This post isn't about it! But it's pretty close to the experience you can have traveling to Lapland by the night train!

This January, I was on a press trip to Muonio, and we took the night train, similar to the one people usually take to Rovaniemi- The official Santa Claus Town! The differences?

1. Destination
2. Marketing

Let me explain! I went to Kolari! The Santa Express goes to Rovaniemi, and therefore the train wagons outside are decorated with Santa Claus logos! The inside? It’s the same. Note that this train is not exclusive for tourists, which means for locals it’s just the train going to Rovaniemi!

So, I used to hop on the train from Helsinki to Tervola (just one stop before Rovaniemi) without knowing I was riding the Santa Express! Imagine my surprise when I found out! I guess I missed out on all those magical moments tourists rave about. Next time, I’ll bring my own Santa hat!

Is it worth taking the night train in Finland?

As I always say: it depends on what kind of experiences you are looking for. For example, flight tickets during winter time to cities in Lapland tend to be more expensive, of course, it’s the high season! So if you fly to Helsinki, there are slightly cheaper options, and perhaps taking the train can help! But there is something you need to consider: THE TIME, THE PRICES AND PLANNING!

Now, let’s say you want to have a combination of Lapland, Helsinki, and Estonia. Then definitely taking the night train can be a good option, and in this way, you add something new to your traveling experiences.

Let me tell you the most important things: The train cabins with showers are the most expensive. There are also cabins that do not include showers, and they are cheaper, and you can always travel in the normal wagons without a bed!

NIGHT TRAINS

• Helsinki – Rovaniemi
  Departure: 23:13 Arrival: 11:03 Direct: 11 hours 50 min

I checked the train options for 7.3.2024 (in two weeks) and sleeping cabins are SOLD OUT! This means you also need to plan your trip in advance!

Price ticket one way, normal seat 6.3.2024: 102.20€

Round trip cabin train with shower: 6-13.3.2024: 558€

• Helsinki – Kolari
  (The northernmost train station in Finland and one hour to Muonio)
  Departure: 20:29
  Arrival: 10:55
  Express train: 14 hours 26 min
  Price ticket one way, normal seat 6.3.2024: 52,60€
  Round trip cabin train with shower: 6-13.3.2024: 528€

See my point? It always depends on your itinerary & budget!

What its the best thing of the cabins?

VR NIGHT TRAIN SNEAK PEEK: The Santa Express Train, me standing in the cabin, the cabin, and a French breakfast

THE SHOWER! For me, it was the first time experiencing these night trains! And the shower was the best part of it! I mean, I have seen the beds, I have been traveling in normal seats, local trains are also very cool! But never the night train! So, as a newbie, I didn’t know about the shower. Check out the video where Karilyn @nobackhome is explaining to me where the shower is!

DID I TAKE SHOWER ON THE TRAIN? Of course I did take a shower! I had to experience it! It was fun, and to be honest, I didn’t sleep well. Therefore, I needed a shower because we had a full day ahead, and I wanted to be awake! During the night, I felt the train moving all the time, and I have light sleep, so at every stop, I woke up because I could hear everything! But on the way back home, I slept much better!

Other things to consider while traveling by the night train to Lapland

• The size of the cabins! You cannot take your big luggage with you! I mean, you can bring it on the train and leave it in the compartments for big luggage! But I strongly recommend you to take only a backpack with the necessary stuff with you to the cabin! And if you are traveling with another person, you might struggle with the space when you get up and start getting ready!

Just to mention, I had the cabin to myself. I had a backpack and medium-sized luggage, and I could not open it in the cabin aisle. I had to use the lower bunk to open the luggage and sleep on the top bunk!

Go back to the images, and you can clearly see there is not too much space, making it essential to pack efficiently for your journey.

• The food on board! The restaurant has a pretty good selection of food! I’d say it’s basic but sufficient, ranging from options like the club sandwich to meatballs, and even the traditional salmon soup served with rye bread! So if you are picky with food, bring your own snacks with you!

I’m curious about if this is something you would like to experience? Don’t be shy, send me a DM and let me know your thoughts about it!