The expansion of Espoo’s metro line generated widespread interest across the Helsinki region. The attention is not only due to the technical achievement or architectural ambition of the Länsimetro project, but also because of the neighbourhoods it now connects. The new stations — Kivenlahti, Espoonlahti, Soukka, Kaitaa and Finnoo —serve as gateways to a more unified and modern Espoo. Each area brings a distinct identity to the HSL metro network, creating a route that reflects the city’s diverse urban character.
At the beginning of summer 2023, I visited all the five new metro stations to see what they look like in person and filmed a short video of each one, so that you can explore them as well.
A New Way to Explore Espoo
For residents of the Helsinki metropolitan area, the new metro extension opens up fresh possibilities for exploring Espoo. I realised this myself when visiting Pentala Island: once Soukka’s station opened, reaching the archipelago boat connection became much easier.
Some locals still feel that the metro hasn’t improved their daily commute and that bus routes in Espoo have been reduced. Since I’m not familiar with every detail, I can’t comment further — but at least those residents still have their cars and parking spaces available.
Tickets for the Espoo Metro – What Do You Need?
To travel to the new metro stations, you’ll need an HSL ticket covering Zone C. Kivenlahti, the western end of the metro line, is located in southwestern Espoo. Traditionally a residential and seaside district, Kivenlahti has long been known for its natural landscapes. The new station is expected to boost local businesses and improve access to the rest of Espoo and Helsinki. Of all five stations, Kivenlahti metro station was visually the most impressive.
Espoonlahti – A Coastal Centre on the Rise
Espoonlahti is a lively seaside district with a major shopping centre and a wide range of services. The new metro station acts as a catalyst for ongoing development. It strengthens connections within the district and provides a quick, easy route to central Helsinki.
You might also enjoy my earlier article on the top 10 tourist attractions in Helsinki.
Soukka – Suburban Charm Meets Better Connectivity
Located in southern Espoo, Soukka is known for its peaceful suburban atmosphere with both apartment buildings and family homes. The Soukka metro station is expected to attract new businesses and enhance everyday mobility. The Espoo archipelago boat, which operates in summer, is only a pleasant walk from the station—making Soukka a surprisingly convenient starting point for island trips.
Kaitaa – A Balance Between Nature and Urban Living
Kaitaa has long been popular among those seeking a mix of nature and easy city access, being only about 30 minutes from Helsinki by public transport. The new metro station strengthens this balance and supports future development, including new housing projects. The second station in the area is Finnoo.
Kaitaa also features what I consider the most beautiful escalators in the entire HSL metro network. Natural sunlight pours down the steps toward the platform, creating a striking visual effect. You can see this moment captured in my video.
Finnoo – A Vision of Sustainable Coastal Living
Finnoo is one of Espoo’s most future-oriented districts. Known for its ambitious “marine Finnoo” development concept, the area highlights ecological living, sustainability and green urban planning. The new Finnoo metro station is a transit point also representing the district’s vision of becoming a model for sustainable city living. Its maritime-inspired station design reinforces that identity.
What the New Stations Mean for Espoo
The opening of the Kivenlahti, Espoonlahti, Soukka, Kaitaa and Finnoo stations demonstrates a thoughtful approach to city planning — one that responds to each district’s needs and strengthens Espoo’s east-west connectivity. For many visitors, the biggest draw will still be nature. And if you ask me why I would travel to Espoo’s Zone C, the answer is simple: the natural landscapes.
In the videos I filmed, the new metro stations shine with freshness and elegance. Compared to Helsinki’s older and darker metro stations, the Espoo stations look modern, artistic and undeniably high-end. But after realising that passengers in Espoo travel entirely underground with no daylight or glimpses of greenery, I also understood that the East Helsinki commuters might have the better view. They get sunsets entering Kulosaari, sunrises arriving in Vuosaari, and even dramatic snowstorms where the snow swirls from every direction as you glide past in a warm metro car.
Just don’t remind me that after 5 p.m. in the darkest winter months in Finland, it is just as dark outside the metro as it is in the metro tunnel.
Read this article in Finnish:
https://indivue.fi/2023/08/30/nae-espoon-uudet-metroasemat-nyt-videoina
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