How to Get to Lapland: Your Ultimate 2024 Guide

The journey to Lapland is part of the magic. Long before you see your first reindeer or feel the crunch of perfect snow under your boots, the adventure has already begun. It starts with that feeling of anticipation as you look at a map and wonder, how do we get to a place that feels like the very top of the world?

Here in Lapland, we know that journey is special. It’s a transition from your world to ours, a slowing down of time as you travel north. Whether you’re soaring over frozen lakes by plane or watching the snowy forests glide by your train window, you’re not just covering distance—you’re entering a different state of mind. Let’s break down the best ways to get here, so you can choose the path that starts your arctic story in the most memorable way.

Flying Directly to Lapland: The Fastest Route

For most visitors, flying is the quickest and most straightforward way to reach us. Finnish Lapland has three main airports that serve as gateways to the winter wonderland: Rovaniemi (RVN), Kittilä (KTT), and Ivalo (IVL).

• Rovaniemi (RVN): This is the Official Airport of Santa Claus and the most popular entry point. It's located just minutes from Rovaniemi city center and the famous Santa Claus Village.
• Kittilä (KTT): Your best bet if you're heading to the major ski resorts of Levi or Ylläs.
• Ivalo (IVL): The northernmost airport in Finland, serving Saariselkä and the Inari region, perfect for those seeking deep arctic wilderness and Sámi culture.

Finnair and Norwegian Air are the primary domestic carriers, offering multiple daily flights from Helsinki (HEL). A one-way flight from Helsinki typically costs between €50–€150 in the off-season, but be prepared for prices to climb to €200–€400+ during the peak Christmas period. The key is to book early!

During the high winter season (December to March), many European airlines like TUI, easyJet, Lufthansa, and Ryanair offer direct charter and scheduled flights from cities in the UK, Germany, France, and beyond. This is a fantastic option to bypass Helsinki and fly straight into the magic.

Buddy's Tip: Always check which airport is closest to your final destination. A cheap flight to Ivalo won't feel so cheap if you have a 3-hour, €300 taxi ride to your cabin near Rovaniemi!

The Santa Claus Express: A Night Train to Remember

If you ask us, this is the most magical way to travel to Lapland. The double-decker night train, officially operated by VR (Finnish Railways) and affectionately known as the Santa Claus Express, runs from Helsinki to Rovaniemi every night of the year.

The journey takes about 12 hours, but it’s an experience, not just transport. You board in the evening in bustling Helsinki, settle into your private cabin, and wake up to a world transformed by snow. Watching the southern Finnish suburbs melt away into dense, snow-laden pine forests as you sip a hot chocolate is a core memory in the making.

Booking is essential, especially for the winter season. Tickets go on sale several months in advance, and the sleeper cabins for December can sell out within hours. A standard seat might cost €50–€90, but the real experience is in a sleeper. A private cabin for two starts around €150-250 for the whole cabin in the low season but can easily exceed €400-500 in peak times. It’s an investment, but remember, it also saves you one night of accommodation costs.

Sleeper Cabins vs. Seats on the Night Train

Let's be honest about the trade-offs on the Santa Claus Express. Your choice here will dramatically shape your journey.

Sleeper Cabins: This is what we recommend. The standard cabins have two bunk beds, a small sink, and are incredibly cozy and well-designed. For a bit more (around €20-€40 extra), you can book a cabin with a private ensuite shower and toilet. These are located on the upper deck and offer slightly better views. Drifting off to the gentle rocking of the train and waking up rested is the ideal start to a Lapland holiday.

Seats: This is the budget option. The seats do recline, but it's a long, 12-hour night. You’ll be sleeping alongside other travelers in a shared carriage. We’ve done it, and while it’s perfectly safe and clean, it's not a restful sleep. If you’re a young backpacker on a shoestring budget, it’s a viable way to save money. For families or anyone wanting to arrive ready for adventure, the sleeper cabin is non-negotiable.

There's also a restaurant car on board serving hot meals, snacks, and drinks (including Finnish beer and gin!). It's a great place to meet other travelers and watch the scenery go by.

Combining a Flight and a Train

Here’s a popular and very practical strategy: fly into Helsinki (HEL), explore the capital for a day or two, and then take the overnight train to Lapland. This approach has several benefits.

First, international flights to Helsinki are often cheaper and more frequent than direct flights to Lapland's smaller airports. Second, it breaks up a long travel day, allowing you to acclimate and see a bit more of Finland. Helsinki in winter, with its Christmas markets and seaside saunas, is a fantastic stopover.

The logistics are simple. You can take a 30-minute train from Helsinki Airport directly to the Helsinki Central Railway Station, where the Santa Claus Express departs. It’s a seamless way to combine the efficiency of flying with the romance of train travel.

Driving to Lapland: The Ultimate Road Trip

For the truly adventurous, driving to Lapland offers unparalleled freedom. The distance from Helsinki to Rovaniemi is about 830 kilometers (515 miles), a drive that takes 9-10 hours without stops. In winter, you should plan for 11-12 hours.

Let us be very clear: winter driving in Lapland is a serious business. The main roads are well-maintained, but conditions can be extreme. You'll encounter packed snow, ice, heavy snowfall, and near-total darkness outside of towns. By law, all cars must have proper winter tires (studded or non-studded) from November to March. Most rental cars will also have an engine block heater, which you'll need to plug in overnight when temperatures drop below -5°C (23°F) to ensure the car starts in the morning.

And yes, you will see reindeer on or near the road. They are unpredictable and a very real hazard. Drive slowly, especially at dawn and dusk. Despite the challenges, the reward is the freedom to explore remote national parks, chase the Northern Lights on your own schedule, and stop in charming small villages along the way.

Getting Around Lapland Once You Arrive

Your journey doesn’t end at the airport or train station. Lapland is a vast region, and getting around requires some planning.

Rental Car: This is our top recommendation for most visitors. It gives you the flexibility to visit places like the Ranua Wildlife Park, find dark-sky spots for aurora hunting, and not be tied to tour bus schedules. You can rent cars at all airports and in Rovaniemi city. Book in advance for winter.

Buses: A network of long-distance buses (operated by companies like Matkahuolto and OnniBus) connects the main towns and resorts. They are reliable and comfortable but can be infrequent, especially on weekends. It's a good option for traveling between, say, Rovaniemi and Levi, but not for local exploring.

Taxis: Taxis are available but are very expensive in Finland. A short 10-15 minute ride can easily cost €30–€40. Use them for short airport transfers, not for sightseeing.

FAQ: Your Lapland Travel Questions Answered

Which Lapland airport is the best to fly into? It completely depends on where you're staying. For Santa Claus Village and the surrounding area, choose Rovaniemi (RVN). For the big ski resorts, Kittilä (KTT) for Levi/Ylläs is best. For the far north and Sámi heartland, Ivalo (IVL) is your airport.

Can you see the Northern Lights from the Santa Claus Express train? It is technically possible if the aurora is very strong and you're far north, but it's not something to count on. The lights inside the train and the motion make viewing difficult. The train journey is for the scenery and cozy experience; hunt for the aurora properly once you've arrived and can get away from city lights.

Is the night train to Lapland suitable for families? Absolutely! It's one of the best ways for families to travel. Kids love the novelty of sleeping on a train. Many cabins have connecting doors, so a family of four can book two adjoining cabins. Just book as far in advance as you possibly can, as family-friendly options are the first to go.

Do I need to rent a car in Lapland? If you are staying in a central resort hotel in Rovaniemi or Levi and plan to do organized tours, you can manage without one. However, if you're staying in a cabin or want any independence to explore, a rental car is almost essential and will significantly enhance your trip.

How much does it cost to get to Lapland? This varies wildly. A budget backpacker in the shoulder season might manage a round trip from Helsinki for €100 using the train seats. A family of four flying from London to Rovaniemi and taking taxis in late December could easily spend €1500–€2000 on travel alone before even booking accommodation or activities.

Buddy's Take

For us locals, the journey north is a familiar and comforting ritual. When we take the night train, we know exactly where the landscape starts to change, where the spruce trees become heavy with their first permanent snow, and where the light takes on that unique, soft blue quality of the arctic. It’s a transition zone. Whether you arrive by plane in an hour or by train in twelve, the moment you step out and take your first breath of the clean, crisp air, you’ll know you’ve arrived somewhere truly special. We can't wait to welcome you.