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Trains to Helsinki

Sitting on a peninsula jutting out into the Gulf of Finland, Helsinki is Finland’s southern capital and most populous city. Home to over 650,000 Finnish citizens, Helsinki has a rich history and culture dating all the way back to the Stone Ages. In fact, the National Museum in downtown Helsinki documents that expansive history and is only a brief walk from Helsinki Central Station, the terminus for all train lines headed to the capital.

Which is the main train station in Helsinki?

Helsinki Central Station (Helsingin päärautatieasema in Finnish) is the main hub for both domestic and international rail transport to and from the capital. Smaller rail stations serve the outlying suburbs. Helsinki Central Station is historic, having been built in 1862 in the Art Nouveau style, and is a tourist destination in itself. It was chosen as one of the most beautiful rail stations in the world in 2013. Over 200,000 passengers move through it each day. This station is next to the Helsinki Music Center as well as the House of Parliament.

Which train companies offer trains to Helsinki?

Under the jurisdiction of the Finnish Transport Agency, VR is the only rail company providing service for all 19 tracks within Helsinki Central Station.

Why travel by train to Helsinki?

Train travel is an excellent way to get to Helsinki from many major European destinations, including St. Petersburg and Moscow. Rail travel can be a warmer option to and from Helsinki in the long winter months when ferry travel can be quite cold and the seas a bit rough. Domestically, most rail lines end in Helsinki, so it’s easy to travel there from all over Finland. Domestic destinations from Helsinki include Turku, Tampere, Vaasa, and Oulu. Of this list, Oulu is the farthest destination but only a mere six hours away by direct train.

Before you travel to Helsinki by train - good to know!

Helsinki has a wide selection of activities regardless of the season. In the summer, several companies offer walking tours of historic landmarks. In the winter months, make time for the Arkadia International Bookshop, an excellent destination for those looking for rare books, or the 15 art museums located in and around the city center. Bus service is also conveniently available from Helsinki Central Station to get travelers around the downtown area.