Vaihtopaikka

Vaihtopaikka is a Finnish term meaning a place where a change or transfer occurs in a transport network. The word is used in various contexts to refer to locations where services can switch lines, directions, or modes, and where passengers or operations may move from one service to another.

In railway practice, vaihtopaikka most often denotes a siding or passing place on a single-track line. Such a place allows trains travelling in opposite directions or with different schedules to pass each other or to be overtaken, as well as enabling shunting or temporary holding of a train while operations are coordinated. The exact configuration, length, and signaling of a vaihtopaikka depend on traffic volume, train speeds, and safety requirements, and these points are typically included in track plans and timetables. They are frequently located near stations, yards, or junctions to support efficient movement and capacity.

Beyond railways, vaihtopaikka can refer to any transfer or interchange point within a transportation network, such as a bus-train interchange, a park-and-ride facility, or a multimodal hub where passengers or vehicles switch from one line or mode to another. The term emphasizes the function of enabling a change in service rather than a physical station alone, and its exact usage may vary by operator or region.

Etymology-wise, vaihtopaikka combines vaihto (change) and paikka (place). Related concepts include passing loops, sidings, and transport interchanges.