Finland By Train
Nature lovers will find paradise when traveling by train in Finland. Vast expanses of unspoiled natural scenery, including forests, lakes, and islands, are interrupted only by breathtaking towns and exciting cities, like the capital, Helsinki. Travel all the way north to Kolari, well beyond the Arctic Circle, to try and get a glimpse of the magnificent Northern Lights.
Train types in Finland
The passenger railway network of Finland is run by VR. Finnish trains are modern and have a range of facilities. You can use the Eurail timetable to check times for trains in Finland.
- Route map
- Domestic trains
- Domestic high-speed
- Night trains
Regional and intercity trains
Express train
Interregional trains that cover long distances in southern Finland.
All trains include power outlets, a restaurant car and services for disabled passengers.
No reservations required.
InterCity (IC)
Trains between cities and popular regions.
All trains include power outlets, food trolleys or a restaurant car, services for disabled passengers, space for skiing equipment or prams, family compartments and seats for passengers with allergies.
Reservations are recommended. Make sure to check the timetable.
Please note that your Interrail Pass is not valid on TrainBus connections and that these buses are not used as train replacements
High-speed trains
Pendolino
High speed trains operate between major cities, on the following routes:
- Helsinki – Tampere – Vaasa
- Helsinki – Tampere – Kokkola
- Helsinki – Tampere – Oulu
- Helsinki – Tampere – Jyväskylä - Pieksämäki
- Helsinki – Lahti – Kouvola – Kuopio – Kajaani – Oulu
- Helsinki – Lahti – Kouvola - Joensuu
- Helsinki – Tampere - Oulu
All trains include power outlets, WiFi, a restaurant car, services for disabled passengers and seats for passengers with allergies.
Reservations are recommended.
Night trains in Finland
There are several overnight options that can take you throughout the whole of Finland, branded as Santa Claus Express. Night trains have sleeping carriages and a restaurant car. Reservations are required.
- Helsinki – Rovaniemi
- Helsinki - Kemijärvi
- Helsinki - Kolari
- Turku – Rovaniemi
Popular connections
- Domestic routes
- International ferry routes
Route | Travel time |
---|---|
Helsinki to Tampere | 1h 30m |
Helsinki to Turku | 2h |
Tampere to Turku | 1h 45m |
Helsinki to Oulu | 6h / 9h (overnight) |
Helsinki to Rovaniemi | 8h 20m / 11h 50m (overnight) |
There are no direct train connections between Finland and neighbouring countries, but there are international ferry connections to Germany, Sweden and Estonia.
With your Eurail Pass you get discounts on ferry routes operated by Finnlines Ferries, Tallink Silja Lines, and Viking Lines:
Helsinki to Stockholm (Sweden)
Helsinki to Tallinn (Estonia)
Helsinki to Travemünde (Lübeck, Germany).
Turku to Stockholm (Sweden)
Reservations
How can I make reservations for trains in Finland?
Not possible through Eurail reservation self-service system
Calling VR (Finnish railways) call center:
- +35 8 9 2319 2902 (open daily 7.00 - 22.00 local time)
- VR is the national railway company of Finland and has English speaking staff. You can pay for your reservations over the phone (by credit card) and collect them at ticket machines at Finnish railway stations. You will receive a booking code by email. Reservations cannot be delivered to your address. The VR call center can also be reached with Skype. This call center can make reservations for Finnish high-speed and night trains.
Locally at the train station
Reservation costs for trains in Finland
Intercity and Pendolino trains
- Reservations are recommended for these trains
- Seat reservations at VR cost 25% of a full fare ticket.
- All prices are subject to availability and vary per route:
- Seat: €2,70 – €23,30
Sleeper trains (Santa Claus Express)
- Reservations are compulsory for these trains
- VR currently only sells sleeper cabins as a whole and not as separate beds.
- Night train reservations at VR cost 50% of a full fare ticket.
- All prices are subject to availability and vary per route:
- Seat: €5 – €32,70
- Double sleeper cabin: €39 – €150
- Deluxe double sleeper cabin with private bathroom: €39 – €160
It is recommended to book early, especially when you want to travel during winter-high season. This way, you will save on reservation costs.
Get your Pass for Finland
Finland Pass
Use your whole vacation to travel throughout Finland by rail.
Standard prices from $ 131
Global Pass
Be free to explore Finland and up to 32 other Eurail countries.
Standard prices from $ 233
Scandinavia Pass
Travel by train throughout Finland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.
Standard prices from $ 207
Tips and tricks for Finland
Eurail aid office in Finland
For questions about Eurail, visit the international ticket office at Helsinki station. It is open Monday to Friday, 10.00 - 17.00.
See more Eurail aid offices in Europe
Airport - station link
Commuter trains I and P provide frequent connections from Helsinki airport (Helsinki Lentoasema) to Helsinki City. Since these trains are operated by VR, your Eurail pass is valid on this journey.
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