How to get to Rovaniemi?
Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, is located in the north of Finland, on the edge of the Arctic Circle. Despite its remote location, our city is well served by transport infrastructure, making it easy to reach from many countries around the world. Whether you prefer a quick flight, a scenic train ride or a road trip, getting here won’t be a problem.
Flying is Amazing
The fastest and easiest way to reach Rovaniemi is by plane. Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) is well connected with more than 30 direct seasonal flights from many European cities and daily connections from Helsinki.
During the winter season, for instance, you can fly direct to Rovaniemi from Spain (Madrid), France (Paris, Lyon), Germany (Berlin, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Stuttgart), the Netherlands (Amsterdam), England (London, Liverpool) and many other cities. Italians who dream of seeing the Northern Lights or the Midnight Sun will be happy to know that Ryanair is flying from Milan Bergamo to Rovaniemi all year round as of April 2025!
If a direct route is not possible for you, you should know that Finnair and Norwegian offer regular connections from Helsinki Airport. From there, it’s a short 1 hour 20 minute flight to Rovaniemi.
For the most up-to-date flight schedules, seasonal routes and airline information, we recommend checking Visit Rovaniemi’s website.
Let’s Catch the Train
Finland’s national railway company, VR, operates daily trains between Helsinki and Rovaniemi, offering both day and overnight options. The journey takes about 8-12 hours. If you prefer to travel while you sleep, the night train is a great choice. It offers private and family overnight cabins, allowing you to arrive in Lapland feeling well rested. You can even take your car on the night train, which makes it easy to continue your journey independently once you arrive.
You can also travel to Rovaniemi by train from many other Finnish cities. Rovaniemi railway station is conveniently located close to the city centre. Train ticket prices vary depending on how far in advance you book, so we recommend buying your tickets as early as possible.
Follow Your Coach
For travellers who aren’t in a rush and want to see more of Finland’s landscape along the way, travelling to Rovaniemi by bus is a solid budget option. Long-distance coaches, mainly operated by Matkahuolto and OnniBus, connect the capital of Lapland with Helsinki and other major cities in Finland. The journey from Helsinki usually takes 10-14 hours, which is slower but also cheaper than travelling by train or plane. What’s more, there are direct or one-change services from northern and central cities such as Oulu and Kemi, so you can plan stops or visit other parts of Finland on the same trip.
International bus routes from Sweden and Norway are also available. A seasonal bus service runs between Rovaniemi and Tromsø in Norway. Eskelisen Lapin Linjat operate this route as part of the Arctic Route. Currently, there is no direct international bus service from Sweden to Rovaniemi. Instead, travellers take a domestic bus in Sweden to Haparanda, walk across the border into neighbouring Tornio in Finland, and then continue their journey by Finnish bus to Rovaniemi. The two towns share a cross-border centre, and the short distance between them means the border can easily be crossed on foot.
Finnish long-distance buses are modern and reliable. They offer reclining seats, Wi-Fi, power sockets and ample luggage space — the latter of which is particularly useful for carrying winter gear. However, unlike trains, buses do not offer dedicated sleeper cabins, so overnight journeys can be tiring. Buses arrive at Rovaniemi Bus Station, which is close to the city centre. Taxis, local buses and pre-booked transfers provide easy access to your accommodation or guided tour provider.
Who’s Up For a Road Trip?
Driving to Rovaniemi is a great option if you enjoy road trips. The distance from Helsinki to Rovaniemi is around 800 km, which usually takes about 10 hours of driving without long stops. Finnish roads are well maintained year-round, and the route north offers beautiful, scenic views of forests, lakes and small towns along the way.
If you’re travelling in winter, snow tires are mandatory, and the main roads are plowed regularly, making driving safe and reliable even in Arctic conditions. Still, it’s important to allow extra time for rest stops and occasionally slow conditions due to weather. Checking current road conditions provided by the Finnish Transport Agency before your trip is always a smart idea to ensure a smooth journey through Lapland. It is also crucial to review important facts about driving in Finland before you travel. We want you to get here in one piece, so drive safely!
Getting around once arrived
Once you’ve arrived in Rovaniemi, it’s easy to get around if you plan ahead. While the city centre itself is compact, most activities take place outside the urban area, where distances are longer and public transport is limited. Having transportation arranged will make your stay much more comfortable.
Pre-booked airport transfers and hotel pick-ups are an easy way to ensure a smooth start to your trip. Most guided activities, like ours, include transport from your accommodation, so you can sit back, relax and enjoy the journey without worrying about driving or directions.
Local buses and taxis are reliable and easy to use for longer distances within the city. We recommend checking Waltti for more information and up-to-date schedules. Tickets can be purchased online in advance or when boarding the bus. If you prefer to explore independently, you can also rent a car. The roads are usually well maintained, but driving in winter requires extra care due to snow, ice and limited daylight.
No matter how you choose to travel to Rovaniemi, getting here is easier than you might think. So start planning your trip now: countless unforgettable Lapland experiences are waiting for you!