Are trains still running between Helsinki and St Petersburg?
Russia's borders were closed due to Covid-19, now they remain closed because of the war in Ukraine. No trains cross-border trains are running at the moment.
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Yes, there is a direct bus departing from Helsinki Kamppi bus station station and arriving at St Petersburg Bus Terminal. Services depart every four hours, and operate every day. The journey takes approximately 7h 55m.
Are trains to Russia still running? IMPORTANT UPDATE 2023: All international trains to/from Moscow & Russia remain suspended until further notice, originally due to covid-19 and now due to sanctions and the war in Ukraine. No trains at all now cross the Poland/Belarus or Finland/Russia border.
Travelers can soon get a Russian visa to visit St.Petersburg and the rest of the country. Foreign nationals will be able to apply online for a visa valid across the whole Russian territory. The application process is 100% online with no need to visit a Russian embassy.
The best way to get from Helsinki to Russia is to train which takes 8h 3m and costs €50 - €130. Alternatively, you can bus, which costs €40 - €120 and takes 19h 41m.
Those who arrive in Saint Petersburg on a ferry operated by the St.Peter Line (from Helsinki, Tallinn, or Stockholm) or a Saimaa Travel ferry from Lappeenranta can spend the night in the city. However, they must still book an authorized guided tour and only have 72 hours visa-free.
St Peter line ferries do not operate anymore. No other ferries have taken its place. The only option for getting to St Petersburg from Finland now is by bus, and even that can't be guaranteed in the current situation. Check your foreign ministrys travel recommendations.
To enter Russia for any purpose, a U.S. citizen must possess a valid U.S. passport and a bona fide visa issued by a Russian Embassy or Consulate. It is impossible to obtain an entry visa upon arrival, so travelers must apply for their visas well in advance.