Planning your journey to Finnish Lapland starts with choosing the right airport. Finnish Lapland is served by three main airports: Rovaniemi Airport in the south, Kittilä Airport in the central region, and Ivalo Airport in the far north. Each offers different connections and serves distinct areas of this magical Arctic region. Your choice depends on your final destination, whether you’re chasing the Northern Lights, visiting Santa Claus Village, or staying at a luxury wilderness retreat.
What are the main airports in Lapland you can fly to?
Finnish Lapland has three primary airports that welcome international and domestic travellers: Rovaniemi Airport, Kittilä Airport, and Ivalo Airport. Rovaniemi, located on the Arctic Circle, is the largest and busiest, offering year-round connections from Helsinki and seasonal direct flights from various European cities. Kittilä Airport serves the central Lapland ski resorts and wilderness areas, with excellent winter season connectivity. Ivalo Airport, the northernmost option, provides access to the remote northern wilderness and exceptional Northern Lights viewing locations.
Rovaniemi Airport sits just a few kilometres from the city centre and serves as the gateway to southern Lapland attractions. During peak winter months, you’ll find direct flights to Lapland from London, Paris, Brussels, and other European hubs. The airport offers modern facilities including car rental services, cafés, and tourist information. It’s particularly convenient for visitors heading to Santa Claus Village, which is located right at the airport area.
Kittilä Airport, situated in central Lapland, primarily serves the popular ski resort areas of Levi, Ylläs, and surrounding wilderness destinations. This airport experiences its busiest period during winter when charter and scheduled flights increase significantly. The facility is smaller than Rovaniemi but efficiently handles the seasonal influx of winter sports enthusiasts and Northern Lights seekers. Flights to Finnish Lapland through Kittilä often provide the shortest transfer times to central wilderness accommodations.
Ivalo Airport in the far north offers the most remote Arctic experience. This smaller airport maintains year-round domestic connections and seasonal international flights during winter months. It’s the closest airport to Saariselkä wilderness area and provides access to the northernmost regions where Aurora viewing conditions are often exceptional. The airport’s compact size means quick processing times, though facilities are more limited than the southern alternatives.
Which Lapland airport should you choose for your Arctic adventure?
Your ideal airport depends on your final destination and travel priorities. Rovaniemi works best for southern Lapland stays, Santa Claus Village visits, and those wanting the most flight options. Kittilä suits travellers heading to central Lapland wilderness areas, ski resorts, and accommodations in the region. Ivalo is perfect for far northern destinations and travellers prioritizing the most remote Arctic experiences with optimal Northern Lights viewing conditions.
Consider transfer times carefully when selecting your airport. From Rovaniemi, expect approximately two hours to reach the Posio area where luxury wilderness retreats are located. Kuusamo Airport is actually closer to Posio than Kittilä, making it another good option for travelers heading to Livo Arctic. During winter, always add buffer time for weather conditions that can affect travel speeds on snow-covered roads.
Seasonal factors significantly influence airport choice. Winter months bring increased flights to Lapland, with Rovaniemi and Kittilä seeing substantial schedule expansions from December through March. This peak season also means higher prices but better connectivity from European cities. Summer travel typically requires connecting through Helsinki, though Rovaniemi maintains stronger year-round international links. For couples seeking authentic Arctic experiences, winter flights align perfectly with Northern Lights season and traditional snow activities.
Practical considerations include rental car availability and transfer services. All three Lapland airports offer car rental facilities, though winter driving in Arctic conditions requires confidence with snow and ice. Many travellers prefer pre-arranged transfers that handle the challenging winter roads professionally. When staying at dedicated wilderness accommodations, airport transfer services eliminate stress and allow you to begin your Arctic adventure immediately upon arrival.
How do you get from Lapland airports to your accommodation?
Transportation options from airports in Lapland Finland include rental cars, private transfers, public buses, taxis, and pre-arranged accommodation transfers. Rental cars provide flexibility but require winter driving skills during snowy months. Private transfers offer comfort and convenience without navigation concerns. Public buses serve major routes but with limited schedules. Pre-arranged transfers through your accommodation often provide the smoothest experience, particularly for first-time Arctic visitors.
Rental cars are available at all three airports through major international companies. Winter vehicles come equipped with studded tyres, essential for icy roads. However, driving in Lapland during winter presents unique challenges including limited daylight, frequent snowfall, and icy conditions. Roads are well-maintained, but speeds are necessarily slower, and wildlife crossings require constant vigilance. If you’re comfortable with winter driving, rental cars allow spontaneous exploration between planned activities.
Private transfer services offer door-to-door convenience without driving stress. These services typically cost more than other options but provide valuable peace of mind, especially after long international flights. Drivers know the routes intimately and handle challenging weather conditions professionally. For couples seeking a relaxed start to their Lapland travel guide experience, private transfers eliminate navigation concerns and allow you to enjoy the stunning Arctic scenery from the moment you land.
Public bus connections operate between airports and major towns, though schedules can be limited, particularly outside peak season. Buses from Rovaniemi serve various destinations, whilst Kittilä and Ivalo have more restricted routes. Taxis are available at all airports but can be expensive for longer journeys. Always confirm pricing before departure, as distances in Lapland are substantial and costs reflect this reality.
We offer seamless airport transfer services as part of our comprehensive Arctic experience packages. Our guests staying at our luxury igloo accommodation along the tranquil shores of Lake Livo can arrange convenient transfers from Kuusamo and Rovaniemi airports. This allows you to relax completely, knowing every detail is handled from your arrival in Finnish Lapland through to your departure, letting you focus entirely on creating unforgettable memories beneath the Northern Lights.
