The Best Way to Travel from Helsinki to Rovaniemi
Santa Claus Express Train vs Flying
You’re planning your dream trip to Finnish Lapland and wondering – should you take the iconic Santa Claus Express train or hop on a quick flight from Helsinki to Rovaniemi? I’ve done both and each option has its own magic (and quirks!). Here’s my comparison to help you find the best way to travel from Helsinki to Rovaniemi for your group – the Santa Claus Express train or fly from Helsinki to Rovaniemi.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we may receive a commission, at no extra cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link. Please see our full disclosure for further information.
Page Contents
Santa Claus Express Overnight Train
Taking the Santa Claus Express from Helsinki to Rovaniemi is more than just transport – in my opinion, it’s part of the adventure. We did this journey as a family in December 2022 and it’s something we still talk about!
Our Experience on the Santa Claus Express
We arrived in Helsinki (from Tallinn) and had a whole day to kill before our evening train. The plan was to store our luggage and explore – but all the large lockers were full. So, we camped out on the floor of the station and played cards. We might have gotten a few disapproving looks from the locals (okay, maybe more than a few – oops!), which made our boys a little uncomfortable, so we ducked into a nearby restaurant for an early dinner instead.
But then… it was time. The train rolled in and there were squeals of excitement (from all of us, our Lapland adventure was about to truly begin) – especially from the kids! It was one of those “this is actually happening!” moments. Geoff and Finn bunked in one cabin, while Taj and I were in the one next door. The boys couldn’t wait to make their beds and settle in. We video called each other from one cabin to the other as we were both connected with Holafly eSIMs – this was super fun! We all slept surprisingly well and woke up to a snowy wonderland.
Arriving at Rovaniemi Station, we were so ready to embrace all things Lapland! We dropped our bags at Smuk Shop Finland (great for luggage storage) and headed straight to Santa Park. What a way to start our Lapland adventure!
Pros
- Magical experience for families and kids – it feels like you’re truly on your way to the North Pole!
- Sleeper cabins make the trip comfortable and memorable.
- Save on accommodation by sleeping on the train.
- Glimpses of (snowy – in winter) beautiful forest landscapes out the window.
- Environmentally friendly way to travel.
Cons
- Takes 11-12 hours, so it’s an overnight commitment.
- Limited large luggage storage in Helsinki Station (especially at peak times). Mind you, there are options such as Luggage Hero that is worth checking out!
- Can get booked out early during Christmas season.
Schedule & Booking
- Departs Helsinki Central Station around 6:00–7:00 PM, arriving in Rovaniemi between 7:00–8:00 AM.
- Operated by VR Finland.
Flying from Helsinki to Rovaniemi
When I travelled solo to Lapland, I chose to fly – and I totally get why this is the preferred option for many!
My experience
Flying from Helsinki to Rovaniemi was fast, easy and efficient. I booked a morning flight, landed at Rovaniemi Airport, collected my rental car and drove straight to my accommodation. The airport is small and super easy to navigate. Even in September, there were festive Christmas displays in the luggage area, which gave me a little taste of what winter would be like – pure joy!
Pros
- Only 1 hour 15 minutes in the air.
- Multiple flights daily, giving you flexibility.
- Arrives directly at Rovaniemi Airport, just 10–15 minutes from the city centre.
- Great option if you’re hiring a car in Rovaniemi or want more freedom in your arrival time.
Cons
- Less of an experience compared to the train.
- Higher carbon footprint.
- You’ll pay an extra night of accommodation, as opposed to sleeping on the train.
Schedule & Booking
- Flights with Finnair and Norwegian run frequently every day.
- Book via Finnair, Norwegian, Expedia, TripAdvisor or your favourite flight aggregator.
Train vs Plane – At a Glance
| Feature | Santa Claus Express | Flight |
| Travel Time | ~12 hours (overnight) | ~1.5 hours |
| Comfort | Private sleeper cabins | Economy seats |
| Experience | Memorable & magical | Fast & efficient |
| Carbon Footprint | Lower | Higher |
| Cost | Varies, can be affordable | Can be pricier during peak periods, especially last-minute |
| Flexibility | Fixed departure time | Multiple daily flights |
| Arrival Point | Rovaniemi Train Station | Rovaniemi Airport (car hire friendly) |
Our Verdict?
If you’re travelling with kids or want the most magical experience, you can’t beat the Santa Claus Express. It’s part of the Lapland adventure. But if you’re short on time, travelling solo, or want a quick and easy arrival, then flying is super-efficient – especially if you’re hiring a car.
Both have been great in my experience and we would do either of them in a heartbeat. I would recommend weighing up the time you have available, the cost, arrival and departure times, accommodation availability.
Whichever you choose, your Lapland arrival will always be as exciting as you make it!
Erin Parker is a Finnish Lapland specialist, women’s adventure host and founder of Lapland Lowdown & Travel Her Way. She has travelled six continents and brings first-hand experience to every destination she writes about – from the Arctic wilderness of Finnish Lapland to the high Andes of Peru. Based in Melbourne, Australia, Erin helps long-haul travellers plan extraordinary Finnish Lapland adventures and leads small group trips for women who are ready to explore the world boldly.
