Luxury Train Journeys in Finland : Complete Guide to Scenic Railways & Sleeper Trains

Luxury train journey in Finland combines Arctic adventure with comfortable rail journeys through pristine landscapes. From overnight sleeper trains to Lapland to scenic daytime routes, Finland’s railway network offers unique ways to experience Northern Lights, midnight sun, and wilderness beauty. This guide covers the Santa Claus Express Helsinki to Rovaniemi route, premium train packages, costs, and booking strategies for 2026. Whether you’re planning a winter Northern Lights train journey or summer midnight sun experience, discover Finland’s best luxury train options, sleeper cabin amenities, and expert tips for booking your Arctic rail adventure.

Top Luxury Train Options in Finland

Finland’s premium rail experiences fall into three categories, each serving different traveller needs and budgets.

1. VR Night Sleeper Trains (Santa Claus Express & Lapland Routes)

VR Group (Finland’s national railway operator) operates overnight sleeper services connecting Helsinki to Finnish Lapland. The Santa Claus Express is the flagship route, covering 830km in 12-13 hours.

Key routes:

• Helsinki → Rovaniemi (Lapland’s capital)
• Helsinki → Saariselkä (Arctic resort area)
• Southern cities → Oulu (coastal gateway)

Cabin Types: Private Sleeper Cabins, Deluxe Seats & Standard Seats

Private sleeper cabins (1-3 berths), deluxe reclining seats, standard seating

Premium Train Tour Packages. Operators like Pickyourtrail combine luxury train segments with high-end accommodations, Northern Lights excursions, and Arctic activities. These all-inclusive packages eliminate planning stress.

Typical inclusions:

• Overnight train tickets (private cabins)
• Luxury hotel stays in Lapland
• Northern Lights safaris
• Husky sledging and winter activities
• Airport/station transfers

Private Train Charters in Finland (For Groups & Events)

For groups or special occasions, bespoke train charters offer customised schedules, catering, and exclusive carriages. Available through specialised rail brokers for corporate events or luxury group travel.

Santa Claus Express: Helsinki to Rovaniemi Luxury Overnight Train

The Santa Claus Express is Finland’s most popular luxury sleeper train, departing Helsinki Central Station nightly for Rovaniemi.

Journey details:

• Duration: 12-13 hours overnight
• Distance: 830 kilometres
• Major stops: Tampere, Oulu, Rovaniemi
• Amenities: WiFi (most trains), dining car/cart service, private bathrooms in premium cabins

Sleeper cabin costs (2026 prices):

• Single cabin: €110-180
• Double cabin: €140-220
• Triple cabin: €180-280

Note: Peak season (December-February) rates are typically 20-30% higher.

The train departs in the evening (around 8-10 PM) and arrives in the morning (8-10 AM), maximising sleep time while travelling.

Finland Luxury Train Costs: 7-Day Lapland Travel Package

Item	Cost (EUR)
Round-trip sleeper cabin (Helsinki-Rovaniemi)	€300-400
5 nights luxury Lapland hotel	€800-1,200
Northern Lights safaris (3x)	€300-450
Husky sledging + snowmobile	€200-300
Meals & transfers	€250-400
Total per person	€1,850-2,750

How to Book Finland Luxury Trains: Tips

Best Time to Book (Winter vs Summer)

• Winter season (November-February): Book 4-6 months ahead. December and New Year’s week sell out earliest.
• Summer season (May-September): Book 2-3 months ahead for the best cabin selection and prices.

What’s Included in Standard Sleeper Tickets?

• Private cabin with bedding
• Onboard WiFi (most trains)
• Bathroom access

What’s Not Included: Meals, Excursions & Hotels

• Meals (purchase from dining car/cart)
• Northern Lights excursions
• Hotel accommodations
• Activity bookings

Premium packages 

Bundle everything. Compare à la carte vs. packaged pricing before booking.

Luggage Rules for Skis, Winter Gear & Sports Equipment

VR trains accommodate winter equipment with advance notice. Ski and bike transport requires:

• Proper packing (ski bags/bike boxes)
• Advance reservation
• Small additional fee (€5-15)

Cancellation Policies for VR Trains & Tour Packages

• Standard VR tickets: Refundable up to 24 hours before departure (fees apply)
• Package tours: Varies by operator – always request cancellation terms in writing before purchasing.

Best Time to Travel by Luxury Train in Finland

Winter (Nov–Feb): Best for Northern Lights Train Journeys

• Best for: Aurora viewing, winter sports, Arctic experiences
• Train considerations: Book the earliest. Trains fullest. Prices highest.
• Northern Lights probability: Highest December-February (clear, dark nights)

Shoulder Season (Oct & Mar): Fewer Crowds & Lower Prices

• Best for: Fewer crowds, moderate pricing, still possible Aurora viewing
• Train considerations: Better availability, competitive pricing

Summer (May–Sep): Best for Midnight Sun & Scenic Day Routes

• Best for: Scenic daytime train routes, endless daylight, hiking, photography
• Train considerations: Choose day trains for landscape viewing. Sleepers miss summer scenery.

Conclusion: Why Finland’s Luxury Trains Are Worth It

Luxury train journey in Finland offers an unforgettable way to experience Arctic landscapes, Northern Lights, and the midnight sun. The Santa Claus Express overnight sleeper from Helsinki to Rovaniemi provides comfortable, practical transport doubling as accommodation. Whether choosing à la carte VR train tickets or all-inclusive packages with Northern Lights safaris and luxury lodges, Finland’s scenic railways deliver unique travel experiences. Book 4-6 months ahead for winter Aurora season, compare package vs. independent booking costs, and confirm all amenities before purchasing. Start planning your trip with our best Finland luxury tour packages for an Arctic journey combining comfort, scenery, and authentic Nordic rail travel.

FAQ’s

Q: How much does a sleeper cabin cost on the Helsinki to Rovaniemi train?

A: Private sleeper cabins range from €110-280 (2026 prices), depending on cabin size and season. Winter peak season costs 20-30% more.

Q: Can I see the Northern Lights from the train?

A: Potentially yes on overnight routes through Lapland, but viewing is limited. Dedicated Northern Lights excursions at your destination offer better experiences.

Q: Is WiFi available on Finnish luxury trains?

A: Most VR sleeper trains offer WiFi, though connection quality varies in remote areas. Confirm with your booking agent.

Q: Should I book a tour package or individual train tickets?

A: Book packages if you want hassle-free planning with included hotels and activities. Choose individual tickets for flexibility and lower costs if you enjoy planning.

Q: How far in advance should I book for the Northern Lights season?

A: Book 4-6 months ahead for December-February travel. Peak holiday weeks (Christmas, New Year) require the earliest booking.