Saint Petersburg Travel Forum

The cost of Finnish train in comparison to bus is so much more expensive.

Aparently there is a Finnish train and a Russian train that leaves Helsinki to St. Petersburg. Is the Russian train less expensive and where is the site to purchase tickets. I would imagine the Russian train would have more culture. Does the train stop anywhere along the way and can one get off to take photos? Is English spoken and does one bring one's own food on board?

What is the cost?

Thanks

Don
Peterborough, Canada

When I went in 2003, I chose the Russian train, so apparently, it's less expensive (I always choose less-expensive). There's some good information on www.waytorussia.net/Transportation/International/TrainSchedules.html

There's also a helpful map on this site.

If you scroll down to "Schedules& Prices: Trains to Russia," and "The Route: Finland (Helsinki)-Russia" in bold print, you'll see there's a train that takes you to St. Pete. (or Moskva) for around $70 - $110 one way, 2nd class. Travel time: around 15 hrs.
Just below that heading, you'll see three trains to choose from: The Repin and Sibelius are the same prices for second class.

Here's the correct site to purchase your tickets: www.vr.fi/eng That site should be in English. If it's not, look on the upper right side of the site and choose, "English."
Then you'll see the heading, "Tickets" on the one of the top tabs.

You expect the Russian train to "have more culture"? What do you mean by this? Of course the lady Russian train conductors are very friendly (if you can speak a few Russian words correctly). They treated me a like a little puppy dog but they barked at Russian men!

The train (I took the Repin) stops along a few stations, but the problem was, it was nighttime, so getting any good photos would be kind of useless. There are however, some "disturbances" along the way, like Finnish customs checks, currency exchange solicitation, Russian entrance passport/customs checks, the usual things that occur on a train when you're traveling between two countries. But you do get a breakfast in the morning on the train and good security.

English spoken? I don't think the conductors spoke too much English. You'll be lucky if they'll speak a few words.

As for food, make sure you get a breakfast , you should (usually a plastic box filled with a pastry, yogurt, etc.) You'll probably be offered coffee or tea in the morning before the train stops at the St. Pete. station. If you want to cart more food in your luggage, then I would suggest carrying a sandwich, fruit or some small snacks, but you really shouldn't need too much food before you get to St. Pete.

The cost was covered in that Web site I gave you on top of this reply.

Have a great time!

If you need more helpful tips about St. Petersburg, check out my travel blog, http://u-cantravel.blogspot.com/

I've been to St. Pete. about 14 times, so I have experience you'll need to know!

You'll have to scroll down to the right lower column where you'll find "Blog Archive." Click on it and choose "Aug. 7," which is most of my St. Petersburg information. It will be enough helpful information to read during your train ride to St. Pete. but read it before you go!