An overnight train with bunk beds, a small chair and even a private bathroom may sound unusual, but these features are part of Finland’s Santa Claus Express. The overnight train connects Helsinki and Turku with Rovaniemi, a popular destination in Finnish Lapland. Want to know more about this train? Read on!
Finland’s Santa Claus Train Comes With A Private Bathroom
A video shared by a traveller named Alexandra Martin offers a glimpse inside one of the train’s sleeper cabins. The compact space features bunk beds, a small chair and room to store luggage. The biggest surprise is a private bathroom fitted with a shower and toilet. However, space is limited, especially for oversized luggage. The traveller revealed that her large bag would not fit inside the cabin, so she had to check it in separately. The Santa Claus Express is a double-decker night train operated by Finnish Railways (VR). It offers travellers the option of booking regular seats or private sleeper cabins, making it a convenient way to travel to Lapland overnight rather than taking a flight.
Passengers can book tickets and sleeper cabins through VR’s customer service or at a railway station. A service fee of €1 (around ₹109) applies to reservations made at stations. Sleeper cabins are sold as a whole rather than as individual beds. Reservation charges and fares vary depending on the route, travel dates and availability.
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According to the reservation price ranges listed by Interrail, tickets and cabins can cost:
- Seat: €5–€32.70 (around ₹543–₹3,550)
- Double sleeper cabin: €39–€150 (around ₹4,235–₹16,290)
- Deluxe double sleeper cabin with a private bathroom: €39–€160 (around ₹4,235–₹17,376)
Travellers should check the official VR website for current fares and availability before booking.
What Food And Facilities Are Available On The Train?
Passengers can purchase meals and snacks from the train’s restaurant car. Breakfast can also be delivered to sleeper cabins in the morning, allowing travellers to eat without leaving their rooms. The onboard menu includes dishes such as salmon soup with rye bread, tomato pesto pasta with vegetable balls, meatballs with mashed potatoes, chicken pesto pasta, pasta carbonara, chicken Caesar salad and club sandwiches. Other options include vegetable ball meals, bolete risotto with green salad and shaved Parmesan, and a children’s meal of meatballs with mashed potatoes. A restaurant car brunch is also available.
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Hot water, drinking water and soft drinks are among the beverage options. For added convenience during the overnight journey, the train also offers Wi-Fi and power sockets, allowing passengers to stay connected and charge their devices along the way.
Cover Image Courtesy: Instagram/Alexandra Martin
FAQs
Which month is the best to visit Santa Claus Village in Lapland?
January and March are the best months to visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi because they offer full snow conditions and the magical winter atmosphere with significantly fewer crowds and shorter lines than December.
How much does a ticket for the Santa Claus Express train cost in Finland?
A ticket for the Santa Claus Express (the overnight train operated by Finland's national railway, VR) varies significantly based on whether you book a standard seat or a private sleeper cabin, as well as the season.
Is Lapland very expensive?
Lapland is generally considered an expensive destination.
