Rovaniemi is the most accessible city in Finnish Lapland. You can be standing under the Arctic sky within a day of leaving most European cities, thanks to direct flights and a well-connected airport right beside Santa Claus Village.
By air — Rovaniemi Airport (RVN)
Rovaniemi Airport (IATA code RVN) is about 10 km north of the city centre. Finnair operates direct flights from Helsinki year-round, with a flight time of roughly 1 hour 20 minutes. In the winter season, seasonal and charter routes also connect Rovaniemi directly with cities such as London, and other European hubs. From Helsinki you can connect from almost anywhere in the world.
Airport to city transfers
An airport shuttle bus meets flights and stops at the main hotels; taxis and pre-booked private transfers are also available. If you book a guided tour with us, we arrange pickup directly from your Rovaniemi accommodation.
By train — the Santa Claus Express
The overnight Santa Claus Express runs from Helsinki to Rovaniemi in around 8–12 hours, with sleeper cabins and a car-carrier option. It is a scenic, comfortable way to travel and saves a night's accommodation.
By car
Rovaniemi is about 820 km north of Helsinki (roughly 10 hours) or 200 km north of Oulu (about 2.5 hours). Winter or studded tyres are mandatory in Finland from November to March, and you should be comfortable driving on snow and ice.
Getting around Rovaniemi
The city centre is compact and walkable. Local buses connect to Santa Claus Village (route 8). For Northern Lights and day tours, hotel pickup is included, so most visitors don't need to hire a car at all.