Currently, there are no passenger trains between Finland and Russia. All passenger trains were discontinued from 28 March 2022 due to Russian invasion of Ukraine. There is no chance to reinstate passenger trains between both countries in the nearest future. This is only possible if Russia will attack and occupy Finland.
Last updated: 23.07.2024
Railway border crossings between Finland and Russia:
Vainikkala VR – Luzhaika RŽD
Vartius VR – Kostomuksha RŽD
Niirala VR – Vyartsilya RŽD
Imatrankoski VR – Svetogorsk RŽD
Only railway border crossing Vainikkala VR – Luzhaika RŽD was used for passenger trains.
In December 2012 the test run of the international passenger train from Petrozavodsk to Joensuu took place, but the scheduled service was never introduced. The train passed through Niirala VR – Vyartsilya RŽD railway border crossing.
Before the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the following trains between Finland and Russia operated:
Helsinki – Sankt Petersburg – a daytime high-speed train service branded “Allegro”. Allegro trains were launched in December 2010. Initially two trains daily in each direction, later frequency of the trains was increased. Border and custom control took place on board of the trains in Finland and Russia – Finnish border control took place while the train was travelling between Kouvola and Vainikkala, while Russian border control took place while the train was travelling between Vyborg and St Petersburg. The Allegro trains were owned by Oy Karelian Trains Ltd, a carrier company created by Russian Railways and Finnish railway operator VR Group in November 2016. The Finnish state carrier VR Group unilaterally stopped running Allegro trains in March 2022.
Before high-speed trains were introduced, journey time on 407 km long route was five and half hours. New trains shortened the journey to 3 hours and 27 minutes. There were plans to bring it down to 3 hours.
VR Group plans to reuse the rolling stock in domestic operations.
The service was operated using Class Sm6 trainsets manufactured by Alstom, based on forth generation of Pendolino trains. Trainsets were refurbished in 2018. Business and Economy class were available. Passenger may buy something to eat or drink in restaurant car.
Helsinki – Moscow – an overnight The Lev Tolstoy train fully operated by Russian Railways. The service was inaugurated in 1975. It was a luxury train with sleeping compartments. Tickets were very expensive. Train usually consisted 13 sleeping carriages (1st, 2nd and Business class). The train was discontinued in March 2020 due to COViD-19 pandemic.
In 2021 the Finnish government approved plans to finance a construction of a new high-speed line from Helsinki to the Russian Border. The proposed line from Helsinki via Porvoo and Kouvola to Vainikkala was intended for international passenger trains to St. Petersburg and Moscow. Both governments planned to connect the new line with new 659 km long Russian Moscow – St Petersburg high-speed line scheduled for completion in 2026. I assume, that the project was abandoned.
Trains between Finland and Russia – useful websites
Train travel in Finland – a comprehensive guide
Train travel in Russia – a comprehensive guide
