VR selects Škoda Transtech to renew Finland’s night trains

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Finland’s state-owned rail operator VR has chosen Škoda Transtech to supply a new generation of night train rolling stock, a move aimed at modernising overnight travel on key routes between southern cities and the Arctic north.

Contract brings new sleepers and car-carrier wagons

According to publicly available information from VR Group and industry publications, the operator has awarded Škoda Transtech a contract worth around 50 million euros for new night train vehicles. The order covers nine sleeping cars and eight wagons for transporting cars, along with spare parts, tools, training and documentation. The deal also includes options that could significantly increase the fleet in future years.

The new stock is intended for VR’s long-distance overnight services linking Helsinki and Turku with northern destinations such as Rovaniemi, Kemi and Kolari. These routes, which can take up to 12 to 13 hours, rely heavily on sleepers and car-carrier wagons that allow passengers to take their own vehicles to Lapland and other remote areas.

VR’s decision follows a multi-year procurement process that examined different suppliers and technical solutions. Published material from the company indicates that the new vehicles are planned to be in regular service by the second half of the decade, supplementing and gradually renewing the existing double-deck fleet that has been a mainstay of Finnish night trains.

The contract further deepens VR’s relationship with Škoda Transtech, which has previously supplied double-deck sleeping cars and vehicle transport coaches for the operator. The choice reflects both the manufacturer’s experience in Nordic conditions and VR’s need for equipment tailored to Finland’s broad-gauge network and harsh climate.

Design focus on comfort, accessibility and privacy

Concept images and technical descriptions released through VR and Škoda channels suggest that the new sleeping cars are being designed with a strong emphasis on comfort and privacy. Layouts indicate modern cabins for two or more passengers, private bathrooms in many compartments, and flexible seating and bedding arrangements aimed at both leisure travellers and business passengers.

Improved accessibility is another core element. Publicly available information shows that the cars are expected to feature barrier-free access, wider corridors and facilities that are easier to use for passengers with reduced mobility. This aligns with broader European trends in passenger rail, where universal access is becoming a standard requirement for new rolling stock.

Passenger amenities highlighted in early material include upgraded lighting, enhanced sound insulation and improved climate control to ensure a quieter and more stable environment during long journeys. Digital services, such as better onboard connectivity and user-friendly cabin controls, are also anticipated features as operators look to meet expectations shaped by air travel and modern hotels.

For car-carrier wagons, the focus is on efficiency and safety in loading and securing vehicles, particularly in winter conditions. Reports indicate that the new wagons will be engineered for rapid turnaround at terminals, helping VR make better use of limited night-time track capacity while maintaining reliable schedules during busy holiday seasons.

Responding to surging demand for overnight travel

VR has reported that demand for night train travel in Finland has risen steadily in recent years, with some public statements citing a double-digit increase compared with pre-2018 levels. The operator links this trend to growing domestic tourism in Lapland, shifting travel habits after the pandemic and heightened interest in lower-carbon transport.

Night trains occupy a distinctive niche in Finland, where long distances, challenging winter weather and dispersed population centres make overnight rail an attractive alternative to both driving and short-haul flights. The ability to combine transport and accommodation in a single fare is particularly valued during peak holiday periods when hotels in northern resorts can be heavily booked.

The new order from Škoda Transtech is intended to provide additional capacity to meet this demand and allow for temporary withdrawal of older vehicles for overhaul. By investing in more comfortable and modern accommodation, VR is also seeking to strengthen the appeal of night trains for international visitors, who increasingly look for rail-based ways to reach Arctic destinations and see the Northern Lights.

Industry analysis points out that, for operators in sparsely populated countries, upgrading existing overnight routes can be more cost-effective and sustainable than dramatically expanding domestic air services. VR’s procurement is therefore seen as part of a broader strategy to support Finland’s climate targets while maintaining year-round connectivity to the north.

Škoda Transtech strengthens its Nordic footprint

Škoda Transtech, based in Otanmäki and Kajaani, is described in company information as the largest rolling stock manufacturer in the Nordic region. The firm specialises in rail vehicles for demanding conditions, including low-floor trams and double-deck coaches capable of operating in extreme cold and on wide-gauge tracks.

The VR contract adds to a portfolio that already includes double-deck sleepers and InterCity cars for Finland, as well as trams for Helsinki and Tampere produced under the broader Škoda Group brand. Industry coverage notes that these vehicles are designed with reinforced structures, robust heating and insulation systems, and components selected for reliability in snow and ice.

For Škoda Group, the order from VR is strategically important beyond Finland. Company materials highlight the growing interest in night trains across Europe and describe the Finnish project as an opportunity to showcase a new generation of sleeping car concepts to other operators. The contract is therefore viewed as both a domestic renewal and an export reference for future tenders.

Analysts also observe that local manufacturing in Finland supports regional employment and technical expertise. Škoda Transtech’s facilities and experience with Finnish standards reduce the need for extensive adaptation work, which can be a challenge for international suppliers unfamiliar with the country’s rail profile and regulatory framework.

Part of a wider European night train revival

VR’s decision to invest in new sleepers and car-carrier wagons comes amid a broader revival of night trains across Europe. Operators in countries such as Austria, France and Italy have launched new or expanded overnight services in response to climate policies, airport constraints and changing passenger preferences.

Railway industry reports describe a wave of orders for modern sleeping cars and overnight multiple units, with features such as private mini-suites, improved security and enhanced digital connectivity. These projects share an emphasis on making overnight rail more competitive with early-morning flights and long-distance driving.

Finland’s geography and climate give its night train services particular significance within this trend. By choosing Škoda Transtech to deliver vehicles tailored to Nordic conditions, VR is aligning itself with the wider European movement while addressing distinct national requirements. The new fleet is expected to support stable year-round service on routes where winter weather can be severe and daylight hours limited.

As testing and production advance, observers will be watching how the new cars perform in service and how passengers respond to the upgraded onboard experience. The outcome could influence future decisions on whether to exercise options for additional vehicles and may also shape how other Nordic and Baltic operators approach their own overnight fleets.