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 three airports with daily connections, 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 three airports, each serving a different region. 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, Norwegian, TUI, 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.
Helsinki to Rovaniemi takes just 1 h 20 min. Finnair operates multiple daily flights year-round, and Norwegian adds frequency in winter. From other European cities expect 3–5 h with a Helsinki connection. In peak winter, many airlines run direct charter flights from London, Manchester, Paris, Munich and more.
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 830 km to Rovaniemi 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.
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.
How long does it take from the most common starting points? Here is a side-by-side comparison.
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 (2–3 €/km plus base fare). For groups, shared taxi or minibus transfers can be cost-effective. Pre-book through your hotel or order one from the local taxi dispatch.
A few practical things that will save you stress and money on your journey north.
A printable PDF with visual route maps, transport comparison tables, airport-to-resort distances, booking links and a step-by-step planner to organise your journey north.
Book flights 2–4 months ahead for best prices. Winter season fills up fast.
Night train cabins sell out weeks in advance. Book as early as possible at vr.fi.