Santa Claus Express: Your Guide to the Helsinki to Lapland Train

Planning a trip on the Helsinki Rovaniemi train, also known as the Santa Claus Express, from Helsinki to Lapland? You’re in for a treat! This guide will give you all the information you need to make your journey smooth, enjoyable, and affordable.

Key Takeaways

• Santa Claus Express: A night train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, in Finnish Lapland. The ride takes just under 12 hours and offers various comfort options to suit different budgets and preferences.
• Booking Tickets: It’s crucial to book your tickets early, especially if you want a sleeper cabin. You can book your tickets through the VR app or website. The earlier you book, the better the chances of securing the cabin of your choice and potentially getting a better price.
• Onboard Facilities: The Santa Claus Express is equipped with a restaurant car, free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and lockable storage space. If you’re travelling with children, the train offers several amenities to make the journey easier.

What is the Santa Claus Express?

The Santa Claus Express is a night train operated by Finnish Railways (VR) that travels from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus, located in Finnish Lapland.

This train ride is a unique way to experience the beauty of Finland and arrive refreshed at your destination. The journey takes just under 12 hours and offers various comfort options to suit different budgets and preferences.

Booking Your Tickets

Booking your train tickets early is essential, especially if you want a sleeper cabin. The cabins tend to sell out quickly, particularly during peak travel seasons like Christmas and winter holidays. You can book your tickets through the VR app or website.

Ticket Type	Price
Seats	Around €100
Downstairs Cabin	Additional €137
Upstairs Cabin with En-Suite	Additional €157

The earlier you book, the better the chances of securing the cabin of your choice and potentially getting a better price.

Types of Accommodation

You have two main accommodation options on the Santa Claus Express: seats and sleeper cabins.

1. Seats: This is the more affordable option, but it might not be the most comfortable for an overnight journey. Seats are ideal for budget travellers or those who don’t mind sleeping upright. Each seat comes with a power socket and access to free Wi-Fi (although it can be patchy).
2. Sleeper Cabins: These cabins offer a private and comfortable experience, perfect for getting a good night’s sleep. You can choose between downstairs and upstairs cabins.

Sleeper Cabin Options:

• Downstairs Cabins: These cabins are slightly cheaper and come with two beds and a sink. Toilets and showers are shared and located in the corridor. The cabin size is 3.3 m², and there is ample storage space for luggage both in the cabin and the train’s baggage car.
• Upstairs Cabins: These cabins are more luxurious and come with two beds, an en-suite shower, and a toilet. The cabin size is 4.2 m², and you’ll find amenities such as bed linens, towels, power sockets, and free Wi-Fi. There is also air conditioning, temperature control, and blackout curtains to ensure a comfortable sleep.

All cabins come with bed linen, pillows, and a small bottle of water. It is recommended to bring extra water, as the onboard water is not drinkable.

Onboard Facilities

The Santa Claus Express is well-equipped with various facilities to make your journey comfortable:

• Restaurant Car: The restaurant car offers a selection of food and drinks. You can buy meals and non-alcoholic beverages here. The car is also licensed to sell alcohol, with sales ending at 1:30am. It’s a great place to relax, have a meal, and socialise with other passengers.
• Free Wi-Fi: Available throughout the train, although it can be patchy at times, especially in remote areas.
• Power Sockets: Each seat and cabin comes with power sockets to charge your devices.
• Lockable Storage Space: Ensures the safety of your luggage. There’s ample space in the cabins and the baggage car.

Travelling on night trains offers a unique experience, filled with a sense of adventure and camaraderie among travellers.

Family-Friendly Facilities

Children under 10 travel for free when sharing a berth with an adult, but it’s more comfortable to book separate beds for older children. The cabins can fit a travel cot, and there are childcare facilities available in the lower-level toilets. Pushchairs and Prams can be taken into the cabin or stored in the baggage car.

Stops and Schedule

The Santa Express Train from Helsinki to Lapland makes 22 stops between Helsinki and Rovaniemi, including major cities like Tampere and Oulu. The total journey time is approximately 11 hours and 50 minutes. Despite the numerous stops, passengers often report a good night’s sleep thanks to the comfortable accommodations.

Journey Schedule

Stop	Time
Helsinki	23:13
Pasila	23:18 – 23:20
Tikkurila	23:59 – 0:01
Riihimäki	0:42 – 0:44
Hämeenlinna	1:04 – 1:06
Toijala (Akaa)	1:29 – 1:30
Tampere	1:55 – 2:37
Parkano	3:22 – 3:23
Seinäjoki	4:11 – 4:15
Lapua	4:32 – 4:33
Kauhava	4:44 – 4:45
Jakobstad-Pedersöre	5:22 – 5:23
Kokkola	5:48 – 5:51
Kannus	6:15 – 6:16
Ylivieska	6:39 – 6:42
Oulainen	7:00 – 7:01
Vihanti (Raahe)	7:17 – 7:18
Ruukki	7:31 – 7:32
Kempele	7:54 – 7:57
Oulu	8:06 – 8:26
Kemi	9:32 – 9:36
Tervola	10:05 – 10:08
Muurola	10:43 – 10:44
Rovaniemi	11:03

Tips for a Smooth Journey

1. Book Early: To get the best cabins and prices, book your sleeper cabin well in advance.
2. Prepare for Cold Showers: The water can be cold, so be prepared.
3. Bring Extra Water: The onboard water is not suitable for drinking or brushing your teeth.
4. Keep Your Ticket Handy: You will need to show your ticket multiple times during the trip.

Services on the Santa Claus Express

The Santa Claus Express offers a range of services to cater to different needs and make the journey comfortable for all passengers:

• Bike Storage: Space for storing bicycles.
• Wheelchair Space: Accessible cabins for passengers with mobility issues.
• Restaurant Car: Provides meals, snacks, and drinks.
• Shower Facilities: Available in upstairs cabins or shared in the corridor for downstairs cabins.
• Lockable Storage: Secure storage space for your belongings.
• Free Wi-Fi: Available, though it can be patchy.

Santa Claus Express Bus

Upon arriving in Rovaniemi, you can take the Santa Claus Express Bus from the train station to Santa Claus Village or Rovaniemi Airport. This bus service is convenient and reasonably priced.

Bus Schedule:

Schedule	Railway Station to Santa Claus Village	Santa Claus Village to Railway Station
Morning	08:40 – 09:10	09:35 – 10:05
Mid-Morning	10:20 – 10:45	11:05 – 11:30
Afternoon	13:40 – 14:05	14:25 – 14:50
Late Afternoon	16:00 – 16:30	16:50 – 17:15
Evening	18:15 – 18:40	–

Ticket Prices:

One-way

Ticket Type	Price
Adult	€4
Child	€2
To Rovaniemi Airport	€8

Round-trip

Ticket Type	Price
Adult	€7
Child	€3

Tickets can be purchased on the bus, and only card payments are accepted.

Overall

Taking the Santa Claus Express from Helsinki to Rovaniemi is a fantastic way to travel. It combines convenience, comfort, and the opportunity to experience the Finnish landscape. Whether you choose a seat or a sleeper cabin, the journey promises to be memorable.

For those planning to visit Santa Claus Village, see the Northern Lights, or explore the snowy wilderness of Finnish Lapland, the Santa Claus Express is the perfect start to your trip. Book early, prepare well, and enjoy the ride!

FAQs

What is the Santa Claus Express?

The Santa Claus Express is a night train operated by Finnish Railways (VR) that travels from Helsinki to Rovaniemi in Finnish Lapland. This train provides a convenient and comfortable way to reach the home of Santa Claus.

How long is the night train journey from Helsinki to Lapland?

The train from Helsinki to Lapland takes just under 12 hours to reach Rovaniemi. Despite the long duration, the train offers comfortable accommodations, making the journey pleasant.

How much does the Helsinki to Lapland train cost?

The Helsinki to Lapland train cost varies depending on the type of ticket and accommodation. Seats cost around €100, while downstairs cabins cost an additional €137+ and upstairs cabins with en-suite facilities cost an additional €157.

What types of accommodations are available on the Santa Claus Express?

The Santa Claus Express offers two main types of accommodations: seats and sleeper cabins. Sleeper cabins are available in both downstairs and upstairs configurations, with the upstairs cabins featuring en-suite showers and toilets.

Is it necessary to book tickets in advance for the Santa Claus Express?

Yes, it is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, especially if you want a sleeper cabin. These cabins can sell out quickly, particularly during peak travel seasons.

What amenities are available on the Santa Claus Express?

The Santa Claus Express is equipped with a restaurant car, free Wi-Fi, power sockets, and lockable storage space. Sleeper cabins also offer additional amenities such as bed linen, pillows, and air conditioning.

Are there any special facilities for children on the Santa Claus Express?

Yes, the Santa Claus Express is family-friendly. Children under 10 travel for free when sharing a berth with an adult. There are also childcare facilities and space for prams.

How many stops does the Santa Claus Express make between Helsinki and Rovaniemi?

The Helsinki to Lapland train makes 22 stops between Helsinki and Rovaniemi. Despite the numerous stops, the journey is designed to be comfortable and restful for passengers.

Can I buy food and drinks on the Santa Claus Express?

Yes, there is a restaurant car on the Santa Claus Express where you can buy meals, snacks, and drinks. The restaurant car also sells alcoholic beverages until 1:30am.

What should I bring for the journey on the Santa Claus Express?

It’s advisable to bring extra water, as the onboard water is not suitable for drinking or brushing your teeth. Also, ensure you have your ticket handy for multiple checks during the journey.