Finland By Train

Panorama of Helsinki

Capital at the water's edge

A surprising mix of old world charm and modern flair, Helsinki (Helsingin) is a fabulous destination on your rail adventure. Check out the neoclassical Senate Square, one of the finest in all of Europe. Be sure to visit the famed Helsinki Cathedral (Helsingin tuomiokirkko), the Ateneum Art Museum and the many seaside attractions, like the Fortress of Suomenlinna and the islands of Pihlajasaari, Uunisaari, and Seurasaari.

Turku Castle

City of culture, islands of tranquility

Turku was the European Union’s 2011 City of Culture, and with good reason. The 13th century city is the oldest in Finland, and is filled with ancient and modern attractions. Resting on both banks of the Aurajoki river, Turku is alive with music, festivals and cultural events. Be sure to visit the medieval Turku Castle and the Old Town Center before hopping on a ferry and exploring Turku archipelago’s many islands.

Kobba klintar island in Aland

Island magic of staggering size

The 6,500 islands that make up the Åland Archipelago have to be seen to be believed. The waterways, bridges, boats and islands of Åland will steal your heart. From kayaking to diving, from fishing to biking, this chain of islands offers the ideal setting for anything outdoors. There’s also no shortage of castles, fortresses and churches to supplement your visit, and of course, a great selection of seafood.

Wooden houses in Turku

The route of the royal mail

The 13th century King’s Road was the mail route between Bergen, Norway and St. Petersburg, Russia. The route is dotted with historic castles, cottages, churches and iron mills. Modern-day Finland is visible along the route, and among the people who live nearby. The Finnish portion starts in Mariehamn (Maarianhamina) in Åland, and runs through the archipelago and Turku all the way across Southern Finland to Vyborg, Russia.

Old power plant in Tampere

The smallest big town in Finland

Formerly an industrial town, Tampere rests between two lakes, best seen from the observation towers of Pyynikki ridge and the Näsinneula in Särkänniemi Amusement Park – one of Finland's top summer attractions. Walk along the banks and the rapids of the Tammerkoski River, which provided hydropower in the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, the old factory buildings are museums, galleries, restaurants, theatres and boutiques.

Town of Rauma

The town before time

The historic city center in the town of Rauma has one of the oldest harbors and one of the narrowest streets in the country. It offers some amazing historical sites. Don’t miss the Bronze Age Burial Site of Sammallahdenmäki, 36 burial cairns that date back as far as 1500 B.C. Rauma’s Franciscan church and the town’s museum, located in the Town Hall, are also great to see, and a stroll along the harbor is always a great choice.

Ferry between Sweden and Finland

Boat trips

With a valid Eurail pass for Finland, you'll get discounted travel on the following ferry routes:

• Helsinki - Travemünde (Germany)

• Turku – Stockholm (Sweden)

• Helsinki – Stockholm (Sweden)

• Helsinki – Tallinn (Estonia)

See all pass benefits for Finland

Rail Network

The national railway company of Finland is called VR (VR Ltd - VR Oy).

Finnish railway service

InterCity trains offer excellent connections on the most popular tracks. The coaches offer facilities as: services for wheelchair, family compartments, play space for children, deposit-operated bicycle and ski locks, luggage lockers, a telephone booth for mobile phone callers, a compartment for passengers with pets, a smokers’booth and a compartment for allergy sufferers.

Long-distance trains have facilities such as: restaurant or buffet cars, public telephone, special facilities for allergic and disabled passengers. For those passengers who want to avail themselves of sleeping facilities on the night trains there are comfortable sleepers available at an affordable price.

Please note that your Eurail Pass is not valid on TrainBus connections and that these buses are not used as train replacements.

Travel to Sweden or Norway

There are no direct trains between Sweden or Norway and Finland, but the bus over the gap from Boden/Luleå (Sweden) to Kemi (Finland) is free with a Eurail pass.

Finland can also be reached by ferry from Denmark, Germany or Sweden. You can get a 50% discount on most ferries with your pass.

Reservations

You'll need to make a reservation for the following domestic trains in Finland:

• All Night trains. Make sure to check our timetable.
• On the IC trains and the high-speed Pendolino, reservations are recommended. 

How to make reservations for Finnish trains

You can make reservations for domestic and international high-speed trains and night trains:

• At a ticket desk or self-service machine at local train stations.

• By phone through the VR call center.
  Phone number: +35 89 2319 2902
  Opening hours: 7:00-22.00 (local times)
  
  VR has English speaking staff. You can pay for your reservations over the phone (by credit card) and collect them at ticket machines at Finnish railway stations. You will receive a booking code by email. The booking center cannot deliver your reservations to your address.
  
  The VR call center can also be reached with Skype.

See more reservation fees for domestic trains.

Itineraries

Scenic route

• Lappeenranta - Joensuu

Extra info

Airport - station link

Commuter trains I and P provide frequent connections from Helsinki airport (Helsinki Lentoasema) to Helsinki City. Since these trains are operated by VR, your Eurail pass is valid on this journey.

Eurail aid office in Finland

For questions about Eurail, visit the international ticket office at Helsinki station. It is open Monday to Friday, 10.00 - 17.00.

See more Eurail aid offices in Europe