Finnish trains
Finnish trains : the most efficient and comfortable way to travel through Finland.
- Book up to 60 days in advance
- Regional trains
Overview
Finnish trains
Scandinavian style is known for being sleek and minimalistic, and traveling by train throughout Scandinavia follows suit : sleek trains, minimal stress.
Finnish trains are operated by VR, the national railway company of Finland. Trains operate on the extensive railway network to link major Finnish cities like Helsinki (the capital and main travel hub), Tampere (a popular city on the water), and Rovaniemi (also known as “Santa Claus Town”).
Most domestic Finnish trains operated by VR do not require a seat reservation, including the InterCity (IC) trains. However, if you want to be sure to have a seat, you can book a seat reservation in advance.
The high-speed Pendolino trains covering longer routes do require seat reservations – if you book a point to point ticket, the reservation is included in the ticket cost. If you’re traveling with a rail pass, you will need to book the additional seat reservation supplement.
When you’re in Finland, take a ride on the train and treat yourself to an authentic Scandinavian experience : sleek, simple, and stylish.
| Main routes | Travel time |
|---|---|
| Helsinki-Tampere | 1h30 |
| Tampere-Rovaniemi | 9h25 |
Practical information
Paper ticket
Receive your ticket directly to your address. Just take them with you and you are ready to travel. Shipping fees apply.
- Finnish trains tickets are open for booking 60 days ahead.
- Get the lowest prices by booking early and don’t wait until the last minute as cheaper seats sell the fastest.
- Opt for off-peak trains when you have to travel short notice. They are more affordable than morning and evening trains along with those running on holiday eves, Friday and Sunday afternoon.
A class apart
Classes of service
| Second class | First class | |
|---|---|---|
| Generous legroom Watch rolling landscapes pass with room to stretch your legs. | ||
| Spacious seats Make yourself at home as you journey from one city to the next in a comfy leather seat with headrest. | ||
| Reclining seats Make yourself at home as you journey from one city to the next in a comfy reclining seat. | ||
| Bar buffet car Choose from a variety of tasty snacks and beverages, for purchase, to enjoy on your journey. |
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FAQs
Common Questions, Simple Answers
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Q. How can I contact Rail Europe prior to my departure to Europe ?
A. Please send us a message from our Contact Us page and we will respond to you via email within 24 to 48 hours.
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Q. Do I need to reach the station in advance for check in before boarding the Eurostar ?
A. Yes. If you have chosen the Business Premier, you only need to get to the train station 10 minutes before departure. 30 minutes are required if you are travelling on Standard Premier or Standard. Passengers with ski materials or many luggages need to get to the station 30 minutes before departure.
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Q. Do ICE trains have a catering service ?
A. Yes. ICE trains have a Bordbistro and/or a Bordrestaurant. You have a variety of breakfast menus and main dishes. The menu often offers German and regional specialities which are freshly prepared. The Bordbistro has snacks and a wide selection of drinks. If you are travelling in First class on board ICE trains, you can have your meal delivered at your seat.
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Q. What is a Rail Pass month and how does it work ?
A. A Rail Pass month is based on a calendar month. If a Rail Pass validity begins on the 15th of a month, then its expiry date will be the 14th of the following month at midnight.
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Q. Which Rail Pass is perfect for me ?
A. The most adapted Rail Pass for you depends mostly on the number of days and the countries you want to travel. You click on the "search passes" menu for guidance. TrainTicket.com will help you find the best Rail Pass to meet you requirements.
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Q. What are the types of sleeping accomodations in overnight trains ?
A. There are single or double couchettes. Trains also have T3 (3 beds), T4 and deluxe sleepers. The sleeping accomodations may differ according to trains and routes.
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Q. What is the main difference between First class and Second class on the Spanish day trains ?
A. The Spanish day trains’ First class includes comfortable reclining seats, video and audio programs on major routes and food and beverages served at your seat by a friendly staff.
The Spanish day trains’ Second class includes spacious legroom, video and audio programs on major routes and food and beverages available at the bar-buffet car.
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Q. What are the classes of service which are offered on the Eurostar train ?
A. Three classes of service are offered on board the Eurostar : Business Premier, Standard Premier and Standard Class. Business Premier with Eurostar offers the following facilities : rapid check-in before departure (10 minutes), dedicated desk for check-in, access to Eurostar Executive lounge, spacious legroom, Wi-Fi Internet access, reserved coach for business passengers, newspapers and a 3-course meal which is served at your seat. As for the Eurostar Standard Premier, it comes with a 30-minute check-in, comfortable reclining seats with spacious legroom, newspapers and a cold meal served at your seat. Travelers opting for Standard Class are less expensive, however they are less spacious as there are more seats per car. Drinks and meals are available for purchase on the buffet car.
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Q. How do I change my login or password ?
A. If you want or need to change your login information for your Rail Europe account, log in with your current login information. Once logged in, please visit your dashboard where you will be able to edit your profile information.
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Q. What is the main difference between the types of sleeping accommodations on trains ?
A. - Single Sleeper has one bed, a water sink and towels. This compartment has a secure door, an electrical outlet and a luggage storage area. Note : Deluxe single accommodations come with a private restroom. They are offered on Talgo (France to Spain/Spain to Switzerland/Spain to Italy) overnight trains and Paris-Germany night trains.
- Double Sleeper has 2 beds, a water sink and towels. This compartment has a secure, an electrical outlet and a luggage storage area. Couples, families and travellers of the same sex can share a sleeper (sleeper must be full). Note : Deluxe double accommodations include a private restroom.
- T2 is a Second Class compartment with two beds.
- T3 compartment has 3 beds, a water sink and towels. This compartment has a secure door, an electrical outlet and a luggage storage area. Couples, families and travellers of the same sex can share a sleeper (all beds must be booked).
- T4 compartment has 4 beds, a water sink and towels. This compartment has a secure door, an electrical outlet and a luggage storage area. If cabins are gender specific, couples and families can only share a sleeper is all beds are booked.
- T6 (couchettes) is the most basic compartment on an overnight train. Couchettes have 6 beds and washrooms are at the end of each train car. These compartments are available in second-class only.