Despite being one of the fastest growing destinations Lapland remains relatively difficult to travel to, especially if you are coming from abroad. While the infrastructure provides good means of accessing the place, its geographical location makes it often more expensive and time consuming to reach. However, in many cases, and with the correct planning, it can be quiet affordable and easy. In this article you will find all the information needed to plan your transportation to Lapland.

Flying from abroad

There are multiple airport in geographical Lapland. Situated the farthest north and the most remote is the Ivalo Airport (IVL). This airport is located in between multiple stunning national parks. It is a perfect airport if you want to experience the most pristine nature. However, driving to Levi and Rovaniemi will take at least three hours. Despite that, Ivalo is connected directly to almost ten European cities.

Located 10-minute drive away from famous ski resort Levi, Kittilä Airport (KTT) is the second most connected airport in Lapland. Offering more than 20 direct routes, Kittilä Airport is an excellent choice if you're travelling to Levi or Ylläs, both of which offer unique skiing experience and other Lapland activities. Rovaniemi is only two hours away, so if Kittilä has good flight deals, don't think twice.

Rovaniemi, Lapland's capital has the biggest and most popular airport in the region. In this coming season Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) is going to be an arrival airport for more than 40 direct routes. Visit Rovaniemi provides a full list of airlines and direct routes connecting Lapland to the rest of Eurasia. Again, if you're travelling to Levi or Ylläs, Rovaniemi Airport is only two-hour bus ride away from those destinations.

Although administratively not in Lapland, Kuusamo Airport (KAO) is often counted as an Laplandish airport. It offers similar experiences and is endowed with a similar nature and climate as Lapland. Kuusamo is also home to the Ruka ski resort, that famously lights up during the colourful Polar Night Light Festival. Airport also acts as a gateway to the Salla National Park, one of the most beautiful nature destinations in Finland. Kuusamo Airport is connect directly to around ten European airports. Driving to Rovaniemi and Levi will take at least two and four hours respectively.

In addition to the airports listed above, Finnish Lapland also has two other airports, Enontekiö and Kemi-Tornio Airports that, though, don't offer regular flights. Airports in Swedish and Norwegian Lapland are unfortunately less international and rarely offer a viable option for travelling to Finnish Lapland. If you nevertheless, want to travel to Norwegian Lapland, Harstad-Narvik Airport (EVE) offers the most amount of international connections.

If you still haven't found a direct flight from your city, remember that are multiple daily flights to Helsinki. So with one stop, almost whole of the Europe is easily accessible.

Traveling in Finland

Sleeper train

Travelling by train (vr.fi/en) can be more expensive than by bus. If you are traveling to Levi, you will also have to take a bus for the last portion of the trip, either from Kolari (1h, recommended) or Rovaniemi (2.5h). But the difference in comfort is BIG. Trains have restaurant cars, proper toilets, big seats, plenty of leg room and you can walk around freely. On the negative, lights stay on throughout the night, so pack a sleep mask if you're planning to sleep.

Paradoxically, booking a bed in a sleeper cabin can be cheaper than both bus ticket or seat in a train, if you are travelling with someone. Unfortunately, VR doesn't allow you to book a single bed, instead you have to buy out the whole cabin, that have 2 or 3 beds in them. It is, however, possible to find a companion traveling the same route looking to split the cost of a sleeper cabin. We also help to find such companion either from the camp or outside of it. VR is also updating the interior of the sleeper cabins.

Night bus

Night bus (onnibus.fi/home) from Helsinki to Levi takes about 14 hours and is often the cheapest option (especially if you're booking close to the date), but also the least uncomfortable. We have taken the bus many times, and while some say that it was something they wouldn't do again, others say that it wasn't too bad. On the positive side it is a direct night bus to Levi, it takes one longer stop and has WiFi and toilet onboard. On the negative, it can be packed and there is not much leg room, so we would really recommend booking the extra leg room seat (it's only 1€ more). If you have taken long bus rides, can sleep in a bus without a problem, or have a really interesting book, you will be fine. There is also a FlixBus route going from the south to Rovaniemi. Prices are about the same but you'll have to take another bus if you want to reach Levi.

Other options

As we've already mentioned, multiple flights depart to Lapland from Finland's capital. If you want to take the easiest and fastest option, flying is definitely your go to. It can even be cheaper than booking a sleeper cabin. But note that these airlines charge for ski equipment, around 30€ for Finnair and 40€ for Norwegian.

If you feel confident, you can also drive from anywhere in Finland. Renting your own car gives you flexibility and allows you to see more. On the negative side, rent and fuel prices are quiet high in Finland. You have to also be prepared to drive in snowy, icy, cold and dark conditions. We believe that you don't have to be an exceptional driver to survive in northern Finland, but you definitely have to be extra careful. Reindeer and elk are common and tend to run on the road causing thousands of accidents every year.

If you nee any help with planning your trip or have any questions, you can always contact us!

UPDATE 21.9.2025: Added up-to-date information