Train rides in Finland are a space for contemplation. As endless pine trees and tidy villages of red and white weatherboard homes roll by, you can focus on calming yourself and forget the world.
However, a passenger train link between Helsinki and Russia has been suspended since the outbreak of Covid-19. Until further notice, the overnight Lev Tolstoy train will not be running between Helsinki and St Petersburg.
Helsinki to Moscow by train
Travel from Helsinki to Moscow is a long journey but a train trip offers the best onboard service and comfort. With the help of Rail Ninja you can easily compare prices and booking links for your preferred train from Helsinki to Moscow.
Taking the Allegro line, which connects Helsinki with St Petersburg via Finland’s border towns of Vainikkala and Vyborg, is one option. The luxury overnight Tolstoy train is another, which features Slavic hospitality and classic Russian furnishings.
International ferries provide another option, though they move at a slower pace than the cars that drive Finland’s uncrowded highways. Local lake ferries are also a fun way to see the landscapes, with trips between Tampere and Hameenlinna, for example, or between Savonlinna and Virrat. On-board perks include kids’ carriages, licensed dining cars and extensive support for disabled travelers. It’s easy to buy tickets online, although some train journeys are already fully booked months in advance. For more flexibility, opt for a Flexi ticket.
Helsinki to Suomenlinna by train
Whether you’re looking for a quick way out of town or a leisurely tour of Helsinki’s archipelago, train travel is a great option. It’s quiet, easy and – best of all – super affordable. Kids under 17 pay half fares, and one adult can travel for free with each child for longer trips. There are also discounts for seniors and groups.
Local trains run on dedicated, grade-separated tracks radiating from Helsinki Central. They provide rapid transit-like service during peak hours, though they can be slow to reach outlying areas at other times. A handful of routes go further afield on shared track with regional services extending to cities such as Kerava and Kirkkonummi.
Pendolino trains are a great choice for quick cross-country journeys, while InterCity and Express trains offer comfy airplane-style seats and sleeping berths upstairs or downstairs (at a higher price). Other onboard perks include play zones for children, food and drink services in licensed restaurants and quiet booths for making calls without disturbing other passengers.
Helsinki to Korkeasaari by train
A zoological sanctuary as unique as its surroundings, Korkeasaari houses 150 different animal species. Meet Amur tigers, pygmy marmosets and European bison alongside a wide variety of native Finnish wildlife such as bears, wolverines and wild forest reindeer.
Until the Covid pandemic, this twice-daily Allegro train from St Petersburg made it easy to visit Helsinki from Moscow without needing to buy a visa – though tickets were limited to Russian and Finnish citizens. Its cancellation was a blow, as many travellers were looking to get out of Russia before Western sanctions made departure impossible.
The fortnightly Princess Anastasia is a good alternative. It completes a full loop of Stockholm, Helsinki, St Petersburg and Tallinn. Buses also run to Helsinki from other parts of Finland, and there are cheap vakiovuoro buses and pricier pikavuoro express buses between the main cities. Self-guided walking tours of Helsinki and its zoological park are available on GPSmyCity, an app that turns your smartphone into a personal tour guide.
Helsinki to Loviisa by train
There are plenty of ways to travel from Helsinki to Moscow, including high-speed Allegro trains that take less than 14 hours. These trains offer great safety records and impeccable punctuality, and you can enjoy excellent onboard amenities like comfortable seats and ample legroom.
Another option is to book a cruise between Helsinki and St Petersburg, which takes about 14 hours each way. This is a relaxing and scenic option that will allow you to enjoy the beauty of Finnish nature without the stress of driving. Just be sure to pack some snacks and drinks before you board, as food onboard is very expensive.
The city’s enduring tram system holds a special place in Helsinki’s transportation history and provides residents and visitors alike with a fast, affordable, and eco-friendly means of getting around. The city’s streets are also dotted with names that commemorate its twin cities, such as Hortenin kattuna (Horten), Hillerodin kattuna (Hillerod), Karlskronabulevardi (Karlskrona, Sweden), and Olafsfjordurin puisto (Olafsfjordur Park, Olafsfjordur, Iceland). There is so much to see in Loviisa, so you’ll want to spend plenty of time walking around the town’s small and idyllic streets.
