Finland and Sweden to launch new cross-border rail service

VR and the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom have signed a public service agreement for passenger rail services between Oulu, Tornio and Haparanda. Photo: Jade Silpo / Lehtikuva

Travel

Travellers will soon be able to cross the Finnish-Swedish border by passenger train after VR and the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency Traficom confirmed the launch of a new daily service between Oulu, Tornio and Haparanda.

The route will begin operating on 10 August following the signing of a public service agreement between the two organisations. The service will run every day with 28 weekly departures, creating the first regular cross-border passenger rail connection between Finland and Sweden on the route.

The new service is largely funded by the Finnish government as part of its public transport programme. Financial support also comes from the cities of Tornio and Oulu, together with the Sea Lapland Development Centre.