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 most convenient way to get to Rovaniemi is by air. Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) has direct flights from several European cities and daily connections from Helsinki.
In 2024, a record number of new direct routes were added to Rovaniemi, bringing the total to 41 direct connections from European cities. However, most of these routes are seasonal. During the winter season 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! Direct flights from Düsseldorf are also available in summer with Eurowings.
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. Check out Visit Rovaniemi’s website for detailed flight options – they do a pretty good job of providing up-to-date information.
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. 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
Long-distance coaches operated by Matkahuolto and OnniBus connect Rovaniemi with Helsinki and other major cities in Finland. Buses are an affordable and scenic way to travel, although the journey from Helsinki can take 10-14 hours. They are also a good way to reach the northern parts of Lapland.
Who’s Up For a Road Trip?
Driving to Rovaniemi is a great option if you enjoy road trips. It takes around 10 hours to get here from Helsinki, but it’s important to allow extra time for rest stops and changing weather conditions, especially in winter. Roads are well maintained during the snowy months, but it’s always a good idea to check the up-to-date information on road conditions provided by the Finnish Transport Agency. 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!
