A new high-speed train has cut two hours off the 400-kilometre trip from Helsinki in Finland to St Petersburg in Russia. The Allegro train trip takes 3½ hours, reaching speeds of 225kph. Return services leave the Finnish capital at 10am and 3pm, and depart from Russia’s second-biggest city at 6.40am and 3.25pm. Border control is carried out en route – you’ll need a visa to enter Russia. Tickets can be reserved with Rail Europe up to two months before the journey, priced from $US209 for second class and $US322 for first class, which includes a newspaper, a snack served at your seat and coffee or tea. Finnish and Russian cuisine can also be sampled in the restaurant car. Visit vr.fi/allegro.