This train in Finland takes you to Santa Claus’s home – the journey on the Santa Claus Express feels straight out of a storybook

If you have ever wondered what a real winter wonderland looks like, Finland is it. Picture endless snow, tiny towns wrapped in white, and the soft Arctic light making everything feel calm and magical. Now imagine seeing all of this from the window of a night train while you are tucked up in a cosy cabin. That is exactly what the Santa Claus Express offers. It takes you from southern Finland all the way into Lapland, giving you a chance to watch the world slowly change outside your window.

One moment you are rolling past tiny towns dusted in snow, the next it’s thick forests and wide-open fields covered in white as far as you can see. When the train finally crosses the Arctic Circle at Kemijärvi or Kolari, it really feels like you have entered a completely different world. The train moves quietly, it rocks just enough to be soothing, and outside the window, the snow glitters in a way that makes you pause.

Heading north to the Arctic Circle

The Santa Claus Express leaves from Helsinki or Turku and stops at towns like Rovaniemi, Kemijärvi, and Kolari. According to a report by News18, the full journey takes about 15 hours, so there is plenty of time to get comfortable and just watch the scenery change. In some places during winter, the sun barely rises at all, making the nights long and calm. It’s the kind of quiet that feels almost magical, especially when you are wrapped up in a warm cabin, sipping a drink, and looking out at the snow.

Rovaniemi: Home of Santa Claus

Rovaniemi is the highlight of the route. This is the official home of Santa Claus, and visitors can meet him at Santa Park and explore festive attractions. The town is also one of the best places to catch the Northern Lights if you are lucky. From Rovaniemi, the train continues to Kemijärvi and ends at Kolari, which is near the Swedish border.

How to book your seat or cabin

Booking a trip is easy. You can call Finnish Railways at +358 2319 2902 or visit a train station. There is a small service fee of EUR 1, about Rs 105, as per the News18 report. Ticket prices vary depending on the accommodation you choose.

It is best to book early in winter since the region attracts a lot of tourists. Early bookings can also save you money on reservations.

Onboard comfort and dining

The cabins are cosy and comfortable. Travel influencer Dipti shared her experience, saying, “You can relax in the cabin and also visit the dining car for hot meals and drinks.” The dining car offers sandwiches, salads, breakfast options, vegetarian meals, children’s meals, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. The dining car closes for a couple of hours at night so passengers can rest and enjoy a peaceful journey.

Scenic winter views

The best part of the ride is looking outside. Snow-covered towns, frozen lakes, and forests pass by slowly, giving the feeling of a storybook winter. Traveling this way lets you explore Lapland in comfort while soaking in the quiet magic of Finnish winters. It is slow, peaceful, and unforgettable.
Thumb image: Instagram/ @dipti29