New train service connects Finland and Sweden for first time in decades

A new passenger train service has commenced, connecting Finland and Sweden for the first time in nearly four decades. Shortly after 5:00 local time on Monday, a double-decker train departed from the Finnish coastal city of Oulu, traversing the border into Sweden. Upon reaching Haparanda station in Sweden, the inaugural service was greeted by enthusiastic crowds waving both Finnish and Swedish flags.

The route had been suspended in the late 1980s to early 1990s due to dwindling passenger numbers and technical disparities in the tracks between Finland and Europe. Finland, using track widths similar to those in Russia, which are wider than the European standard due to its historical ties with the Russian Grand Duchy, is currently updating its track widths to align with Europe's standards.

The new service offers twice-daily journeys to Sweden's Haparanda, taking just 100-minutes as it follows Finland's western coastline before crossing the border. Passengers can continue their journey southward from Haparanda, though additional transfers may be necessary. However, the service enables a 5,000km rail trip from Portugal's Algarve to Finland's northernmost train station, Kolari - believed to be the longest train route in Europe.

Additionally, it facilitates a 24-hour train journey between Finland's capital, Helsinki, and Sweden's capital, Stockholm. Finland's Transport Minister, Elisa Markula, highlighted the growing cooperation between the two countries, while VR's CEO expressed hope for a resurgence in rail travel within Europe, noting the increasing passenger numbers in Finland.