Finland and Sweden will reconnect by train this summer after more than 30 years without a direct cross-border passenger railway between Tornio (Finland) and Haparanda (Sweden).
The project has received a €37 million investment, and the Finnish government has also allocated €1.9 million this year to launch passenger service on the Tornio-Haparanda route.
The grand opening is expected just before Midsummer, in late June 2026.
This new service will reconnect Finland to Europe’s wider rail network and make low-carbon, long distance travel across the continent even more accessible.
This is especially exciting because this will allow us to experience Europe’s longest railway journey (5000 km). From the Northenmost train station in Kolari (Finnish Lapland) to the Southernmost train station in Lagos (Faro in Algarve, Portugal).
But for me, the real highlight is how much this will make
*pet inclusive travel* easier.
Because travelling by train with a pet is far less stressful than by airplane and without the imposition of travelling separated. I’m honestly starting to think about trying it myself this summer, taking a train journey from Helsinki to Barcelona.
Finland and Sweden are already among the most pet friendly train destinations in Europe, so this new link strengthens that reputation while supporting a greener tourism and mobility.
In Finland, dogs and cats are allowed on local and long distance trains. Pets travel free on many local services and in designated areas on long distance VR trains (see my post in the comments). In Sweden, SJ AB also allows pets in designated areas with a pet friendly seat reservation in advance.
Both countries do not require pet carriers or muzzles so it’s a 100% pet friendly travel choice.
So how long would it take me to reach Barcelona?
3 nights and 4 days and yes, with enough time for potty breaks along the way.
It’s actually not that bad, especially when I think about how many times I’ve crossed Europe by car. That takes longer and is more tiring too: one night on a ferry and four full days of driving, about 8 hours a day. And once you add pet friendly accommodation and fuel, it’s anything but cheap.
The journey:
Night Train 1 Helsinki → Tornio (VR) 12h
Day Train Tornio → Stockholm (SJ) ~10h
Night Train 2 Stockholm → Hamburg (via Copenhagen, DK) 13h
Day Train Hamburg → Paris (ICE) ~5h
Night Train 3 Paris → Barcelona (SNCF Intercités de Nuit) 6,5h
Negatives of the journey: Germany, France and Spain require dogs over 6kg wearing a muzzle unless I can book a private compartment.
I can’t wait to try Nox Mobility as soon as they make it possible to travel all the way across Europe from north to south and make getting back home so much easier. 2027 is not that far 🧡
LinkedIn original post: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/angels-bosch
