Unlike the hassle of the airport and long-distance bus, train travel from Helsinki to St Petersburg allows you to board right in the centre. The Allegro high-speed trains are quick, comfortable and far less expensive than a flight.
A more luxurious option is the Lev Tolstoy train which offers opulent interior design and sleeper berths. It departs two times per day.
Train
One of the best ways to travel from Helsinki to St Petersburg is to take a train. You can avoid the hassle of an airport, long bus rides and expensive flights, and enjoy a comfortable ride in style with the Allegro high-speed train. The journey from Helsinki to St Petersburg takes only 3 and a half hours, and you’ll arrive in the city centre ready for exploration.
The Allegro train is an electric tilting Pendolino train with 1st and 2nd class, plus a restaurant car. You can expect to pay between 40 and 130 euros for a train ticket. The price of a ticket includes a meal, newspapers and tea or coffee from a self-service station. Children’s seats, wheelchair spaces and conference rooms are also available.
In addition to a comfortable seat and meals, you’ll get a chance to relax and enjoy the scenery on your way to St Petersburg. There are a number of stops along the way, including Tikkurila, Lahti, Kouvola, Vainikkala and Vyborg. You can choose to stay in these cities or continue on to the Russian capital. The Lev Tolstoy train makes the trip in about 6.5 hours, while the faster Allegro only takes 3 and a half hours.
If you’re travelling to the Baltic States, it might be worth considering combining your tour with a trip to St Petersburg. This is an ideal way to save money on transportation costs and see more of these beautiful countries in one package. Many operators offer escorted tours of Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, as well as visiting St Petersburg. You can even add a visit to neighbouring Poland, if you want to explore the other side of the Baltic Sea.
Another option is to travel by ferry from Helsinki to St Petersburg. The St Peter Line Ferry sails twice a week, from the Helsinki West Terminal to St Petersburg Sea Port on Vasilievsky Island. There is a range of restaurants and bars, as well as a casino and cinema on board. The ferry is quite a bit more expensive than the train, but the convenience of having everything in one place may make it worth the extra cost.
Ferry
If you’re looking for an easy and quick way to get from Helsinki to St. Petersburg, you might want to consider taking a ferry. It will save you some time and money, plus it’s a fun experience! But keep in mind that you’ll also need to take a ferry back to Helsinki. You can book your tickets online at the Russian Railways website or contact us and we’ll help you out.
The ferry is a great option for those who don’t have or don’t want to get a visa. You can leave Helsinki by train, bus or a plane, but the ferry takes less than 3.5 hours. The ferries are modern and comfortable, with wifi, power outlets and plenty of space to work and relax.
There are a number of companies that offer ferries between Helsinki and St. Petersburg, but the most popular is St Peter Line’s Princess Anastasia. This ferry is a great choice because it allows visitors to visit Russia without having to apply for a visa ahead of time. The ferry departs from Helsinki twice a week on Thursday and Friday, and it completes a fortnightly loop around the Baltic Sea, stopping at Tallinn, Stockholm and Saint Petersburg.
Alternatively, you can take the train from Helsinki to Saint Petersburg, which is a faster and more convenient option. However, it can be more expensive than the ferry.
Another option is to travel by bus, which can be cheaper and more comfortable than the train. Buses run daily between Helsinki Kamppi bus station and Saint Petersburg Bus Terminal. However, the journey can be long and winding – the bus ride from Helsinki to Saint Petersburg will take up to 9 hours.
Lastly, you can fly between Helsinki and Saint Petersburg, but this is not recommended as it will take much more time than traveling by train or bus. In addition, you’ll have to deal with the hassle of getting to the airport and checking in for your flight. If you decide to fly, it is best to book your flights well in advance to avoid any delays or cancellations.
Bus
There are a number of ways to travel between Helsinki and St Petersburg, from sailing during the sunset of the White Nights to whizzing between the cities on high speed rail. The best option for you will depend on your preferences, but no matter which mode of transport you choose, you are guaranteed to be impressed by the spectacular natural landscapes and impressive man-made sights that you encounter along the way.
The Allegro high-speed train will take you from Helsinki to St Petersburg in around 3 hours, allowing plenty of time for you to enjoy a meal, catch up on your reading or simply watch the scenery flash by as you make your way through the beautiful Finnish countryside. This option is popular among European travellers and is a great choice for those looking to avoid the hassle of flying or taking a bus trip.
You can book tickets online, which means you can save both money and time, as well as avoiding the need to queue at the train station. You can also purchase e-tickets up to two months in advance, which gives you peace of mind that you’ll have a seat on the day you travel. In addition, it’s easy to book tours to Helsinki and St Petersburg as part of an escorted package tour that includes a train journey between the capitals.
Taking the ferry is another great option if you want to avoid the hassle of an airport, with departures from Helsinki’s West Terminal and St Peter Line operating several times per day. On board, you can enjoy a range of restaurants and bars, as well as a casino and cinema. Moby SPL, St Peter Line’s parent company, can also arrange a range of city tours and accommodation in St Petersburg for you.
Although it’s a little slower than the train, the ferry offers plenty of opportunities to relax and soak up the stunning views as you sail across the Gulf of Finland. Plus, with convenient evening departures, you can settle in for a peaceful night before enjoying a delicious breakfast on the morning of your arrival.
Flight
The flight from Helsinki to St Petersburg lasts around 1 h and 7 m and cost between 40 to 130 euros. It can be much cheaper if you travel with a group and opt for economy class tickets. There are a few different airlines that offer flights between these two cities including Finnair, Air France, and KLM Royal Dutch.
Alternatively, you could take a bus between the two cities. There are dozens of services available each day with varying prices and durations. On websites like Infobus, travellers can view a full timetable and find out which company is running each service. Prices generally range between $15 – $30 for coach and minibus tickets.
If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, there is also the option to travel by train between Helsinki and St Petersburg. The branded Lev Tolstoy train makes this trip once or twice a day and takes about 6.5 hours to complete the journey (it also travels on to Moscow). The Allegro high-speed train is more frequent in summer with between two and four trains making the trip each day.
Another option is to join a Baltic cruise from Vilnius or Tallinn and visit St Petersburg as part of your trip. This can be a very relaxing way to see the three Baltic states and is particularly popular during the summer months. The cruises are very comfortable and include dinner on board, and you can stay in St Petersburg for up to 3 days without a visa.
Flying between Helsinki and St Petersburg can be the quickest and most convenient option, with a wide choice of routes operated by reputable airlines. These include Lufthansa, Air France, Finnair, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and Emirates. There are even some low-cost carriers that operate regular flights between the two destinations.
With the right planning and research, your trip from Helsinki to St Petersburg will be a seamless and enjoyable one. Choose the option that suits your needs and budget best, and start packing for your exciting Russian adventure. Just remember to pack a passport, as it is mandatory for international travel.
