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Getting to Rovaniemi | Transport routes, directions, & travel tips

Rovaniemi, the gateway to the Arctic Circle and home of Santa Claus, is a journey worth savoring. Whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights or exploring Lapland’s wilderness, getting there is part of the adventure.

  • Distance & proximity: Rovaniemi sits about 800km (500 miles) north of Helsinki, nestled in the heart of Finnish Lapland.
  • Average travel time: Around 1.5 hours by flight, 8 to 12 hours by train, 10 to 12 hours by car, or roughly the same by long-distance bus.
  • Mode landscape: Flights are quickest, trains offer comfort and scenic views, buses are budget-friendly, and self-drives or tours add flexibility for exploring along the way.
  • Seasonal quirks: Winter brings snowy magic but also higher demand and possible delays, while summer’s endless daylight makes road trips and tours especially rewarding.

Where is Rovaniemi located?

Set right on the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi is the official gateway to Finnish Lapland, surrounded by vast forests, icy rivers, and rolling fells.

  • Distance from: Rovaniemi lies about 800km north of Helsinki and sits at the heart of Lapland, serving as a gateway to Arctic destinations like Saariselkä, Levi, and the North Cape.
  • Time taken from: Getting to Rovaniemi from Helsinki takes about 1.5 hours by flight or 8 to 12 hours by overnight train or car. From nearby towns such as Oulu, the journey is about 3 to 4 hours by road, making it an easy base for exploring the wider Lapland region.

Recommended tour: Day & evening tour - Santa’s pets, sledding, & Aurora hunt

Getting to Rovaniemi from nearby cities | Distance, routes, & travel time

Helsinki city view from a hop-on hop-off bus, featuring the central railway station and street activity.

Helsinki

  • Distance: ~800 km (500 miles) south of Rovaniemi
  • By air: 1.5 hrs (direct flights daily)
  • By train: 8 to 12 hrs (overnight Santa Claus Express)
  • By bus/coach: 11 to 13 hrs
  • By car: ~10 hrs via E75

Best for: First-time visitors starting in Finland’s capital or combining southern Finland sightseeing with Lapland adventures

Snow-covered trees and distant hills in Levi ski resort, Sirkka Village, Finland.

Levi

  • Distance: ~170 km (105 miles) northwest
  • By air: Kittilä Airport; 2 to 3 hrs by car or bus to Rovaniemi
  • By train: None (connect via Kolari or Rovaniemi)
  • By bus/coach: ~3 hrs
  • By car: 2.5 to 3 hrs

Best for: Winter travelers visiting ski resorts or those combining Lapland’s adventure and culture hubs

Eurostar train seats with table and window view.

Oulu

  • Distance: ~220 km (135 miles) southwest
  • By air: No direct flights
  • By train: ~3 hrs
  • By bus/coach: ~4 hrs
  • By car: ~3 hrs via E75

Best for: Travelers exploring northern Finland by land or stopping over between Helsinki and Lapland

Bus driver steering a vehicle, showcasing professional driving skills.

Kemi

  • Distance: ~120 km (75 miles) south
  • By air: Fly from Helsinki; 2 hrs to Rovaniemi by train or car
  • By train: 1.5 to 2 hrs
  • By bus/coach: ~2 hrs
  • By car: 1.5 hrs via E75

Best for: Those arriving via the Bothnian Bay coast or those wanting to pair seaside scenery with Lapland’s interior

Traveler viewing flight information screens

Tornio/Haparanda

  • Distance: ~130 km (80 miles) northwest
  • By air: Nearest airports: Kemi (Finland) or Luleå (Sweden)
  • By train: Connect via Kemi or Oulu
  • By bus/coach: 2 to 2.5 hrs
  • By car: ~2 hrs via Route 21

Best for: Guests coming from northern Sweden or exploring both Finnish and Swedish Lapland

Minivan on a road for AC car transfers.

Ivalo / Saariselkä

  • Distance: ~290 km (180 miles) north
  • By air: Ivalo Airport; 3.5 to 4 hrs drive or bus
  • By train: No direct connection
  • By bus/coach: 4–5 hrs
  • By car: ~4 hrs via Route 4

Best for: Those coming from northern Lapland resorts or returning south after an Arctic Circle stay

Hassle-free guided day tours | Expert-led Lapland adventures

Exploring Lapland sounds simple until you face Arctic logistics. Remote attractions, subzero weather, and limited public transport can make DIY planning tricky. Guided tours streamline your experience so you can focus on the magic rather than the details.

  • Seamless logistics: Transfers, warm gear, and timing are all handled for you. There is no need to juggle taxis or wait in the cold between husky, reindeer, and Aurora experiences.
  • Time maximized: You can fit in multiple Lapland highlights, such as Santa’s Village, reindeer rides, husky safaris, and Northern Lights hunting in a single day without worrying about missed connections.
  • Local expertise: Guides know the best places for sightings, the safest snow trails, and the fascinating stories that bring the Arctic to life.
  • Exclusive access: Many tours include reindeer or husky farm visits, private Aurora viewing spots, and bundled entry tickets that are not available to walk-in visitors.
  • Winter comfort: Heated vehicles, small groups, and included thermal clothing make long nights and cold temperatures much easier to enjoy.
  • Stress-free planning: One booking covers everything from activities and transfers to snacks and safety gear, allowing you to relax from start to finish.
Not sure how to get to Rovaniemi? Start here

With so many ways to reach the Arctic Circle, from scenic overnight trains to short flights and snowy road trips, it can be hard to know which route fits your time, budget, and comfort level. Use the table below to compare travel times, costs, and local tips so you can choose the route that works best for your Lapland adventure.

Guests on a bus tour watching Northern Lights in Rovaniemi.
See how each option compares

Reaching by air | Fast, easy, & well-connected

Airplane on runway preparing for takeoff at an airport.

Flights from Helsinki Airport to Rovaniemi Airport take about 1 hour 15 minutes, with multiple daily departures operated by Finnair and Norwegian. The airport lies 8 km north of the city center and just 3 km from Santa Claus Village. Local taxis, hotel shuttles, and the Santa Claus Bus reach downtown in 15 to 20 minutes.

Frequency: Several flights daily
Best for: Travelers short on time or visiting during winter
Cons: Higher fares during holidays and limited flights in shoulder seasons

Tips:

  • Book flights early during Christmas and Northern Lights season (December to February).
  • Buy return tickets for better value and guaranteed seats on peak travel days.

Rail to Rovaniemi | A classic Finnish travel experience

Man boarding a train at a sunny platform with a backpack.

The VR-operated Santa Claus Express connects Helsinki Central Station to Rovaniemi, taking about 11 to 12 hours overnight or 8.5 to 9 hours by day train. The line also connects through major cities like Tampere, Oulu, and Kemi. From Rovaniemi Station, it’s just 10 minutes by taxi or Santa Claus Bus to either the city center or Santa Claus Village.

Frequency: 2 to 3 trains daily
Best for: Budget travelers and those who prefer overnight journeys
Cons: Long duration, limited space during holidays

Tips:

  • Use the VR website or VR app and reserve your slots at least a week in advance. Select an overnight cabin to save on accommodation costs.
  • You can also use Eurail or Interrail passes, though reservations are still required for sleeper berths.

Bus & coach journeys | Convenient & budget-friendly

Guests smiling during a bus transfer experience.

Long-distance buses connect Rovaniemi with major Finnish cities and towns, offering the most affordable, though slowest, way to travel. Operated mainly by OnniBus and Matkahuolto, buses take around 11 to 13 hours from Helsinki, 3 to 4 hours from Oulu, and 1.5 to 2 hours from Kemi.

Frequency: 3 to 5 buses daily on major routes
Best for: Budget travelers and flexible itineraries
Cons: Long travel time, occasional delays due to snow or traffic

Tips:

  • You can book tickets on the Matkahuolto app or purchase directly from drivers (card accepted). Choose an overnight route to save on hotel costs and arrive early in the morning.
  • Please note that while cheaper than the train, services can be less frequent in winter, and overnight rides are long and tiring.

Drive to Rovaniemi | Flexible & adventurous

Family in car driving to travel destination, smiling and pointing ahead.

Driving to Rovaniemi offers the freedom to explore Lapland’s landscapes and small villages at your own pace. The journey from Helsinki takes around 10 hours via the E75 highway. Roads are generally well-maintained year-round, though winter driving can be challenging due to snow, ice, and limited daylight. Expect fuel costs of about €100 one-way, plus possible tolls in southern Finland.

Best for: Small groups or photographers who want to stop en route
Cons: Long distances, icy roads, and fatigue during dark winter days

Tips:

  • Drive during the summer months (June to September) for easier roads and scenic stops like Oulu or Pyhä-Luosto National Park.
  • For those renting a car, check that it includes winter tires, heated seats, and insurance suitable for Arctic conditions.

Compare your travel options

ModeDurationCostBest forKey notesHack

By air

~1 hr 15 min (from Helsinki)

€60 to €250 one way

Travelers short on time who want to skip long overnight journeys

Winter flights sell out weeks ahead & luggage limits can be tight on smaller planes

Book early for December to February; fly morning or late-night to avoid queues at check-in

By rail

8.5 to 12 hours

€30 to €100 one way

Budget travelers & overnighters who want to save on hotel costs

Sleeper berths book out fast & food service closes early; onboard Wi-Fi can be spotty in Lapland

Buy a return on the VR app to skip station queues; pack snacks & a power bank

By bus/coach

2 to 13 hours, depending on your starting point

€10 to €45 one way

Those looking for the cheapest option & direct routes from smaller towns

Buses may skip stops in heavy snow & overnight heating can vary between operators

Book on the Matkahuolto app for live tracking & better seat selection

By car

~10 hr from Helsinki

€100 to €150 (fuel, tolls, parking)

Small groups or photographers who want flexibility to stop and explore en route

Winter tires and fuel heaters are mandatory; daylight hours can be as short as 3 to 4 hours in midwinter

Start early and plan refuel stops; download offline maps since mobile signal drops in rural areas

By guided day tours

6 to 10 hours (varies by itinerary)

€120 to €300

Travelers who want a seamless, all-in-one experience without worrying about transfers or logistics

Tours include hotel pickup, round-trip transfers, thermal gear, activities, & expert guides

Combine reindeer, husky, & Aurora activities in one booking to maximize time

Getting around in the city

Rovaniemi is compact and easy to navigate once you’re there, but winter weather and scattered attractions mean planning your movements helps a lot. Think of it as a walkable, small city wrapped in Arctic wilderness, where some spots are best reached on wheels and others are best enjoyed slowly.

  • Walking: The city center is flat and pedestrian-friendly, with most shops, cafés, and hotels within a 10 to 15 minute walk. However, Santa Claus Village and Arktikum Museum sit farther out, so you’ll need transport in snowy months when sidewalks can be icy.
  • Local buses: The Santa Claus Bus runs every 30 to 60 minutes year-round, making it the easiest way to reach the Arctic Circle. Book tickets from the driver or via the Matkahuolto app.
  • Taxis & transfers: Taxis are reliable but pricey, especially late at night or during the holiday season. You can pre-book rides through local apps like Lähitaksi Rovaniemi or arrange transfers directly with your hotel.
  • Car rental: Roads are well-maintained, but winter driving requires confidence on snow and ice. Always check your car has winter tires, an ice scraper, and fuel above half a tank before setting off.
  • Tours & hotel pickups: Most guided experiences, from husky safaris to Northern Lights chases, include door-to-door hotel pickup and drop-off, so you rarely need to organize extra transport.

Things to do in Rovaniemi

Husky sled team pulling a sled through snowy forest in Lapland.

Husky rides

Glide through snow-covered forests behind a team of eager huskies and feel the rush of the Arctic wind as you learn about the deep bond between musher and dog.

Person feeding a reindeer in snowy Tromso landscape.
Snowmobile ride under Northern Lights in Levi, Finland.
Snowmobile riders on snowy trail during Northern Lights tour.
Santa Claus with visitors at Santa’s Village under a lit Christmas tree.

Santa’s Village to Northern Lights | Your ultimate 1-day itinerary

  • 8am: Begin your day with hotel pickup and a scenic drive through Rovaniemi’s snow-dusted forests as the Arctic sun slowly rises.
  • 9am: Arrive at a local reindeer and husky farm where you’ll meet friendly Arctic animals, feed reindeer, and learn how they’re cared for through the long Lapland winters.
  • 10:30am: Head out on a thrilling husky safari, gliding through frozen forests behind a team of energetic huskies as your guide shares stories from the trail.
  • 12pm: Warm up over a hearty Lappish lunch in a cozy wooden lodge, complete with hot berry juice and local specialties like salmon soup or reindeer stew.
  • 1:30pm: Continue to a nearby reindeer farm for a peaceful sleigh ride and hear tales about Sámi herding traditions passed down through generations.
  • 3pm: Visit Santa Claus Village, where you can cross the Arctic Circle, meet Santa himself, and send postcards stamped with the official Arctic Circle postmark.
  • 5pm: Return to your hotel for a short rest or sauna session before your evening adventure begins.
  • 6:30pm: Set off on a guided Northern Lights chase, traveling by van, sled, or snowmobile to remote viewpoints chosen for clear skies.
  • 8pm: Gather around a campfire by a frozen lake, enjoy grilled sausages and hot blueberry juice, and learn local legends about the aurora from your guide.
  • 9:30pm: With clear skies, low light pollution, and your guide’s expert forecasting, watch the Northern Lights shimmer across the Arctic sky and capture the moment on camera.
  • 11pm: Return to Rovaniemi, ending your day with memories that stretch from Santa’s Village to the dancing auroras of Lapland.

Local tips & guidelines

  • Avoid tight flight-train connections in winter; snow or ice can delay both air and rail schedules by up to an hour.
  • Book all tours and transfers at least 2 days ahead during December to February, as small-group safaris and Northern Lights trips sell out quickly.
  • Download the Matkahuolto or VR app before arriving to check real-time bus and train schedules; printed timetables are rare, especially in winter.
  • Use Santa Claus Village as a central base if you’re doing multiple tours. Most operators offer free pickup and drop-off there, saving you time.
  • If you’re renting a car, choose one with heated seats, winter tires, and a block heater to handle Arctic conditions safely.
  • Wear thermal layers rather than one heavy jacket;  indoor heating is strong, and layering helps you adjust easily when moving between outdoor and indoor spaces.
  • Keep camera batteries close to your body in cold weather; temperatures below –10°C drain power fast, especially during Northern Lights photography.
  • Carry a reusable water bottle because Finnish tap water is among the cleanest in the world and perfectly safe to drink anywhere in Rovaniemi.
  • Check the Aurora forecast daily through apps like My Aurora Forecast or Aurora Alerts Finland to plan your evenings around the best visibility conditions.
  • Supermarkets like K-Citymarket and Prisma stay open late and are cheaper for snacks and winter essentials than tourist shops near Santa Claus Village.

Frequently asked questions about getting to Rovaniemi

When is the best time to travel to Rovaniemi?

Winter (December to March) is best for snow activities and Northern Lights, while summer (June to August) offers the Midnight Sun, warm weather, and easier driving conditions.

What is the nearest airport to Rovaniemi?

Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) is the nearest and most convenient airport, located about 8km north of the city center and just 3km from Santa Claus Village.

How long does the train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi take?

The Santa Claus Express train takes around 8.5 to 12 hours, depending on whether you choose the day or overnight service, with comfortable sleeper cabins for longer journeys.

Is it better to take the train or fly to Rovaniemi?

Flying is faster and ideal for short stays, while the train is more affordable, scenic, and a popular overnight option that doubles as accommodation.

What’s the cheapest way to get to Rovaniemi?

Taking an overnight bus or train from Helsinki is usually the cheapest option, especially if booked early or during off-peak months.

Can I drive to Rovaniemi in winter?

Yes, roads are well-maintained, but you’ll need winter tires and experience driving in icy conditions; daylight is limited to 3 to 4 hours only, so plan your route accordingly.

Is public transport reliable?

Yes, local buses run year-round, though schedules may be less frequent in the evenings and during heavy snow, so checking the Matkahuolto app is recommended.

Can I use cash in Rovaniemi?

Most places accept cards, including small cafés and taxis, but it’s handy to carry a small amount of euros for rural stops or outdoor kiosks.