Getting Around Lapland 2025
Navigate Lapland like a local with our transportation guide.
Lapland is Finland's vast, mystical northern wilderness, stretching above the Arctic Circle and home to the Northern Lights, endless fells, pristine national parks, and the legendary Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi. This subarctic region offers extraordinary experiences year-round, from dogsled adventures and snowmobile safaris in winter to midnight sun hiking and wild berry picking in summer. Lapland is also the ancestral homeland of the indigenous Sámi people, whose rich culture and reindeer-herding traditions add a unique dimension to any visit.
Transportation Overview
Quick comparison of transport options in Lapland.
Public Transit
Public transport in Lapland is limited by the region's vast geography. Bus services connect major towns but are infrequent. Local town buses operate in Rovaniemi.
Taxis
Taxis are available in all major Lapland towns but should be booked in advance, especially in smaller resorts. Local taxi companies are preferred over ride-sharing apps outside Rovaniemi.
Car Rental
Car rental is by far the best option for exploring Lapland. All major international rental companies operate at Rovaniemi and Kittilä airports. Winter tires are legally required Nov–Mar and included by most operators.
Walking
Town centres (Rovaniemi, resort villages) are walkable. The wilderness is accessible on foot, skis, or snowshoes. Driving between destinations is essential.
Getting There
How to arrive in Lapland.
✈️ By Air
Rovaniemi Airport
Lapland's main airport with direct flights to Helsinki and international charter flights (especially Dec–Mar). Modern terminal with car rental desks.
Kittilä Airport
Serves the popular Levi ski resort with flights from Helsinki and international charter flights from major European cities during ski season.
Ivalo Airport
Gateway airport to northern Lapland serving Saariselkä and Inari. Smaller terminal with limited facilities but good connections to Helsinki.
Enontekiö Airport
A small airport serving the remote northwestern corner of Lapland near the Norwegian border. Seasonal flights from Helsinki.
Airport Transfer Options
Complete Transportation Guide
Route guides, fare information, and transport app recommendations.
Local Transportation
Getting around within Lapland.
Car rental is the most practical way to explore Lapland. Roads between major towns are well-maintained but require winter driving experience in snow and ice conditions. Some remote areas (national park interiors) are accessible only on foot or by snowmobile/ski.
Car rental (recommended)
Long-distance buses
Ski/snowshoe (in wilderness)
Snowmobile rental (winter)
🚌 Buses
Rovaniemi city buses cover the city area; fare €3 per ride. Resort areas have limited local shuttle services during peak season.
🛺 Local Alternatives
Bicycle rental available in Rovaniemi (summer); snowmobile hire (winter); skis and snowshoes for wilderness access
Intercity Travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Buses connect Rovaniemi with most Lapland towns but services are infrequent—often 1–2 daily. The distances are enormous: Rovaniemi to Inari is 330 km (4+ hours). Train service is only to Rovaniemi and Kemijärvi.
Long-Distance Buses
Matkahuolto and Onnibus: Rovaniemi–Kittilä 3h €20–30; Rovaniemi–Sodankylä 2h €15–20; Rovaniemi–Ivalo 4h €25–35
Shared Taxis/Minivans
Shared taxis (kimppakyytejä) operate on some routes; ask locally or check Facebook groups
Domestic Flights
Domestic flights Rovaniemi–Helsinki from €50 one way; book early on Finnair
Private Car/Driver
Private car hire from €180/day including driver (for groups)
Driving in Lapland
Information for self-driving travelers.
Recommended?
Yes
Driving Side
right
License Required
EU driving licence fully valid; international licence recommended for non-EU visitors
Road Conditions
Winter driving (Nov–Mar) requires extreme care. Snow, ice, and reindeer on roads are daily realities. Always carry emergency gear in winter.
Driving Considerations
- Research local driving laws and road conditions before deciding to drive
- Consider hiring a driver instead - often affordable and less stressful
- Ensure comprehensive insurance if renting a vehicle
- Avoid driving at night in unfamiliar areas
- Keep copies of all documents (license, insurance, rental agreement)
Transportation Tips
Essential advice for getting around.
Rent a car—it's the only practical way to reach most of Lapland's best attractions and national parks
Book car rental well in advance for Christmas and New Year periods as availability is very limited
Winter tires (nastarengas—studded or non-studded) are mandatory on Finnish roads Nov–Mar
Reindeer can appear on roads at any time; they have right of way and can cause serious accidents if struck
Keep emergency gear in your car in winter: blanket, hand warmers, shovel, high-visibility vest
The train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi is a relaxing and scenic way to arrive; book the overnight sleeper
Fuel up whenever you can in rural Lapland—petrol stations can be 100+ km apart
Kittilä Airport is closer to Levi (15 km) than Rovaniemi (180 km)—fly directly if Levi is your main destination
Useful Apps
Matkahuolto
Finnish long-distance bus booking and real-time tracking
VR (Finnish Railways)
Official VR app for train tickets, seat reservations, and schedules
Finnair
Domestic flights between Helsinki and Rovaniemi, Kittilä, Ivalo, and Enontekiö
Taksi
Taxi booking app covering Finnish cities including Rovaniemi
Waze / Google Maps
Navigation; download offline maps before entering remote Lapland where connectivity is unreliable
Navigate Lapland Like a Local
Get our complete transport guide with route planners, fare guides, and essential travel phrases.
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