How to travel to Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi, the capital of Finnish Lapland, is a magical destination that offers visitors a chance to experience the beauty of the Arctic Circle. Known for its enchanting northern lights, snow-covered landscapes, and as the official home of Santa Claus, it has become a must-visit location for travelers seeking unique winter adventures and cultural experiences.

While Rovaniemi’s remote location might make it seem difficult to reach, there are several convenient ways to get there, whether by air, rail, road, or a combination of these modes of transport. This guide from Northern Lights Rovaniemi will take you through the best ways to reach Rovaniemi from various locations around the world.

Getting to Rovaniemi by Air

Flying is by far the most efficient and convenient way to get to Rovaniemi, especially if you’re coming from a distant location. Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) is the primary gateway to the city, located just 10 kilometers from the city center.

Direct Flights to Rovaniemi

During the winter season, Rovaniemi sees an influx of charter and direct flights from various European cities, making it easier than ever to reach this Arctic wonderland. Several airlines offer direct flights from major European hubs such as:

• Helsinki, Finland: The most frequent and direct flights to Rovaniemi come from Helsinki, the capital of Finland. Finnair and Norwegian Air operate daily flights year-round, with flight durations of about 1 hour and 20 minutes. Helsinki is often used as a connection point for travelers coming from other parts of the world.
• London, United Kingdom: Airlines like British Airways and EasyJet operate seasonal direct flights to Rovaniemi during the winter months, particularly from November to January, when demand for Lapland experiences peaks.
• Paris, France: Air France and Finnair also offer seasonal direct flights to Rovaniemi.
• Other European Cities: Cities such as Munich, Düsseldorf, Zurich, Brussels, and Amsterdam often offer direct charter or seasonal flights during the winter months.

If you’re traveling from outside Europe, you can fly into one of the major European hubs like Helsinki, London, or Frankfurt and then connect to Rovaniemi via a direct flight.

Connecting Flights through Helsinki

For most international travelers, Helsinki is the main connecting hub for reaching Rovaniemi. Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (HEL) is well-connected to major cities across Europe, Asia, and North America, and flights between Helsinki and Rovaniemi are frequent and reliable. Finnair and Norwegian Air operate multiple flights daily, especially during the peak tourist season in the winter.

The flight from Helsinki to Rovaniemi is short, taking just over an hour. Helsinki Airport is modern, efficient, and easy to navigate, making layovers smooth for connecting flights.

Airport Transfers in Rovaniemi

Once you land at Rovaniemi Airport, getting to the city center is easy. Several options for airport transfers include:

• Airport Shuttle: Shuttle buses are available from Rovaniemi Airport and stop at major hotels and destinations in the city. They are scheduled to match incoming and outgoing flights, providing a convenient option for travelers.
• Taxis: Taxis are readily available at the airport and offer a fast and comfortable way to reach your accommodation in Rovaniemi. The ride to the city center takes around 15-20 minutes and costs approximately €20-30.
• Car Rental: If you prefer to drive yourself, car rental services are available at the airport, offering various vehicle options suited for winter conditions. Having a car gives you the freedom to explore the surrounding areas, including nearby national parks and villages.

Reaching Rovaniemi by Train

Traveling by train is a scenic and relaxing way to get to Rovaniemi, especially if you’re coming from southern Finland or neighboring countries. Finland’s national railway service, VR, offers efficient and comfortable connections to Rovaniemi.

Overnight Trains from Helsinki

One of the most popular ways to travel to Rovaniemi from Helsinki is by taking the overnight train, known as the Santa Claus Express. This train departs from Helsinki Central Station and arrives in Rovaniemi the next morning, after a journey of approximately 9-12 hours, depending on the train service.

The overnight train allows you to sleep in comfortable sleeper cabins, which come with beds and private bathrooms. There are also more affordable seating options for budget-conscious travelers.

Traveling by train not only allows you to rest before arriving in Rovaniemi, but it also offers stunning views of Finland’s changing landscape, from the dense forests of the south to the snow-covered wilderness of the north.

Day Trains to Rovaniemi

In addition to overnight trains, VR operates daytime trains from Helsinki to Rovaniemi. While they take the same amount of time (9-10 hours), you can enjoy the scenery during daylight hours. These trains are modern and offer various seating classes, onboard dining, and free Wi-Fi.

Booking Train Tickets

Train tickets to Rovaniemi can be booked online through the VR website or app. It’s recommended to book in advance, especially during the busy winter season when tourists flock to Lapland.

Train Station Transfers in Rovaniemi

Rovaniemi’s train station is located just 2 kilometers from the city center. You can easily walk, take a taxi, or use local buses to reach your accommodation. Taxis are readily available at the station, and the ride to the city center takes about 5-10 minutes.

Traveling to Rovaniemi by Bus or Car

Long-Distance Buses

Finland has an extensive and reliable bus network, making long-distance bus travel a viable option for reaching Rovaniemi. Matkahuolto and OnniBus are two major bus companies that operate routes from Helsinki and other Finnish cities to Rovaniemi. The bus ride from Helsinki to Rovaniemi takes around 10-12 hours, offering a budget-friendly alternative to flying or taking the train.

Bus travel is an excellent choice for those who want to enjoy the scenic landscapes of Finland while traveling on a budget. Long-distance buses are modern, with comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and regular stops for refreshments.

Driving to Rovaniemi

For those who prefer the freedom of driving, renting a car and embarking on a road trip to Rovaniemi is an adventure in itself. The drive from Helsinki to Rovaniemi is about 830 kilometers and takes around 9-10 hours, depending on road conditions and stops.

Driving through Finland’s scenic landscapes, especially in winter, can be a rewarding experience. You might even get lucky and already spot the Northern Lights during your travels. However, it’s essential to be prepared for winter driving conditions, as roads can be icy, and snowstorms are common in northern Finland. Make sure your rental car is equipped with winter tires, and check weather forecasts before setting out.

Road Conditions and Safety Tips

Finnish roads are generally well-maintained, but winter conditions can be challenging, especially for drivers unfamiliar with snowy or icy roads. Follow these tips for a safe road trip to Rovaniemi:

• Ensure your vehicle has winter tires and, if necessary, snow chains.
• Keep an eye on the weather forecast and road condition updates.
• Drive slowly and maintain a safe distance from other vehicles.
• Be prepared for wildlife, especially reindeer, that may wander onto the roads in rural areas.

Alternative Routes: Getting to Rovaniemi from Neighboring Countries

If you’re traveling from neighboring countries like Sweden or Norway, you can reach Rovaniemi by car or bus via well-maintained cross-border roads. Northern Sweden and Norway are well-connected to Finnish Lapland, and several bus routes link major cities in the region to Rovaniemi.

• From Kiruna, Sweden: Rovaniemi is approximately a 5-hour drive from Kiruna, Sweden’s northernmost city.
• From Narvik, Norway: You can drive from Narvik, Norway, to Rovaniemi in about 6 hours, passing through stunning Arctic landscapes.

Reaching Rovaniemi may seem like a journey to the ends of the earth, but thanks to well-developed transportation options, it’s easier than ever to visit this Arctic wonderland. Whether you choose to fly, take a scenic train, or embark on a road trip, Rovaniemi is well-connected and accessible to travelers from all over the world.