Kuusamo Airport serves southeastern Finnish Lapland, about 8 km from Kuusamo's city center and approximately 25 km from Ruka, a popular ski resort and gateway to Oulanka National Park.
It is a destination for winter skiing and snowboarding and for hiking and outdoor activities in the wild nature during summer months.
How to get to Kuusamo Airport
By Car
By Train
By Bus
Average travel time to KAO
Parking near Kuusamo Airport
A small parking area is situated just steps from the terminal.
The parking is unsupervised, but rates remain affordable.
How to get to Kuusamo from KAO
By Train
By Bus
By Taxi
Need an airport transfer?
Compare taxis and shuttles on Booking.com
Car rental at Kuusamo Airport
Major car rental companies have their own desk in the terminal arrivals area.
Bring your driving licence, passport and credit card; winter tyres are mandatory during the cold season.
Hotels near Kuusamo Airport
Kuusamo
About 5-6 km from the airport, 10 minutes by taxi; no regular bus line.
Best for: Anyone who wants to stay close to shops and services open all year, with prices lower than Ruka's even in high season.
- Room prices noticeably lower than Ruka's even during peak weeks
- Supermarkets, pharmacies and services open all year, useful for long or off-season stays
- The resort's slopes and evening life remain in Ruka, 25-30 minutes by car
- Outside the ski season few restaurants in the centre stay open in the evening
Recommended hotels
- Hotel Kuusanka In the heart of Kuusamo, 5 km from the airport and a short walk from shops and supermarkets; ski storage included. View availability
- Hotelli Kultainen Joutsen A family-run bed and breakfast with sauna and shared kitchen, suited to families with children; free private parking. View availability
- Holiday Club Kuusamon Tropiikki A resort with tropical-themed pools, a 45-metre slide and a bowling area, surrounded by lakes and forest 8 minutes by car from Kuusamo's centre; bus to the Ruka slopes in about 20 minutes. View availability
Ruka
About 27 km from the airport; organised ski buses in sync with flights (about 25 minutes) during winter season, otherwise taxi or rental car.
Best for: Anyone skiing or hiking the Karhunkierros trail who wants to sleep just steps from the lifts, accepting higher prices in season.
- Some properties are literally ski-in/ski-out, just metres from the lifts
- A village built for après-ski life, with restaurants and shops concentrated in a few streets
- Outside the ski season the village empties out and many venues close
- Prices much higher than Kuusamo's during peak weeks (Christmas, late February-March)
Recommended hotels
- Holiday Club Ruka Cottages Wooden cottages with fireplace, private sauna and full kitchen, in the Ruka-Kuusamo area; comfortable for families or small groups. View availability
- Aurora View by Lapland Villas A ski-in villa about 150 metres from Ruka's slopes, with private sauna and fireplace; views over the slopes from the living room and the terrace. View availability
Airport services
Shopping & Duty Free
Lounges & relaxation
Connectivity & Wi-Fi
Families & Children
Terminal guide
The terminal is small, reflecting the seasonal traffic pattern dominated by winter skiing.
Passengers should arrive 1.5 hours before departure.
Map of Kuusamo Airport
Frequently asked questions
Q. What makes Ruka famous?
It's one of Finland's leading ski resorts, with well-groomed slopes and proximity to Oulanka National Park, a hiking destination in the summer months too.
Q. Can you reach Oulanka National Park without your own car?
It's difficult: the park isn't served by regular public transport from the airport, so most visitors rent a car or rely on a transfer organized by Ruka's hotels.
Q. Is Kuusamo also suitable for a summer trip?
Yes, the area is a destination for trekking and hiking in the wilderness of Oulanka National Park, in addition to winter skiing.
Q. Does Kuusamo airport have flights all year round?
Connections are generally more frequent during the winter ski season: always check the active schedules for your travel period.
Flight board
Real-time status of arriving and departing flights