- Must visit
State Hermitage Museum
World-famous art museum in the Winter Palace complex with masterpieces from antiquity to modern Europe. A top priority for first-time visitors.
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Travel Information
Compare bus for Helsinki to Saint-Petersburg
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Helsinki to Saint-Petersburg among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $64. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 14h 12m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $64, and a bus costs an average of $64.
Distance: 187 miles (301 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|
$73 Average price Cheapest | $128 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 42m Average total duration Fastest 14h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Helsinki to Saint-Petersburg is a bus with an average price of $73 (€59).
The fastest way to travel from Helsinki to Saint-Petersburg is by bus with an average journey time of 14h 12m.
Yes, you can take a bus between Helsinki and Saint-Petersburg.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Helsinki to Saint-Petersburg among Omio's users.
Compare prices and tickets Helsinki to Saint-Petersburg by bus
Compare bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Helsinki to Saint-Petersburg
Finland
Russia
Take a train from Helsinki to Saint-Petersburg and enjoy the approximately 187 miles (301 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $64 (€52)
Distance 187 miles (301 km) |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $64 (€52)
Complete guide to Saint Petersburg
Things to do in Saint Petersburg
Discover the best of Saint Petersburg — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Saint Petersburg trip today.
- Must visit
Russian Museum
Major national museum of Russian art, spanning medieval icons to avant-garde works. Essential for understanding Russian painting and sculpture.
- Must visit
Peterhof Museum Reserve
Grand museum-reserve of palaces, fountains, and imperial collections outside the center. Best known for the spectacular Lower Park ensemble.
- Must visit
Nevsky Prospekt
The city’s main avenue lined with historic buildings, shops, and landmarks. Essential for first-time visitors and evening walks.
- Must visit
Palace Square
Grand central square framed by the Winter Palace and General Staff Building, central to the city’s imperial identity and major events.
- Recommended
Vasilyevsky Island Spit
Classic viewpoint with Rostral Columns and sweeping Neva panoramas. Especially popular for photos at sunrise and sunset.
- Vegetarian
Pyshechki
Saint Petersburg’s iconic deep-fried ring doughnuts, traditionally served hot with powdered sugar and tea or coffee. A classic local snack strongly associated with the city.
Rassolnik Leningradsky
A hearty pickle-based soup linked to the Soviet-era Leningrad tradition, usually made with barley, potatoes, and pickled cucumbers. It is one of the city’s most characteristic soups.
Korushka
Small smelt fish from the Gulf of Finland, especially popular in Saint Petersburg in spring. Usually fried whole and loved as a seasonal local specialty.
Pyshechnaya on Bolshaya Konyushennaya
Legendary casual spot famous for classic Saint Petersburg pyshechki with powdered sugar and simple drinks. A beloved local institution with nostalgic Soviet-era charm.
Palkin
Historic fine-dining restaurant serving refined Russian cuisine in an elegant, classic interior. Known for caviar, game, and traditional dishes with a luxurious atmosphere.
Katyusha Restaurant
Well-known central restaurant focused on Russian classics such as bliny, caviar, soups, and dumplings. Stylish but approachable, popular with visitors seeking traditional food.
Russian Ruble
Generally affordable for many visitors. Hotels vary by season, while dining and transport are usually reasonably priced.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- RUB 500-900 for a simple meal.
- Mid-range
- RUB 1,200-2,500 per person.
- Fine dining
- RUB 4,000+ per person.
- Coffee
- RUB 180-350 for a coffee.
Tipping culture
Service is often not included. Leave 5-10% in restaurants for good service, round up taxis, and small tips are optional in cafes.
Transport of Saint Petersburg
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- 70 RUB
- Day pass
- None
To the city center
Pulkovo Airport Saint Petersburg -> Nevsky Prospekt Saint Petersburg
- Distance
- 23 km
- Travel time
- 40 min
- Use a Podorozhnik card for cheaper fares and easier transfers across Metro, buses, trams, and trolleybuses.
- Card payment may be available on some buses and trams, but a Podorozhnik card or cashless top-up is more reliable.
Traveling by train from Helsinki to Saint-Petersburg
The train connection between Helsinki and Saint-Petersburg is a convenient and scenic way to travel between these two cities. The journey typically takes around 3 hours, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful landscapes of Finland and Russia along the way. Train providers for this route include VR (Finnish Railways), which operates comfortable services that cater to both leisure travelers and business commuters alike. With frequent departures throughout the day, it's easy to find a schedule that suits your plans while exploring these culturally rich destinations.
Train Connection: Helsinki to Saint-Petersburg
The train connection between Helsinki and Saint-Petersburg takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes. There are 3 direct connections available each day, making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore these two cities.
Helsinki to Saint-Petersburg Train Connection
The first daily train journey from Helsinki departs at 06:14, providing an early start for travelers eager to explore the beautiful city of Saint-Petersburg. The last departure is scheduled for 18:57, allowing visitors ample time to enjoy their day before heading back or continuing their adventures in Russia's cultural capital.
Train Tickets Price for Helsinki and Saint-Petersburg
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Helsinki and Saint-Petersburg is €50. The average ticket price tends to be around €55, making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore these two cities.
Exploring the Cultural Treasures of St. Petersburg
The Hermitage Museum, founded in 1764 by Catherine the Great, is one of the largest and oldest museums in the world, housing over three million works of art. Its significance lies not only in its vast collection that spans from ancient civilizations to modern masterpieces but also as a symbol of Russia's cultural heritage and imperial history. Unique features include its stunning architecture—particularly the Winter Palace—and an impressive array of artworks by renowned artists like Rembrandt and Leonardo da Vinci.
Saint Isaac's Cathedral, completed in 1858 after more than three decades of construction, stands as a monumental testament to Russian Orthodox architecture with its grand dome dominating St. Petersburg’s skyline. The cathedral holds great significance for both religious worship and national pride; it has witnessed pivotal moments throughout Russian history including celebrations following victories and revolutions alike. One unique feature is its breathtaking interior adorned with intricate mosaics made from thousands of colored stones that create an ethereal atmosphere inside.
Peterhof Palace, often referred to as "Russia's Versailles," was commissioned by Peter the Great in 1709 as a summer residence designed to impress visitors with opulence while showcasing his vision for Russia’s future on par with European powers. This UNESCO World Heritage site signifies Peter’s ambition for modernization through Western influences reflected not just architecturally but also within expansive gardens filled with fountains—a marvel powered entirely by gravity rather than pumps! Among its unique features are the spectacular Grand Cascade fountain system which delights visitors during warmer months when water dances down steps towards the Gulf of Finland.
FAQs: Trains from Helsinki to Saint-Petersburg
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Helsinki to Saint-Petersburg by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Saint-Petersburg, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The distance by train from Helsinki to Saint-Petersburg is 187 miles (301 km).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Helsinki to Saint-Petersburg.
The cheapest way to get from Helsinki to Saint-Petersburg is by bus, with a cost of around $64 (€52).
The Helsinki to Saint-Petersburg train journey is considered scenic, offering views of Finnish forests, lakes, and charming countryside, transitioning into the vibrant landscapes of Russia.
In Saint-Petersburg, you can enjoy world-class ballet and opera at the Mariinsky Theatre and explore Nevsky Prospekt, the city's main avenue filled with shops and historic landmarks. Visit the Fabergé Museum for exquisite Russian decorative arts and the Yusupov Palace, known for its lavish interiors and the site of Rasputin's assassination. Take a scenic boat tour along the Neva River for beautiful views of the city's architecture. Must-see sights include The Hermitage Museum, Saint Isaac's Cathedral, Peter and Paul Fortress, the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, and the grand Peterhof Palace with its stunning gardens and fountains.
Typically, 3 to 4 days are recommended to explore the main attractions of Saint-Petersburg, including the Hermitage Museum, Peterhof Palace, and the Church of the Savior on Spilled Blood, while also enjoying the city's vibrant cultural scene and leisurely strolls along the Neva River.
No, you cannot take the train from Helsinki to Saint-Petersburg.
Saint-Petersburg is outside the Schengen Area. Travelers departing from Helsinki will need a valid passport and may require a visa depending on their nationality. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Helsinki to Saint-Petersburg among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in Russia is the Russian Ruble (RUB). For travelers, using cards is widely accepted in cities, especially in hotels, restaurants, and larger stores, but carrying some cash is advisable for small purchases, markets, and rural areas where card acceptance may be limited.
In Saint-Petersburg, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing, especially in crowded areas and public transport. Common scams include unofficial taxi drivers overcharging or taking longer routes, so using licensed taxi services or apps is recommended. Additionally, avoid exchanging money on the street to prevent counterfeit bills. Travelers are advised to stay vigilant in nightlife areas to avoid drink spiking and to keep personal belongings secure.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
Most popular train connections from Helsinki
More options for your journey from Helsinki to Saint-Petersburg
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Most popular trains to and from Saint-Petersburg and Helsinki
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