Finland-Sweden rail link resumes after 40 years

By Alimat Aliyeva

Rail traffic between Finland and Sweden resumed on Monday, marking an important step in improving cross-border transport between the two countries, AzerNEWS reports.

“The railway route will connect Finland with the pan-European rail network. For the first time in decades, a train crossed the Tornionjoki border river and headed for Sweden,” the statement said.

The train will operate twice a day, with the journey taking approximately 1 hour and 40 minutes. The renewed connection is expected to make travel between the two countries more convenient for both passengers and businesses.

Interestingly, rail service between the Finnish city of Oulu and the Swedish town of Haparanda was discontinued in 1988 because it was considered unprofitable. After decades without regular passenger service, the reopening of the route represents a significant milestone for the region and could help strengthen tourism, trade, and economic ties between Finland and Sweden.