1. Local bus routes and timetables around the city

• Rovaniemi has several bus routes that connect the city centre with various neighborhoods and suburbs. You can find more information about the local bus routes (such as line number 8 to the Santa Claus Village) in Rovaniemi from Linkkari website. Website shows the bus routes and bus numbers and best way is to use the journey planner to find your route. You may also download the Waltti Mobile app for buses with real-time information and to purchase tickets with a discount in Rovaniemi.
• Local buses (by Linkkari) have also department in the bus for strollers and wheelchairs. Regarding more specific questions about the buses and their services, we recommend to be directly in contact with them.
• Main bus stop for local buses in Rovaniemi (Linkkari) is on the Ruokasenkatu street. This is the point, where the buses evens the time.
• There are also bus connections to the Santa Claus Village by Santa’s Express as well as to the Rovaniemi Airport via Santa Claus Village by Airport Express and tickets for these buses you can buy online here. No pre-reservations required!
• Airport bus and many local bus lines are operating year-round. Updated and valid timetables can be found from the websites.
• Bus timetables vary depending on the route and time of day, with more frequent services during weekdays and less frequent service in the evenings and on weekends. Public holidays might also affect the local bus connections.
• In addition to city routes, there are longer routes that connect Rovaniemi with surrounding municipalities and villages. You can read more about these long distance bus connections below.

2. Other public transportation connections

• Train connections (VR.fi) in Lapland are limited.
• Long distance bus connections is the easiest way to explore Rovaniemi area outside the city centre. You can find all long-distance bus routes and timetables with prices (incl. in whole Finland) online through Matkahuolto website or app. You can search for buses by entering your departure and destination points. There are no service points at the Rovaniemi bus station nor train station! Train station has ticket machine to buy tickets from.
• Public buses can be usually paid with either card or cash on the bus to the driver (if there are seats available). More specific price information please check from the website.
• Using long-distance buses in and around Rovaniemi is a convenient and scenic way to explore the region, offering access to many beautiful and remote parts of Finnish Lapland.
• TIP! Pre-booking for the long distance buses and train connections is highly recommended.

3. Other transport services

• For instance, to get around the Lapland, the easiest option is to take a long distance bus, book private transportation or rent a car.
• For more tips, please check: getting around in Rovaniemi

4. Important information about the long distance buses and trains

• Departure Points: Long-distance buses usually depart from the Rovaniemi Bus Station (Rovaniemen linja-autoasema, Lapinkävijäntie 2). Some buses may also have additional stops in the city.
  Trains are departuring from the Rovaniemi Railway Station (Rovaniemen rautatieasema, Ratakatu 3).
• Be on time: It’s important to arrive at the bus stop or station at least 10-15 minutes before the scheduled departure time.
• Luggage: Most long-distance buses have a luggage compartment where you can store larger bags. Hand luggage can usually be taken on board.
• Bike: some buses accepts also bikes on the bus with extra fee. Most of the trains have a specific spot for bikes with extra fee.
• Seats: Some long-distance buses have assigned seating (especially if booked online), while others operate on a first-come, first-serve basis.
• Amenities: Some long-distance buses offer amenities like free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and toilets, but this can vary by bus operator.

5. Destinations and Routes

• Popular Destinations by bus: From Rovaniemi, long-distance buses can take you to various destinations in Lapland and beyond, including Ranua, Pyhä-Luosto, Ruka-Kuusamo, Levi/Kittilä, Inari/Ivalo/Saariselkä, Kemi, and even to cities like Oulu and Helsinki or even Tromso (Norway).
• Popular Destinations by train: Kemijärvi, Kemi, and even other southern cities like Tampere and Helsinki.
• Seasonal Routes: Some routes may be more frequent or only available during certain seasons, particularly during the winter when tourist traffic increases.
• Using long-distance buses or trains outside Rovaniemi city is a convenient and scenic way to explore the region, offering access to many beautiful and remote parts of Finnish Lapland and other areas.
• Popular destinations without public transportation are for example Korouoma and Riisitunturi (booking required or own/rental car). More information about the National Parks and Nature Areas in Finland.

1. Bus connections: destinations and Routes

• Popular Destinations: From Rovaniemi, long-distance buses can take you to various destinations in Lapland and beyond, including Ranua (incl. Ranua Wildlife Park), Levi/Kittilä, Inari/Ivalo/Saariselkä, Kemi, and even to cities like Oulu and Helsinki.
• Seasonal Routes: Some routes may be more frequent or only available during certain seasons, particularly during the winter when tourist traffic increases.

2. Train

• If you’re planning to travel to Rovaniemi from other parts of Finland, trains operated by VR (the only Finnish railway company) are comfortable and reliable. The night train between Helsinki and Rovaniemi is particularly popular, offering sleeping cabins for an overnight journey.
• Popular Destinations: From Rovaniemi train connections can take you to various destinations in Finland, including Kemijärvi (northern most train station to continue from Rovaniemi), Kemi, Oulu and southern Finland such as Tampere or Helsinki.
• International Travel: There are no direct trains connecting Finland and Sweden or Norway. However, you may use the public transportation to reach the border crossing of Tornio / Haparanda and continue onward with trains or buses on both sides of the border.
• There are different websites for the train and bus connections to connect. In Finland (buses Matkahuolto, trains VR), Sweden’s public transportation and northern Norway (buses and trains).
• Booking: Tickets can be booked online through the national rail companies’ websites (in Finland VR) or via apps. Discounts are often available if you book in advance.

3. Planning Your Journey

• Route Planners: Use route planning tools like national transport apps and website, or European-wide apps to plan your trips and find the best combination of transportation modes.
• Timetables: Most public transport operators provide real-time schedule information online or through apps, which is particularly useful for navigating connections and avoiding delays.
• Renting a car provides the most freedom, but combining this with local public transport, hiking, and seasonal activities will give you a comprehensive and memorable Lapland experience.

4. Cross-Border Travel

• Schengen Zone: Northern European countries are mostly part of the Schengen Area, allowing for seamless cross-border travel without passport checks (though you should always carry identification with you).
• Multi-Country Passes: If you are planning extensive train travel, consider a Eurail Pass (for non-EU residents) or Interrail Pass (for EU residents), which allows unlimited train travel across multiple countries. In Finland it’s necessary to book your seat by calling to the customer service number of VR.

5. Ferries

• International Ferries: Ferries also provide international routes, such as between Finland and Sweden, Finland and Estonia, Denmark and Norway, and across the Baltic Sea.
• Booking: Tickets can be booked online, and many ferries allow vehicle transport if you are driving.

6. Flight connections

• International and domestic flights you can find from our website flights to Rovaniemi.
• See more information about Rovaniemi Airport.

1. Biking

• Summer: Biking is a great way to explore Rovaniemi and its surroundings in the summer. The city has bike rental for city bikes, fatbikes, e-fatbikes and mountain bikes and there are plenty of trails and paths, including routes along the river and through the forest. More information about equipment rental and more information about biking tours.
  – Rovaniemi is a popular city to stop by for biking travellers heading to north of Lapland, Finland or towards northern Norway. We have services and shops to fix your bike or to buy ingredients for your journey.
• Winter: Fatbiking and e-fatbiking are the most popular options, as those have over sized tires designed for snow. Several companies offer fatbike rentals and guided tours on wintertime as well.

2. Walking and Hiking

• In Town: Rovaniemi is a small and walkable city, so you can easily explore the city center, visit museums, and enjoy local cafes and restaurants on foot.
• Nature Trails: For exploring nature, there are many marked hiking trails around Rovaniemi, such as those in the Ounasvaara Hill area. These trails are well-maintained and vary in difficulty, suitable for both casual walkers and more experienced hikers.

3. Taxi and car rental

• Taxi: taxis are readily available in Rovaniemi, especially around the city center and airport. They are a good option for short trips or when you need a ride late at night, though they can be expensive for longer distances. It is recommendable to always use official taxis and inquire the price of the journey before getting into the taxi. The official taxi companies are Lähitaksi, Menevä, Santa Line and Taksi Rovaniemi.
• Car rental: in Rovaniemi there are several car rental companies, where you can rent the car starting from few hours, several days or even for some months. More information about car rental in Rovaniemi.
• Ride-Sharing: While not as common as in larger cities, there are some ride-sharing services available in Rovaniemi also, particularly during peak tourist seasons.

Tips for traveling in Lapland

• Plan Ahead: Especially in winter, plan your routes, activities and accommodations ahead of time due to limited availability, limited daylight and in case of extreme weather conditions.
• Safety: Always inform someone of your travel plans, particularly when exploring remote areas, and ensure you have the right equipment and clothing for the conditions.
• Check also our safety tips for your holiday!