Santa Claus Express Train

 


The night train from Rovaniemi to Helsinki, often called the Santa Claus Express, is operated by VR (Finnish Railways). It offers a scenic, ~12-hour journey that saves you the cost of a hotel for the night. 

Schedules and Duration

There are typically two main overnight departures daily from Rovaniemi: 

Early Evening: Departs around 17:52 and arrives in Helsinki at 06:27 the next morning.

Late Night: Departs around 21:00 and arrives in Helsinki at 09:15 the next morning.

Duration: The trip usually takes between 10 and 12.5 hours depending on the specific service. 


Accommodation Options

You can choose from several levels of comfort:

Sleeper Cabins:

Upper Deck: Features a private toilet and shower inside the cabin.

Lower Deck: Standard 2-person cabin; toilets and showers are located in the corridor.

Regular Seats: The most budget-friendly option, with power sockets and access to shared showers.

Entire Cabins: Recommended for families or those seeking privacy; can be booked for 1–3 people. 


Amenities and Services

Restaurant Car: Serves hot meals, snacks, and drinks. You can also have breakfast or brunch delivered directly to your sleeper cabin.

Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi and power sockets are available throughout the train.

Luggage: Ample storage is available in cabins and shared areas.

Special Transport: You can book space for bicycles, pets (in dedicated pet cabins), or even your car. 


Pricing and Booking

Estimated Costs:

Seats: Starting from approximately €23–€33.

Sleeper Cabins: Starting from €49 (standard) or €74 (ensuite), though prices can rise significantly during peak winter season.


Reviews

https://ratherbeexploring.github.io/blog/rovaniemi-to-helsinki-by-overnight-train-aboard-the-santa-claus-express/

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