Finland’s Santa Claus Express offers travellers an unusual overnight rail experience, with sleeper cabins featuring bunk beds, seating space and, in some cases, private bathrooms equipped with a shower and toilet. The double-decker night train connects Helsinki and Turku with Rovaniemi, a popular destination in Finland’s Lapland region.
A video shared by a passenger while exploring her cabin has drawn attention to the facilities available on board. The cabin includes bunk beds, a small chair and space for luggage, while a separate bathroom provides additional privacy during the journey.
However, space can be limited, particularly for travellers carrying large suitcases. In the video, the passenger explains that her oversized luggage could not fit beneath the bed, forcing her to check it in separately.
What Is Finland’s Santa Claus Express?
The Santa Claus Express is a double-decker overnight train operated in Finland, connecting Helsinki and Turku with Rovaniemi. Passengers can choose between standard seating and private sleeper cabins, depending on their travel needs and budget.
The service is particularly popular with people travelling to Lapland. Instead of taking a flight, passengers can travel overnight and sleep during the journey, making the train an alternative for those who prefer rail travel.
The private cabins offer a more personal space than standard seats, while selected cabin categories include their own bathroom facilities.
Santa Claus Express Ticket Prices
Tickets and sleeper cabins can be booked through Finnish Railways (VR) customer care or at a railway station. Reservations made at a station carry a service fee of €1, approximately ₹109.
VR sells sleeper cabins as complete units rather than offering individual beds for separate booking. The reservation charge is 50% of the full-fare ticket price, while the final cost depends on the route, travel date and availability.
The listed reservation prices are:
| Travel option | Price in euros | Approximate price in INR |
|---|---|---|
| Standard seat | €5–€32.70 | ₹543–₹3,550 |
| Double sleeper cabin | €39–€150 | ₹4,235–₹16,290 |
| Deluxe double sleeper cabin with private bathroom | €39–€160 | ₹4,235–₹17,376 |
Travellers should check the available options and applicable fares before booking, as prices can vary depending on the journey and availability.
Food and Dining Facilities on Board
Passengers can purchase meals from the train’s restaurant car. Breakfast can also be delivered directly to sleeper cabins in the morning, offering added convenience for those travelling overnight.
The onboard menu includes a range of vegetarian and non-vegetarian dishes, such as salmon soup with rye bread, tomato pesto pasta with vegetable balls, meatballs with mashed potatoes, pesto pasta with chicken, pasta carbonara, vegetable balls with potato wedges and chicken Caesar salad.
Other options include club sandwiches, restaurant-car brunch, children’s meatballs with mashed potatoes and bolete risotto served with green salad and shaved Parmesan.
Hot water, drinking water and soft drinks are also available on board.
Wi-Fi, Charging Points and Cabin Comfort
Along with sleeping arrangements and dining facilities, the Santa Claus Express provides Wi-Fi and power sockets, allowing passengers to stay connected and charge their electronic devices during the trip.
The combination of overnight travel, private sleeper options and onboard amenities makes the train an alternative to flying for visitors heading towards Rovaniemi and Finland’s Lapland region. However, travellers choosing a cabin should consider luggage space and check which facilities are included in their selected category.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for general informational purposes and is based on the details provided. Ticket prices, exchange-rate equivalents, cabin facilities, onboard menus and booking conditions may change. Travellers should confirm the latest information directly with Finnish Railways (VR) before making reservations.
