Finland and Sweden restore direct rail link between Tornio and Haparanda

Finland has restored passenger rail connectivity between Tornio, Finland, and Haparanda, Sweden, marking the end of a 38-year hiatus for direct rail service across the border. The project involved modernizing and electrifying the Laurila–Tornio–Haparanda section to allow modern trains to cross the river via a dual-gauge bridge.

The modernization required a total investment of 37 million euros. The Finnish state provided 19.5 million euros, with 4.3 million euros co-financed by the European Union through the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF). Swedish authorities contributed the remaining funds to upgrade the Haparanda station.

Passengers traveling from Oulu can now reach Haparanda directly in approximately 100 to 110 minutes, with two daily connections in each direction. Upon arrival in Haparanda, travelers can transfer to the Swedish rail network for services toward Stockholm.