Welcome to our comprehensive transportation guide to Finnish Lapland! Whether you’re planning to witness the mesmerizing Northern Lights or to bask in the serene beauty of the Midnight Sun, getting to and around Lapland requires some know-how. This guide will take you through the various transportation options available, ensuring your journey is as seamless and enchanting as the destination itself.
1. Flying to Finnish Lapland
Flying is the easiest and quickest way to get to Lapland, especially if you’re coming from outside Finland or from Helsinki. Lapland is home to six airports.
Rovaniemi Airport (RVN)
The gateway to Finnish Lapland and the official home of Santa Claus. Rovaniemi Airport is well-connected with regular flights from Helsinki (about 1.5 hours). Many international flights also arrive here, especially during the winter season.
Winter Flights to Rovaniemi:
During winter season (2024-2025) you can fly to Rovaniemi directly from London, Manchester, Bristol, Edinburgh, Birmingham, Liverpool, Dublin, Paris, Amsterdam, Naples, Brussels, Milan, Istanbul, Izmir, Madrid, Düsseldorf, Berlin, Stuttgart, Vienna, Barcelona, Tromso, Munich, Zurich, Copenhagen, Frankfurt, Hamburg, Bordeaux, Geneva, Lyon and Nice.
Which airlines operate flights to Rovaniemi, Lapland?
Finnair, EasyJet, Ryanair, Turkish Airlines, Iberia, Eurowings, KLM, Austrian Airlines, Vueling, Air France, Norwegian, Edelweiss, SAS, Lufthansa and SunExpress.
Summer Flights to Rovaniemi:
During the summer, flight options from abroad to Rovaniemi are limited. Finnair and Norwegian offer flights to Rovaniemi from Helsinki Airport, while Ryanair connects Milan to Rovaniemi.
Additionally, you can fly to Oulu, approximately 2.5 hours by car from Rovaniemi, with Lufthansa from Munich. Traveling from Oulu to Rovaniemi is convenient and accessible via bus, train, rental car, or taxi.
Kittilä Airport (KTT)
Serves the Levi and Ylläs ski resorts. Direct flights from Helsinki as well as some international routes, particularly during ski season.
Winter Flights to Kittilä:
In the winter season of 2024-2025, travelers can easily fly to Kittilä from numerous locations across Europe. You can fly directly from the following locations:
Germany:
- Hamburg, Düsseldorf (Eurowings)
- Munich (Lufthansa)
- Frankfurt (Discover Airlines)
France:
- Paris (Air France and EasyJet)
Switzerland:
- Zurich (Edelweiss)
United Kingdom:
- London and Manchester (EasyJet)
Austria:
- Vienna (Austrian Airlines)
Italy:
- Milan (EasyJet)
Latvia:
- Riga (AirBaltic)
Summer Flights to Kittilä:
In the summer of 2025, you will have the opportunity to fly directly to Kittilä from abroad, with flights available from Zurich with Edelweiss and from Frankfurt with Discover Airlines.
Ivalo Airport (IVL)
The northernmost airport in Finland, serving Saariselkä and Inari. Perfect for travelers looking to explore the more remote areas of Lapland.
Finnair offers daily flights from Helsinki to Ivalo Airport. During the winter season, direct flights are also available from various international destinations. Travelers can fly to Ivalo from London (British Airways), Vienna (Austrian Airlines), Zurich (Edelweiss), Düsseldorf (Eurowings), and Frankfurt (Lufthansa).
Kemi-Tornio Airport (KEM)
Kemi is a great base for exploring the SnowCastle of Kemi and the Sampo icebreaker.
You can fly to Kemi with Finnair from Helsinki.
Kuusamo Airport (KAO)
Kuusamo is the gateway to the Oulanka National Park and Ruka ski resort.
Finnair operates year-round flights from Helsinki to Kuusamo, with a journey time of approximately one hour. In winter, several flights are available daily. Additionally, during the winter season, there are direct flights from Europe: Lufthansa offers weekly service from Frankfurt on Saturdays, Eurowings provides flights from Düsseldorf on Sundays, and Edelweiss operates once a week from Zürich.
Enontekiö Airport (ENF)
Enontekiö Airport is located in the far northwestern part of Finland, close to the Swedish and Norwegian borders. At the moment, only chartered flights are operated. Nearby airports include Kiruna in Sweden, as well as Tromsø and Alta in Norway.
Tips for Finding Cheap Flights:
- Book in advance: As with any destination, booking your flight early can help you get a better deal. Plus, flights to Lapland tend to fill up quickly during peak seasons.
- Check connecting flights: Direct flights may be more convenient, but sometimes taking a connecting flight can save you money.
- Be flexible with dates: If possible, try adjusting your travel dates by a few days to see if there are any cheaper options available.
- Sign up for airline newsletters: Airlines often offer special deals and promotions through their email newsletters, so make sure to sign up and stay updated.
- Use flight comparison websites: Websites like Skyscanner or Kayak can help you compare prices from different airlines and find the best deal for your desired travel dates.
2. Train Travel to Finnish Lapland
For a scenic and relaxing way to reach Lapland, consider taking a train. Finland’s VR trains are comfortable, efficient, and affordable. Check VR website !
Main Routes:
Helsinki to Rovaniemi: The overnight train, departs daily from Helsinki, reaching Rovaniemi in about 12-14 hours. You can choose between regular seats or cozy sleeping cabins, perfect for waking up to a winter wonderland.
- Train tickets can be much cheaper when booked well in advance!
- If you opt for regular seating and have a larger group, consider purchasing 10 multi-tickets through VR app to see if that offers a more cost-effective way to secure your seats.
- You can bring your own car on the night trains.
- From Rovaniemi, you can effortlessly continue your journey to various destinations such as Levi and Saariselkä by bus.
Helsinki to Kolari: If you’re heading to the Ylläs or Levi ski resorts, the train to Kolari is ideal. This route also offers sleeper cabins for an overnight journey. From Kolari Train Station, you can easily take a bus to either Levi or Ylläs.
Helsinki to Kemijärvi: For those wanting to explore Pyhä-Luosto, this is the most convenient train route. You can also catch a bus from Kemijärvi Train Station to your destination, just like from Kolari.
You can take a train to Oulu and then continue your journey to Ruka and Kuusamo by bus.
Tips for Train Travel:
- Book Sleeper Cabins: Overnight trains are a great way to save on accommodation and travel time.
- Bikes and Skis: You can bring your own skis or bike on the train, making it easy to carry gear if you plan on outdoor activities.
- Purchase your ticket well in advance to save money!
3. Driving in Lapland
For maximum flexibility and adventure, renting a car and driving through Lapland is an excellent option. Finnish roads are well-maintained, and the views are stunning, but driving in winter requires some preparation.
Tips for Winter Driving:
- Renting a Car: Most major rental companies like Avis, Hertz, and Europcar are available at airports and in larger towns. Ensure that your rental car has winter tires, which are mandatory in Finland from November to March.
- Driving Conditions: Roads can be icy, and visibility can be low during heavy snowfall, so drive cautiously. Most roads in Lapland are two-lane highways with little traffic, but be prepared for changing weather conditions.
- Watch for Wildlife: Reindeer frequently wander near roads, especially at dawn and dusk. Keep an eye out for signs warning of reindeer crossings.
- Speed Limits: In winter, speed limits may be reduced due to ice and snow, with most roads ranging from 80-100 km/h.
Road Trip Ideas:
- Rovaniemi to Levi: A 2.5-hour drive through the snowy wilderness, perfect for those visiting both Santa Claus Village and the ski resorts.
- Rovaniemi to Inari: A longer, 4-hour drive that takes you deep into the northern wilderness, ideal for travelers heading to see the Northern Lights.
- Levi to Saariselkä: A 3-hour scenic route that’s popular with skiers and nature lovers.
4. Public Transportation in Lapland
While public transportation is less frequent in remote areas, there are several reliable bus routes connecting major towns and ski resorts.
Long-Distance Bus Services:
Discover long-distance bus routes in Lapland on the Matkahuolto website. Enjoy convenient bus services connecting cities such as Rovaniemi, Levi, and Saariselkä.
Popular Routes:
- Rovaniemi to Saariselkä: Approximately 3 hours, costing €40-50.
- Rovaniemi to Levi: About 2.5 hours, with prices ranging from €10-35.
- Kemijärvi to Pyhä: Around 1 hour, priced at €15.
- Oulu to Kuusamo: Roughly 3 hours, costing €30.
- Kolari Train station to Levi, around €33.
Ski Resort Shuttles:
Many ski resorts, like Levi and Ylläs, offer shuttle services between the slopes and nearby hotels or airports.
Check more information:
Local Buses:
In towns like Rovaniemi, local buses are available for getting around the town and to nearby attractions like the Santa Claus Village (line 8).
Check more information about Rovaniemi Local Bus.
Transportation in Kemi-Tornia area.
5. Taxi
Taxis are available but can be expensive, especially in remote areas. Example for a taxi ride from Kuusamo Airport to Ruka, the fare is approximately €80 each way for 1-4 passengers and around €100 each way for 5-8 passengers.
In Ruka, you also have the option of taking a shared taxi to reach the Karhunkierros Trail.
6. Alternative Transport: Snowmobiles and Reindeer Sleds
For a unique transportation experience, many visitors opt for traditional or adventurous modes of travel:
- Snowmobiles: Many resorts offer snowmobile rentals, and you can even join guided snowmobile safaris to explore Lapland’s vast wilderness.
- Reindeer Sledding: A traditional mode of transport for the indigenous Sámi people, reindeer sledding is not only an activity but a means of getting around in rural parts of Lapland.
