The state-supported service will provide two daily trains in each direction, amounting to 28 weekly services. Passenger trains will also return to central Tornio for the first time in decades.
Finnish operator VR and transport authority Traficom have signed an agreement adding the route to their existing publicly procured traffic contract. The cities of Oulu and Tornio and the Sea Lapland Development Centre will also contribute to its financing.
The route is intended to improve rail connections in northern Finland and provide onward travel towards Sweden. Passengers will be able to connect between Oulu and services towards Helsinki, while Swedish operator Norrtåg runs trains from Haparanda to Luleå.
“In December, the plan is to further improve transfer connections in Haparanda,” said Juho Hannukainen, Director of New Traffic at VR.
Launching the service required coordination between Finnish and Swedish authorities on border controls, customs procedures and technical railway requirements.
Traficom Development Director Pipsa Eklund said the new connection would improve the level of passenger rail services in northern Finland.
Tickets went on sale on 30 June 2026, together with the detailed timetable.
