Finland to Launch Its First Cross-Border Rail Link This Summer
Finland is on the brink of a transportation milestone, poised to unveil its inaugural cross-border rail connection with continental Europe this summer. Authorities indicate that the long-awaited service to Sweden could commence as early as June, bringing a new dimension to transnational travel.
European rail experts suggest this new route will pave the way for one of the longest train journeys within the EU. Currently, travelers wishing to cross from Finland to Sweden can only do so by bus or car between the border towns of Tornio and Haparanda, situated at the northern edge of the Gulf of Bothnia. While a rail line exists, logistical challenges have hindered its use. The root of the problem lies in Finland’s historical ties to the Russian Empire, which set the track gauge in Finland to an outdated standard of 1524 mm, in contrast to Sweden’s international standard gauge of 1435 mm.
Fortunately, a solution has been reached. A historic train station in Haparanda, which dates back to the early 1900s, is currently being restored. This station will serve as a vital hub for passengers transferring between the two rail systems. “Finnish VR Trains will make a stop at the Tornio C station and then terminate at Haparanda,” explained Sampo Kangastalo, development director of Tornio, in an interview with Yle News. “The Haparanda station is conveniently located between the Finnish and Swedish tracks. Passengers will simply walk through the station building to switch from VR to Swedish Norrtåg trains—it’s very straightforward.”
In a further boost to this initiative, Finland and Sweden recently signed an agreement to streamline rail operations between the two nations, solidifying financial support for the project. “We hope to officially launch this route just before Midsummer in late June,” Kangastalo added.
This new line marks a significant moment for Finnish trains, enabling cross-border travel for the first time since the suspension of services to St. Petersburg in 2022, following Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
A Record-Setting Journey Across the EU
When the border rail link opens this summer, it is expected to facilitate what many believe will be the longest train journey possible within the EU. As independent railway consultant Jon Worth noted, “As far as I can tell, traveling from Kolari in Finland to Lagos, Portugal, might just be the longest journey achievable on multiple trains within the EU.”
The new connection holds additional promise for regions like Rovaniemi and Oulu, offering rail access to Sweden without the need for air or sea travel—an exciting development, according to Worth. Additionally, travelers may opt to replace the approximately 18-hour ferry ride between Helsinki and Stockholm with a slightly longer train journey of just over 24 hours.
As summer approaches, all eyes will be on this historic rail link, set to transform the travel landscape in Finland and beyond.