FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions
Before you book
Lapland Spirit Rail is a new rail travel brand in Finnish Lapland, owned by Joulupukin Juna Oy. Our company is based in Kemi, with our rolling stock home-based in Tornio. Our operating area extends across Sea Lapland, along the Länsikaira route from Tornio via Ylitornio to Pello, from Kemi to Rovaniemi, and from Oulu to Kemi.
Our journeys are operated either by steam or diesel locomotive, and each departure clearly states which type of traction will be used. In exceptional force majeure circumstances, we reserve the right to replace a steam-operated journey with a diesel-operated one. Should this happen, all booked customers will be informed in advance.
Exact departure and arrival times are confirmed approximately six weeks before the departure date. In most cases, the final timetable will not differ significantly from the preliminary schedule provided at the time of booking.
Our journeys are suitable for both adults and families with children. As Polaris, Orion and Sirius are nostalgic heritage passenger carriages, they are not wheelchair accessible and boarding is via steps. Please take this into account when making your booking.
What is included varies slightly by journey. Full details can be found in each journey description and during the booking process. In most cases, your journey includes a reserved seat at a table, selected drinks and treats, and onboard programme. Additional extras, such as drink servings or curated delicacies, may also be purchased. We strongly recommend booking extras in advance, as onboard availability during the journey is limited.
Our operating area:
- Sea Lapland route (Industrial Northstar and The Christmas Steam Journey): a 50 km return journey between Kemi and Tornio, lasting approximately one hour.
- Länsikaira route (Aurora Line, The Spirit of Christmas and Wild West Lapland) follows the line from Tornio via Ylitornio to Pello, travelling north through the Tornio River Valley along the border river between Finland and Sweden. The distance to Ylitornio (Aavasaksa) is approximately 70 km, and to Pello approximately 120 km, with a journey time of around 1.5 hours each way.
- Rovaniemi route (Icebreaking Line and Santa’s Miracle Journey) connects Kemi and Rovaniemi. The journey is approximately 120 km long and takes around 1.5 hours each way.
- Oulu route (Taste of Lapland) connects Kemi and Oulu. The journey is approximately 120 km long and takes around 1.5 to 2 hours.
The train is not wheelchair accessible. The carriages are historic rolling stock, and boarding is via steps, as the carriage floor is not level with the station platform.
Taste of Lapland, our year-round culinary rail journey, is a dining experience featuring a pre-prepared Taste of Lapland menu. On our Christmas trains and other journeys, the ticket includes a small tasting treat, and guests can also enjoy drinks and light refreshments on board. As the carriages do not have a separate kitchen, à la carte dining is not currently available.
Coffee, tea, alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, and a selection of small treats such as chocolate and sweet or savoury snacks are available for purchase on board. We strongly recommend pre-ordering extras when booking or before your journey, as onboard availability is limited.
On the day of your journey
All journeys depart from a railway station. Below is a list of the stations used on each route, together with their addresses:
- Kemi Railway Station rautatiekatu 3 94100 Kemi
- Tornio Railway Station, Jokivarrentie 11, 95420 Tornio
- Rovaniemi Railway Station, Ratakatu 3, 96100 Rovaniemi
- Oulu Railway Station Rautatienkatu 11, 90100 Oulu
Depending on the route, we may also stop at other stations in the region, including Ii, Tervola, Simo and Aavasaksa, as well as at Vihreä Pysäkki in Pello, where dining is served.
Please arrive at the station in good time, and at least 10 minutes before departure. Trains do not always leave from platform 1, and reaching the correct platform may require using an underpass, which can take additional time. Please always check the station information boards for the correct platform before departure.
The train is heated by stoves and can feel quite warm when full. We recommend normal winter or outdoor clothing, and outerwear can be removed once on board.
Each carriage is equipped with one or two toilets.
Each ticket includes the name of the carriage and the seat number. For safety reasons, all passengers should remain in their assigned seats throughout the journey.
The carriages are licensed serving areas, passengers are not permitted to consume their own food on the train.
We operate in the Arctic, where temperatures can range from -40°C in winter to +30°C in summer. In extreme weather conditions, particularly during severe cold or heavy snowstorms, a journey may need to be cancelled for operational reasons. If this happens, all affected customers will be informed.
Our onboard service is bilingual by default and available in both Finnish and English. Depending on the language skills of the staff on board, service may also be available in German, French or Flemish. If you are travelling as a larger group and would prefer a specific service language, please let us know well in advance and we will do our best to arrange an appropriate guide.
Booking, changes and cancellations
Journeys can be booked on the individual product pages at www.laplandspirit.com or through our resellers and tour operators. Our online store accepts credit and debit card payments.
Payments are processed securely through Stripe Payments. Available payment methods include major credit cards such as Visa, Mastercard and American Express, as well as digital wallets (including Apple Pay and Google Pay, Link)
After your booking is completed, you will receive an email with the details of your journey and any purchased products, together with a link for managing your booking. Through this link, you can make changes, cancel your journey or add extras.
After your booking is completed, you will receive an email with the details of your journey and any purchased products, together with a link for managing your booking. Through this link, you can make changes, cancel your journey or add extras.
You may cancel your journey free of charge up to three months before the departure date.
If the journey is cancelled within one month (30 days) of the departure date, a 50% cancellation fee will apply.
If the journey is cancelled less than one month before the departure date, the full journey price will be charged as a cancellation fee.
If Lapland Spirit cancels a journey, for example due to insufficient passenger numbers, all booked customers will receive a full refund of the ticket price. We may also offer the option of voluntarily transferring the booking to another departure date.
If you need assistance, please contact our customer service at info@laplandspirit.com