Tornio-Haparanda rail link to connect Finland and Sweden

Finland Sweden passenger rail link is expected to begin operating as early as late June. That would give the two countries a direct passenger rail connection for the first time. This is reported by the railway transport news portal Railway Supply.

The route follows a signed bilateral agreement and financing arrangement, as Yle reports. Also, it is aimed at making cross-border rail travel in Scandinavia easier. It will create a direct passenger connection between Tornio in Finland and Haparanda in Sweden. Until now, travellers between the two towns had to continue by road, as Euronews reported. They used a bus or car, even though railway lines exist on both sides. In practice, it replaces that road transfer with a train change at Haparanda station.

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Finland Sweden passenger rail link and the gauge break

The Tornio Haparanda gap comes down to different gauges in Finland and Sweden. Meanwhile, the difference dates back to Finland’s period under the Russian Empire. That period was in the 19th century. The old Russian gauge measured 1524mm. The standard European track gauge is 1435mm.

To bridge that mismatch, the plan is to restore Haparanda’s historic station. Built in the early 1900s, it will be the meeting point for the two systems. Passengers will be able to step off one train. They will walk through the station and board the other. At the same time, the platform change avoids long transfers.

Longest continuous EU train journey and new Scandinavia options

Once open, it is expected to form part of a continuous EU train journey. That journey is believed to be the longest within the EU. It would stretch from Finland’s far north to the Algarve in Portugal.

The new link is also set to create more flight-free travel options across Scandinavia. For example, cities such as Rovaniemi and Oulu will gain direct rail access to Sweden. In addition, travellers could replace the Helsinki-Stockholm ferry. The train journey would take just over 24 hours.

Finland’s westward rail connection to Europe

Separately, this also marks a symbolic return for Finland. Cross-border rail services between Finland and Russia were suspended in 2022. According to Reuters, the suspension followed the invasion of Ukraine. Still, Finland’s westward rail connection will reshape how it connects to the rest of Europe.

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