Direct Rail Link Reconnects Finland and Sweden After Decades of Disconnection

Finland currently operates on a broader track gauge than the European standard, a legacy dating back to its time as the Russian Grand Duchy during the 19th and early 20th centuries.

The country is actively working to transition its rail network to the standard European gauge.

A new passenger service now runs twice daily between Finland and Sweden, reaching Haparanda in approximately 100 minutes. The route follows the western coast of Finland before crossing into Sweden.

Travelers continuing south from Haparanda must transfer to another train to proceed.

This cross-border connection enables passengers to traverse roughly 5,000 kilometers by rail from Portugal’s Algarve region to Kolari, Finland’s northernmost railway station, marking one of Europe’s longest train journeys.

The service also facilitates a continuous 24-hour rail journey between the capital cities of Helsinki and Stockholm.

Finland’s transport minister emphasized that the restoration of this cross-border service reflects growing cooperation between the two Nordic nations.

Elisa Markula, CEO of VR, Finland’s state-owned railway company, expressed optimism that the new service would contribute to a broader resurgence in European rail travel.

“Train travel across Europe is experiencing a renaissance, and we’re seeing significant growth in passenger numbers in Finland as well,” Markula said in an interview with AFP.

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