The Allegro Express from Helsinki to St Petersburg in Russia

The Allegro Express was a high-speed train service that connected Helsinki, Finland, with St. Petersburg, Russia, operating from 2010 until 2022. The service was jointly operated by VR (Finnish Railways) and RZD (Russian Railways) and was known for its speed, comfort, and efficiency, reducing travel time between the two cities to just 3.5 hours. However, as of 2022, operations were suspended due to geopolitical reasons. Below is a comprehensive overview of the Allegro Express, based on its last operational status.

Overview of the Allegro Express

The Allegro Express was a modern Pendolino-type high-speed train, known for its tilting technology that allowed it to travel faster on curved tracks. It offered a fast, visa-free border crossing for some passengers and was a crucial link between Finland and Russia for both tourists and business travelers.

Train Operator

• VR (Finnish Railways) and RZD (Russian Railways) jointly operated the service.
• The trains were manufactured by Alstom, with a design inspired by Italy’s Pendolino high-speed trains.

Route and Stops

The Allegro Express covered a train distance of approximately 407 km, traveling between Helsinki Central Station and St. Petersburg’s Finlyandsky Station.

Stops on the Allegro Route:

1. Helsinki Central Station (Helsinki, Finland) – Departure point
2. Pasila (Helsinki, Finland) – A major railway hub in Helsinki
3. Tikkurila (Vantaa, Finland) – A key stop near Helsinki Airport
4. Lahti (Lahti, Finland) – A city famous for winter sports
5. Kouvola (Kouvola, Finland) – A railway junction for eastern Finland
6. Vainikkala (Lappeenranta, Finland) – The Finnish border control station
7. Vyborg (Vyborg, Russia) – A historic Russian city with a medieval castle
8. Finlyandsky Station (St. Petersburg, Russia) – Final destination

The border crossing at Vainikkala (Finland) and Vyborg (Russia) was streamlined to minimize delays. Passengers underwent customs and passport control onboard the train while it was in motion.

Frequency of Service

Before its suspension in March 2022, the Allegro Express ran:

• Four daily departures in each direction
• First train from Helsinki: Around 06:00 AM
• Last train from St. Petersburg: Around 20:30 PM

The total journey time was 3 hours 27 minutes, making it the fastest way to travel between Finland and Russia.

Onboard Experience and Facilities

The Allegro Express was known for its high level of comfort and modern amenities.

Seating Classes

• First Class (Business Class)
  • Spacious, reclining seats with extra legroom
  • Complimentary meals and drinks
  • Access to newspapers and magazines
  • Power outlets for laptops and mobile devices
• Second Class (Economy Class)
  • Comfortable 2+2 seating arrangement
  • Access to a bistro car for purchasing meals
  • Power outlets and free Wi-Fi

Additional Services

• Bistro Car – Served Finnish and Russian cuisine, including hot meals, snacks, and drinks.
• Children’s Play Area – A designated space for families traveling with young children.
• Wheelchair Accessibility – Dedicated spaces for passengers with reduced mobility.
• Pet-Friendly Sections – Certain compartments allowed passengers to travel with pets.

Ticket Prices & Booking

• Prices varied depending on demand and time of booking.
• Average ticket cost:
  • €59 – €109 (Second Class)
  • €120 – €140 (First Class)
• Tickets could be purchased online via:
  • VR’s website (Finland)
  • RZD’s website (Russia)
  • Train stations in Helsinki and St. Petersburg

Advantages of Taking the Allegro Express

1. Fastest travel option between Helsinki and St. Petersburg (3.5 hours vs. 7-8 hours by car/bus).
2. Border control onboard, reducing waiting times.
3. Comfortable and modern trains with excellent facilities.
4. No need for additional airport transfers, as both train stations are centrally located.
5. Eco-friendly compared to flights or long car journeys.

Current Status & Suspension

• In March 2022, due to geopolitical tensions following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, VR suspended all Allegro Express services between Helsinki and St. Petersburg.
• As of 2025, there are no announced plans to resume the service.
• Alternatives include:
  • Flights from Helsinki to St. Petersburg
  • Long-distance buses or private car travel via the Finland-Russia border

Conclusion

The Allegro Express was a vital high-speed rail link between Finland and Russia, offering a fast, comfortable, and efficient travel option. Although the service has been suspended indefinitely, it remains an example of successful cross-border rail cooperation. If diplomatic relations improve in the future, there is hope that the Allegro Express or a similar service could return to operation.

For now, travelers looking to go between Helsinki and St. Petersburg will have to rely on alternative transport methods.

4o