The modern speed train takes you from down-town St. Petersburg to the central station in Helsinki in 3 ½ hours. All customs and passport checks are conducted onboard. Travelers can even get their tax-free refunds onboard. With a ticket price of €86, the joint Finnish, Russian Allegro express train has become a great success.
Allegro express train at Helsinki central station. Photo: Thomas Nilsen
During the first year of operation, the Allegro express train has had around 280.000 passengers, far more than expected, reports Finnish railways VR-Group.
– The growth in the number of passengers on the Allegro is expected to continue. The aim is 500 000 trips per year by 2015 says VR’s Director, Long-distance Services Ari Vanhanen in a press-release.
Trips made by Finns to Russia are still mainly business trips whereas Russians come to Finland for the most part on leisure trips.
Read also: Finland opens world’s lagest visa-centre in St. Petersburg
The majority of the passengers are Russians.
