VR's Ekstra Class - Value for Money?
VR’s Ekstra Class on InterCity and Pendolino trains offers a quieter, more comfortable travel experience with stylish interiors, wider seats, extra legroom, and a 2+1 layout for added personal space. Amenities include faster dedicated Wi-Fi, complimentary coffee, tea, and water, power outlets at every seat, a quiet phone booth, and an onboard restroom. Ideal for travellers seeking peace for work or relaxation, Ekstra Class is available at a reasonable surcharge. Overall, it offers a modest yet worthwhile upgrade, focusing on calmness, comfort, and convenience.
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Ekstra Class: a Comfortable Way to Travel with VR
Ekstra Class offers a more comfortable ride on VR's InterCity and Pendolino trains compared to Eko Class. While it's not a full-fledged first class, Ekstra provides an upgraded experience with some thoughtful extras. Passengers in Ekstra have their own designated section — upstairs on InterCity trains, and at the end of the train on Pendolino services. This area is free from through traffic, making it a quieter, more relaxed spot.
Ekstra's interior used to blend in with regular compartments, but it got a stylish makeover. Especially on InterCity trains, the space now boasts a tasteful, slightly retro vibe with subtle colours, wood panelling, and modern LED lighting. The update really lifted the look and feel of the area.
Seats in Ekstra on InterCity trains are wider and come with more legroom than standard seats. The 2+1 seating layout usually means solo travellers get a seat with no adjacent passenger. Each seat also has a privacy panel, though we find these a bit awkward in practice. Thanks to the spacious seats and ample room, you’ll enjoy plenty of personal space here.
On Pendolino trains, the Ekstra section is tucked away at the end, providing good separation from other carriages. Meanwhile, on the InterCity train, it’s upstairs, offering some great views during the journey.
VR markets Ekstra as the perfect spot for both work and relaxation.
Following this review, VR has renamed the Ekstra class to the Ekstra Rauhallinen Class.
Ekstra Services and Perks
In our experience, the biggest draw of Ekstra Class is its calm, peaceful atmosphere. Even during busy periods, Ekstra tends to have fewer passengers, making it easier to focus or unwind. Wall-to-wall sound-absorbing carpeting contributes to a quiet vibe, while conveniently placed power outlets allow you to keep your laptop or devices charged without hassle. Whether you want to get some work done or relax, Ekstra is a solid choice.
You can also book your own cabin for a small fee.
Alongside its upgraded design and tranquillity, Ekstra comes with a few handy extra touches.
Wi-Fi
Ekstra class has a free Wi-Fi network in addition to the train's general service. From what we've seen, this dedicated network tends to be a bit faster. Still, on the Turku–Helsinki route, mobile data on your phone often outperforms Wi-Fi on the train. However, since you can’t always connect your laptop via mobile data, having reliable Wi-Fi on board is a significant advantage if you need to work.
Ekstra Class comes with its own private Wi-Fi network.
Refreshments
Complimentary water, coffee, and tea are available in Ekstra. It’s not a full drink buffet, but the extra isn’t steep either—though upgrading just for the free coffee might not feel worth it.
Though modest, the coffee and tea selection is a welcome bonus.
Differences Between InterCity's and Pendolino's Ekstra
On InterCity trains, Ekstra seating is upstairs; on Pendolino trains, it’s in carriage one at the very end. Both feature Wi-Fi, restrooms, and similar complimentary drinks, with power outlets at every seat.
The differences between the two are minor. InterCity trains tend to offer slightly more legroom, and the ride feels smoother thanks to Pendolino. Pendolino’s automatic tilting can cause a bit more sway, which might upset sensitive stomachs. We recommend InterCity trains if you plan to work onboard. Travel times are about the same since track limits control the. speed
Ekstra Class is an excellent option for working while you travel.
Pricing
Ekstra class tickets come with an additional charge that depends on your journey length. For instance, the surcharge from Helsinki to Turku is about €15, while the surcharge from Turku to Oulu is about €25. This is a separate fee; you’ll need a standard train ticket plus the Ekstra upgrade. Booking early often scores you a better deal thanks to dynamic pricing.
Our Experiences on Riding Ekstra
We took the Ekstra Class on an InterCity train from Pasila to Kupittaa in November. Ekstra was clearly marked and located upstairs in car 2.
There were only around five passengers in the compartment, making for a quiet, relaxed atmosphere. One partition wall had a slight resonance, causing some noise, but a fellow traveller managed to fix it. Other than that, the compartment was peaceful, and many fellow passengers focused on their laptops. The conductor checked tickets after Leppävaara but offered no extra details about Ekstra services.
The seats had a stylish, slightly retro look and plenty of space. We found the privacy panels to be a bit impractical, though. Every seat had good legroom and power outlets within easy reach. Most seats reclined—except ours.
The compartment also had its own restroom and a quiet phone booth. At the front, a self-service station offered water, coffee, and tea. The dedicated Ekstra Wi-Fi worked smoothly without any hassle. The interior was attractive, aside from some quite grimy exterior windows.
There was no trolley service in the compartment throughout the trip.
Our Rating on Ekstra
While Ekstra Class doesn’t blow you away with luxury, it definitely adds a layer of comfort to your journey, at a reasonable price. The real reason to upgrade? The peace. Plus, you get complimentary drinks, nicer interiors, and comfier seats.
Eksta is perfect for travellers who value calm, especially those working onboard. It’s probably not ideal for families with young kids due to the emphasis on quiet. Isn't that thanks to the need for tranquillity, this class isn’t suitable for young children? Based on our journey, VR’s marketing claims about Ekstra delivered as promised.
That said, we did wonder how user-friendly Ekstra is for travellers with mobility challenges or older passengers. It would seem odd if the service only caters to those in good physical shape.
Bottom Line
Ekstra Class is a simple, affordable way to step up your comfort on a train trip. For a small additional fee, you receive a peaceful space and a few small perks that make the journey more pleasant—especially during peak travel times.
It’s aimed at regular commuters and occasional leisure travellers who don’t mind spending a bit more for a quieter, more comfortable ride. Compared to a crowded bus, Ekstra offers a noticeably better experience.
Have you travelled in Ekstra class? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!
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