Ivalo Airport is the northernmost airport in the Finnish network with regular service, located in the Inari region about 10 km from the village of Ivalo, well beyond the Arctic Circle.
It is the entry point for Urho Kekkonen National Park, Lake Inari, and the Sámi villages of the area, a destination for Arctic tourism, husky safaris, and the northern lights.
How to get to Ivalo Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to IVL
Parking near Ivalo Airport
The parking, not large, is a few steps from the terminal.
There is no custodian staff, and prices are nevertheless contained.
How to get to Ivalo from IVL
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Ivalo Airport
The major car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area, useful for reaching the lodges and tourist villages in the region.
Bring your driver's license, passport, and credit card; winter tires and snow equipment are essential in winter.
Hotels near Ivalo Airport
Airport area
About 3 minutes by car from the terminal (2-2.5 km); a paid airport shuttle is available.
Best for: Early-morning departures and short stopovers, when you want check-in just minutes away without relying on a taxi or shuttle from the centre.
- Just minutes by car from the terminal, handy for first-morning flights
- A quiet area, away from the E75 highway traffic that runs through Ivalo's centre
- There are no restaurants or shops nearby: you have to travel for dinner
- You still need a car or taxi to reach Ivalo's centre or Saariselkä
Ivalo centre, on the river
About 7-9 km and 10 minutes by car from the airport; no direct bus service, only taxi or hotel shuttle.
Best for: Anyone staying more than one night who wants restaurants, an indoor pool and the Ivalo River within walking distance, with the airport still just minutes away by car.
- Restaurants and the Ivalo River within walking distance, with an indoor pool and free evening sauna at several hotels
- A convenient base for snowmobile and husky safaris organised by the hotels themselves
- Saariselkä, the area's best-known ski resort, is still over 30 km away: it takes an organised excursion or a car
- Outside the hotels the village has few shops and venues: evening life is limited
Recommended hotels
- Hotel Ivalo On the Ivalo River along the E75, about 9 km from the airport; indoor pool, free evening sauna and organised snowmobile and husky safaris. View availability
- Kultahippu Hotel & Apartments In Ivalo's centre along the river, a 3-minute walk from the river beach; 72 rooms across three buildings, free parking and sauna. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is small but well-organized to handle seasonal peaks of arctic tourism.
For flights, it's advisable to arrive at least 1.5-2 hours in advance during peak periods.
Map of Ivalo Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. Why is Ivalo a destination for the northern lights?
Lying well above the Arctic Circle, with often clear skies and very little light pollution, the Inari and Saariselkä area offers some of the best conditions in Europe for aurora viewing.
Q. Does Ivalo have the midnight sun or polar night?
Ivalo lies well above the Arctic Circle: from late May to late July the sun never sets, while around December there is about a month of polar night, with just a few hours of twilight each day.
Q. What temperatures does Ivalo see in winter?
They can drop below -25°C: it's essential to dress in layers with proper technical gear and follow local guides' instructions for outdoor activities.
Q. What can you do near Ivalo airport?
Husky safaris, reindeer excursions, snowmobiling and trekking in Urho Kekkonen National Park, as well as visiting the Sami villages of the Inari region.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights
