Traffic arrangements during the event

Welcome to a unique and international summer event!

The Tall Ships Races Helsinki event will take place this summer from July 4th to July 7th, 2024. The event area includes Kauppatori, Katajanokka, Eteläsatama, Kanavaranta, and Pohjoisranta. Construction for the event will begin on July 1st, and the teardown will be completed by July 9th.

CHANGES TO TRAFFIC ARRANGEMENTS FROM JULY 1ST TO JULY 8TH, 2024

The event will cause changes to traffic arrangements. Below are the changes detailed by area.

  1. Katajanokanlaituri, Eteläesplanadi, and Tove Jansson Park
  • The street area in front of Katajanokanlaituri 2 is reserved for the event and will become part of the public area. Parking bans and relocation notices will be in effect from July 1st. The bike path at Katajanokanlaituri 3 will be rerouted to the vehicle road, taking up the width of the parking spaces.
  • Bus parking spaces in the Katajanokanlaituri 2 area will be temporarily moved to Senaatintori, which will have short-term parking signs for buses.
  • Turning from Pohjoisesplanadi to Katajanokanlaituri will be prohibited. Driving from Katajanokanlaituri away from Katajanokka and turning onto Pohjoisesplanadi will be allowed.
  • The parking lot at Tulli- ja Pakkahuone will be reserved as a service area for the event, and the area will be cordoned off with a relocation notice.
  • From Satamakatu at the dog park in Tove Jansson Park, the southbound turning lane onto Kanavakatu for vehicle traffic will be removed. Turning will be done from the straight-ahead lane. The turning lane will become a pedestrian area, expanding the walkway for event attendees.
  • These arrangements will be installed from 7:00 AM on July 3rd. The arrangements will be dismantled starting at 7:00 AM on July 8th. The arrangements at Katajanokanlaituri 2 will be dismantled starting at 7:00 AM on July 9th.
  • Traffic controllers will oversee traffic at the intersections of Katajanokanlaituri and Satamakatu, as well as Pohjoisesplanadi and Katajanokanlaituri, during the event from July 4th-6th between 10:30 AM and 11:00 PM, and on July 7th between 10:30 AM and 4:00 PM.

    2. Kanavaranta, Meritullintori, and Pohjoisranta
  • The road at Kanavaranta between addresses 1-5 will be designated as the event area and pedestrian walkway, and vehicle traffic will be prohibited except for loading and access to properties. Traffic at both ends of Kanavaranta will be monitored by traffic controllers and restricted with barriers if necessary.
  • The arrangements will be constructed starting at 7:00 AM on July 3rd and dismantled starting at 7:00 AM on July 8th.

OTHER NOTES RELATED TO THE EVENT

  • There will be congestion and heavy traffic in the area during the event.
  • Driving in the event area is prohibited. Service vehicles are allowed in the area until 10:00 AM in the morning and after 11:00 PM in the evening.
  • A map of the event area can be found on the event’s website.
  • Sound systems will be tested sporadically on July 3rd between 6:00 PM and 10:00 PM, and on July 4th-7th between 9:00 AM and 12:00 PM.
  • During the event’s opening hours, there will be programs using sound systems. Opening hours are July 4th-6th from 11:00 AM to 10:00 PM, and July 7th from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
  • During the Opening Ceremony on July 4th around noon, the ships will ring their bells simultaneously, causing loud noise.
  • As per tradition, some arriving ships may fire a 21-gun salute. If this is done, it will be in the morning of July 4th. More information can be found on the event’s website.
  • There will be congestion in the sea area with arriving ships being maneuvered by tugboats. Those traveling by sea should be prepared for congestion and, if possible, avoid traveling during peak times on July 3rd-4th and July 7th. More information can be found on the event’s website.
  • The Vironal pool will be out of use during the event.

City Bikes and Scooters in the TSR Area

The event will cause some changes to parking and driving arrangements in the event area. The arrangements will be in effect from Thursday morning, July 4th, until Sunday evening, July 7th.

City Bikes

  • The parking station south of the Old Market Hall (No. 074) will be closed.

Scooters

  • The parking area opposite the Palace Hotel by the Vironallas edge will be closed and replaced by a larger area to be opened south of the hall.
  • The parking area on the seaside of the Old Market Hall will be closed and replaced by a larger area to be opened south of the hall.
  • The parking area in the middle of the Market Square at the intersection of Helenankatu will be enlarged from its normal size.
  • The parking area behind the Ferris wheel in Katajanokka will be closed and replaced by a larger area to be opened on the opposite side of the street.
  • The parking area at the location of Restaurant Nokka on Katajanokanranta will be moved a few meters towards Katajanokka Casino.
  • The parking area at the beginning of Pohjoisranta will be moved a few meters towards the city center.
  • All event areas are no-driving zones.
  • All public transition areas are slow-driving zones.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION