How to get to Lapland: Plane, train, car (and combinations)
Lapland feels like the edge of the world. Endless forests, frozen rivers, ski resorts, and northern lights dancing across the Arctic sky. But before you can step into this winter wonderland, you’ll need to plan your journey north.
So, what’s the best way to reach Lapland? By plane? Train? Car? Bus? Or perhaps a mix of all these options? In this travel guide, we’ll cover:
Flying to Lapland (with examples from Amsterdam, London Gatwick and Brussels)
Taking the train (including night train tickets from Stockholm and Helsinki)
Driving or taking the bus across Sweden and Finland
Combining routes for a convenient, budget-friendly trip
Once you’ve chosen your route, you can book your adventure in Lapland and focus on the experiences: visiting national parks, discovering ski resorts, and exploring some of the best places in the world to see the northern lights.
At a glance: How to travel to Lapland
Flying
Flying is the fastest way if you’re wondering how to get to Lapland by plane. Direct flights are rare, but you can fly from London Gatwick, Manchester and Amsterdam with one stopover (usually via Stockholm Arlanda or Helsinki Airport). Prices start around €120–150 from Amsterdam, £60–100 from London, and €100–120 from Brussels. For the best deals, compare flights early: December and January are the most popular dates for northern lights trips and ski resorts.
Train
The train is slower, but offers a unique journey across Europe into Swedish and Finnish Lapland. Stockholm to Kiruna takes about 17 hours; Helsinki to Rovaniemi about 12 hours. Night train tickets start around €40–100. Along the way, you pass small towns, rivers and vast national parks. It’s not just transport, but part of the itinerary, and one of the most sustainable ways to travel.
Car & bus
Driving north gives maximum freedom. From southern Scandinavia, expect 12–20+ hours on the road, crossing the Arctic Circle by car. Winter tyres are essential between October and April, and you’ll need to watch for icy roads and reindeer. Long-distance bus services connect major cities in Sweden and Finland with smaller towns in Lapland, making even remote destinations accessible. This is often the cheapest ticket option for budget travel.
Combination
Many visitors mix modes of transport: fly into Stockholm or Helsinki and take the night train, or fly directly to Luleå Airport and rent a car. Buses connect you to local attractions if you don’t want to drive. This way you balance speed, comfort, price and flexibility.
Is there a train to Lapland?
Yes. Trains are slower but comfortable and affordable.
From Sweden: Night trains from Stockholm to Kiruna and Narvik (Norway), with connections east to Luleå.
From Finland: VR (Finnish Railways) runs overnight trains from Helsinki to Rovaniemi and Kolari.
Experience: Sleeping on the night train and waking up inside the Arctic Circle makes the journey unforgettable.
Best for: slow travel lovers, families on a budget, and travellers who want their trip to be part of the experience.
Can you drive or take a bus to Lapland in Winter?
Yes, Lapland is accessible by car and bus all year round.
Car: From Sweden and Finland, highways E4 and E8 run north; from Norway, route E6 connects across the Arctic. Winter tyres are mandatory. Driving is convenient if you want to visit ski resorts, smaller towns, or national parks not reachable by train.
Bus: Long-distance bus services connect European cities with towns in Lapland. It’s often the cheapest ticket option and a convenient way to reach remote destinations.
Best for: travellers who want freedom, or budget travellers who want to discover attractions at their own pace.
Which option fits you best?
Short on time? Fly directly to Luleå or Rovaniemi.
Love slow travel? Take the night train: the journey is part of the adventure.
Want flexibility? Drive and stop wherever you like.
Not sure? Combine: fly part of the way, then switch to train or car.
FAQ: Getting to Lapland
1. Are there direct flights to Lapland?
A few exist (seasonal charter flights from the UK), but most routes connect via Stockholm, Helsinki or Oslo.
2. What is the cheapest way to travel to Lapland?
Usually the night train from Stockholm or Helsinki. Bus services are also budget-friendly. Flights can be cheap in September, October and January.
3. How long is the train to Lapland?
Stockholm → Kiruna: ~17 hours. Helsinki → Rovaniemi: ~12 hours.
4. Can I drive to Lapland in winter?
Yes, but only with winter tyres. Be careful with icy roads, long distances and reindeer crossings.
5. What’s the best airport for Lapland?
For Swedish Lapland: Luleå Airport. For Finnish Lapland: Rovaniemi or Kittilä. For northern Norway: Tromsø.
6. Can you take a bus to Lapland?
Yes, buses connect major cities in Sweden and Finland with northern towns. It’s often the most budget-friendly ticket option.
7. Are there ski resorts in Lapland?
Yes. Popular destinations include Levi and Ylläs in Finnish Lapland, and Riksgränsen and Björkliden in Swedish Lapland. These resorts are accessible by flights, trains or bus services.
8. Where are the best places to visit in Lapland?
Top picks are the coastal towns around Luleå, where you can experience the frozen sea, Sámi culture and northern lights tours. Other highlights include Rovaniemi (Santa Claus Village) and Abisko National Park in northern Sweden.
Conclusion
Reaching Lapland is already part of the adventure. Whether you fly over frozen forests, wake up on a night train, or drive along Arctic highways. The journey north sets the tone for everything that follows.
Choose the way that fits your time, comfort and sense of adventure. Either way, the reward is the same: arriving in Lapland’s wide-open silence, where nature still takes the lead.
Ready to plan? Book your adventure in Lapland and let the journey begin.
