
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, 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
- 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
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?
Call VR on +35 89 2319 2902 (Opening hours: 7:00-22.00; local time).
VR has English-speaking staff.
You can pay for your reservations over the phone (by credit card).
You'll receive your ticket in your email.
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
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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