How to Get to Finnish Lapland from Australia
Yes, it’s a bloody long way – but worth it!
If you’ve ever looked at a map and wondered where on earth Finnish Lapland is in relation to Australia… you’re not alone. This dreamy northern hemisphere region might feel like it’s on the other side of the world (because it is), but trust us – it’s absolutely worth the journey. Read on to learn how to get to Finnish Lapland from Australia.
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So, Where Is Finnish Lapland?
Finnish Lapland is the northernmost region of Finland, sitting well above the Arctic Circle. It’s home to snowy forests and frozen lakes in winter, stunning Ruska in autumn, home to the midnight sun in summer, and of course reindeer herds, magical Northern Lights and husky dogs.
Flying from Australia to Finnish Lapland
There are no direct flights from Australia to Lapland (yet!), so you’ll need to break the journey up with 1–2 stopovers. Most routes connect through a major Asian or Middle Eastern city, followed by a European hub – before finally arriving in the Arctic.
Here’s what a typical journey might look like:
Example Route: Melbourne → Singapore → Helsinki → Rovaniemi
Total flight time: Approx. 24–26 hours (not including layovers)
NEW ROUTE (from October 2026): Melbourne → Bangkok → Helsinki
Example Route: Sydney → Doha → Helsinki → Kittilä
Total flight time: Approx. 25–27 hours
Example Route: Brisbane → Dubai → Helsinki → Ivalo
Total flight time: Approx. 24–28 hours
Example Route: Perth → Doha → Helsinki → Rovaniemi
Total flight time: Approx. 20–23 hours
Note: Perth offers some of the shortest flight durations to Europe from Australia.
Example Route: Darwin → Singapore → Helsinki → Ivalo
Total flight time: Approx. 21–24 hours
Note: Darwin is well-positioned for connections through Southeast Asia.
Stopover Options (and what’s good about each)
To make the long haul more bearable (and even enjoyable), many travellers opt for an extended layover in one of the cities along the way. Here are some great stopover options:
Singapore
- Direct flights from most Australian capital cities
- Excellent for a 1-2 night layover
- Great food, efficient transport and loads of things to do between flights
- Connects with Finnair for smooth transit into Finland
Doha (Qatar Airways)
- Excellent Middle Eastern hospitality
- Great airport lounges and connection times
- Flights into Helsinki and onwards to Lapland are often well-timed
Dubai (Emirates)
- Well-connected to multiple Finnish airports
- Fantastic airport and layover hotels
- Ideal for a quick refresh or even a mini city break
Bangkok or Kuala Lumpur
- Budget-friendly options with airlines like Thai Airways or Malaysia Airlines
- Scenic, culturally rich layovers
- Good connections into Europe via partner airlines
- You can defrost on the way home!!
Helsinki, Finland
- Once you land here, you’re almost there!
- From Helsinki, take a short domestic flight (1–1.5 hours) to Rovaniemi, Kittilä, Ivalo, or Kuusamo
- Or consider alternative transport options like hiring a car or catching the overnight Santa Claus Express train for a scenic and unique arrival into Lapland
Flight Times to Finnish Lapland (from major Aussie cities)
| Departure City | Total Travel Time (incl. layovers) | Notes |
| Melbourne | 23–26 hours | Via Asia or Middle East + Europe |
| Sydney | 24–27 hours | Popular with Qatar Airways or Finnair |
| Brisbane | 24–28 hours | Often connects through Dubai or Singapore |
| Perth | 20–23 hours | Shorter flights via Middle East |
| Adelaide | 24–28 hours | Similar to Melbourne/Sydney routes |
| Hobart | 25–30 hours | May require extra domestic connection |
Is It Worth the Journey?
Absolutely. Yes, it’s a very long flight. Yes, you’ll probably need compression socks, a decent neck pillow and a downloaded Netflix series or three. But once you arrive in Lapland and step into the Arctic magic, you’ll forget all about the jet lag.
It’s not just a trip – it’s an experience of a lifetime!!
Travel Tips
Break up your journey with a 1–2 night stopover, especially if you’re travelling with kids or want to arrive in Lapland feeling human. If you’re flying straight through, check out our top tips on how to beat jet lag!
Want help planning your trip to Lapland from Australia?
Check out our Ultimate Guide to Visiting Lapland for tips on where to go, what to pack, and how to make the most of your Lappish adventure.
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.
