St. Petersburg
St. Petersburg train stations
Varshavskiy station
Obvodnogo Kanala emb., 118, St. Petersburg, Russia
Vitebskiy station
Russia
Ladozhskiy station
73, Zanevsky Prospekt, St. Petersburg, Russia, Saint Petersburg, Russia
Moskovsky station
85 Nevsky pr., 191086 , St. Petersburg, Russia
Finlyandsky station
5 Lenin Square, St. Petersburg, Russia
Baltiysky station
120, Nab. Obvodnogo Kanala, St. Petersburg, Russia, Saint Petersburg, Russia
St. Petersburg Bus Station
Obvodniy channel embankment, 36, St. Petesburg, Russia
299 km
Helsinki
Helsinki train stations
Helsinki Central Station
Kaivokatu 1, 00100 Helsinki, Finland, Helsinki, Finland
Helsinki Airport
Lentoasemantie 1, 01530 Vantaa, Finland, Helsinki Airport, Finland

St. Petersburg to Helsinki Train Information

A high-speed journey with Alstom train between the Finnish capital and St. Petersburg takes just three and a half hours. Orchestra musicians all over the world know that larghissimo, grave, lento, largo, or even larghetto mean a tempo slower than 50 beats per minute. The "quick and bright" 105 to 132 beats per minute are better known as "Alstom". However, Alstom is also a modern high-speed train that presents the most cost and time-effective way to travel between the two Northern Capitals of Helsinki and St. Petersburg.

Operated by a joint venture between the state railways of Finland and Russia called “Karelian Trains,” the high-speed trains from Helsinki to St Petersburg, also called the Alstom, use an advanced version of the Alstom “electric multiple unit” used on Finnish railway lines, designed the Sm6. Each car in this type of train has its own locomotion, the combined power of which allows it to move unusually fast, speeding up and slowing down much more safely.

Unique features and speed


This Helsinki to St. Petersburg train does not operate as fast as the Sapsan trains run by Russian Railways (where the Siemens Velaro RUS EVS are employed). Yet the Alstom train achieves a top speed of 220 kilometers per hour (135 miles per hour). Their unique feature is that they tilt when they round a curve, which allows these high-speed trains to operate on already existing tracks, avoiding the cost of constructing newer and straighter routes. On the Finnish side, the Alstom High-Speed Train makes five stops before reaching the Finnish passport control and customs station at Vainikkala, while on the Russian side, the route is a direct express between St. Petersburg’s Finland Station and Vyborg. Once passengers arrive at either of these two stations, they are not allowed to leave the Alstom train on their own until they have cleared customs on the far side of the border crossing. The trip on this modern train from Helsinki to St Petersburg (or in reverse) typically takes a little more than 3-1/2 hours. Helsinki - St. Petersburg flight durations are under an hour, but luggage-toting passengers may find these trains more convenient than dealing with the typical baggage claim experience at Pulkovo or Vantaa, particularly if they want to access their suitcases during the journey.

Why People Choose this Railway


This Helsinki to St. Petersburg train caters to the requirements of the modern luxury and business traveler. Whereas comfortable seats are reserved for business and first class on an airplane, the high-speed train from Helsinki to St Petersburg maintains comfortable seating for all its passengers, with a little extra legroom for those going first class. Wi-fi is available onboard for any laptop user with a need to stay connected online, and there is even a children’s area for little ones to play. Food is served in a dining coach for the duration of the ride, except in the customs surveillance zone between Vyborg, Russia, and Vainikkala, Finland. The Alstom train cabins are kept impeccably clean, with all accommodations well-maintained. Once you book train tickets for Alstom and arrive at the station, you will have to go through an automatic check-in procedure, much like you would see at an airport. Booking online can be done with the greatest convenience, and boarding simply requires a passport - the number is recorded at the time the passenger places the reservation.

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