Starting point to Lapland
Welcome to the heart of Lapland! Rovaniemi offers you various possibilities to enjoy your stay here. You can experience this lively city with its events and culture, but at the same time step right into the pure nature from your backdoor and enjoy the magical views.
Frequently asked
Planning your trip to Rovaniemi? Read our Frequently Asked Questions and get ready for the adventure!
How do I get to Rovaniemi?
Rovaniemi is located in Finnish Lapland. The city is about 800 km up north from Finland’s capital city Helsinki, but it is still easily accessible! Here are our & Visit Rovaniemi’s tips for your journey.
By plane – Flight connections all year round
– Finnair flies to Rovaniemi all year round from Helsinki Airport.
– Finnair operates direct flights daily between Rovaniemi and Helsinki.
– Norwegian flies to Rovaniemi all year round from Helsinki Airport.
Norwegian operates direct flights between Rovaniemi and Helsinki.
– Ryanair flies to Rovaniemi all year round from Milan Bergamo.
Ryanair operates direct flights between Rovaniemi and Milan Bergamo year-round. Starting from April 2026, the direct flights will be operated on Mondays and Fridays until the end of October. Flight schedule for winter 2026-2027 will be operated between 25th of October 2026 and 27th March 2027 on Mondays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Between 21st of December 2026 and 3rd of January 2027 on every day of the week!
Winter flight connections to Rovaniemi
– EasyJet: London (Gatwick), Manchester, Bristol, Milan, Edinburgh, London (Luton), Paris, Birmingham, Berlin, Lyon, Belfast and London (Southend)
– Ryanair: London, Dublin, Brussels, Liverpool, Milan, Paris, Shannon, Birmingham, Bristol and Manchester
– Turkish Airlines: Istanbul
– Iberia: Madrid
– Eurowings: Düsseldorf, Berlin, Hamburg and Prague
– KLM: Amsterdam
– Austrian Airlines: Vienna
– Vueling: Barcelona
– Finnair: Helsinki, Tromsø and Paris
– Air France: Paris
– Transavia: Paris
– Norwegian: Munich, London, Barcelona and Helsinki
– Edelweiss: Zurich
– SAS: Copenhagen
– Lufthansa: Frankfurt and Munich
– LOT: Warsaw
– British Airways: London (Gatwick)
– SunExpress: Izmir
By train
Another easy option is train. There are direct trains running between Helsinki and Rovaniemi.
If you’re coming to Finland by plane, take a train from Helsinki-Vantaa Airport to Tikkurila and transfer to a long-distance train towards Rovaniemi. All trains are operated by state company VR.
The easiest is to buy the tickets beforehand from VR’s own website, but you can also find ticket machines and personnel who can help you with the purchase.
Rovaniemi train station is about 1,5 km away from the city centre. To reach the city or your accommodation, you can book our pick-up, take a 15-minute-walk, hop on the bus (bus number 8) or take a taxi by downloading Taksi Rovaniemi app or Uber.
By bus
Buses might be the most reliable way of travelling in Finland – they usually operate on time, no matter how the weather is. There are several bus operators in Finland, for example Matkahuolto, Onnibus or Flixbus, and you can take a bus even further north to, e.g. Levi and Ylläs.
Matkahuolto bus tickets can be purchased directly on their website or at the bus station. There are also direct connections from Helsinki airport to Rovaniemi. The bus station (Matkahuolto Rovaniemi) is about 1 km away from city centre. Again, you can book our pick-up, walk (about 15 minutes), hop on the bus, or take a taxi to reach the city.
By Car
If you have more time and are comfortable with driving abroad, you may also take a road-trip through Finland.
In summer, the driving time from Helsinki to Rovaniemi is about 10 hours (without breaks). During winter the speed limits are lower and travel-time is noticeably longer, but you should be prepared for changing weather conditions all year round.
You can find information about road conditions on Liikenne Tilanne or Fintraffic website. And beware: there might be reindeer on your way!
From airport to Rovaniemi city centre
The Airport Bus has multiple stops in the city centre. You just need to check the time table on their website The bus stops as well at the bus and train station and Santa Claus Village.
There are also local taxis available in front of the airport, which might be the fastest way to reach your accommodation. You may also book a taxi by downloading Taksi Rovaniemi app or Uber.
What to do in Rovaniemi?
Rovaniemi is a great destination if you want to experience the magic of Lapland, Arctic adventures and the home of Santa Claus. In winter, you can visit Santa Claus Village, meet reindeer, enjoy husky and reindeer safaris, go snowmobiling or head out to hunt for the Northern Lights. And the best part? You can meet Santa Claus at Santa Claus Village all year round, even in summer!
But there is much more to discover beyond Santa Claus! Explore the surrounding Arctic forests and frozen landscapes, go snowshoeing or enjoy a peaceful walk in nature. You can also discover local culture and art at Arktikum, which explores Arctic life and Lapland, and Korundi House of Culture, home to the Rovaniemi Art Museum and a concert hall.
As the largest city in Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi offers a wide range of restaurants, cafés, shops and cultural events throughout the year. From concerts and exhibitions to seasonal events and festivals, there is always more to discover. It’s a great place to combine Arctic adventures with the convenience and services of a city.
In summer and autumn, Rovaniemi offers plenty of opportunities for hiking, canoeing, river activities and exploring the colourful Arctic nature. Whether you’re looking for outdoor adventures, cultural experiences, city life or a chance to meet Santa Claus, Rovaniemi offers something for every kind of traveller throughout the year.
Can I see the northern lights in Rovaniemi?
Yes, you can! However, the northern lights are a natural phenomenon, and their visibility depends on cloud coverage and solar activity. It’s always best to chase auroras away from the light pollution, so we recommend you find a spot far from the city lights. A very popular place in town to see the northern lights is by the Arktikum museum.
Safartica also arranges tours to hunt Auroras. These options are usually the best if you want to maximise your chances in case of less favourable weather conditions, as you travel outside the city of Rovaniemi chasing clear skies. Do you want to learn more about your chances of seeing the Northern Lights? Read our blog here!
When does the first snow start in Rovaniemi?
The first snow usually arrives in late October. However, this early snowfall may melt away before winter settles in. A more permanent snow cover typically arrives in November, although the timing varies from year to year. If you’re hoping to enjoy snowy landscapes and winter activities, late November onwards is generally a better time to plan your visit. Keep in mind that weather conditions can vary, so snow is never guaranteed on a specific date.
