Trains are a responsible way to travel
Train is the most environmentally friendly option
The future of cleaner mobility is here. Rail traffic is the most energy-efficient and low-emission mode of transport. We believe that by increasing the popularity of rail transport, we can reduce emissions throughout Finland. Opt for the train and join us on a journey towards a carbon-neutral future.
Try our new CO2 calculatorMost of our trains run on electricity
95% of our passenger train services run on electricity. Emissions from the remaining train services have been offset since late 2019.
Railcar and Kolari night train routes
Railcars and Kolari night trains run on non-electrified routes. We have offset the emissions caused by these routes since late 2019.
Every train trip is carbon-neutral
We are committed to continuing climate action in the future. For example, our aims by 2025 include reducing energy consumption by 15% and increasing the recycling rate to 80%.
Towards a greener future together
We are proud of the Sustainable Travel Finland, Opens in a new tab label, as well as the honorary mention of being one of the most responsible tourism operators of 2022 in the Sustainable Brand Index, Opens in a new tab. We offset the emissions from our operations through a Gold Standard, Opens in a new tab -certified voluntary emissions trading project. The project’s climate investments involve forestation projects in Columbia and the construction of a solar power plant in India.
Reduce the emissions of your journey
CO2 EMISSION CALCULATORFor example, on a roundtrip between Helsinki and Rovaniemi, the carbon dioxide emissions of a train are over 99 % lower than those of an aircraft. Use the calculator below to compare the carbon dioxide emissions for your trip.
Carbon calculator
How have carbon dioxide emissions been calculated?
- We obtain our emissions data from reliable public sources. Most of the data comes from LIPASTO, Opens in a new tab, a calculation system developed and maintained by VTT Technical Research Centre of Finland Ltd for calculating transport emissions and energy consumption in Finland.
- Information for comparison has been also retrieved from Statistics Finland, Opens in a new tab and VR Group's annual report for 2018, Opens in a new tab (only in Finnish).
- Passenger car: passenger cars on average in Finland in 2016, extra-urban driving 67g/pkm CO2e
- Bus: buses and coaches on average in Finland in 2016, bus (long distance): 26g/pkm CO2e
- Plane: Short-distance trips <440km: 0,257kg CO2e/pkm, long-distance trips >440km: 0,177kg SO2e/pkm
Source: LIPASTO
- Passenger trains: CO2 emission intensity 1.4 g/pkm
Source: VR GROUP annual report 2018, Report of the Board of Directors and Financial Statements, Passenger services
- Melting of the polar ice caps:
Environmental friendliness of travel
Energy efficiency as a means to reaching carbon neutrality
Responsibility means continuous development. VR Group’s joint goals and measures pave the way towards cutting traffic emissions by 50% by 2030. A greater goal ahead is a carbon-neutral Finland by 2035.
The environmental goals of the entire VR Group state that emissions per unit of output will decrease by 15% from the 2019 level by 2025. Energy efficiency plays a key role in achieving this goal.
In train traffic, energy efficiency has been increased with, for instance, more energy-efficient rolling stock and the DAS system, which assists train drivers. The DAS system is based on machine learning and advises the driver to slow down and accelerate as energy-efficiently as possible. The aim is to save 8% of the energy used to pull the train.
Towards a better tomorrow – getting there together!
Source: VR Group’s corporate responsibility report 2021, Opens in a new tab
750 MWh of solar power
The solar power plant located at the Helsinki depot produced approximately 750 MWh of electricity for the maintenance of rolling stock, which is the equivalent of the annual electricity consumption of approximately 40 electrically heated detached houses.
Newest addition to our tractive stock
The Dr19 diesel locomotive is more efficient and more versatile than our earlier diesel fleet and produces less emissions. Commercial traffic with the locomotive will begin in 2023. In passenger service, the locomotive could be used on non-electrified track sections, in night train traffic to and from Kolari, for instance.
The carbon footprint of your trips
The VR Matkalla app sums up your journeys and tells you how much greener your decision to travel by train has made your travels. See your summary in the app!
Green alternative for business
Does your company have environmental goals? When business trips are made by carbon-neutral train, employees’ travel supports the achievement of these goals.
The peace and quiet in the Ekstra Class and cabins that can be reserved exclusively for your group are ideal for business travel.
From a green train to a green car
Train journeys and car rides can now be combined in a fully carbon-neutral way. As a train passenger, you can use an electric car at a discounted price in Helsinki. Drive according to your own plans and schedule. Your entire journey will be comfortable, flexible and fully carbon neutral.
Responsible choices also in the restaurant car
For instance, try our delicious broccoli and spinach pie, which is baked by Minnan Juustokakkutehdas in Roihupelto, Helsinki. The filling vegan tomato pesto pasta is made by chefs in Juva. For dessert, we recommend the restaurant car’s signature ice cream made by an artisan ice cream factory!
Smoother travel with first and last mile connections
FLEXIBLY TO THE DESTINATIONJourneys with first and last-mile connections combine multiple modes of transport. For example, you can first travel by train and then continue your journey on a local bus, rented car, or taxi.
Join us on the journey
Our trains carry you to over 200 railway stations in Finland.