Passenger trains to link Finland with Sweden after four decades

Getting around Scandinavia is about to become a lot easier with the resumption of cross-border passenger trains between Finland and Sweden after a period of almost four decades. 

The return of regular cross-border rail services will mark a major milestone for regional connectivity across the Nordic region, Arctic Observer reported.

Finnish state railway operator VR has announced that passenger services between Oulu and Haparanda will begin on August 10, marking the first regular passenger rail connection between the two countries since 1988. 

The new route is expected to improve mobility, strengthen economic ties, and provide travellers with a sustainable alternative to air and road transport, local media reported.

The reopening reconnects Finland's railway network with Sweden's, allowing passengers to travel seamlessly from northern Finland into Sweden, with onward connections to Luleå, Boden, Stockholm, and the wider European rail network.

VR says the new cross-border service will operate every day, offering two departures in each direction daily: a total of 28 passenger services per week

VR has not yet announced official ticket prices for the new service.

Official pricing will be published once reservations open.

For Finnish travellers, the restored link also creates a practical all-rail route into Sweden and mainland Europe, reducing reliance on domestic flights for international travel.