New cross-border train link between Finland and Sweden to launch without dining services

The new passenger rail connection between Oulu in Finland and Haparanda in Sweden will begin operating on 10 August without on-board dining services, operator VR has confirmed.

Juho Hannukainen, VR’s new traffic director, said the service will initially run without restaurant cars due to unresolved regulatory issues. International rail traffic is subject to different food service and alcohol licensing rules than domestic services, and these require further clarification before dining can be introduced.

Hannukainen noted that tax and licensing complications for international operations are still being addressed with authorities. If resolved, restaurant cars may be added later, though no timeline has been set.

Customs will monitor the cross-border service as needed, treating it like other EU internal border traffic. Jukka Riekki, head of northern customs supervision, said checks will be conducted through profiling, with inspections possible at stations or on board. Passengers must ensure they have permits for restricted items, such as pets.

Riekki acknowledged the new route could be exploited for smuggling, such as snus from Sweden, but authorities will monitor and intervene if necessary. There is no dedicated customs stop for the service between Tornio and Haparanda.

Two daily services will run between the cities, with the first departure from Finland shortly after 5 a.m. Ticket sales began on 30 June and have been strong, VR reported.