Lapland North is easy to reach by air, train and bus, car or via Northern Norway. Ivalo Airport is the main gateway to Saariselkä, Ivalo, Inari, Kiilopää and Utsjoki, with year-round flights via Helsinki and seasonal winter connections from selected European cities. You can also travel north by train and connecting bus, drive along Highway E75 or combine Finnish Lapland with Northern Norway and the Arctic Ocean.
Choose your route to Lapland North
By air: Fly to Ivalo Airport, the closest airport for Saariselkä, Ivalo, Inari, Kiilopää and Utsjoki.
By train and bus: Take the train to Rovaniemi, Kemijärvi or Kolari and continue north by bus.
By car: Drive through Finnish Lapland along Highway E75 or arrive from Northern Norway.
From Norway: Combine Lapland North with Kirkenes, Varanger, Tromsø or the Arctic Ocean region.
By air: Ivalo Airport
Ivalo Airport is the northernmost airport in Finland and the most convenient arrival point for Saariselkä, Ivalo, Inari, and the surrounding region. The airport offers year-round flights from Helsinki and seasonal direct flights from several European cities during the winter.
Ivalo Airport is small and easy to navigate. Services include cafés, car rental desks, taxis and pre-booked transfers. During the winter season, airport buses connect many flights with Saariselkä, Kiilopää, Kakslauttanen and other accommodation areas.
After arrival, you are already close to the landscapes and destinations of Northern Lapland.
Starting your adventure is effortless—step outside the terminal and you are already surrounded by Arctic wilderness.
Operates mainly during winter from every Finnair flight. Runs between Ivalo Airport, Saariselkä, Kiilopää, Kakslauttanen and key accommodation areas. Tickets available online or from the driver (depending on provider). Eskelinen Lapin Linjat operates also during summer season.
Door-to-door service for individuals and groups. Offered usually by your accommodation provider. Recommended for late-night arrivals or remote destinations.
Taxis are available flexibly according to flight schedules. They are ideal for quick transfers to Ivalo village or nearby accommodation. For car rental, several rental companies operate directly at the terminal. A rental car is a good choice for independent travel and exploring multiple destinations within the region.
E8: Western Lapland and coastal Norway route connections.
Example driving distances
Rovaniemi → Saariselkä: 260 km
Rovaniemi → Inari: 320 km
Kirkenes (Norway) → Inari: 120 km
Tromsø (Norway) → Saariselkä: 480 km
Helsinki → Saariselkä: 1,100 km
Seasonal driving tips
Winter tyres are mandatory everywhere in Finland during the winter season. Road maintenance is excellent, but weather conditions can change rapidly. Reindeer and wildlife may appear on the roads year-round—drive with caution.
Norway is easily accessible from Northern Lapland by car, bus or plane. Many travellers enjoy taking a day trip from Lapland North to the Kirkenes region, where they can experience the Arctic Ocean and even try catching king crabs. It’s also possible to embark on a Northern Lapland road trip, which takes you through some of the most spectacular highlights of both Northern Norway and Lapland North.
The closest international link between Lapland North and Kirkenes. Border crossing is at Näätämö. Travel time is approx. 40 minutes by car to the Finnish border and 1.5 h to Inari. Seasonal bus connections operate between Kirkenes and Inari/Saariselkä.
By car from Tromsø, Alta, or Nordkapp to Lapland North
Well-maintained Arctic roads. Stunning scenic drives year-round. Suitable for self-drivers and road-trip travellers.
By air with Finnair connection
Lapland North is easily reached from northern Norway, making it an ideal multi-country Arctic route. You can easily reach Ivalo Airport with flights several times per week from Kirkenes from March to October.
