Russia's Prime Minister Vladimir Putin and Finnish President Tarja Halonen were among the first passengers on a new rail service between Helsinki and St. Petersburg on Sunday.
The Russian strongman joined Halonen for an inaugural journey aboard the French-made Allegro high speed train in the border town of Vyborg.
The two leaders had discussed plans to improve border cooperation before the train arrived at St. Petersburg's Finnish Railway Station.
Putin said he enjoyed the ride.
"I liked it a lot," he told reporters at the station. "It's very fast."
The new service, with speeds of up to 220 km/h, will cover the distance of 443 kilometers in 3.5 hours.
Adult fares will range from 84 euros ($111.1) to 134 euros ($177.2).
ST. PETERSBURG, December 12 (RIA Novosti)
