Frequently asked questions about the Espoo Rail Line

The Espoo Rail Line is a joint project of Espoo, Kauniainen and the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency to build two additional tracks between Leppävaara and Kauklahti. Once completed, commuter train traffic will be less vulnerable to disruptions and commuter trains can run more frequently. The project will also promote emission-free, network-like mobility between the five urban centres in Espoo.

The construction phase started as planned in January 2024. The project is expected to be completed in 2029.

Project phases

• General plans 2002–2011
• Railway plan 2012–2014
• Construction plan 2021–2023
• Construction phase 2024–2029

After the completion of the Espoo Rail Line project, capacity will be freed up on the long-distance tracks. Commuter trains can run more frequently, and more frequent commuter train services can run all the way to Kauklahti. Railway traffic will also be less vulnerable to disruptions, as long-distance and commuter trains will be running on different tracks. Modern stations and underpasses will make travel easier and expand the commuting area. Improved transport services will attract new residents and businesses, promoting economic growth and local development. Increased transport capacity will enable the creation of new residential and workplace areas, which will support Espoo’s growth.

Rantaradanbaana is the City of Espoo’s separate project carried out in connection with the Espoo Rail Line project. Its aim is to develop the cycling and pedestrian route between Leppävaara and Kauklahti. The project includes building new underpasses and overpasses for cyclists and pedestrians. Rantaradanbaana is part of Espoo’s cycling route network.

Rail traffic will be disrupted several times during the construction phase. The most significant disruptions will take place during the five weeks following Midsummer. There will also be a few weekend-long disruptions annually in spring and autumn. Information on train service disruptions is available on the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency’s website(external link, opens in a new window).

The project will mainly produce normal construction noise that is no different from the normal noise level in an urban environment. However, some construction activities will produce loud noise. Work that generates noise will be carried out within the limits permitted by the noise permit. Construction work may also produce dust near the construction site. The amount of dust is controlled by using street sweepers and by watering the roads and crushed rock loads.

The Espoo Rail Line will improve the efficiency of railway traffic and promote mobility in the entire area. The project will bring changes to the landscape and generate noise and vibration, especially near the rail line. Harmful effects will be reduced through technical solutions and noise barriers to ensure that people’s daily lives are affected as little as possible. The project will also improve pedestrian and cycling routes and the accessibility of the areas. Improved and more frequent train services will reduce the need to use private cars.

By 2040, there will be 8,000 new jobs and 23,000 new residents within a one-kilometre radius of the stations along the Espoo Rail Line. The accessibility of services will improve as rail traffic becomes more reliable and less vulnerable to disruptions.

The areas around the stations along the Espoo Rail Line will be developed by improving their connections, park-and-ride facilities and accessibility. The lighting, signage and passenger information systems at the stations and on the platforms will also be replaced. Read more about the changes under Stations.

You can explore the planned appearance of the Espoo Rail Line and Rantaradanbaana through a 3D model(external link, opens in a new window). It shows what the different areas will look like and the changes in the environment.

The total cost of the Espoo Rail Line project is approximately EUR 330 million. Half of the costs will be covered by the state and half by the cities of Espoo and Kauniainen. The project has received EUR 11 million in EU funding for construction planning. The total cost includes related projects carried out by the cities and their partners, such as Rantaradanbaana.

The construction of the Espoo Rail Line started in January 2024. The construction work has been divided into four area contracts and an excavation contract. Area contract 1 covers the section between Leppävaara and Kera, area contract 2 focuses on Kauniainen, area contract 3 covers the section between Koivuhovi and Espoon keskus, and area contract 4 covers the section from Espoon keskus to Kauklahti. Excavation work takes place in the vicinity of the Kaupunginkallio residential area.

Phases of the Espoo Rail Line project:

• General plans 2002–2011
• Railway plan 2012–2014
• Construction plan 2021–2023
• Construction phase 2024–2029

Yes, it is safe to move around near the construction site as long as you are cautious and aware of your surroundings.

Here are some safety tips:

• Always follow traffic rules and any traffic signs in the area.
• Avoid using your phone to stay aware of your surroundings.
• Do not enter a construction site or the track area.
• Safety is created through common rules and compliance with them. Read more about safety on the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency’s website:
  • Why you should keep away from train tracks(external link, opens in a new window)

If your feedback concerns the construction of the Espoo Rail Line and the construction sites, for example noise or dust, please contact the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency

through the form at the bottom of this page(external link, opens in a new window).

If your feedback concerns communications related to the Espoo Rail Line project, you can contact the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency by email at

• espoonkaupunkirata-pbcw@bcw-global.com

If your feedback concerns land use planning or a related project in Espoo, such as Rantaradanbaana, please contact

• the City of Espoo’s customer service.

If your feedback concerns land use planning or a related project in Kauniainen, such as Rantaradanbaana, please contact the City of Kauniainen’s contact person,

• Anna Ahtila, firstname.lastname@kauniainen.fi

If your feedback concerns public transport services, please contact

• HSL customer service(external link, opens in a new window).

If your feedback concerns the displays or announcement systems at the stations, please contact

• the feedback channel of the Traffic Customer Service(external link, opens in a new window).

Information on the project is available on the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency’s website(external link, opens in a new window), on the project’s Facebook page(external link, opens in a new window) and in the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency’s monthly newsletter(external link, opens in a new window).

You can find pictures in the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency’s Flickr album(external link, opens in a new window).

Various abbreviations are used in connection with the Espoo Rail Line project. Here is a list of the most important abbreviations:

• Area contracts 1–4 (AU1–AU4) cover the rail line from Leppävaara to Kauklahti:
  • AU1: Leppävaara–Kera
    • AU2: Kauniainen
    • AU3: Koivuhovi–Espoon keskus
    • AU4: Espoon keskus–Kauklahti
  • LOU – Excavation contract, a separate contract for the construction of a tunnel and rock excavation along the rail line in Kaupunginkallio

ESA-rata – Espoo–Salo direct rail line, a new planned rail link from Lohja to Espoo