VR has confirmed that its new Pendolino Plus service will commence operations on Monday, 3 November 2025, offering enhanced long-distance travel between Helsinki and Turku. The first departure will leave Helsinki at 15:35, with the return service from Turku at 18:34 on the same day. Morning services from both cities will begin on Tuesday, 4 November, with three to four daily departures depending on the weekday.
The new trains will partially replace current InterCity and Pendolino services on the Helsinki–Turku route. However, travel times and station stops will remain unchanged, ensuring continuity for regular passengers.
VR also plans to operate Pendolino Plus trains on the Helsinki–Oulu route, with further information on that launch to be announced as modifications to the rolling stock progress.
“We’ve seen an enthusiastic response to the news of Pendolino Plus,” said Piia Tyynilä, VR’s Director of Long-Distance Traffic. “We’re delighted to confirm that operations are starting and that tickets are now available. We welcome both everyday travellers and train enthusiasts to experience Pendolino Plus and its new services.”
Pendolino Plus: New travel class
Pendolino Plus trains will introduce a new Ekstra Plus class, designed for passengers seeking enhanced comfort and personal service. These spaces will be more refined and feature additional on-board staff, including a newly created role: the Ekstra Class Service Representative.
A key feature of Ekstra Plus will be the option to pre-order meals delivered directly to one’s seat, a highly requested addition based on passenger surveys. Other on-board facilities will include private work cabins and a children’s play carriage.
Investments in future rail experience
The introduction of Pendolino Plus is part of VR’s broader investment programme to modernise rail travel. By the end of 2025, passengers can expect to see new overnight carriages in service, followed in 2026 by completely new commuter trains.
The visual identity of all Eko class interiors will also be refreshed in the coming years, along with an updated livery for the fleet. Pendolino Plus trains will be the first to feature VR’s new branding on Finnish railways.
Last year, VR upgraded the Wi-Fi across all trains, boosting passenger satisfaction with network availability to 3.6 out of 5. Continued improvement will require market-based investment by telecom operators in network infrastructure and coverage expansion, particularly in mobile blackspot areas.
Technical Details: Pendolino Plus
- Train type: Sm6
- Manufacturer: Alstom
- Year built: 2010
- Previous use: VR’s eastern service between Helsinki and St. Petersburg
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