Helsinki bound!  Sailing out of Stockholm past all the islands on the cruise ferry to Helsinki...  Courtesy of Michael Herbert & Bernadette Hyland

UK to Finland without flying, in just 48 hours...

It's easy to travel from London to Helsinki by train and ferry, a wonderful journey across Scandinavia with a lot to see on the way.  It's a great alternative to an unnecessary flight.  On this page you'll find a step-by-step guide to planning, booking & making a journey from the UK to Finland by train or ferry, with train & ferry timetables, approximate fares, and the best way to buy tickets.

Train times, fares & how to buy tickets...

Which route should you choose?

UK to Scandinavia route map

London to Helsinki by train to Stockholm then ferry to Finland

London to Helsinki by train to Hamburg & ferry Travemünde to Finland

London to Helsinki by train to Berlin & ferry Rostock to Finland

London to Helsinki by ferry to Denmark, train to Sweden, ferry to Finland

Train travel within Finland - the Night Train to Lapland...

Helsinki to Moscow by train

Helsinki to St Petersburg by train

Sponsored links...

Useful country information

Which route should you choose?

There are several good options for reaching Finland in comfort without flying:

• London to Helsinki by train to Stockholm then ferry to Finland:  This is the fastest option, with daily departures taking less than 48 hours from London to Helsinki.  It also involves minimal sea travel if that's important to you.  Take a lunchtime Eurostar to Brussels, a connecting train to Cologne and the City Night Line sleeper train overnight to Copenhagen.  Then take a fast X2000 train to Stockholm and the overnight Viking Line cruise ferry to Turku and connecting train to Helsinki.  By all means stop off for a day or two in Copenhagen or Stockholm if you like, it would be a shame not to!  This route is shown in red on the route map below.  Details are shown below.

• London to Helsinki by train to Hamburg then ferry from Travemünde to Finland:  Take an afternoon Eurostar to Paris, the overnight City Night Line sleeper train to Hamburg, a train to Travemünde and daily Finnlines ferry from Travemünde to Helsinki.  This route is shown in dark blue on the route map below.  Details are shown below

• London to Helsinki by train to Berlin then ferry from Rostock to Finland:  This gives you time to explore Berlin on the way.  Take an afternoon Eurostar to Paris, the overnight City Night Line sleeper train to Berlin, a train to Rostock and 4-times-a-week Finnlines ferry from Rostock to Helsinki.  This route is shown in dark blue on the route map below.  Details are shown below

• London to Helsinki by ferry to Denmark, train to Stockholm, ferry to Finland:  This is a variation on the first option, with more cruise ferries and fewer trains.  Take DFDS Seaways overnight cruise ferry from Harwich to Esbjerg in Denmark, a train from Esbjerg to Copenhagen and the sleeper train to Stockholm, then a magnificent overnight cruise ferry run by Silja Line or Viking Line from Stockholm to Helsinki.  This takes 3 nights and gives you a free day in Stockholm.  Don't miss the amazing Vaasa Museum.  Sailing out of Stockholm past the small islands as night falls is one of the most scenic and romantic parts of the journey.  Departures 3 or 4 times a week, year-round.  This route is shown in yellow on the route map below.  Details are shown below.

This is the fastest overland option between the UK and Finland, with daily departures taking less than 48 hours (2 nights) from London to Helsinki.  Though it would be a shame not to allow an extra day or two and see Stockholm (or Copenhagen) on the way!  This route is shown in red on the map above.

London ► Helsinki

• Day 1:  Travel from London to Brussels by Eurostar, leaving London St Pancras daily except Saturdays at 15:04, arriving Brussels Midi at 18:05.  On Saturdays, depart London at 12:58 arriving Brussels Midi at 16:08.

• Day 1:  Travel from Brussels to Cologne by ICE high-speed train leaving Brussels Midi at 18:25 and arriving Cologne at 20:15.  On Saturdays you can also take the earlier 17:28 Thalys train arriving Cologne at 19:15.  You've time for dinner in Cologne.  Advice on connections in Brussels.

• Day 1:  Travel overnight from Cologne to Copenhagen on the City Night Line sleeper train Borealis, leaving Cologne at 22:28 and arriving in Copenhagen at 10:07 next morning.  This train has a sleeping-car (1, 2 & 3 bed compartments, economy with washbasin or deluxe with private shower & toilet), couchettes (4-berth & 6-berth) & seats. More pictures & information about City Night Line sleeper trains.  The exact arrival time in Copenhagen can vary, so check when you book.  A bistro-restaurant car is available in the morning, between Hamburg and Copenhagen.

• Important:  From 20 July to 1 September 2013, the Cologne-Copenhagen sleeper won't run due to engineering work, but here's the alternative:  During this period, simply remain on board the 18:25 ICE from Brussels as far as Frankfurt arriving 21:30.  Another part of the same City Night Line sleeper leaves Frankfurt (Main) Hbf at 22:19, still  arriving in Copenhagen at 10:07 next morning.  By all means use an earlier London-Frankfurt connection if you'd like a safer connection and dinner in Frankfurt, see the London-Germany page.

• Day 2:  Travel from Copenhagen to Stockholm by X2000 high-speed tilting train, leaving Copenhagen at 11:15 daily except Saturdays and arriving in Stockholm at 16:40.  On Saturdays, you leave Copenhagen at 12:29 and arrive Stockholm at 17:40.

• Day 2:  On arrival at Stockholm Central station, transfer to the Viking Line terminal.  Sail from Stockholm to Turku on Viking Line's luxurious overnight cruise ferry, departing Stockholhelsm at 20:00 and arriving Turku at 07:35 next morning.  A range of comfortable cabins is available, or you can party till dawn in the nightclub, your choice!

• Day 3:  A connecting Finnish InterCity train leaves Turku Harbour station (Turku Satama) at 08:15, arriving Helsinki main station at 10:58.

• Alternatively, why not spend a night and day seeing Stockholm, and reach Helsinki a day later, in the morning of day 4?  You can use the ferry+train service via Turku mentioned above, or there are direct ferries from Stockholm to Helsinki run by both Viking Line and Silja Line - I'd suggest Silja.  The Silja terminal is about 2.5km from Stockholm city centre, 500m from Gärdet metro station.  A shuttle bus links the Cityterminal (the bus terminal next to the central railway station) with the Silja terminal.  Silja Line's ferries sail daily at 17:00 arriving in Helsinki at about 09:30 next morning.  It's a very scenic voyage, as the liner sails out of Stockholm past all the islands, see the video.  Map of Helsinki showing Silja terminal.

Helsinki ► London

• Day 1:  Travel from Helsinki to Turku by train, leaving Helsinki main station at 17:02 by InterCity train, arriving Turku Harbour (Turku Satama) at 19:12.

• Day 1:  Sail from Turku to Stockholm on the Viking Line cruise ferry, leaving Turku Harbour at 20:55 and arriving Stockholm Viking Line terminal at 06:30 next morning (day 2).  A range of comfortable cabins is available, or you can party till dawn in the nightclub, your choice!  Transfer to Stockholm central station.

• Alternatively, why not leave a day earlier, using the luxurious Silja Line or Viking Line overnight cruise ferries direct from Helsinki to Stockholm, then spend a day and night seeing Stockholm?  The Silja ferry sails from Helsinki at 17:00 arriving in Stockholm at about 09:30 next morning.  Departures are daily, and a range of cabins is available.

• Day 2:  Travel from Stockholm to Copenhagen by X2000 high-speed tilting train, leaving Stockholm Central station at 10:21 and arriving Copenhagen at 15:40.

• Day 2:  Travel overnight from Copenhagen to Cologne by City Night Line sleeper train Borealis, leaving Copenhagen daily at 18:46 and arriving Cologne at 06:14 next morning.  This train has couchettes (4-berth & 6-berth) and a modern sleeping-car (1, 2 & 3 bed compartments, economy with washbasin or deluxe with private shower & toilet).  More pictures & information about City Night Line sleeper trains.  The departure times from Copenhagen has been known to vary on some dates, for example leaving Copenhagen at 17:41 on certain days, so please check when booking.  A bistro car is available in the evening, from Copenhagen as far as Hamburg.

• Day 3:  Travel from Cologne to Brussels by ICE high-speed train, leaving Cologne daily at 07:43, arriving Brussels Midi at 09:35.

• Day 3:  Travel from Brussels to London by Eurostar.  On Mondays to Saturdays, a Eurostar leaves Brussels Midi at 10:56 and arrives London St Pancras at 11:57.  On Sundays, a Eurostar leaves Brussels Midi at 11:56 and arrives London St Pancras at 12:57.

• Important:  From 19 July to 1 September 2013, the Copenhagen-Cologne sleeper won't run due to engineering work.  During this period, use the Copenhagen-Frankfurt portion of the same train, which will run, leaving Copenhagen at the same time, 18:46, arriving Frankfurt (Main) Hbf at 06:40.  Then take any Frankfurt to London service shown on the London-Germany page.

Take Eurostar to Brussels, then an ICE high-speed train to Cologne...

An ICE to Cologne waiting to leave Brussels Midi.  More ICE information.		ICE3 2nd class.  ICEs are one of the most comfortable trains in Europe...		ICE3 1st class, with real leather seats.  All ICE seats have power sockets.

Introducing the City Night Line sleeper train Borealis from Cologne to Copenhagen...

The Cologne to Copenhagen overnight train is one of the German Railway's excellent City Night Line sleeper trains with a choice of sleepers, couchettes & seats.  The modern sleeping-car offers proper beds in 1, 2 or 3-berth deluxe compartments with shower & toilet, or 1, 2 or 3-berth economy compartments with washbasin.  All sleepers have power-points for laptop computers, hotel-style cardkey locks, and there is a shower at the end of the corridor.  The air-conditioned couchette car offers simple flat padded berths with a rug & pillow in shared 4 & 6-berth compartments.  There are also ordinary seats in 6-seater compartments, but always book a couchette.  A bistro car is attached between Hamburg and Copenhagen in both directions.  The train actually starts from Amsterdam.  More pictures & information about this City Night Line train.

Dinner in Cologne before you board?  For a traditional German meal in Cologne before boarding your sleeper, try the Brauhaus Sion (www.brauhaus-sion.de), 5 minutes walk from Cologne hauptbahnhof, or the Malzmuehle restaurant (www.muehlenkoelsch.de), 10-15 minutes walk from Cologne Hauptbahnhof, or there's a restaurant inside the Hauptbahnhof itself at the Schweinske, www.schweinske.de.  Feedback is always appreciated!

1, 2 or 3 bed sleeper: The most civilised option, economy with washbasin or deluxe with shower & toilet.		4-berth couchettes:  Ideal for families, much more space per person than 6-berth couchettes.		6-berth couchettes:  A very economical option, far better than a seat for just a few euros more...		A Comfortline sleeping-car on the Cologne-Copenhagen City Night Line sleeper train Borealis. More pictures & information about this train

... and the 125mph X2000 trains from Copenhagen to Stockholm...

An X2000 train at Copenhagen, about to leave for Stockholm...		2nd class seating on the X2000.  All seats have power sockets for laptops & mobiles...		Self-service buffet car on the X2000...

Across the Baltic with Viking Line or Silja Line from Stockholm to Turku & Helsinki...

Viking Line & Silja Line both operate an overnight cruise ferry from Stockholm to Turku and another from Stockholm direct to Helsinki.  The ferries are more like floating hotels, with luxurious en suite cabins, nightclubs, bars, restaurants, cafés, shopping centres & cinemas.  The direct ferries to Helsinki are more expensive, and leave in the early evening, too early for same-day connections when travelling from London.  The Stockholm-Turku ferries are cheaper and leave later in the evening, allowing same-day connections when using the sleeper train from Cologne to Copenhagen & X2000 onwards to Stockholm.  A 'boat train' links Turku Harbour station with Helsinki soon after the ship's arrival.

The Viking Line ferry from Stockholm to Turku.  Silja line operate a similar competing ferry, but it leaves half an hour earlier so not as good a connection. Courtesy of Matthew Philips		2-berth cabin on board the ferry to Finland...  Courtesy of Matthew Philips		The 08:15 boat train from Turku Harbour to Helsinki is a double-deck InterCity train. Note the children's play area!  Courtesy of Matthew Philips

How much does it cost?

• London to Stockholm by train starts at €138 including a couchette, see the London to Sweden page for full details.

• Stockholm to Turku by ferry starts at just €37 including a bed in a shared 4-berth cabin with shower & toilet, but fares vary by date, cabin type, and so on.  You can check Viking Line fares at www.vikingline.fi.  Silja Line fares can be checked at www.silja.com.

• Turku to Helsinki by train costs from €22 booked in advance or €32 full-price, each way.  You can check fares at www.vr.fi.

How to buy tickets online...

	Above:  Helsinki's beautiful art nouveau station, by famous Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen. Photo courtesy of Adrian Tanovic

Anyone from any country can buy tickets this way, at the cheapest prices direct from the operators.  Booking opens 120 days ahead for Eurostar, 92 days ahead for other trains, but I strongly recommend waiting and buying all tickets together, doing a dry run on all sites to check times, prices and availability before booking for real.  Hotel accommodation can be booked before booking your trains risk-free if you use a site such as www.booking.com with free cancellation.

• Step 1, book the trains from London to Cologne & back.

  First, check prices from London to Cologne at the German Railways website using the special links I'm about to give you, just enter your departure date, remembering that on the inward journey, departure from Cologne will be the day after departure from Stockholm.  You simply print out your own ticket.  I recommend booking a round trip as two one-ways, as it's easier to see where the availability is.  I also recommend registering when this is offered, so you can log in at any time and check or re-print tickets:

  Buy a ticket from London to Cologne leaving London at 12:58 on Saturdays or leaving London at 15:04 Mondays-Fridays & Sundays.

  Buy a ticket from Cologne to London leaving Cologne at 07:43 Monday-Saturday or leaving Cologne at 07:43 on Sundays.

• Now compare these prices with the Belgian Railways international website www.b-europe.com.  This can sell London to Cologne tickets using Eurostar+ICE or Eurostar+Thalys, with print-at-home tickets.  It may or may not be cheaper than bahn.de, just buy from whichever site has the cheaper fare.

• Alternatively, you can also book London to Cologne in two stages direct with the relevant operators.  This is more work, but it allows you to pick an exact seat on Eurostar and buy a through ticket to Brussels from 130 UK towns & cities outside London.  First, book from London or another UK station to Brussels and back at www.eurostar.com.  You print your own ticket.  Towards the end of the process, look for the link allowing you to book a specific seat.  Tips on choosing the best Eurostar seats.  Then book the ICE train from Brussels to Cologne and back at www.bahn.de.  You print your own ticket.  I strongly recommend registering, so you can log in and re-print or change bookings at any time.  The best connections for this particular journey are by ICE, as shown in the train times above, but if you want to stop off in Brussels or Cologne so want to book one of the Thalys trains between Brussels & Cologne instead, you can do this at www.thalys.com, also with self-print tickets.

• Step 2, now book the trains from Cologne to Stockholm & back.

  German Railways have Spezial fares from any German city to Stockholm.  So first try booking from Cologne (Köln Hbf) to Stockholm all in one go at www.bahn.de, looking for the 22:28 departure with 1 change, the CNL sleeper connecting with the X2 (X2000) to Stockholm.  I recommend booking a round trip as two one-way trips.  Use the links below, as I've set them up with all the necessary parameters, just enter your departure dates and look for the trains I've described above in the search results (I've included a 1.5 hour 'stopover' in Copenhagen, which makes it find the recommended journey with 1 change onto a direct X2000 to Stockholm, without this 'fiddle factor' it finds a marginally quicker option but with 2 tight changes).  You pay online and print out your own ticket on your own PC printer.  Easy!  I recommend registering so you can log in and re-print tickets at any time.

  Buy an outward ticket from Cologne to Stockholm

  Buy an inward ticket from Stockholm to Cologne

• Alternatively, you can book this in two stages direct with the relevant operator.  DB have a relatively small allocation of spezial tickets to Stockholm, so if you don't see any cheap fares from Cologne to Stockholm when you book all in one go, split the journey like this:

  First, go to the German Railways website, www.bahn.de and book a sleeper or couchette on the City Night Line sleeper train from Cologne (Köln Hbf) to Copenhagen and back, looking for the cheap 'Savings' fares on the direct CNL train with 0 changes.  You pay online and print out your own ticket in .PDF format on your own PC printer.  Easy!   I strongly recommend registering when it asks you before completing the purchase, so you can easily retrieve any bookings.

  Now book the Copenhagen-Stockholm train online direct with Swedish Railways at www.sj.se (see my advice on using it here).  If you can't get the SJ site to work for any reason, try www.bokatag.se instead (though they add a small fee) or simply call SJ telesales on +46 771 75 75 75 (touch tone 6 for English).  The price you'll pay using www.sj.se or SJ telesales is the actual Swedish Railways price, which varies like budget airline fares.  The cheap deals start 90 days before departure.  If you book several months in advance you can find really cheap fares available, rising to higher levels closer to departure.  You simply print out your own ticket or collect your tickets from the silver-grey Swedish Railways (SJ) ticket machines which are installed at Copenhagen main station, on the left as you walk in the main entrance.  SJ.se sometimes has problems with non-Scandinavian credit cards, if you have any payment problems you can also book this train at www.bokatag.se.

• Starting your journey from a UK town or city outside London?  You can buy a special add-on ticket to connect with Eurostar from almost any station in Britain, with better terms and conditions than buying a regular domestic UK train ticket to London, see the advice here.

• Step 3, book the Stockholm-Turku ferry:  You can book the Viking Line Stockholm-Turku ferry at www.vikingline.fi or the Seat61 Ferry Shop.  If you're staying a day or two in Stockholm and taking the direct Silja Line Stockholm-Helsinki ferry, you can book this at www.silja.com or the Seat61 Ferry Shop.

• Tips for using www.vikingline.fi:  For English, change 'Suomi-Suomeksi' to 'International'.  Now look for the 'Book' box on the right, and remember to change the selection from 'Cruise' to 'Regular voyage'.  Now you can select Stockholm to Turku!

• Step 4, book the Turku-Helsinki train:  You can do this online at www.vr.fi.  It's Turku Harbour (Satama) station that you should select.

How to buy tickets by phone...

• Step 1:  Buy your train tickets from London to Stockholm.  You can buy all these tickets through a number of UK agencies, but the best for this trip is probably Deutsche Bahn's UK office on 08718 80 80 66 (lines open 09:00-20:00 Mon-Fri, 09:00-13:00 Sat & Sun, no booking fee, 2% credit card charge, no charge for debit cards), or European Rail on 020 7619 1083 (lines open 09:00-17:30 Monday-Friday, 09:00-13:00 Saturday, £25 booking fee per transaction).  Click here for a list of agencies and more info on how to book.

• Step 2:  Viking Line tickets can be booked online at either the Seat61 Ferry Shop or www.vikingline.fi or by phone though its UK agent, Emagine Ltd, on 01942 262662.  Silja Line tickets can be bought online at www.silja.com or through their UK agents, DFDS Seaways, on 0871 522 9955.

Tailor-made train travel + hotel arrangements...

If you want a compete tailor-made trip with all your rail travel expertly booked for you and good quality hotels arranged, UK residents can call www.railbookers.com on 020 3327 0761.  US residents can call them on (646) 770 2894 (please quote seat61) and Canadian residents on (416) 800 0732 (please quote 'seat61').  Australian residents can call their Australian office, www.railbookers.com.au on 02 8096 0550.  Just tell them what you want, and they'll advise you on the best trains, routes & hotels and sort it all out for you, hassle-free.  They get very positive reviews and take good care of their guests.

	Don't fly to Finland, cruise there!  A Finnlines Travemunde-Helsinki Star class ferry.  Below:  A cabin on the Finnlines ferry. Photos courtesy of www.finnlines.com

This leisurely option runs every day and takes 3 nights outward to Helsinki, just 2 nights inward back to London.  In the outward direction it includes a day at leisure exploring Hamburg, too.  Take an afternoon Eurostar to Paris and the City Night Line overnight sleeper to Hamburg.  After a day exploring Hamburg, transfer by local train to Travemünde on Germany's Baltic coast, then take the daily Finnlines ferry from Travemünde to Helsinki, a 2-night cruise.  This route is the one via Hamburg shown in dark blue on the route map above, although in the return direction you'll follow the red route between Hamburg and London.

London ► Helsinki

Helsinki ► London

• Day 1, transfer from Helsinki to the Vuosaari ferry terminal, some 16 km east of Helsinki.  You can take the metro from anywhere in central Helsinki to Vuosaari station, then bus 90B from Vuosaari metro station to the Vuosaari's Hansa ferry terminal.  Map of Helsinki showing Vuosaari.

• Day 1, sail from Helsinki to Travemünde on the daily Finnlines ferry, see www.finnlines.com.  Check in is between 13:30 and 16:30.  The ship sails at 17:30 (15:00 Sundays) and arrives at Travemünde at 21:00 the next day (day 2).  The ship is has all the essentials:  Comfortable cabins with private shower & toilet and free internet access (but not WiFi, so bring a network cable), restaurant, shop, bar, sundeck, and sauna.

• Day 2, transfer by bus and local train to Hamburg Hauptbahnhof.  Buses link the ferry terminal (Travemünde Skandinavienkai Terminal) with Lübeck ZOB bus station, it's a short walk to Lübeck station, then local trains run every 30-60 minutes to Hamburg Hbf.

• Spend the night in a hotel in Hamburg.  Alternatively, you could spend the night in Travemünde or Lübeck if you prefer, and transfer into Hamburg next morning.

• Day 3, travel from Hamburg to London using any of the options shown on the Germany page.  For example, the 07:46 InterCity from Hamburg Hauptbahnhof, change at Cologne for an ICE train to Brussels, change at Brussels for the Eurostar to London, will get you to London St Pancras between 16:57 and 18:03 depending on the day of the week.  Or have a leisurely breakfast and take the 11:46 from Hamburg, change at Cologne and Brussels, arriving London at 21:03.

How much does it cost?

• London to Hamburg by Eurostar+sleeper train starts at around £88 one-way including a couchette or £126 one-way including a bed in a 2-bed sleeper.  The price varies, for full details of fares see the London to Germany page.

• London to Hamburg by daytime trains costs from €59 (£49) with a London Spezial at www.bahn.de, though the price varies.

• Hamburg to Travemünde by local train and bus costs only a few euros.

• Travemünde to Helsinki by Finnlines ferry costs between €120 and €155 (£100-£129) each way in a reclining seat depending on the day and season.  However, I recommend a cabin.  The fare including a bed in a 3-bed shared inside cabin is between €200 and €287 each way.  The fare including a bed in a 2-bed outside cabin is between €279 and €413 each way.  Children under 6 go free, and there are reduced fares for children 6 to 12 and youth fares for children 13-17.  See the fares at www.finnlines.com.

• Hamburg to London by daytime trains starts at just €49 (£43) with a London Spezial fare, if one is available, though the price varies.

How to buy tickets online...

It takes several websites so it's best to try a dry-run on all of them first to check prices and availability before booking for real.  Here's how it's done:

• Step 1, book the Travemünde-Helsinki ferry, online at www.finnlines.com.

• Step 2, book the Paris-Hamburg sleeper train.  Go to www.bahn.de, the German Railways website.  Book from Paris to Hamburg Hbf and back, looking for the direct CNL train with 0 changes in the search results and clicking to check availability of the cheap Savings fares.  You pay by credit card and print out your own tickets in .pdf format.  Easy!  Note that the prices shown on www.bahn.de are in euro, and are the total cost for all passengers selected, not per person.  Booking for this train opens 92 days before departure.  You can buy your Hamburg-Lübeck-Travemünde local ticket at the station when you get to Hamburg.

• Step 3, book your London-Paris Eurostar.  Go to www.eurostar.com to book your connecting Eurostar tickets between London and Paris and back, using the Eurostar times above as a guide.  By all means book an earlier Eurostar outwards, or a later Eurostar on the way back, if this has cheaper seats available of if you'd like to stop off in Paris for a while.  Eurostar tickets can be sent to any UK address, self-printed or collected at the station.  Booking opens 120 days ahead, but always wait until you can confirm sleeper times before booking a non-refundable non-changeable Eurostar ticket.

• Alternatively, if you want to travel from London to Hamburg by daytime trains, look for a cheap London Spezial fare using these links: 

  London to Hamburg leaving London at 10:58 Monday-Saturday or London to Hamburg leaving London at 08:58 on Sundays. 

  Hamburg to London leaving Hamburg at 10:46 daily except Saturdays;  Hamburg to London leaving Hamburg 10:46 on Saturdays.

• If you don't see any suitable fares from London to Hamburg using these links, split the journey, and book London to Brussels & back at www.eurostar.com then Brussels to Hamburg & back at www.bahn.de.

• You can buy your Hamburg-Lübeck-Travemünde local ticket at the station when you get to Hamburg (although you could try booking from London direct to Lübeck instead of Hamburg, it may well be the same price so could save a few euros).

How to buy tickets by phone...

• Step 1, buy your ferry ticket:  Finnlines telesales number in Germany is 00 49 451 1507 443.

• Step 2, buy your London-Hamburg train tickets:  You can buy tickets from the UK's Deutsche Bahn office, on 08718 80 80 66 (lines open 09:00-20:00 Monday-Friday, 09:00-13:00 Saturday & Sunday, no booking fee, 2% credit card charge).  Alternatively, you can also buy them from www.europeanrail.com (a booking fee is charged).

	Above:  A Finnlines Rostock-Helsinki ferry. Below:  A cabin on the Finnlines ferry. Photos courtesy of www.finnlines.com

This leisurely option runs once or twice a week and takes 2 days & 3 nights.  It's slightly slower than the ferry from Travemünde, but you may prefer a chance to stop off in Berlin.  Take an afternoon Eurostar to Paris and the City Night Line overnight sleeper to Berlin, a train to Rostock on Germany's Baltic coast, then a Tallink or Finnlines ferry from Rostock direct to Helsinki, a 2-night cruise.  This route is the one via Berlin and Rostock shown in dark blue on the route map above.

London ► Helsinki

Helsinki ► London

• Day 1, sail from Helsinki to Rostock in Germany with Finnlines, departing Helsinki at 20:30 on Saturdays all year round, calling and arriving Rostock at 07:00 the following day.  This ferry also sails from the Hansa Ferry Terminal in the Vuosaari Harbour 16km east of central Helsinki.  Map of Helsinki showing Vuosaari.  There's also a sailing at 13:00 on Wednesdays, arriving Rostock at 23:59 Thursday night.  You can check sailing dates & times at www.finnlines.com.

• Day 3, take a train from Rostock to Berlin.  The train takes around 3 hours, there are regular departures through the day, you can check train times at www.bahn.de.

• Day 3, travel from Berlin to Paris by City Night Line sleeper train, leaving Berlin Hauptbahnhof daily at 20:07 and arriving Paris Gare de l'Est at 09:24 next morning.  The Berlin-Paris sleeper has ordinary seats (not recommended), couchettes (4-bunk or 6-bunk) and modern sleeping-cars (1, 2 or 3-berth economy compartments with washbasin or deluxe compartments with private shower & toilet.  Breakfast is included in the fare for sleeper passengers.  More pictures & information about this train.  In Paris, it's an easy 10-minute walk from the Gare de l'Est to the Gare du Nord.

• Day 4, travel from Paris to London by Eurostar.  A Eurostar leaves Paris at 11:13 arriving London St Pancras at 12:30.

How much does it cost?

• London to Berlin by Eurostar+sleeper train starts at around £88 each way including a couchette.  For full details of fares see the London to Germany page.

• Berlin to Rostock costs around €39 (£33) each way.

• Rostock to Helsinki by Finnlines ferry costs between €120 and €155 (£100-£129) each way in a reclining seat depending on the day and season.  However, I recommend a cabin.  The fare including a bed in a 3-bed shared inside cabin is between €252 and €355 each way.  Children under 6 go free, and there are reduced fares for children 6 to 12 and youth fares for children 13-17.  See the fares at www.finnlines.com.

How to buy tickets online...

It takes several websites so it's best to try a dry-run on all of them first to check prices and availability before booking for real, but here's how it's done:

• Step 1, book the Paris-Berlin sleeper train.  Go to www.bahn.de, the German Railways website.

• Book from Paris to Berlin Hbf and back by the overnight sleeper train.  Availability of both cheap 'spezial' special fares and fully-flexible full fares will be shown, for each type of seat, couchette & sleeper.  You pay by credit card and print out your own tickets in .pdf format.  Easy!  Note that the prices shown on www.bahn.de are in euro, and are the total cost for all passengers selected, not per person.

• Step 2, book your Eurostar.  Go to www.eurostar.com to book your connecting Eurostar tickets between London and Paris, using the Eurostar times above as a guide.  By all means book an earlier Eurostar outwards, or a later Eurostar on the way back, if this has cheaper seats available of if you'd like to stop off in Paris for a while.  Eurostar tickets can be sent to any UK address, self-printed or collected at the station.

• Step 3, book the Rostock-Helsinki ferry.  To book the Finnlines ferry, book online at www.finnlines.com.

• Step 4, you simply can buy your Berlin-Rostock ticket when you get to Berlin at the station, or buy it online at www.bahn.de.

How to buy tickets by phone...

• London-Berlin-Rostock train tickets:  You can buy all the London-Berlin-Rostock tickets from the UK's Deutsche Bahn office, on 08718 80 80 66.  Lines open 0900-1700 Mon-Fri, no booking fee.  Alternatively, you can also buy them from www.europeanrail.com (a booking fee is charged).

• Rostock-Helsinki ferry ticket:  The best way to book is by phone with Tallink's UK agents, DFDS Seaways, on 0871 522 9955.  Phone lines are open 09:00-17:00 Mondays-Fridays, 09:30-17:00 Saturdays, 10:00-16:00 Sundays.  Finnlines telesales number in Germany is 00 49 451 1507 443.

The journey shown here involves sailing to Denmark aboard DFDS Seaways cruise ferry from Harwich to Esbjerg, then taking trains on to Stockholm for the overnight Silja Line or Viking Line cruise ferry to Finland.  The DFDS ferry sails 3 or 4 times a week.  It's more leisurely than the Eurostar-based option via Brussels & Stockholm described above.  It takes 3 nights, but this includes the best part of a day in Stockholm.  This route is shown in yellow on the route map above.

London ► Helsinki

• Day 1, travel from London to Harwich by train, leaving London Liverpool Street at 14:00 (14:02 on Sundays), changing trains at Manningtree and arriving Harwich International at 15:17 (15:43 on Sundays).  Harwich International station is right next to the ferry terminal.  The train runs hourly, but this departure gives plenty of time to catch the ferry.  Please double-check train times at www.nationalrail.co.uk.

• Day 1, sail from Harwich to Esbjerg in Denmark aboard DFDS Seaways Dana Sirena.  The Dana Sirena sails from Harwich every Wednesday & Sunday at 17:45 (also Fridays in summer, usually increased to every second day in June, July & August), arriving in Esbjerg at 13:00 next day (day 2).  www.dfds.co.uk will confirm sailing dates. The Dana Sirena is a modern and well-run ship, with comfortable cabins, two restaurants, a bar, coffee shop and lounges, see the photos below.  On arrival at Esbjerg, take a taxi or bus or simply walk to the railway station.  Bus number 5 runs from the ferry terminal to the station every 20 minutes, bus fare 15 Kr adult 8 Kr child.  If you've a backpack or light luggage, you can easily walk from the ferry terminal to  the pedestrianised town centre in about 10-15 minutes, from where it's another 5-10 minutes walk to the station.  The station is a historic red-brick building, though not very distinctively marked.

• Day 2 afternoon, travel from Esbjerg to Copenhagen by air-conditioned InterCity train, leaving Esbjerg town station at 14:42 and arriving Copenhagen main station at 17:50.  The journey is about 175 miles, right across Denmark in air-conditioned comfort.

• Day 2 evening, travel from Copenhagen to Stockholm overnight, leaving Copenhagen by frequent local train at 21:12 arriving Malmö at 21:46 (these Copenhagen-Malmö local trains run every 20 minutes).  A sleeper train leaves Malmö at 22:38 arriving Stockholm at 06:30 next morning (day 3).  This sleeper train runs daily except Saturday nights, and has couchettes (6 bunk) and sleepers (1 & 2 bed compartments with washbasin).  Alternatively, spend the night in Copenhagen and head for Stockholm the next day.  Regular high speed tilting X2000 trains link Copenhagen with Stockholm, check train times at www.bahn.de.

• Day 3:  Enjoy the best part of a day free in Stockholm.  Late in the afternoon, transfer to the Silja Line terminal.  The terminal is about 2.5km from the city centre, 500m from Gärdet metro station.  A shuttle bus links the Cityterminal (the bus terminal next to the central railway station) with the Silja terminal.  Silja Line's ferries sail daily at 17:00 arriving in Helsinki at about 09:30 next morning (day 4 from London).  It's a very scenic voyage, as the liner sails out of Stockholm past all the islands, see this video.  Map of Helsinki showing Silja terminal.

Helsinki ► London

• Day 1, sail on the luxurious Silja Line cruise ferry from Helsinki at 17:00 arriving in Stockholm at about 09:30 next morning.  Departures are daily, and a range of cabins is available.  Transfer by bus or metro to Stockholm central station.  Enjoy day 2 free in Stockholm.

• Day 2, travel from Stockholm to Copenhagen overnight, leaving Stockholm at 22:23 by sleeper train and arriving Malmö at 06:17 next morning.  This sleeper runs daily except Saturday nights, with both couchettes and sleepers.  A connecting local train leaves Malmö every 20 minutes, with one at 06:42 arriving Copenhagen at 07:16.  The sleeper train has seats, couchettes (6 bunk) and sleepers (1 & 2 bed compartments).  Alternatively, on Mondays-Saturdays there is a high speed X2000 train leaving Stockholm at 05:21 (06:21 on Saturdays) and arriving Copenhagen at 10:32 (11:32 on Saturdays), allowing you to spend the night in Stockholm and travel next day (day 3) to make a same-day connection to Esbjerg for the ferry to England.  Check times and days of running at www.bahn.de.

• Day 3, travel from Copenhagen to Esbjerg by modern air-conditioned InterCity train, leaving Copenhagen at 12:28 and arriving Esbjerg at 15:26.  You can check times at www.bahn.de.  Take a bus or taxi or simply walk (25 minutes) to the DFDS ferry terminal.  Bus number 5 runs from the station to the port every 20 minutes.

• Day 3 evening, sail from Esbjerg to Harwich aboard DFDS cruise ferry Dana Sirena, leaving Esbjerg ferry terminal at 18:45 on Tuesdays & 17:15 on Saturdays, also 18:45 on Thursdays in summer, arriving Harwich at 11:30 (on Sundays) or 12:00 (any other day) the next day.  Sailings may be increased to every second day in June, July & August.  See www.dfds.co.uk to confirm sailing dates.

• Day 4, travel from Harwich to London by train, leaving Harwich at 12:33, changing trains at Manningtree and arriving London Liverpool Street at 13:55.  The train service runs hourly, you can check times at www.nationalrail.co.uk.

Introducing DFDS Seaways Dana Sirena from Harwich to Esbjerg...

The Dana Sirena is a modern and well-run ship, built in 2002.  All passengers travel in cabins, and all cabins have a private shower & toilet.  Facilities on board include the 7 Seas buffet restaurant, the Blue Riband à la carte restaurant, Café Lighthouse (with WiFi access for laptops), Columbus Lounge, and shop. The ship is child-friendly, with children's play area, child restraints for cabin berths available from reception, and highchairs available in all restaurants and lounges.  Cabins come in three classes:

• Seaways class: 1-6 berths with private shower and toilet;

• Sirena class: 1 or 2 berth with private shower and toilet, TV (BBC World, BBC Prime), complimentary minibar, breakfast included;

• Commodore Deluxe: Hotel-style rooms with double bed or two single beds, TV (BBC Prime, BBC World), small sitting area, private shower and toilet.  Commodore cabins are on their own deck with exclusive access to the Commodore Lounge which has sea views, complimentary tea, coffee, snacks, beer and (in the evening) free wine and spirits, PC with internet access and WiFi access if you have your own laptop.  Commodore Deluxe is like travelling to Scandinavia aboard a floating hotel, highly recommended..!

Crossing the North Sea on the Dana Sirena...		Commodore class cabin with double bed.		Sirena class cabin.

On board the Danish InterCity train from Esbjerg to Copenhagen...

Modern Danish InterCity train.		2nd class seats on the InterCity train...		All aboard for Copenhagen!

On board the X2000 daytime train from Copenhagen to Stockholm...

With Silja Line from Stockholm to Helsinki...

The Silja Line Stockholm-Helsinki cruise ferries are more like floating cities than ferries, with luxurious cabins, nightclubs, bars, restaurants, cafes, cinemas & shopping centres.

Silja Line ferries Silja Symphony (above left) and Silja Serenade (above right) on the  overnight Stockholm to Helsinki route are more like cruise liners than ferries.  Photos courtesy of Silja Line.  The crossing is very scenic as the ship sails out of Stockholm past all the islands - see this short video of a Helsinki-Stockholm crossing with Silja Line...

How much does it cost?

• London to Harwich by train starts at just £8 each way if you pre-book a cheap Advance ticket (no refunds, only valid on the specific train you book at these prices).  If you buy tickets at the station on the day of travel, the cost is £33.80 for an Off-Peak 1 month return, or £30 one-way.  No reservation is necessary with these fares, you just turn up, buy a ticket, and hop on the next train.

• Harwich to Esbjerg by ferry starts at around £144 one-way for two people sharing a 2-bed inside cabin with private toilet and shower (= £72 each) or £144 one-way for one person with sole use of a cabin.  To check sailing dates, times and fares for different types of cabin, visit www.dfds.co.uk.  DFDS Seaways has an airline-style pricing system so prices vary, book early and avoid peak times to get the cheapest fares.  Children under 16 travel at reduced fare.  Unfortunately, DFDS won't now let solo passengers share cabins, the whole cabin must be booked.

• Esbjerg to Copenhagen by intercity train costs 358 Kr (£43) one way, 716 Kr (£86) return for adults, or 179 Kr (£21) each way for children, 269 Kr for seniors over 65.  Advance reservation is possible but not necessary, tickets can be bought at the station on the day and you can just hop on.  You can check fares at www.dsb.dk (Danish Railways), but only on the Danish version.

• Copenhagen to Stockholm by sleeper train costs around SEK 560-860 (£56-£86) each way per person travelling in 6-bunk couchettes, or SEK 955-1610 (£95-£160) each way per person travelling in a 2-bed sleeper, booked online at www.sj.se.  The price varies, book ahead for the cheapest rates.

• Stockholm to Helsinki:  Silja Line fares can be checked online at www.silja.com, Viking Line fares at www.vikingline.fi.

How to buy tickets...

• Step 1:  Buy your Harwich-Esbjerg ferry tickets online at www.dfds.co.uk (no booking fee) or by calling DFDS Seaways on 0871 522 9955, although there's a £20 fee for phone bookings.  Phone lines are open 09:00-17:30 Mondays-Fridays, 09:00-17:00 Saturdays, closed Sundays.  If you book by phone, you can also buy your Silja Line ferry ticket from DFDS.

• You can buy your London-Harwich & Esbjerg-Copenhagen train tickets at the station on the day of travel.  No reservation is necessary, and there's no price advantage in buying tickets in advance.  But if you want to save queuing at the ticket office, you can buy the London-Harwich ticket online at www.nationalrail.co.uk and the Esbjerg-Copenhagen ticket (with seat reservation) at www.dsb.dk, the Danish Railways website.  This is in Danish, but it's not difficult to work out how to use it if you're familiar with the way such booking systems work.  You pay by credit card then print out your own ticket.  remember that Copenhagen in Danish is Kobenhavn.  Alternatively, if you book by phone, DFDS can add both UK and Esbjerg-Copenhagen tickets to your ferry fare, including making a seat reservation on the Esbjerg-Copenhagen train.  Ask DFDS about special cheap train fares from other UK stations to Harwich, too. 

• Step 2:  Buy the Copenhagen-Malmö-Stockholm sleeper tickets online at either www.sj.se (no booking fee, see this step-by-step advice on using it) or www.bokatag.se (English button is bottom right, booking fee added, accepts all credit cards through 3-D secure system, you may have to fake a Swedish phone number).  If you have any problems booking Copenhagen to Stockholm inn one go, split the journey into Malmö-Stockholm & Copenhagen-Malmö.  If you can't get your credit card to work, call SJ telesales on +46 771 75 75 75 (touch tone 6 for English).  Bookings open 90 days before departure.  Using either www.sj.se or www.bokatag.se (or SJ telesales) you pay online and collect tickets from the Swedish Railways (SJ) ticket machines installed at Copenhagen main station or any Swedish station including Stockholm or Malmö or you can be emailed a 'print your own' ticket in .pdf format.  This is the cheapest option as there are no booking fees.

• Step 3:  Silja Line tickets can be bought online at www.silja.com or through their UK agents, DFDS Seaways, on 0871 522 9955.  Viking Line can be booked online at either the Seat61 Ferry Shop or www.vikingline.fi or by phone though its UK agent, Emagine Ltd, on 01942 262662.

How to check train times & buy tickets for Finland...

It's easy to check Finnish train times and buy tickets online at the Finnish Railways site www.vr.fi, English button top right.  Bookings open several months in advance, and note that it goes offline 01:30 to 04:00 Finnish time.  If you book more than 7 days or more than 60 days in advance, you can buy lower-priced Advance fares, so pre-booking saves money.  You can choose to print your own ticket, collect it from the self-service machines or staffed ticket counter at any main VR station, or in some cases an e-ticket can be sent to your mobile phone.

Helsinki station...

Designed by famous Finnish architect Eliel Saarinen, at Helsinki station you'll find the  usual range of services:  Ticket counters, left luggage, food stores, newsagents, restaurants and cafes.  Photos courtesy of Michael Banbrook

The night train to Lapland...

There are daytime trains from Helsinki to Oulu, Kemi, Rovaniemi & Kemijärvi, or you can use one of the time-effective sleeper trains, now equipped with air-conditioned double-deck sleeping-cars, all sleepers with cosy duvets, washbasin, soap & towels provided.  Some deluxe compartments have a private toilet & shower.  You can buy sleeper tickets to Lapland at www.vr.fi and print out your own ticket.

A snowy scene at Helsinki station, with a Pendolino train on the left and a double-deck sleeping-car on the right...  Photos courtesy of Michael Banbrook		2-berth sleeper in one of VR's double-deck sleeping-cars.  Some have a private toilet & shower.

A double-deck sleeping-car...  Photos courtesy of Michael Banbrook		The sleeper train to Rovaniemi features a restaurant car (above) and on-board shop..

The direct overnight train called the Tolstoi is easily the best way to travel from Helsinki to Moscow.  It's safe, cheap, civilised and comfortable.  The train has been completely refurbished, there are comfortable sleepers, a restaurant and even business class sleepers with private shower.  Border controls have been streamlined.

Visa entry-exit dates:  Travelling to Moscow, you enter Russia the day before you arrive in Moscow.  Travelling from Moscow, you leave Russia the day after you leave Moscow.

On board the Helsinki-Moscow Tolstoi...

• 2nd class sleepers with 4-berth compartments (each berth is sold separately)

• 1st class sleepers with 2-berth compartments (if you are travelling solo you can either book one bed in a 2-bed compartment and share, or pay extra for sole occupancy)

• Business class deluxe sleeping-car with four 2-bed compartments, each with private shower, toilet & DVD entertainment.  Only whole compartments are sold, you cannot book one berth in a 2-berth deluxe sleeper.  See photo below.

• a newly-refurbished bar-restaurant car.  The restaurant accepts Euros, US Dollars and Rubles, but not credit cards.

• The coaches on this train were renewed in 2006, and it's a safe, affordable and very comfortable way to travel.  Customs and passport formalities are carried out on board the train, no need to get off at the frontier.  The Russian border station is Vyborg.

• See the Finnish Railways website page which shows sleeping berth layouts of each type of sleeper and the restaurant car on the Helsinki-Moscow train.

A 2nd class 4-berth sleeper on the Tolstoi...		A business class en suite sleeper on the Tolstoi...		The Tolstoi's restaurant car. All Tolstoi photos courtesy of Finnish Railways VR.

Fares...

• Helsinki to Moscow costs €107 (£91) one-way per person in a 2nd class 4-berth sleeper, or €158 (£134) per person in a 1st class 2-berth sleeper, or €206 (£172) in a 1st class sleeper with sole occupancy.

• Travel in a deluxe business class sleeper with private toilet & shower costs €296 (£247) per person for two people or €419 (£349) for sole occupancy.

• A return is twice the one-way fare.

• Children aged 6 to 16 (inclusive) travel at half fare.  Children under 6 go free.

• You can check these fares at www.vr.fi (English button top right, look for 'international' then 'Russia')

How to buy tickets...

From Helsinki to Moscow:  You can buy Helsinki to Moscow tickets online at www.vr.fi, booking opens 60 days before departure.  Simply click 'In English' top right, then use the journey planner to book Helsinki to Moscow (Leningradski).  You must collect the ticket from VR (Finnish Railways) self-service ticket machines or ticket offices in Finland, so do not book this way if you are starting in Moscow.

Alternatively, you can buy in person at Helsinki station reservations office (open 08:30-16:30 Monday-Friday, closed Saturday & Sunday), or you can call Finnish Railways international reservations on +358 9 2319 2902 (Normally they require you to collect tickets two days before departure, so be prepared to persuade them to allow collection on the day!).

From Moscow to Helsinki:  Use the Real Russia online booking system here, tickets can be booked online & collected in Moscow.  Or you can buy at any main Russian station.

Helsinki to St Petersburg by train

Fast Allegro trains introduced in 2010, now 4 per day each way...

Russian & Finnish Railways (RZD & VR) have formed a joint venture to launch a high-speed Helsinki-St Petersburg train service called Allegro.  On 12 December 2010, two daily Allegro pendolino tilting electric trains started linking central Helsinki with central St Petersburg in an airline-beating 3½ hours, down from the 5½ hours of the old Sibelius and Repin.  This was increased to four daily departures in May 2011 and in due course the new service will be further speeded up to 3 hours flat. The 130 mph tilting trains use the existing track, the time is saved by track upgrading, the trains tilting into curves, no longer requiring a time-consuming locomotive change at the frontier, and streamlined border checks.  News story.  Photos.

The Russian border station is Vyborg. 

* IMPORTANT:  Russia is now GMT+4 all year round, Finland is GMT+2 in winter, GMT+3 in summer, so the Helsinki times shown above may vary by an hour in summer, always check at www.vr.fi.

Which station in St Petersburg?  Since September 2006, these trains have been once again using St Petersburg Finlandski station, not the new Ladozhki station which they used for a while.

On board Allegro trains...

The Allegro trains are electric tilting pendolino trains, with 1st & 2nd class, plus a proper restaurant car.  There's a children's play area, wheelchair spaces, and a conference room.  The first class fare includes a snack, newspapers and tea or coffee from a self-service counter.  Allegro trains are all non-smoking.  The place of entry into Russia is Vyborg.  See Russian news video.  Russian president Putin rides the Allegro.

The 130mph tilting Allegro train from Helsinki to St Petersburg.  Photo courtesy of VR		2nd class seats on the Allegro train from Helsinki to St Petersburg.  Photo courtesy of VR

2nd class seats on the Allegro train.  Photo courtesy of Mark Pascoe		An Allegro train arrived at St Petersburg. Photo courtesy of Mark Pascoe

Fares...

• Helsinki to St Petersburg by Allegro train costs €86.10 (£72) one-way in 2nd class, €137.20 (£117) in 1st class.

• Children aged 6 to 16 (inclusive) travel at half fare.  Children under 6 go free.

• You can check these fares at www.vr.fi, English button top right, use the journey planner.

How to buy tickets...

Buy tickets online:  You can buy Allegro tickets online for travel in either direction (Helsinki to St P or St P to Helsinki) at the Finnish railways website www.vr.fi.  Select 'English' at the top, then simply use the journey planner, entering 'St Petersburg (Finlandski)'.  You pay online and an e-ticket is emailed to you.

Helsinki to St Petersburg:  You can buy Helsinki-St Petersburg tickets at the station reservations office (the office at Helsinki is open 08:30-16:30 Monday-Friday, closed Saturday & Sunday), or via the Finnish railways website www.vr.fi.  Or you can call Finnish Railways international reservations on +358 9 2319 2902 (Normally they require you to collect tickets two days before departure, so be prepared to persuade them to allow collection on the day!).

St Petersburg to Helsinki:  Use the Real Russia online booking system here, tickets can be booked online & collected in Moscow.  Or you can buy at any main Russian station.

The Thomas Cook European Timetable

The Thomas Cook European timetable has train & ferry times for every country in Europe plus currency & climate information.  Published since 1873, it costs £14.99.  It's essential for any serious traveller and an inspiration for armchair travellers.  Still not convinced you need one?  More information on what the Thomas Cook Timetable contains.  You can buy the latest monthly edition online at www.thomascookpublishing.com with worldwide delivery or buy it in person from selected UK branches of Thomas Cook (ask at the bureau de change), or from W H Smiths in Victoria station in London.  Or buy the twice-yearly independent traveller's edition with laminated cover from Amazon.co.uk:  Winter/Spring 2012/13 edition (Dec 2012 to June 2013) or (when available) Summer/Autumn 2013 edition (June to Dec 2013)

The Thomas Cook Rail Map of Europe is the best and most comprehensive map of train routes right across Europe, from Portugal in the west to Istanbul, Moscow & Ukraine in the east, from Finland in the north to Sicily & Crete in the south.  High speed & scenic routes are highlighted.  Highly recommended!  Buy online at www.amazon.co.uk (worldwide delivery).  See an extract from the map.

You should take a good guidebook.  For the independent traveller, I think this means either the Lonely Planet or the Rough Guide.  I personally prefer the layout of the Lonely Planet, but others prefer the Rough Guide.  Both guidebooks provide the same excellent level of practical information and historical background.  You won't regret buying one!  My own book, an essential handbook for train travel to Europe based on this website called "The Man in Seat 61", was published in June 2008, and is available from Amazon with shipping worldwide.

Click the images to buy at Amazon.co.uk...

Or buy direct at the Lonely Planet website, shipping worldwide.

Find hotels in Helsinki & Scandinavia...

Travel insurance & health card...

Get travel insurance, it's essential...

Never travel without insurance from a reliable travel insurer with at least £1m or preferably £5m medical cover.  It should also cover loss of cash (up to a limit) & belongings, and cancellation. An annual multi-trip policy is usually cheapest even for just 2 or 3 trips a year (I have an annual policy myself).  Don't expect travel insurance to bail you out of every missed connection, though, see the advice on missed connections here.  Here are some suggested insurers, Seat61 gets a little commission if you buy through these links, and feedback from using insurance for rail & ferry travel is always welcome.

In the UK, use www.confused.com to compare prices & policy features across major insurance companies.

If you have a pre-existing medical condition or are over 65 (no age limit), see www.JustTravelCover.com.

        If you live in Australia, New Zealand, Ireland or the EU, try Columbus Direct's other websites.

   If you live in the USA or Canada, try Travel Guard USA.

Get an EU health card, it's free...

If you're a UK citizen travelling in Europe, you should apply for a free European Health Insurance Card, which entitles you to free or reduced rate health care if you become ill or get injured in many European countries, under a reciprocal arrangement with the NHS.  This replaced the old E111 forms as from January 2006.  The EHIC card is available from www.ehic.org.uk.  It doesn't remove the need for travel insurance, though.

Get a spare credit card, designed for foreign travel with no currency exchange loading & low/no ATM fees

Taking out an extra credit card costs nothing, but if you keep it in a different part of your luggage you won't be left stranded if your wallet gets stolen.  In addition, some credit cards are better for overseas travel than others.  Martin Lewis's www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/cheap-travel-money explains which UK credit cards have the lowest currency exchange commission loadings when you buy something overseas, and the lowest cash withdrawal fees when you use an ATM abroad.

You can avoid ATM charges and expensive exchange rates with a Caxton FX euro currency Visa Card, or their multi-currency 'Global Traveller' Visa Card, see www.caxtonfx.com for info.

Get an international SIM card to save on mobile data and phone calls...

Mobile phones can cost a fortune to use abroad, and if you're not careful you can return home to find a huge bill.  Consider buying a global pre-paid SIM card for your mobile phone from www.Go-Sim.com, which can slash costs by up to 85%.  Go-Sim cuts call costs in 175 countries worldwide, and you can receive incoming calls and texts for free in 75 countries.  It's pay-as-you-go, so no nasty bills when you get home.  It also allows cheap data access for laptops & PDAs.  A Go-Sim account and any credit on it doesn't expire if it's not used between trips, unlike some others, so a Go-Sim phone number becomes your 'global phone number' for life.

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