how can i reach russia from helsinki

matildemichi · Post by **matildemichi** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 7:17 pm

what about moving to russia from finland? Is it chepear to get a train or a bus from helsinki to pietari (skt petersburg)? how much does it cost? and how much does it take? kiitti ja heippä

**Sponsor:**

Hank W. · Post by **Hank W.** » Thu Mar 09, 2006 10:57 pm

Train is nicer, bus is cheaper. Takes half a day, depending of how queues go on the border. http://www.turunnevatours.fi/english/eng_index.htm

matildemichi · Post by **matildemichi** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 12:44 am

kiitoksia. i read there are also packets including both bus and hotel, but i think im going to find a hotel my own. it says bussilla it costs 60 euro one way ticket. not bad

ihana. soitellaan

Hank W. · Post by **Hank W.** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 9:41 am

Organizing a visa without the hotel beforehand might be slightly challenging.

sammy · Post by **sammy** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 10:17 am

Aren't there cruises as well from Helsinki to St Petersburg? Only during summer maybe...? Or am I hallucinating again?

glorius · Post by **glorius** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 10:20 am

Ticket by train cost 50 euro. By bus from 15

. Some hotels can arrange a visa for you for extra fee

. I would personally prefer to settler somewhere in the new small/boutique hotels, the prices start from 40 euro per night, in winter it somewhat 30% cheaper than in summer.

enk · Post by **enk** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 10:34 am

If you're going by bus, bring a cushion to put under you, the road
is *slightly* bumpy once you get farther in the country.

I recommend the train (and bring a good-size padlock with you
if you're going to be on it long enough to sleep and try and get the bottom
bunk so you can store your luggage under you).

-enk

EP · Post by EP » Fri Mar 10, 2006 12:38 pm

Aren't there cruises as well from Helsinki to St Petersburg?

There used to be, Silja Line. But not any more. There were some visa difficulties and difficulties in getting a place in the harbour. Russia just made it too complicated, and Silja had to stop.

Hank W. · Post by **Hank W.** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 12:41 pm

There might be something from Tallinn though. *Might*.

glorius · Post by **glorius** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 2:28 pm

Hank W. wrote:There might be something from Tallinn though. *Might*.

It is not difficult to get to St Petersburg both from Helsinki or Tallinn. The problem is "paper" work with visa and probably money.

Hank W. · Post by **Hank W.** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 2:35 pm

Was meaning "cruise ships" there. Tallink atleast had something last year. Way back in the "good old days" I took a long weekend on "Konstantin Simonov" to Leningrad. Excellent trip that was.

Now of course, how to reach Helsinki from Russia is far easier, there is a good guide book "Puna-armeijan marssiopas Suomeen 1939 ("The Red Army’s March Guide to Finland 1939".

sinikettu · Post by **sinikettu** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 3:00 pm

Having done the trip by boat..it is easy to see why Silja got pissed off with the Russian end...

Boat arrived..at approx 9am...
"sorry small delay please do not go to way out yet..Russian port official need to check ships papers...!"

Of course many think ..only takes few minutes....so they stroll towards the exit gangway..
by 9.45...the area is packed no sign of any door/gangway being opened..
At 10 clang clang..door opens...there are two crew members checking boarding cards with bar code reader to see who leaves ship...but slowly passengers disembark...to be greeted by brass band on dock side...and collection boxes for local good causes..

Enter building and 3 passport control queues form...eventually at 10.30..exit achieved.

Those who have pre-booked tours are directed to buses..
Those who have not ask..."Where is pubic transport or taxi service.?"

Not allowed in docks..

So walk 200 meters out of docks onto street and find there are lots of buses..going to from who knows where...
..but not a taxi in sight...
...notice someone who looks inteligent...some sort of tour operator guide leaving the docks area...and ask...
"Do you speak English...response..."a bit.. I am a Finn!"

"Voi voi perkelle..kuinka voin löydä Taxi?"

He punches a number into his mobile...
..5 minutes later taxi appears...kiitos...

next miracle....Taxi driver speaks English ..enough to say..
"40 euro cash..no Russian money..all day..OK?"

matildemichi · Post by **matildemichi** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 3:11 pm

mmh.. saatana! im starting to get frightened by this trip after reading your advices and stories... : / soon im going to change my mind and staying in my beautiful sardinia island during summer holidays... hahaha
i guess im surely going to book an hotel one month before ... i already have the passport, and maybe its better to go by train, since one of u told me that streets are a bit uncomfortable, and my luggages feel better in train than on a bus

should i have to book the train ticket from italy? or just 3 days before from finland?

sinikala · Post by **sinikala** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 3:52 pm

matildemichi wrote: mmh.. saatana! im starting to get frightened by this trip after reading your advices and stories... : / soon im going to change my mind and staying in my beautiful sardinia island during summer holidays... hahaha
i guess im surely going to book an hotel one month before ... i already have the passport, and maybe its better to go by train, since one of u told me that streets are a bit uncomfortable, and my luggages feel better in train than on a bus
should i have to book the train ticket from italy? or just 3 days before from finland?

It's a real shame as Russia is so close and I would love to visit the Hermitage, but I have heard just too many nightmare stories so we have never visited... there are so many other places to go first.

Hank W. · Post by **Hank W.** » Fri Mar 10, 2006 5:32 pm

matildemichi wrote: should i have to book the train ticket from italy? or just 3 days before from finland?

Who says you get the Russian visa in 3 days?

Finland Forum

Find information about moving to, living in and life in Finland