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.
- Public
- 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.
- Taxi
- 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.
- 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.
Transport at a glance
Airport transfers
Getting from the airport to your accommodation.
- Taxi
- €15–20, 10–15 min to Rovaniemi centre
- Taxi Info
- Taxis wait outside arrivals at Rovaniemi Airport; no reservation needed
- Shuttle
- €5, shared airport bus to Rovaniemi centre
- Shuttle Info
- Airport bus to Rovaniemi city (timed with flight arrivals)
- Bus
- €5, public bus route 8 to Rovaniemi centre
- Bus Info
- Less frequent than dedicated airport bus; check timetables
- Private
- €25–35, pre-booked transfer to city hotels
- Private Info
- Book through hotel concierge or transfer companies in advance
Local transport
Getting around the city.
Bus
Rovaniemi city buses cover the city area; fare €3 per ride. Resort areas have limited local shuttle services during peak season.
Alternatives
Bicycle rental available in Rovaniemi (summer); snowmobile hire (winter); skis and snowshoes for wilderness access
Taxis & rideshare
What to expect from taxis and apps.
- Regular
- €3–5 flag fall + €1.50–2.00/km
- Apps
- Taksi Helsinki (works in Lapland), local taxi companies
- App Names
- Taksi app, local company phone bookings
- Typical Fare
- €15–25 for average Rovaniemi city ride
Intercity travel
Getting between cities and regions.
Bus
Matkahuolto and Onnibus: Rovaniemi–Kittilä 3h €20–30; Rovaniemi–Sodankylä 2h €15–20; Rovaniemi–Ivalo 4h €25–35
Shared
Shared taxis (kimppakyytejä) operate on some routes; ask locally or check Facebook groups
Flights
Domestic flights Rovaniemi–Helsinki from €50 one way; book early on Finnair
Private
Private car hire from €180/day including driver (for groups)
Transportation details
Full breakdown of how to get around.
Lapland's vast distances require careful transport planning. Car rental is by far the most practical way to explore the region, as public transport connections between smaller destinations are limited. Rovaniemi is the main transport hub with an international airport and train connection to Helsinki. Driving in winter requires winter tires (mandatory by Finnish law Nov–Mar) and experience navigating icy roads.
Airports
Rovaniemi Airport
Kittilä Airport
Ivalo Airport
Enontekiö Airport
Useful apps
Download before you arrive.
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
Transport tips
Travel smarter, not harder.
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