A trip from Helsinki to Vaasa is easy and affordable by bus. Finland’s buses are modern, comfortable and safe, with reclining seats and free power outlets.
A point-to-point journey planner is available on VR’s website, and allows you to enter your address and required arrival time. The results will show you the best route by bus, train or car.
Distance
Hundreds of long-distance trains run in Finland each day. They can be booked online, in many languages. The tickets are generally cheaper than air travel. The train system is fast, comfortable, and punctual. In addition, the trains have power outlets and WLAN. You can also choose to reserve a seat, although this is only possible with certain full-priced ticket types.
The main railway station in Helsinki is located in central Helsinki and is called Helsinki Central. It has 18 connections to other cities in Finland. In addition, a number of bus services operate in Helsinki. The most popular are the FlixBus network, which offers a wide range of services, including free Wi-Fi and entertainment systems.
Multiple daily ferries run between Helsinki and Stockholm, via the Aland Islands. They are operated by Tallink-Silja and Viking Line. There are also ferries from Turku and Naantali to Stockholm, and from Kapelskar to Umea.
Timetable
The train service between Helsinki and Vaasa is operated by the national railway company of Finland, VR. Trains run several times a day with an average journey time of 3h 53m. Commuter trains named K, R, and T usually run every ten minutes or so. Those marked as “night train” are trains that run only at night, and have more stops than the other commuter trains.
The nearest station to the city centre is Vaasa, Voyrinkatu (Finnish: Vaasan rautatieasema, Swedish: Vasa jarnvagsstation). Most trains arrive and depart from this station.
The long-distance and regional train service offers many connections to Sweden. There are also ferry routes from Helsinki and Turku to Stockholm, Kapellskar and Aland. Ferry companies include Tallink-Silja, Viking Line and Eckerolinjen. Tickets can be bought online or on the train from stations and long-distance trains, and in advance from ticket machines. Outside the Helsinki metropolitan area, tickets can be purchased on board with payment cards only.
Ticket prices
Ticket prices vary depending on the time of year. The best way to secure a cheap ticket is to book well in advance. During the high season, tickets are more expensive. The cheapest month to travel to Finland is November.
Long-distance trains in Finland operate on many routes and are generally fast, clean and comfortable. Intercity (IC in timetables) and Pendolino trains are a good choice for those who want to travel long distances. Most IC trains have an option to reserve seats for an additional fee. The newer tilting Pendolino trains are faster than traditional IC trains and can be reserved online.
In Helsinki, the South Harbour or Etelasatama ferry terminal is a short walk or tram ride from Helsinki Central Station. Both Viking Line and Tallink Silja serve this port. Ferries also travel between Vaasa, Finland and Ume
Commuter trains
Trains form the backbone of Helsinki inner-city public transport, with over 170,000 trips per day. Most trains run on a narrower 1000-mm gauge, while double-articulated trams are partly low-floor to accommodate wheelchairs and prams. Commuter trains use Stadler FLIRT electric multiple units, standardized in 20 countries worldwide. They are used in all commuter traffic and operate on a separate track from long-distance services.
Unlike bus routes, trains offer reservations and seat guarantees. The national railway operator VR also offers hundreds of intercity and overnight express trains, connecting nearly 200 rail stations in Finland.
The Commuter Trains run every 30 minutes to all destinations in the circle, and a night train runs every hour. Unless otherwise indicated, all services begin and terminate at Helsinki Central station. The final destination is indicated by a letter next to the service identifier. The most frequent westbound train is the A, while eastbound trains are identified by E or U. The A trains skip Tikkurila station and are the quickest services on the system.
