VR has announced that its Pendolino Plus trains, previously known as Allegro, will enter service on long-distance routes between Helsinki, Turku, and Oulu by the end of 2025. The new fleet will partly replace existing InterCity (IC) and Pendolino trains on these routes while introducing an early morning service from Oulu to Helsinki, catering specifically to business travellers.
The Pendolino Plus trains will follow current timetables, stopping at the same stations as existing services. The introduction of these trains is part of VR’s broader strategy to enhance capacity and accommodate increasing demand for rail travel in Finland. Additional details regarding ticket sales and service schedules are expected to be announced before the summer.
VR will also introduce a new premium travel class, Ekstra Plus, offering enhanced service and comfort. Passengers travelling in Ekstra Plus will benefit from additional train staff, including a dedicated service manager. The class will feature pre-ordered meal options, a highly requested addition based on customer feedback, as well as private cabins for work.
“We hope that business travellers, in particular, will find the Pendolino Plus trains a convenient option,” said Piia Tyynilä, Director of Long-Distance Transport at VR. “The new trains provide a stylish and spacious environment that allows passengers to work while travelling sustainably.”
VR is making significant investments in upgrading its fleet and passenger experience. In addition to the Pendolino Plus trains, new night train carriages will be introduced later this year, and a modernised commuter train fleet will enter service in 2026. Over the coming years, VR plans to refresh the interiors of all Eco class carriages and update the exterior designs across its fleet.
The Pendolino Plus trains will be the first to feature VR’s new exterior branding. Meanwhile, improvements to onboard Wi-Fi, already implemented across the network, have increased customer satisfaction with train connectivity to 3.7 out of 5. This upgraded Wi-Fi service will also be available on the Pendolino Plus trains.
Additionally, station service points at Helsinki and Tampere will be renovated this year, aligning with VR’s goal of enhancing the overall travel experience.
Share on:
