Rovaniemi Airport - Flight Information and Guide (RVN)

Rovaniemi Airport serves the capital of Finnish Lapland, officially the 'birthplace of Santa Claus', approximately 10 km from the city center, just north of the Arctic Circle.

It is the busiest airport in Lapland, with strong seasonal peaks during winter months for tourism related to Santa Claus, the northern lights, and snow activities.

Content verified on 03/09/2026

Official source: www.finavia.fi/en/rovaniemi

How to get to Rovaniemi Airport

The city center of Rovaniemi is approximately 10 km from the airport: the transfer requires roughly 15–20 minutes by taxi or shuttle bus.

By Car

Drivers reach the center of Rovaniemi in approximately 15-20 minutes.

By Train

Finland does not have a direct railway connection for the airport; Rovaniemi station in the centre is served by overnight trains from Helsinki.

By Bus

A shuttle bus matched to flight schedules, especially in peak winter months, connects the airport to the centre; approximately 8-10 euros.

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Tips Book well in advance if you travel during the Christmas period or during the northern lights season (from late August to early April): it is the peak period and flights/hotels fill up quickly. Dress in layers, winter temperatures often drop below -15°C.

Average travel time to RVN

TrainNot available

Shuttle bus20 minutes (shuttle bus, seasonal)

Taxi / Private hire15-20 minutes

Parking near Rovaniemi Airport

The official parking facility (sectors P1/P2/P3, including heated) is located opposite the terminal.

Approximately 14 euros per day when paid via app (ParkMan, EasyPark, Moovy), 16 euros per day at the payment machine.

How to get to Rovaniemi from RVN

By Train

Rovaniemi railway station, served by overnight trains from Helsinki, is not directly connected to the airport; reachable by taxi in approximately 15–20 minutes.

By Bus

A shuttle bus connects the airport to the city center in approximately 20 minutes during peak periods; approximately 8–10 euros. During low season, service may be more limited.

By Taxi

Taxis generally wait at flight arrivals; approximately 30–40 euros to the city center.

Airport transfers you can book in advance

Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.

Private Transfer Rovaniemi - Kiruna

★ 5.0 · 14 reviews

from €720 per group

Book

Car rental at Rovaniemi Airport

Major international car rental companies have desks in the arrivals area, useful for reaching snow activity villages outside the city.

Bring your driving licence, passport and credit card in your name; winter tyres are mandatory during the cold season.

Hotels near Rovaniemi Airport

Rovaniemi airport, nicknamed the "Santa Claus airport", is about 10 km from the city centre (15 minutes by car) but only 3 km from Santa Claus Village, which is therefore closer to the runway than to the heart of the city. Anyone staying more than one night and wanting restaurants, shops and the Kemijoki river within walking distance does well to aim for the centre, well connected by city buses and the seasonal airport shuttle; anyone renting a car and favouring a visit to the Village, or with a direct same-day flight, can stay in the stretch between the airport and the Village, where recently built villas with private saunas and jacuzzis are found.

City centre

Rovaniemi centre

By car 15 minutes and about 10 km from the airport; from early November the Airport Express shuttle stops at the central hotels in 20 minutes (about 8-10 euros), the taxi costs 25-40 euros.

Best for: Those who want restaurants, shops and evening life within walking distance, with the airport-hotel shuttle and city buses to Santa Claus Village close at hand.

Pros

Restaurants, shops and the Kemijoki riverside within walking distance
City bus number 8 to Santa Claus Village, with no need for a car

Cons

The Ounasvaara slopes, about 4 km away, still require a bus or a taxi
In summer the airport shuttle is not running: only the taxi or the scheduled bus remain

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

Airport area

Between the airport and Santa Claus Village

By car 5-10 minutes from both the airport and Santa Claus Village, along the same road that connects them; the area is not covered by city bus number 8.

Best for: Those who rent a car, want more space and privacy than a hotel room and prefer having Santa Claus Village and the airport both just minutes away.

Pros

Private sauna and jacuzzi even in recently built villas, rare in the hotel rooms of the centre
Just minutes by car from both check-in and the Village visit, handy for short layovers

Cons

Without your own car getting around is inconvenient: the area is not served by city buses
There are no restaurants or shops within walking distance nearby

Recommended hotels

See more hotels in this area

Airport services

The airport is the primary hub of Finnish Lapland, with strong seasonality linked to Christmas tourism and the northern lights.

Shopping & Duty Free

A duty-free area with traditional Sami crafts and Christmas-themed products is available.

Lounges & relaxation

There are no dedicated VIP lounges, consistent with the airport's role as a regional hub.

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

Wi-Fi is available in the terminal's public areas. Elisa, DNA, and Telia have a counter in the airport.

Families & Children

Play areas and family assistance services are present in waiting areas, often featuring Christmas themes.

Terminal guide

The terminal, Finnish Lapland's busiest, expands during peak winter months to handle the high tourist flow.

For flights, we recommend arriving at least 2 hours early during busy periods.

Map of Rovaniemi Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. Is Rovaniemi really Santa Claus's town?

It is officially recognised as such, with the famous Santa Claus Village right on the Arctic Circle line, just outside the city.

Q. When is the best time to see the northern lights in Rovaniemi?

From late August to early April, with the best conditions in the darkest winter months, away from city lights.

Q. Is it worth booking in advance for the Christmas period?

Yes, strongly: it's the peak tourist season and flights/hotels fill up quickly, with prices rising accordingly.

Q. Why do the streets of central Rovaniemi have a distinctive shape?

The city was almost entirely destroyed by retreating German forces in 1944 and rebuilt according to a design by architect Alvar Aalto, who gave the new centre a layout inspired by reindeer antlers.