As part of a three week vacation we're spending two nights in Helsinki followed by five in St. Petersburg. I read that the 7 hour train, the 'Sibelius', which leaves 7:30am and arrives 2:30pm is an easy way to travel between the cities with interesting scenery. I do prefer train travel to flying but I wonder if it is worth the extra time on this trip. Any opinions?

Thanks,
Bruce

We took that train in 1995. The scenery is nothing spectacular, as the countryside is quite flat. But the difference between the two modes of transportation should take into account the point of departure, of arrival, and the need to be early at the airport because of security checks. Time wise there might not be that much difference between the two.

We did this trip by train in 2006 & enjoyed it. We did fly from Helsinki to Moscow previously & the pushing & shoving at Moscow was unbelievable not sure what it would be like at St Petersburg.

The train takes 5-6 hours, not seven. There is one hour´s time zone change, amd that makes the arrival 2.30.

But like Michael says, airport security checks, and the 30-40 minute trip to the airport (train station is right in the center of Helsinki) make the travel times about equal. Nowadays you have to be at the airport two hours before departure time.

Scenery on the train ride is nothing to write home about: trees, trees, trees, trees, trees, field, trees, field, trees.

Dear Folks,

Thanks to all, the train it is.

Best,
Bruce

Looking foward to your trip report. We are taking this train to St. Petersburg in June!

The train trip is very boring - nothing to see. But if you can et one in 6 hours -that won;t be longer than flying given all the foofa - and you'll be more comfortable.