Pendolino
In this article we go deep into the Pendolino train, where we see everything this type of train can offer you. The difference between Pendolino and Intercity trains and which is the best option. And how you know when it’s a Pendolino train or another in the connection schedules. You will find all the information about this train in detail and the most important points for passengers here.
So find out all about this Italian train, abbreviated with the letter S, which is famous for always having 6 wagons and one floor. Many services you will find here, as we see below.
Key Features:
- Origin: Italian train design
- Abbreviation: Letter “S” (chosen by VR)
- Configuration: Always 6 wagons, single floor
- Type: High-speed long-distance train
💡 Use the buttons below to jump directly to the section you’re interested in!
Long-Distance Train Schedules
Pendolino train schedules are available in two formats. In PDF format, which you can view by clicking here, or in real-time on VR’s website. You can find out which trains belong to the Pendolino series when you read the image above, and if you don’t know what it means: schedules marked in green and with the letter S in the PDF file. And don’t ask me why the letter S is used for a train type called Pendolino, which has no letter S in its name. VR simply decided so.
How to Identify Pendolino Trains:
- Look for the letter “S” before the train number
- In PDF schedules: marked in GREEN
- Example: S979 departing Helsinki at 7:36
Let’s look at an example from the first schedule we found from the PDF file linked above. In this case, the first Pendolino train departs from Helsinki at 7:36 on train S979. So if you’re interested in what train you use when traveling, you already know how to distinguish it from InterCity, for which we have made a detailed guide here.
Pendolino Train Lines
From this document you will find schedules for the following Pendolino train lines:
Tickets
Tickets are usually purchased through VR’s website or app, the link to which you can find under the button. And here we see what prices and ticket types are available. You can also go to any station to buy your ticket, but we recommend that you go to central stations, as smaller stations sometimes do not have staff so you can buy your ticket. You can buy your ticket from a machine at most.
Pricing Information:
The price varies greatly depending on which route you want to choose. Prices usually vary depending on what time and what day you want to travel. So there is no fixed price for long-distance travel.
Series Tickets Option
However, there is a very interesting option, namely series tickets, which have a fixed price. You can see here the price for the connection between each two stops. Usually you see the option to buy 10, 30, 50 or even 100 trips at a fixed price. An option that allows you to use these trips over the next 6 months to avoid high prices during certain seasons.
⚠️ Note: In this case, the type of train does not matter, as there is usually no difference in the price of the trip whether you use a Pendolino or InterCity train.
Wagon Map
Below you can see all the wagons commonly used in Pendolino trains and wagon plans. This train is characteristic because it always has 6 wagons, and they are always divided in the same way as you see now.
Extra Class
In this wagon type, Extra class passengers are offered a self-service point. From there they can get coffee, tea and water free of charge. The wagon’s amenities are designed with passenger comfort in mind.
Each seat has its own power outlet, so passengers can charge their devices during the trip. In addition, there are coat hooks in the middle of the wagon and spacious luggage areas at both ends of the wagon.
A special feature in this wagon type is the six-person cabin. It is equipped with a projector and screen, making it ideal for meetings or group trips, for example. The cabin also has its own luggage area. If passengers wish, they can order catering with A-rights to their cabin.
Wagon Dimensions:
- Exterior and interior door width: 78 cm
- Wagon corridor width: 61 cm
- Hat shelf height: 36 cm
Service Wagon
In this wagon type, special attention has been paid to accessibility and travel comfort. There are two wheelchair spaces with both a staff call button and a power outlet. In addition, the wagon has space for strollers and an accessible toilet equipped with a staff call button, potty and baby changing table. Accessibility has also been improved with seat numbers marked in Braille.
The wagon also has a wheelchair lift, but for safety reasons it can only lift a passenger sitting in a wheelchair. The lift dimensions are 110 x 74 cm and its weight limit is 250 kg, including the passenger. All passengers are offered power outlets at their seats, and there are coat hooks in the middle of the wagon. There are spacious luggage areas at both ends of the wagon.
Accessibility Features:
- 2 wheelchair spaces with call button and outlet
- Wheelchair lift: 110 x 74 cm, 250 kg limit
- Accessible toilet with call button
- Braille seat numbering
- Stroller space
Service Wagon Dimensions:
- Exterior and interior doors: 76 cm
- Corridor width: 61 cm
- Accessible toilet door: 100 cm
Restaurant Wagon
In the restaurant wagon, passengers are offered a comfortable environment to enjoy their trip. The wagon has a total of 22 seats and also standing places for those who want to change scenery for a moment or chat with other passengers.
Accessibility has been taken into account by providing space for one wheelchair, so that everyone can enjoy the restaurant wagon’s services. The wagon’s exterior and interior door width is 78 cm, which facilitates movement and transition in the wagon.
Eco Class
In the Eco class wagon, passengers can enjoy comfort and practicality. In the middle of the wagon there are coat hooks for passengers’ outerwear, and at the ends of the wagon there are special luggage areas designed to store larger bags and luggage.
For visually impaired passengers, seat numbers have been marked in Braille. In addition, each seat has its own power outlet so that passengers can charge their devices or work during the trip. The wagon structure has taken into account easy mobility: exterior and interior door width is 78 cm and corridor width is 61 cm. The overhead hat shelf height is 36 cm, which provides additional space for smaller luggage.
Eco Class, Pets
In this wagon type, special attention has been paid to those traveling with pets. Seven seats are reserved for those who want to travel with their pet. Especially for larger pets, one space is reserved, so that the trip is comfortable for both the pet and its owner. In the middle of the wagon there are coat hooks for passengers’ outerwear. There are special areas for storing luggage at the ends of the wagon.
In addition, each seat has a power outlet, which makes the trip even more comfortable, as you can charge your devices during the trip. The wagon design has taken into account spaciousness and easy mobility: door width is 78 cm and corridor width 61 cm. The overhead hat shelf is 36 cm high, offering additional space for smaller luggage.
Services
Pendolino train is known for its superior travel experience. When traveling on Pendolino, you can enjoy delicious food and drinks directly from the restaurant car and stay connected to the outside world with the free wifi provided by the VR train network. Relaxing in your comfortable seat, which has an adjustable backrest, folding table and reading light, you can also keep your devices charged, as each seat has its own power outlet. However, it is good to note that these amenities are not available at the end seats of the wagons.
🚻 Comfort & Facilities
To ensure the comfort of all passengers, Pendolino is equipped with toilet facilities, including an accessible toilet and baby changing table. In addition, the train’s air conditioning ensures a pleasant temperature throughout the trip, and to ensure health and well-being, it is good to keep in mind that Pendolino is a completely smoke-free train.
⭐ Special Services
Pendolino’s special services include:
- Extra Class: Raises the travel experience to an even more luxurious level
- Meeting Cabin: Private space for work or conversation (2-6 person groups) with projector and screen
- Wheelchair Spaces: Specially designated for wheelchair users
- Wheelchair Lift: Available for access to service wagon (note: stairs when boarding)
- Pet-Friendly Seats: Designated seats for traveling with pets
🧳 Luggage & Storage
Regarding luggage, Pendolino is equipped to meet your needs. At the ends of the wagons there are open luggage areas as well as overhead hat shelves. Coat hooks for hanging clothes can be found in the middle of the wagon. For those traveling with small children, there is also space for transporting strollers. However, it is essential to note that Pendolino does not have bicycle spaces.
Pendolino vs. InterCity
Pendolino and InterCity are both an essential part of Finnish railway history and present day. Over the decades, they have gone through many technological advances, and improvements to both trains have made them favorites among passengers. But which train has more advantages?
🚄 InterCity: Efficiency and Comfort
The introduction of InterCity trains in the 1990s changed the landscape of Finnish railways. The double-decker IC2 wagons, manufactured at Transtech’s Kajaani plant in 1998, were originally designed to run at 160 km/h. However, technological improvements, especially in tunnel driving, allowed the speed to be increased to up to 200 km/h.
With Edo control wagons, InterCity has achieved a new level of flexibility. With the Edo control wagon, InterCity can change direction without the locomotive having to move to the other side of the train. This feature not only increases efficiency but also reduces station dwell times.
🔒 Safety Features
InterCity train safety has always been a priority. Thanks to the aerodynamically shaped bow, collision buffer and other advanced safety features, InterCity offers passengers and crew a protected travel experience.
⚡ Vectron Locomotives
Vectron (Sr3) locomotives have brought a new dimension to the efficiency of InterCity trains. These locomotives are designed specifically for Finland’s varying weather conditions and have proven to be very efficient and reliable.
🎯 Pendolino: Victories and Challenges
Although Pendolino trains have been part of Finnish railways for a long time, they are facing challenges when passengers compare them to double-decker InterCity trains. For some, Pendolino trips have felt uncomfortable and imprecise. Pendolino’s six-wagon configuration makes it less flexible than InterCity, which can adjust its length as needed.
⏱️ Train Punctuality: Ongoing Challenge
Although I was unable to find route-specific punctuality statistics, the goal of Finnish railway long-distance traffic is 90% punctuality. However, recent figures have fallen below the target: in December 2022 punctuality was 74.3% and in January 2023 it was 87.2%.
For local trains, the punctuality target is higher, 97.5%. According to this, local trains should arrive and depart from their stations no more than 3 minutes late from the schedule. In December 2022, local train punctuality was 87.4% and in January 2023 it was 93.8%.
⚠️ The railway maintenance backlog and large number of faults are visible in the everyday life of many passengers.
Experience Pendolino
Travel on the iconic Italian-designed Pendolino train with 6 wagons of comfort, modern amenities, and high-speed service across Finland!