How to Book Train Travel From Sweden To Finland

Traveling from Sweden to Finland offers a challenge to those who want to travel by rail in that there is no direct route; however, if you are an adventurous person with time on your hands, you are in for an amazing journey around the Gulf of Bothnia with views of Scandinavia near the Arctic Circle.

Take Time to Plan Your Itinerary from Sweden to Finland

1 Prepare for a long journey by train. There are no trains that travel directly from Sweden to Finland because of a difference in the size of the rails between the two countries. Service in Sweden from Stockholm to Boden takes approximately 14 hours.

2 Plan to get on a bus. You will need to transfer by bus from Boden through the border town of Tornio to Kemi in Finland. The train trip from Kemi to Helsinki is approximately 7 hours.

3 Consider stopovers and day trips. The trip from Sweden to Finland is long and it may be difficult to find trains that allow you to travel without long delays. Break up the trip into smaller segments to avoid waiting for connecting trains.

Take Overnight Trains Between Sweden and Finland

1 Travel at night to save money on accommodations. Pay extra to book a sleeper car on a night train and cover your hotel and travel expenses at the same time.

2 Know the options available on overnight trains before booking tickets. Swedish trains traveling from Stockholm to Boden offer choices of six bed, three bed, and single bed compartments. Some trains, like the Finnish trains from Olou to Tampere, offer only triple and double sleeping accommodations.

Learn About Discounts on Train Travel in Sweden and Finland

1 Determine whether you need a rail pass. Passes offer a lot of flexibility and are a good alternative to single use tickets. There are passes specifically for travel within multiple European countries, within Scandinavia, and for travel exclusively in Finland.

2 Be conscious of existing discounts. Most train services offer student and senior discounts as well as discounts for groups traveling together. Booking tickets in advance also saves money on fares.