checked the number I gave was correct and tried multiple times. Practically useless. ### 1/5 — Bike share impossible for foreign numbers. *2025-06-20* Foreign phone number - which is an option in the app!- could not receive verification after repeated tries and no warning or error message. Reading reviews suggests there is a workaround for guest account but I want to use the bike share which cannot be done without an account. I guess foreigners are not permitted to use the bike share. ### 1/5 — Flawed *2025-06-15, version 6.9.0* App requires a phone # to be verified but I have not received a text with a verification code after several attempts. They should allow a verified email to be sufficient if their system is not consistent with international phone numbers. ### 1/5 — Do not download if American *2025-06-15, version 6.9.0* This app is worthless if you’re from America. They have no way to validate your account with your mobile number. Rent from somewhere else. We wasted hours! ## Most critical reviews (10 lowest-rated) ### 1/5 — Umständlich *2026-08-20* Irre was man da alles an Daten angeben muss. Und ihr wollt modern und „easy“ sein? Zudem Wucherpreise und lange Fahrzeiten. Wir sind dann mit dem Auto gefahren. Euren ÖPNV könnt ihr alleine nutzen. Wir waren schon in Moskau, Istanbul und anderen Großstädten. Da geht das einfach. Hier in Helsinki nicht. Na dann bleibt es eben. **Developer response:** Hi. Thank you for your feedback. I apologize for the poor experience with HSL app. We do have a straightforward option without registration: after new app installation please choose "Proceed as a guest" and this way HSL ID account is not created and no contact details verification is required either. You can still buy 1-3 days or single tickets with this guest mode and journey planner works as usual. Kind regards, Joona/HSL ### 1/5 — Fix the bug *2026-07-14* I just ran into the same bug as another user. I tried to buy tickets for me and my kids, I was running into a payment failed message. So I went to create an account wondering if it would work that way. Instead, because foreign phone number verification doesn’t work (it never sends a text) I am now stuck on the page that says “verify your phone number.” So totally stuck and now going to need to take an Uber to the theme park. What a bummer for tourists. **Developer response:** Hi. Thank you for your feedback. I apologize for the issue with registration. We still have problems delivering the verification SMS to some foreign operators. The workaround is to delete app and after fresh install please select the "proceed as a guest" option. This way HSL ID is not created and no phone number verification is required. Single tickets and daily tickets can be bought with this guest mode. Kind regards, Joona/HSL ### 1/5 — Doesn’t work *2026-04-29* To purchase monthly or package tickets you need to create an account. To create an account it sends you an sms to verify your phone number. FOREIGN PHONE NUMBERS WON’T WORK. Once you attempted to create an account, the app is locked and you can’t even purchase a single ticket as a guest. You need to delete the app and download it again. Contacting support from the app doesn’t work. Search sales locations that sell physical cards ( at $5!) doesn’t work. Didn’t expect that from a major European capital city **Developer response:** Hi. Thank you for your feedback. I apologize for the issue with registration. We do have problems with SMS verification to some foreign operators, especially US based ones. The workaround for season tickets is a physical HSL card you can purchase from a service point at Tripla, Pasila. The price category will vary depending on whether you are a permanent resident with a Finnish ID number. Our customer support can help with the best available options if you have a moment to contact them via phone: +358 9 4766 4000. Kind regards, Joona/HSL ### 1/5 — None existent *2026-04-25, version 7.1.0* Downloaded the app and cannot even get a verification code sent to my phone. ### 1/5 — SMS Verification *2025-12-27, version 6.13.0* Cannot receive verification code to purchase a ticket ### 1/5 — Rubbish for tourists *2025-12-20, version 6.13.0* Do not log out of you are not from Finland you will not be able to authenticate and retrieve your tickets. This app is a nightmare. ### 1/5 — Worst experience *2025-12-16* My ticket magically disappeared while it was scanned. I had proof that i paid for the ticket but the ticket was absolutely nowhere to be found. This has left me with a penalty fine, even though I had purchased the correct ticket. I am beyond angry **Developer response:** Hi. Thank you for your feedback. I would recommend filing an appeal in this case. You can find instructions on the penalty fare. Kind regards, Joona/HSL ### 1/5 — Frustrated *2025-12-04, version 6.13.0* How such a great transport system can have such an utterly useless app is beyond me. This is beyond a joke. ### 1/5 — If I could give it no stars I would *2025-11-16, version 6.13.0* The app will not download and start. Just crashes. I have no issues with other apps just this one. Been trying for a couple of days as I am going to Finland for business. ### 1/5 — Very poor functionality *2025-11-03, version 6.12.0* After the latest update the app no longer displays maps properly. You get a blank background which is completely unhelpful. Also the ability to buy tickets using mobile payment has gone. This is not a good way to promote travel to Helsinki by other EU citizens and foreign tourists. Perhaps Helsinki doesn't need or want any visitors and the revenue they contribute to its economy? ## Most praised reviews (10 highest-rated) ### 5/5 — Harkitse viron lisäämistä *2025-03-04, version 6.6.1* Hyvä sovellus. Haluaisin, että viro lisätään kieleksi. ### 5/5 — An application showcase for quality *2023-12-18* Visiting Helsinki lately that application really helped me finding the best transportation options. As a software developer myself I will use it to show customers what a really well thought application should be. This one reaches a 10/10 in my scale. It's prefect and easy to use. End users were in mind when they developed it, not engineers. Bravo. It's rare enough to be mentioned. ### 5/5 — Good *2023-07-17* Good for travelers **Developer response:** Hi, and thank you for the positive review! We aim to constantly improve our app with frequent releases including minor fixes and new features. We are having a little summer break at the moment, but we'll get back to it again in the fall. Have a nice summer! Best regards, Donna/HSL ### 5/5 — Perfect for Helsinki Tourist Trip *2023-03-07* Easy to use and just in Time ### 5/5 — Excellent App *2022-08-16, version 4.4.1* Absolutely well designed and well-functioning. ### 5/5 — Very helpful *2022-08-14* Makes travelling very easy in Helsinki ### 5/5 — Out of town user *2021-10-17, version 3.7.1* Great app; great transportation system. Easy to use; and applies technology well. ### 5/5 — Easy *2020-10-07* This app is so easy all you have to do is press a few buttons and you can go on the bus! ### 5/5 — Palaute *2020-09-03, version 2.8.1* Paikallisliikenne sujuu mainiosti. Arvostan kovasti. Kertalippu keskustassa on turhan kallis, 70+ hinta on hieno juttu. Aikarajoitus voisi olla edes vähän pidempi! ### 5/5 — Best public transport app *2020-05-08, version 2.7.0* Great experience, nice UI. Having been to multiple cities and attempt to use their apps, the HSL app is leaps and bounds ahead of other cities. This is one of the best and easiest experiences for buying a ticket, getting route information. Based on the route it will also let you select to buy the ticket and automatically set the ticket to activate at the time the transport should arrive. Citizens and legal residents can also buy their season ticket which links with NetID. If you visit Helsinki the HSL app is much better informed and aware of alternative routes in comparison to Google maps. Also names are in Finnish in the app Google defaults to Swedish and has caused some confusion to me before. Thanks for all the hard work. Keep it up. --- *Data collected daily from the US App Store and indexed by [AppsHunter](https://appshunter.io/). User reviews are verbatim App Store reviews. Ratings, prices and chart positions refresh continuously; this snapshot is from 2026-09-03.*