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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.

Most trains in Finland offer bike transportation. Some trains have special bike compartments. You need to buy a ticket in advance and, in the commuter traffic in the Helsinki metropolitan area, travel outside peak hours (7:00-9:00 and 15:00-18.00). Advance booking for bicycles is required on InterCity trains.
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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, WLAN, 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

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

Which trains in Finland require reservations?

You need to reserve a seat or sleeping accommodation for the following trains in Finland:

  • Night trains: reservations are recommended on IC and the Pendolino.

How can I make reservations for trains in Finland?

  • In person: At a ticket office in Finnish train stations.

  • By phone: Through the VR Customer Service.

What can I expect when calling VR?

  1. Call VR on +35 89 2319 2902 (Opening hours: 7:00-22.00; local time).

  2. VR has English-speaking staff.

  3. You can pay for your reservations over the phone (by credit card).

  4. You'll receive your ticket in your email.

 

Read more about reservations

 

Get your Pass for Finland

Finland Pass

 

Use your whole vacation to travel throughout Finland by rail.

 

Standard prices from $ 120

Global Pass

 

Be free to explore Finland and up to 32 other Eurail countries.


Standard prices from $ 211

Scandinavia Pass

 

Travel by train throughout Finland, Denmark, Sweden, and Norway.

 

Standard prices from $ 190

 

Tips and tricks for Finland

Quick facts

  • Capital: Helsinki

  • Population: 5.4 million

  • Language: Finnish & Swedish

  • Currency: Euro (EUR)

  • Dialing code: +358

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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