How to Get to Lapland (Rovaniemi): Flights, Routes & Local Tips

Planning a trip to Finnish Lapland often raises one big question: how do you actually get there?

Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, lies right on the Arctic Circle. While it may seem remote, it’s surprisingly easy to reach once you understand the travel routes.

As a local guide based in Lapland, I help travellers plan their arrival every season. This guide explains the simplest ways to get to Rovaniemi, common mistakes to avoid, and how to choose the best flights for your trip.

Where is Lapland?

Lapland is the northernmost region of Finland, famous for the Northern Lights, snowy forests, reindeer, and Arctic experiences.
Rovaniemi is the main gateway city and home to the Arctic Circle and Santa Claus Village.

Most international visitors arrive via Rovaniemi Airport (RVN).

The best way to get to Lapland

✈️ Fly via Helsinki (recommended option)

For most travellers, the easiest and most reliable route is:

International flight → Helsinki (HEL)
Domestic flight → Rovaniemi (RVN)

Domestic flights operate several times per day, especially during winter, and take around 1 hour and 15 minutes.

This is the route most guests take when joining Northern Lights tours and winter experiences.

👉 Compare all airlines and routes here:

✈️ Seasonal direct flights

During the winter season (approximately November to March), some European cities offer direct seasonal flights to Rovaniemi.

These flights can be convenient but are usually limited and sell out quickly, particularly in December. Prices also tend to fluctuate, so it’s always worth comparing them with connecting flights.

🚆 Train from Helsinki

Another option is the overnight train from Helsinki to Lapland.

While comfortable and scenic, the journey can take 8–12 hours and is often more expensive than flying during peak winter months. For shorter stays, flying is usually the most efficient option.

Important winter travel tips

Travelling to Lapland in winter is straightforward, but a few details can make a big difference:

• Try to arrive in Rovaniemi before 18:00 if possible, especially if you plan to join evening Northern Lights tours.
• Leave at least 1.5–2 hours between connections in Helsinki during winter.
• Snowfall may occasionally affect schedules, so flexible tickets can be helpful.

These small choices often determine how relaxed your first day in the Arctic feels.

Best time to book flights to Lapland

• September–October: quieter period, autumn colours, early auroras
• November–March: peak Northern Lights and winter season
• December: festive atmosphere, very busy and more expensive
• January–February: colder temperatures, clearer skies, excellent aurora conditions

For winter travel, booking flights early is strongly recommended.

Compare flights to Rovaniemi

Flight prices and routes change frequently. The easiest way to find the best option is to compare airlines and dates in one place.

👇 Check current flights to Lapland below:

Planning your Lapland experience

If you’re visiting during aurora season, staying at least three nights gives you the best chance of clear skies and memorable nights under the Arctic sky.

You can explore our local Arctic experiences here: