Sleeper Cabins
Traveling in sleeping cars in Finland offers a unique experience that combines comfort and convenience, allowing passengers to enjoy a peaceful rest on their way to their destination. These night train sleeping compartments have beds, toilets and other essential amenities, offering a comfortable alternative to regular seats. Sleeping cars are ideal for solo travelers, families and those traveling with pets, and guarantee a pleasant and stress-free journey.
Finland’s rail network, operated by VR, offers several popular night travel routes, such as Helsinki-Rovaniemi. Prices vary depending on compartment type and advance purchases, and discounts are available for children, students and pensioners. In addition to basic services, passengers can enjoy additional services such as showers and free WiFi. Below we will explore in detail what sleeping cars are, their prices, what types of trains they are available on and what amenities they offer.
What are Sleeping Cars?
Sleeping cars are special compartments on night trains where passengers can sleep during the journey. These compartments have comfortable beds and offer a convenient alternative to regular seats, especially on long-distance trips. Sleeping cars on Finnish trains are designed for different types of passengers, such as those traveling alone, as a couple, with family or even with pets.
🛏️ Sleep comfortably on your journey – arrive refreshed and ready to explore!
Prices and Discounts
The prices of sleeping car tickets vary depending on the compartment type and how far in advance the ticket was purchased. Generally, prices are higher than regular seats due to the additional services they offer. However, discounts are available for certain groups, such as children, students, pensioners and those in civil service.
Free Travel:
- Children under 4 years: FREE
- Children under 11 years: FREE if they don’t use their own bed
💤 Sleeping to your destination: Own cabin from just €49, cabins with shower from €74
You can enjoy breakfast and dinner in the atmospheric restaurant car. Book your sleeping car now
Availability and Routes
Sleeping cars are available on several night trains operating on certain routes in Finland. Popular routes include Helsinki-Rovaniemi, Helsinki-Oulu and other routes connecting Southern Finland and the Lapland region. These trains are designed to maximize passenger comfort during long night journeys so they can arrive at their destination rested and ready to explore.
Santa Claus Express (VR) Routes
Via Tampere, Oulu and Rovaniemi
Via Tampere and Oulu
Via Tampere and Oulu
Direct connection
Useful Links:
Instructions: Enter the station name or train identifier in the search field and select your desired destination from the list. You can save the searched schedule as a favorite with the button in the upper right corner of the schedule. Your saved favorites appear as quick links on the Favorites tab.
Amenities and Services
Standard Compartments
Standard sleeping car compartments typically include:
- Two bunk beds with bed linen
- Sink with running water and face towels
- Power connections and free WiFi
- Luggage storage
- Temperature control and blackout curtains for undisturbed sleep
- Air conditioning
- Services for disabled passengers
- Luggage racks
- Power outlets
- Restaurant / bistro access
- Shower / WC
- Internet WiFi
Family and Pet Compartments
For those traveling with family or pets, there are dedicated compartments that can accommodate up to two adults and two children or two adults and up to two pets. These compartments also have the same amenities as regular compartments, but are designed to be more spacious and suitable for transporting animals.
🔒 The cabin is ALWAYS for your private use – we do NOT sell individual sleeping places in cabins
Cabin Types
Standard Cabins
Upper Floor 2 Person Cabin
Sleeping cabin with own WC and shower
Lower Floor 2 Person Cabin
Sleeping cabin has two beds, shower and WC found in the train corridor
Cabins for Special Needs
You can also book an accessible cabin, pet cabin or combinable cabin.
2 Person Accessible Cabin
Designed for passengers with reduced mobility
2 Person Pet Cabin
Perfect for traveling with your furry friends
Upper Floor 2 Person Pet Cabin
Sleeping cabin with own WC and shower for pet travelers
Combinable Sleeping Cabins 2+2
Perfect for larger groups or families
Old Wagon Cabins
These old wagon cabins are found, for example, on Kolari night trains
- 3 Person Cabin (old wagon)
- 2-3 Person Pet Cabin (old wagon)
Accessibility
Night trains also have accessible compartments for people with reduced mobility. These compartments have, for example, wider doors, grab bars and sufficient space to move a wheelchair. In addition, assistance is provided for boarding and exiting the train, and compartments are located near the train’s entrance doors, which adds to comfort.
Accessible Features:
- Wider doors for wheelchair access
- Grab bars for safety
- Sufficient space for wheelchair movement
- Assistance for boarding and exiting
- Located near entrance doors
Additional Services
In addition to basic services, sleeping car passengers can enjoy additional services such as:
- Possibility to buy snacks and drinks on the train
- Shower in the corridor, accessible with a special key
- Wake-up service so passengers don’t miss their stop
- Cabin service for selected meals from restaurant car
- Breakfasts can be ordered in advance (up to 5 days) at vr.fi
Restaurant Car Menu and Services on Night Trains
Pasta Selection
All pastas are lactose-free
Cabin Service
- Possibility to order selected meals from restaurant car to cabin
- Breakfasts can be ordered in advance at vr.fi when buying ticket (up to 5 days in advance)
Payment Methods
- All domestic and foreign payment cards accepted
- Lunch cards and apps (Edenred, Smartum, Epass, Eazybreak)
- Cash payments in restaurant car; cards only in sales car
Opening Hours
- Restaurant cars on day trains: Open throughout the journey
- On night trains: Close at 02:00 (service until 01:30) and reopen at 04:00
Take Away
- Food and non-alcoholic drinks can be taken home
- Possibility to order coffee to go with VR Matkalla app, avoiding queues
Main Dishes and Popular Foods
Over 80,000 portions of meatballs sold annually!
Alcoholic Beverages
- Selection of beers, ciders and wines
- Prices: beers €6.50-€8.30, wines €10.90-€11.90
Benefits with VR Matkalla App
- Discounts on food and drinks: large coffee, tomato pesto pasta, meatballs
- Discounted prices shown in bold
Traveling with Children
- Various options for children
- In InterCity trains, restaurant car near play car
How to Book
Booking a sleeping car ticket is simple and can be done through several channels:
- VR’s official website (www.vr.fi)
- Via VR Matkalla mobile app
- By calling VR’s (Finnish Railway Traffic) call center: +358 9 9 2319 (open daily 7:00-22:00 local time)
- At main railway stations, such as Helsinki and Tampere
- From ticket machines, available up to 30 days before travel
- By calling customer service
- At travel agencies and R-kiosks, but these methods charge additional fees
🚂 Polar Express: Night train connecting Helsinki and Rovaniemi
Night Trains in Finland: Throughout Finland there are several night train options called Santa Claus Express. Night trains have sleeping cars and a restaurant car. Reservations are mandatory. Call VR customer service (09 2319 2902).
Reservation Fees
VR night train reservations cost 50% of the full price ticket price.
All Prices (Subject to Availability)
Booking Tip: We recommend making reservations in advance, especially if you want to travel during the winter season. This way you save on booking costs.
More information about Santa Claus Express trains in Finland and how to make reservations
Travel Tips
If you want to maximize your travel comfort when traveling in a sleeping car, it is recommended to:
- Book in advance to get the type of cabin you want
- Bring drinking water, as the water on the train is not suitable for drinking
- Be informed about train stops and reserve breaks, especially if you are traveling with pets
Traveling in sleeping cars is not just a way to move, but an experience in itself, as you can enjoy the beauty of the Finnish countryside while resting comfortably. This way, each night spent on the train becomes a memorable part of the adventure as you explore Finland.