📋 Tender Overview
The new Pendolino Plus train will start traffic between Helsinki and Oulu in December. Tickets are now available in the VR Travel application or at www.vr.fi. In addition Oulu train connections become more diverse as VR increases shifts to the south and north.
The VR Pendolino Plus train will start operating between Helsinki and Oulu on Monday 15.12.2025 when the first turn from Helsinki to Oulu departs at 2:54 pm. The first turn from Oulu on Tuesday 16.12. at 04.32 is a whole new turn that serves business travelers especially for morning meetings.
VR launches a whole new Extra Plus travel class for those who appreciate the personal service of the Pendolino Plus trains. The travel class facilities are particularly comfortable and have more train staff. The Extra Plus class also has the opportunity to order a pre -ordered meal which is one of the most desirable services in customer surveys. There are also cabins to work and a childrens play trolley on the trains. Pendolino Plus trains will partly replace the current IC and Pendolino trains operating from Helsinki to Oulu. New equipment does not affect travel time and routes stop at the same stations as it is now.
Add shifts to the particularly popular times
In addition to Pendolino Plus the train connections of Oulu will become more diverse in December when 14.12. from starting the following new routes and shifts:
Sundays direct connection from Turku to Oulu at 11.05am
On Sundays from Oulu to Helsinki at 6:17 pm also stop at the intermediate stations north of Seinajoki
Sundays from Oulu to Seinajoki at 11:55 am offering more connections from intermediate stations to the south
On Saturdays IC25 will continue from Oulu to Rovaniemi at 6 pm complementing Saturday nights shift offer
Sundays IC26 direct connection from Rovaniemi at 11am via Oulu to Helsinki
New shifts complement the current offer and increase travel opportunities at particularly sought after times.
Oulus train connections and travel experience will be significantly improved with new shifts and the Pendolino Plus train equipment. They will have the opportunity to choose a low -emission train for travel. Rail traffic is one of the most low -emission ways to move as it produces only about one percent of our traffic emissions in Finland. Antti Karjalainen Director of Sales and Pricing at VR.
VR is undergoing significant investments in the future travel experience and services on the train. Over the coming years the indoor appearance of all EKO classes will be renewed and the equipment will get a fresher outdoor look. Pendolino Plus is the first train equipment in VRs new outdoor look which will be seen on the Finnish track. Last year VR updated the WiFi connections of all its trains and customer satisfaction with the train network has risen to 3.5/5. In order to further improve connections market -based investments in telecom operators are needed in network and new base stations in the shadow areas.
Facts about Pendolino Plus trains
Train Type: SM6
Manufacturer: Ahlstom
Year of manufacture 2010
Previously operated in VR eastern traffic between Helsinki and St. Petersburg
