The Finnish operator VR and the Finnish Transport and Communications Agency (Traficom) have formalised a contract to run the service, which will begin on 10 August 2026 and provide 28 weekly operations. The scheme is primarily funded under a public service contract, with additional backing from the municipalities of Oulu and Tornio and the Sea Lapland development centre.
The new link is intended to strengthen connectivity in northern Finland and re-establish a rail corridor into Sweden, with passenger services returning to Tornio city centre after decades without them. Launch preparations have required bilateral coordination on technical, customs and operational matters, including the cross-border safety arrangements that clear the way for passenger running between Tornio and Haparanda.
The service will improve access between Oulu and Luleå, with onward connections to Helsinki and, from December, better interchange at Haparanda with Norrtåg regional services in Sweden. Tickets will be available from 30 June through VR’s sales channels, and start-up celebrations are planned at stations along the route.