Destinations
Finland Rail Holidays
A country larger than the whole of Great Britain with a population smaller than that of London, Finland is an unspoilt rail holiday destination of modern, vibrant cities and swathes of beautiful countryside including over 180,000 lakes. In mystical Lapland, at Finland’s northern reaches, you can see the Northern Lights in winter and the mystical midnight sun in the summer. There’s also Rovaniemi, which claims to be the home of Santa Claus!
Discover Finland by rail
Finland's appeal lies in its remarkable natural landscapes, distinctive culture and the contrast between its lively cities and peaceful wilderness. Known for its thousands of lakes, vast forests and beautiful Baltic coastline, the country offers memorable experiences throughout the year.
Helsinki, the capital, combines elegant neoclassical architecture with contemporary design, lively markets and an attractive waterfront. Nearby, the historic city of Porvoo is known for its colourful wooden houses, while Turku offers medieval heritage and access to Finland's extensive coastal archipelago.
In the heart of Finnish Lakeland, towns such as Tampere and Savonlinna provide opportunities to explore beautiful waterways, traditional lakeside saunas and forested landscapes. Tampere is particularly celebrated for its sauna culture, while Savonlinna's medieval Olavinlinna Castle provides a dramatic setting for its annual opera festival.
Further north, Lapland offers an entirely different experience. Around Rovaniemi and beyond, visitors can explore Arctic landscapes, learn about Sámi culture and enjoy activities ranging from husky sledding and reindeer experiences to hiking beneath the midnight sun.
Finland's changing seasons are part of its appeal, from snowy winter landscapes and the Northern Lights to long summer days, autumn colours and peaceful lakeside retreats. Whether combining cities and countryside or venturing into the Arctic north, Finland offers a wonderfully varied Nordic holiday.
Travelling by rail in Finland
Finland has a comfortable and efficient railway network connecting its principal cities and many destinations across the south and centre of the country, with longer routes extending into Lapland. Most passenger services are operated by VR, Finland's national railway company, which provides modern InterCity and Pendolino trains alongside regional and overnight services.
Helsinki is the main hub, with frequent trains to cities including Tampere, Turku and Lahti. Longer journeys connect the capital with Jyväskylä, Kuopio, Oulu and other destinations, passing through landscapes of forests, lakes and open countryside.
One of Finland's most memorable rail experiences is the overnight journey to Lapland, sometimes known as the Santa Claus Express. Sleeper trains connect southern Finland with Rovaniemi, Kolari and Kemijärvi, offering private cabins and, on selected services, en-suite shower facilities. Travelling overnight allows you to wake up in northern Finland, ready to explore the Arctic landscape.
Reaching Finland from elsewhere in Europe offers several possibilities. Ferries connect Helsinki with Tallinn in Estonia and Stockholm in Sweden, while services between Stockholm and Turku provide another attractive way to arrive. For travellers beginning in the UK, we can arrange a combination of European rail journeys and Baltic Sea crossings, with stops in Scandinavia or the Baltic countries along the way.
Rail connections between Finland and Sweden have also improved, with passenger trains now crossing the northern border between Tornio and Haparanda. This provides another option for longer Nordic journeys, although travelling via the far north requires considerably more time than the Baltic ferry routes.
While trains provide convenient connections between many cities, some of Finland's national parks, lakeside retreats and remote Arctic destinations require additional transport. We can arrange private transfers, local excursions or car hire where appropriate, combining rail travel with opportunities to explore Finland's remarkable natural landscapes.
Why book your Finland train holiday with us?
Placeholder text. Every holiday is planned by a rail specialist who knows the routes first hand. We arrange your trains, hotels and transfers, and stay on hand throughout your journey.
Read about us
What our travellers say
We had a wonderful two week holiday working our way up to the Arctic Circle before coming south again to Helsinki. All the arrangements went smoothly both travelling and at the hotels. Can’t be faulted."
Clive
Clive
12 February 2026
Plan your tailor-made holiday to Finland
Fill the form below to speak to a specialist about your next rail holiday.