Finland-Russia train service resumes with few passengers

The Allegro train, which plies between Finland and Russia, resumed its service on Sunday after remained suspended since spring 2020, sources at national railway operator VR said.

The service of Allegro was suspended in March 2020 against the backdrop of the coronavirus outbreak across the world.

The first trip of the train arrived in Helsinki with a few dozen of passengers onboard after departing St. Petersburg in Russia in the morning.

The Allegro will operate two trips from every direction daily now instead of previously operated four trips.

Although the number of passengers is still limited due to coronavirus restrictions, the authority is expecting business travellers in near future.

The Finnish and Russian citizens are now only eligible to travel on the Allegro train. Russians are mainly allowed to enter Finland for essential reasons, including family visits.

The Russians having vaccinated with the vaccines approved by EU or WHO will be also allowed in Finland.

The EU or WHO, however, did not allow Sputnik or other vaccines administered in Russia yet.

The Finnish people are allowed to travel freely to Russia on the Allegro if they have a visa and a negative Covid test result from within the 72 hours.

Using facemask is also mandatory during the trip.

The Vainikkala border crossing point was opened to passenger traffic on 18 October and the authorities started to sell ticket for the Allegro train on 3 December.