Finnish railways VR continue to improve their network with the launch of a Pendolino Plus rail service between Helsinki and Turku in the west of the country. Tickets are already on sale and available on the VR Matkalla app or at www.vr.fi.
The Pendolino Plus VR train will start operating between Helsinki and Turku on Monday 3 November 2025. The first departure from Helsinki to Turku is at 3.35pm. Departure from Turku to Helsinki is at 18:34 on the same day. From Tuesday 4 November, there will also be morning departures from both cities. VR plans to offer 3 to 4 daily trips in each direction.
Pendolino Plus trains will partially replace existing IC and Pendolino trains running from Helsinki to Turku. More than just an improvement in journey times, the new trains will above all improve on-board comfort.
The Pendolino Plus will be equipped with a new Ekstra Plus travel class. The new seats will provide a more personalised service and greater comfort. A department manager will be present in the carriages, listening to Ekstra Plus passengers.
Ekstra Plus will also offer an on-site catering servicewhich can be ordered in advance.
Pendolino Plus trains should also be running on the Helsinki-Oulu-Helsinki line. from 2026. VR will announce the launch date of this route to Oulu, the main city in north-west Finland, at a later date.
"We're thrilled with the news about the Pendolino Plus trains. We are delighted to finally be able to announce the launch of these magnificent trains and the availability of tickets".commented Piia Tyynilä, Director of VR Long Distance Services.
Hotel-style cabins for night trains
What's more, VR is also modernising its night services with new trains with hotel-style cabins. Planned for the end of 2025, the company will introduce nine new sleeping cars. It has options to acquire a further fifteen or so sleeping cars.
The contemporary Scandinavian-style cabins are perfect for working or enjoying a meal. Some cabins will even include a shower. These night trains will link Helsinki, Turku and Tampere with Oulu, Rovaniemi, Kemijärvi and Kolari in Lapland.. Bookings are open until March 2026, with private cabins from €49 and shower cabins from €74.
