All aboard to explore Finland by train

Getting out and about using Finnish trains is comfortable, convenient and inexpensive. Frequent services run several times every day between major cities of Finland, offering a relaxing and economical way of touring the country.

Journey times between Helsinki and Turku or Helsinki and Tampere are both around two hours, while the longest night trains connect Helsinki with Rovaniemi at the Arctic Circle in around 12 hours.

Local, regional and express trains serve most provincial cities, and the routes through the east of Finland are particularly breathtaking in summer, amid the thousands of shimmering lakes.

For the visitor to Finland, rail travel is pleasant, relaxing and economical, especially the excellent value Finnrail Pass costs 126 euros for three days’ standard class travel in any month. A five-day pass costs 168 euros and a 10-day pass 227 euros. There is a 50% discount for children aged under 17.

A trip to the north
If you’re looking for a real adventure then choose the night train to Lapland. It’s the ‘Polar Express’ for real, as you can join the train right in the south of Finland at Helsinki or Tampere and wake up next morning as you prepare to reach Rovaniemi, Lapland and the Arctic Circle.

Both Helsinki and Tampere are well served by flight connections from the UK. Finnair (finnair.com) flies from London Heathrow, Manchester and Edinburgh, British Airways (ba.com) from London Heathrow, while Ryanair (ryanair.com) flies to Tampere from London Stansted, making the combined flight and rail journey feasible and attractive.

It’s an ideal way to arrive for an action-packed activity and adventure. Lapland Hotels and Safaris offer highly tempting year-round packages which make the most of the season and the natural environment that that makes Finnish Lapland so special. Individual rail and drive packages are also popular, especially using Lapland Hotels’ preferential car rental deals (in association with Europcar) in Rovaniemi. More details from Laplandhotels.com.

The new double-decker sleeping cars on trains to Rovaniemi offer a comfortable way to travel. What’s more, the interconnecting door can turn two compartments into a family suite, adding to the fun and convenience of the journey.

Other features of the sleeping cars include en suite showers and toilets special compartments for passengers with pets, restaurant services open till late at night and special compartments for passengers with allergies.

Day trips by train
A day trip by train helps you make the most of a holiday or short break in Finland. Here are a few suggestions:

Helsinki to Hanko
(journey time just under two hours, change at Karjaa, adult return fare 41 euros)
Hanko is bordered on three sides by the sea and is Finland's most southern town. More than 30 kilometres of sandy beaches, dotted with beautiful historic villas, make for great walking and exploring. In the town itself, you can either visit the ramparts of the 18th century fort or simply enjoy the excellent views of the sea.
More details: Hanko.fi

Helsinki to Lahti
(journey time one hour, adult return fare 25 euros)
Lakeside Lahti is an ideal day-trip destination. Head for the passenger harbour and enjoy a leisurely lake cruise, then hop onto the ‘Puksu’ tourist train for a visit to the Laune Family Park. The new Sibelius Hall is located next to the harbour. Alternatively, bicycles are available for rent at just 10 euros each per day, and there are some excellent route suggestions to suit all energy levels! Lastly, have a go at ski jumping even if there’s no snow. The Ski Museum has a realistic and scary ski-jump simulator.
More details: Lahtitravel.fi

Helsinki to Hämeenlinna
(journey time just over one hour, adult return fare 36 euros)
Hämeenlinna is an attractive garrison town built around a beautiful medieval stone castle. There’s also Aulanko, the Central Park of Finland with a superb selection of swimming pools and saunas, as well as beauty and pampering treatments and a beautiful summer terrace that’s perfect for a lunchtime snack. Hämeenlinna is also the birthplace of Finland’s greatest composer, Jean Sibelius.
More details: Hameenlinna.fi

Tampere to Turku
(journey time two hours, adult return fare 43 euros)
Turku offers history, culture, architecture and great entertainment. It’s a city that lends itself to walking and cycling (bikes are available for rent by the hour or day from the City Tourist Office), though you should also make time for a boat trip along the River Aura and onwards towards the first islands of the fabulous Turku archipelago. Turku Castle (dating from 1280) is the largest in Finland, while the Cathedral (1300) is regarded as one of the major buildings of Finnish architectural history.
More details: Turkutouring.fi

Tampere to Pori
(journey time 90 minutes, adult return fare 29 euros)
Pori is considered the seaside jewel of western Finland. Well known for its world-famous annual jazz festival, the city offers an ideal day trip for families, who will love the Kirjurinluoto island park that’s within walking distance of the centre. A short bus or taxi ride takes you to one of Finland’s finest beaches at Yyteri, as well as a surf centre, 18-hole golf course and riding stables.
More details: Pori.fi

For timetable and fare enquiries, please visit VR.fi

For more general information please visit the Finnish Tourist Board website for more details: Visitfinland.com/uk.