Finland and Sweden reinstate cross-border rail service

Finland and Sweden have reinstated a direct passenger rail service between Oulu, Finland, and Haparanda, Sweden, marking the first cross-border connection between the two nations in several decades.

The service, operated by the Finnish company VR, runs twice daily. The journey covers approximately 133 kilometers and takes about 100 minutes. Due to historical differences in track gauges—Finland utilizes a 1,524mm Russian gauge while Sweden uses the 1,435mm European standard—passengers currently transfer between VR and Swedish Norrtåg trains by walking through the Haparanda station building.

Local officials and transport ministers have highlighted the importance of the link for regional security, economic integration, and future cooperation. While current transfer times are being optimized, further improvements to the schedule are expected by December. The route provides connections to other regional hubs, including Kemi and Tornio in Finland, and offers onward travel toward Stockholm via Swedish rail networks.