Travel Between Helsinki and St. Petersburg
Jan 18th, 2011, 08:57 AM
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Travel Between Helsinki and St. Petersburg
I will be in Helsinki during Feb. 19 -23 and was thinking about making a side trip to St. Petersburg afterwards.
I've read that there is a new high speed train between Helsinki and St. Petereburg - does anyone know if this is this train is operational now ?
Also, is it better to fly or take take the train ?
Any recommendations on hotels in St. Petersburg - nothing fancy ?
I've read that there is a new high speed train between Helsinki and St. Petereburg - does anyone know if this is this train is operational now ?
Also, is it better to fly or take take the train ?
Any recommendations on hotels in St. Petersburg - nothing fancy ?
Jan 18th, 2011, 09:04 AM
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Jan 19th, 2011, 07:22 AM
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> is it better to fly or take take the train ?
When I took the train many years ago, I found it fascinating to realize how many differences I saw between Finland and Russia in the countryside, villages, and towns through which the train passed. I don't know if that would still be true today.
When I took the train many years ago, I found it fascinating to realize how many differences I saw between Finland and Russia in the countryside, villages, and towns through which the train passed. I don't know if that would still be true today.
Jan 19th, 2011, 07:28 AM
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We hired a driver that for $100 drove us (2 people) door to door on a very comfortable Mercedes Benz from St. Petersburg to Helsinki. He guided us and took very good care of us during the exit/entry documentation border crossings. I still remembered the towns and countryside on both sides; quite an experience. I can get you the Point of Contact if you want more info.
Jan 19th, 2011, 04:46 PM
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Viajero2 - sounds like a great experience. How long ago was this - $100 is cheap considering that a one way trip from Helsinki to St. Pete´s is around 80 euros? Yes, I would appreciate a point of contact.
Jan 20th, 2011, 03:48 AM
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We took this trip on June 28, 2005. We advanced-email our concierge at the hotel in St. Petersburg (SAS Radisson) and she recommended this company. I will get you the information when I get back home tonight.
Jan 20th, 2011, 05:48 AM
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NeoPatrick - No we do not have the visa but I am lead to believe by the Russian Embassy here in Ecuador that this process will not take too long given the new on-line application system.
What is your recommendation on a place to stay in St. Petersburg ?
What is your recommendation on a place to stay in St. Petersburg ?
Jan 20th, 2011, 05:58 AM
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My recommendaton? See the thread I started that Michael did the link to.
Currently I have a reservation at the Radisson Sonya, but am still looking at other possibilities including the tiny 3 Most Guest House right by the Hermitage.
Unless your Visa works differently -- you have to have your hotel reservation and letter of "invitation" before you apply for your Visa.
Currently I have a reservation at the Radisson Sonya, but am still looking at other possibilities including the tiny 3 Most Guest House right by the Hermitage.
Unless your Visa works differently -- you have to have your hotel reservation and letter of "invitation" before you apply for your Visa.
