Europe’s longest train journey between Finland and Sweden is made possible by a historic cross-border railway link. By transferring between the Finnish VR and Swedish Norrtåg and SJ rail networks at the border, you can travel continuously across the region, taking a route from Helsinki to Stockholm in just over 24 hours. Experience Europe’s longest rail journey: Finland-Sweden.
Because Finland and Sweden use different track gauges (Finland uses the 1,524 mm Russian standard, while Sweden uses the 1,435 mm standard), a seamless cross-border train cannot operate without transfers.
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The Cross-Border Route
The historic station in Haparanda, Sweden (built in 1919) has been restored to serve as the central hub between the two systems. You take a Finnish VR train to Tornio, step into the station building, and transfer to a Swedish Norrtåg train on the other side.
The trip from Helsinki to Stockholm takes about 24 to 25 hours with connections.
The Longest Continuous EU Journey
For those seeking the longest rail adventure, the Finland-Sweden connection offers a remarkable cross-European route. It is now possible to travel more than 5,000 kilometers by train entirely within the European Union, from Kolari in Finnish Lapland to Lagos in Portugal’s Algarve region.
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Finland and Sweden are set to finally be linked by rail this summer
Finland and Sweden will once again be connected by train. The long-awaited connection depends on the reopening of the Tornio–Haparanda rail link on the Finnish-Swedish border. From Tornio, passengers will be able to cross into Haparanda and connect to the wider European rail network for the first time in decades.
The new service also appeals to train enthusiasts. Independent European rail expert Jon Worth recently told Yle News that the new cross-border railway between Finland and Sweden will mark a historic transit milestone in transit: the longest train journey entirely within the European Union.
The reopening will also mark Finland’s first regular international passenger rail connection since services to St. Petersburg were suspended in 2022 after Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.
Not for the busy ones
The journey, however, will not be suitable for the time-pressed. A full trip between Helsinki and Stockholm by rail will take around 24 hours, compared with roughly 18 hours by ferry or a much shorter flight. Those choosing rail will trade speed for a slower, more scenic journey.
Europe’s Longest Rail Journey: Finnish Lapland to Portugal’s Algarve Region, Tor Kjolberg reporting. Feature image (top) Norrbothniabanan, © Thomas Nilsen/Swedish Railway Swedish railway.