The visit will cause traffic changes in the Helsinki city center.
President Joe Biden of the United States will visit Helsinki on Thursday, July 13, 2023, at the invitation of President Sauli Niinistö. The meeting will take place in the Presidential Palace. The visit will cause traffic changes in the Helsinki city center.
Traffic around Kauppatori Square will be subject to the following exceptions on July 13:
- Pohjoisesplanadi will be closed between Sofiankatu and Päävartiontori.
- From Pohjoisranta, you can reach the city center on foot and by bicycle via Aleksanterinkatu-Unioninkatu.
- From Pohjoisrant, you can reach the city center by car via Aleksanterinkatu and from there to southern Helsinki and the Olympic Terminal via Unioninkatu.
- Access to Katajanokka is closed via Mariankatu and Päävartiontori. Access to Katajanokka and the Katajanokka terminal is via Pohjoisranta directly to Kanavakatu.
- From Eteläesplanadi, Eteläranta and the Olympic Terminal, access to Nordranta is via Fabianinkatu-Aleksanterinkatu.
- Passenger cars going to the Olympic Terminal are recommended to use Tehtaankatu.
- Heavy vehicle traffic arriving at the Olympic Terminal is directed via Pohjoisesplanadi-Lönnrotinkatu-Hietalahdenkatu-Hietalahdenranta.
- Traffic on Eteläesplanade will continue as normal.
- Sections closed to pedestrians, cyclists and cars, as well as alternative routes, are indicated on the attached maps.
There will be several convoys in the capital region before, during and after the meeting.
The convoys will cause a few interruptions of around 40 minutes, especially in the center of Helsinki. Unfortunately, the exact times of the disruptions cannot be given in advance.
The police will be conducting aerial operations during the visit, which may cause some noise disturbance.
There will be changes to water traffic and aviation on July 13
The Market Square will be completely closed from 07:00 on July 13.
The Suomenlinna ferry service will be operated from the pier of the Suomenlinna service platform departing from Katajanokka. The Kauppatori water bus and cruise piers will be out of service on July 13.
Private water traffic to the South Harbour is blocked. Cruise traffic from the Olympic Terminal and Katajanokka Terminal to Tallinn and Stockholm is not affected. Water traffic is prohibited in the strait between Päävartio and Katajanokka.
Passengers arriving at Katajanokka Terminal and Olympic Terminal are advised to allow an extra hour for their journey.
Aviation will also be restricted for the duration of the meeting. A temporary restricted area will be in force from 09:00 in the morning to 21:00 on July 12 until 21:00 on July 14, according to current information.
There may be traffic delays on public transport routes
Tram services will run normally, but there may be exceptions between services. Information on public transport exceptions is available at hsl.fi.
Those using public transport should note that there may be traffic delays of up to 40 minutes on or around the routes.
Driving in the city center should be avoided due to the traffic arrangements and possible disruptions. If it is necessary to travel by car in the city center, it is advisable to allow plenty of time for transfers.
“We ask for the understanding and solidarity of our citizens to ensure a dignified and safe visit. It is rare for Helsinki to have such exceptional traffic arrangements. The police will not unnecessarily block or delay traffic during the visit. We do everything we can to ensure that the city’s citizens can move around smoothly, both on weekdays and during the various summits and visits,” said Chief Inspector Dennis Pasterstein of the Helsinki Police Department in a statement.
