New train service connects Finland and Sweden for first time in decades
Summary
A new passenger train service has started between Finland and Sweden, reconnecting northern Finland to southern Europe by rail for the first time in nearly 40 years. The train departs twice daily from Oulu, Finland, to Haparanda, Sweden, allowing longer travel routes across Europe.Key Facts
- The train service between Oulu (Finland) and Haparanda (Sweden) resumed after being suspended since the late 1980s and early 1990s.
- Finland's railway tracks are wider than standard European tracks, a legacy from when it was part of Russia.
- Finland is updating its tracks to match the European standard gauge.
- The new journey takes about 100 minutes and runs twice daily.
- Passengers traveling further south into Sweden need to change trains at Haparanda.
- This connection enables a possible 5,000 km train trip from Portugal to northern Finland.
- It also allows a 24-hour train trip between Helsinki, Finland’s capital, and Stockholm, Sweden’s capital.
- Finnish officials see the rail link as a sign of growing cooperation between the two countries and a boost to rail travel in Europe.
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