High-Speed Helsinki/St. Petersburg Allegro Train to Launch Dec. 12

Starting Dec. 12, the new high-speed Allegro Train from Helsinki, Finland, to St. Petersburg, Russia will take travelers to the old imperial capital in three and a half hours. The new Allegro train will cut travel time between the two cities by a third. With a top speed of close to 140 mph, the technically advanced trains as well as faster border procedures and an upgraded line service will shave two hours off the duration of the journey. Seating 344 passengers in first and second classes, the Allegro Train has been planned keeping those with specific needs in mind. Areas are available for passengers needing wheelchairs as well as for those travelling with pets. Other amenities include a restaurant carriage, a conference compartment and a playroom for children. Services such as currency exchange and tax-free refunds onboard are available.

A single-journey ticket from Helsinki to St. Petersburg costs 84 euros ($110) in second class. A first class fare costs 134 euros ($177) and includes a snack, daily newspapers and coffee or tea from a self-service counter. The Allegro departs daily from Helsinki to St. Petersburg at 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; and from St. Petersburg to Helsinki at 6.40 a.m. and 3.25 p.m. By summer 2011 the number of daily return services is expected to increase from two to four. For more information, visit www.vr.fi/eng/ulkomaat/venaja/palvelut_junissa/allegro or www.visitfinland.com.

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