Flights, trains and road routes into Finnish Lapland, by city, by season, by budget.
Getting to the Arctic Circle is easier than you think. Daily flights, an iconic overnight train, and well-maintained roads all lead north.
Many travellers assume Lapland is remote and hard to reach. Here is the reality: Finnish Lapland has five airports with scheduled flights, an overnight train that lets you sleep through the journey, and highways better maintained in winter than most roads in Central Europe. Whether you are coming from Helsinki, London or anywhere in between, you have options.
Finnish Lapland has five airports with scheduled flights: Rovaniemi, Kittilä, Ivalo, Kuusamo and Kemi-Tornio. Enontekiö also gets charter flights in winter. The three below each serve a different region, so your choice depends on where you want to go.
The main gateway to Finnish Lapland, right on the Arctic Circle.
Most international connections go via Helsinki. Direct seasonal flights from London, Paris and other European cities in winter.
Your entry point for Levi ski resort and the western fells.
Finnair from Helsinki, seasonal charters
Peak winter sees direct flights from the UK, Germany and France. Book early, because these sell out fast.
The northernmost gateway, serving the wilderness of upper Lapland.
Saariselkä, Inari, Nellim, Lake Inari region
This is where you go for the most remote experiences. Fewer flights, but worth the effort.
Compare hotels, cabins and igloos at the best prices.
Four ways to reach Lapland, each with its own character. Pick the one that fits your travel style and budget.
From Helsinki the flight takes about an hour to Rovaniemi, 1 h 15 min to Kittilä and 1 h 30 min to Ivalo (Visit Finland). Finnair flies to all five airports from Helsinki, and Norwegian also flies Helsinki–Rovaniemi (Finavia route lists). From elsewhere in Europe you usually connect in Helsinki, and in winter there are also direct flights from several European cities to Rovaniemi, Kittilä and Ivalo.
The overnight Santa Claus Express from Helsinki to Rovaniemi is one of Europe's great train journeys. Board in the evening, sleep in a private cabin, wake up in a winter wonderland. Comfortable, affordable and skips a hotel night. VR operates daily services with stops at Oulu, Kemi and several Lapland stations.
Driving to Lapland gives you complete flexibility to stop at small villages, frozen lakes and roadside scenery along the way. From Helsinki it is about 825 km and around 10 hours of driving to Rovaniemi (Visit Finland), on well-maintained highways. In winter, roads are ploughed regularly but winter tyres are required from November to March whenever weather or road conditions demand. Rental cars are available at all Lapland airports and major towns. If you would rather not drive the whole way, VR's night train carries cars too.
Long-distance buses connect Helsinki and other Finnish cities to Lapland. Onnibus offers affordable express routes to Oulu and Rovaniemi. Once in Lapland, Matkahuolto operates regional bus services between towns and ski resorts. Buses are modern, comfortable and have Wi-Fi. They are the most budget-friendly option if you have time.
Daily buses, times at laplandtransport.com
How long does it take from the most common starting points? Here is a side-by-side comparison.
day train about 8 h, night train about 12 h
Lapland is vast and distances between destinations are real. Here is how to move around once you are above the Arctic Circle.
All Lapland airports have shuttle services to nearby towns and resorts. Matkahuolto regional buses connect Rovaniemi, Levi, Saariselkä, Inari and other destinations. Schedules are less frequent than in southern Finland, so check timetables in advance.
The most flexible way to explore Lapland. Available at all airports and major towns. In winter, all rental cars come with winter tyres. Book ahead in peak season as availability is limited. Driving between destinations is part of the experience: empty roads, snowy forests and the chance to stop wherever catches your eye.
Most hotels and activity providers arrange transfers from airports and between locations. When booking accommodation or excursions, always ask about pickup and drop-off services. Many safari and tour companies include transfers in their package price.
Taxis are available in Lapland towns but are expensive for long distances. For groups, shared taxi or minibus transfers can be cost-effective. Pre-book through your hotel or order one from the local taxi dispatch.