VR Trains
VR Trains
- Railway length3 172 km
- Types of trainsregular, overnight & high-speed
- No. routes sold10+
- Fastest train speed220 km/h
VR Train Types in Finland
VR Train Types in Finland
One of the most rewarding ways to traverse Finland and enjoy its beauty to the fullest is by taking a train. VR — Valtion Rautatiet, Finland's national railway company — operates approximately 250 long-distance train services daily across a railway network that spans nearly 6,000 kilometres, connecting major cities like Helsinki, Tampere, Turku, and Rovaniemi with towns and villages across the country. The well-developed Finnish railway network offers not only domestic rail transport but also cross-border connections to European countries, with an extensive timetable for each route to match any travel plans. All trains in Finland are designed to meet modern standards and are equipped with everything necessary for a comfortable rideVR also operates three classes of electric locomotives (Sr1, Sr2, and Sr3) for freight traffic and passenger services across the network. Trains in Finland are almost all carbon-neutral, making rail transport one of the most responsible ways to explore the country.. VR operates several types of rolling stock across its fleet: high speed Pendolino trains reaching speeds of up to 220 km/h on the main line, double decker InterCity trains for long-distance routes, sleeper trains with double-deck sleeping carriages for overnight journeys north, and commuter trains — including Sm2, Sm4, and Sm5 electric multiple units — serving Helsinki and the surrounding region.
Most Popular Finland Train Routes
Most Popular Finland Train Routes
Commuter Trafic Trains
You will likely board commuter trains when traveling in and around Helsinki. These commuter services help with day-to-day travel across the city and to other stations in the capital region, running throughout the week with trains departing every few minutes during peak hours. Children under 7 travel free on commuter trains, and bikes can travel free in designated zones on commuter services. Pets also travel free on commuter trains, subject to restrictions.
Domestic Long-Distance Trains
You will need a ticket on one of the domestic long-distance trains if you wish to travel outside major cities and far into Finland. VR operates long-distance routes using InterCity trains with double decker carriages, high speed Pendolino trains, and sleeper trains for overnight journeys. Key long-distance routes include Helsinki to Tampere (approximately 1 hour 33 minutes), Helsinki to Rovaniemi (served by the Santa Claus Express to Kolari), and intercity connections to Turku, Oulu, and Joensuu.
All Popular Routes
Explore the top routes in Finland on a high speed train. Choose your next destination and travel fast, comfortable, and safe — whether heading north toward Lapland or connecting between major cities in southern Finland. Passengers can follow trains in real time via the VR app, which provides live information on delays, platforms, and connections.
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FAQ: VR Trains in Finland
FAQ: VR Trains in Finland
VR is Finland's national railway company, responsible for passenger train services and freight traffic across the Finnish railway network. VR operates approximately 250 long-distance train services daily, in addition to commuter services in the Helsinki region. The company's rolling stock includes high speed Pendolino trains (up to 220 km/h), IC trains with double decker carriages for intercity routes, sleeper trains with overnight cabin options, and commuter trains on the Helsinki network. VR also manages maintenance of its fleet and employs thousands of employees across operations, customer service, and infrastructure responsibility across the country.
VR operates several types of long-distance trains in Finland. Pendolino trains are the fastest, reaching a maximum speed of 220 km/h and serving the busiest intercity corridors including Helsinki–Tampere and Helsinki–Oulu. IC trains — InterCity double decker trains — serve a wide range of long-distance routes across the railway network, with first class, Ekstra class, and standard seating. Sleeper trains serve overnight routes north toward Rovaniemi and Kolari, with the Santa Claus Express being the most iconic service on the same route each season. Most long-distance trains are operated on electrified main line tracks, though approximately 90% of Finland's railway network is single-track, which can affect train traffic and journey times on busier corridors.
VR trains offer several travel classes on long-distance and intercity services. First class provides the most premium experience, with spacious seats, at-seat service, and dedicated coaches on Pendolino and IC trains. Ekstra class is VR's business-level offering, available on select intercity trains, with extra legroom, wider seats, and priority boarding. Standard class is the most widely available option across all train types and routes. All classes on long-distance trains include free Wi-Fi and power sockets at seats, and most trains have a restaurant car where passengers can purchase hot and cold food and drinks throughout the journey.
VR tickets can be purchased in advance via the VR Matkalla app, the VR website, at ticket vending machines at stations, or through Rail Ninja. VR offers single tickets, multi-tickets valid for 6 months on long-distance routes, and season tickets for commuter services. Single tickets can be exchanged for a €5 fee if plans change. Discounts are available for children, seniors, and groups — and booking in advance is the best way to secure the lowest prices, as fares rise closer to the departure date. Purchased tickets are delivered digitally and can be accessed directly in the VR app.
Finland's railway network spans nearly 6,000 kilometres, with over half of the network electrified and most of the main line tracks supporting high speed train services. Approximately 90% of the network is single-track, which means train traffic must be carefully managed to avoid conflicts between intercity trains, commuter trains, and freight traffic on the same route. The repair backlog of the Finnish railway network currently stands at around EUR 1.7 billion, and more than half of train delays are due to poor network conditions and temporary speed limits on sections of track where the maximum speed cannot be maintained. The Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency holds responsibility for maintenance and investment across the network.
VR trains are well-equipped for families and passengers with reduced mobility. Long-distance trains and IC trains feature play areas for children, dedicated wheelchair spaces, and accessible toilets in every carriage. Sleeper trains include accessible cabin options with en suite toilet and shower facilities. On commuter trains in the Helsinki region, children under 7 travel free, and bikes travel free in designated zones. Passengers requiring assistance at stations can book support from VR employees 24 hours in advance. The VR app provide real-time information on train locations, delays, and platform changes to help all passengers plan their journey with confidence.
VR's rolling stock and train traffic management are central to keeping Finland's rail network running reliably. At present, VR operates Sr1, Sr2, and Sr3 electric locomotives alongside Pendolino, IC, and commuter train units across nearly every railway line in the country. Finland's railway lines connect the country not only domestically but also to Europe via cross-border corridors, making reliable rolling stock management essential for international as well as domestic services. VR continuously invests in maintenance and modernization of its fleet to keep train traffic flowing efficiently — though the existing repair backlog on the wider railway network remains a challenge that affects punctuality on some lines.