๐ Why by bus to Lapland?
vs. train โฌ80-150
from all major cities
save a hotel night
than by car or plane
โจ What can you experience in Lapland?
Meeting Santa Claus
Santa Claus Village on the Arctic Circle - Santa's official workshop open year-round
Northern Lights
September to March offers the chance to see an amazing aurora show in the clear starry sky
Winter Activities
Snowmobile, reindeer and husky safaris in the snowy wilderness
Snow Experiences
Snow castles, ice hotels, skiing and snowshoeing in the Arctic environment
Sami Culture
Introduction to indigenous culture and reindeer herding in the heart of Lapland
Arctic Nature
Fells, hills and pristine nature - north of the Arctic Circle
๐บ๏ธ Bus connections to Lapland from different parts of Finland
Helsinki โ Rovaniemi
โ Matkahuolto and OnniBus
โ Night buses available
โ WiFi and power outlets
โ City center to city center
Oulu โ Rovaniemi
โ Most frequent connections to Lapland
โ Multiple operators
โ Quick access to Arctic Circle
โ Also on weekends
Tampere โ Rovaniemi
โ Direct connection without transfers
โ Night buses during winter
โ Stop in Oulu
โ Matkahuolto and OnniBus
Tornio/Kemi โ Rovaniemi
โ Shortest route to Lapland
โ Accessible from Swedish border
โ Kemi Snow Castle en route
โ From Gulf of Bothnia coast
Turku โ Rovaniemi
โ Connection from Western Finland
โ Usually transfer in Tampere
โ Night connection available
โ Matkahuolto line
Kuopio โ Rovaniemi
โ Connection from Eastern Finland
โ Direct or transfer in Oulu
โ Day and night trips
โ Matkahuolto and OnniBus
๐ก Tips for bus travel to Lapland
Book in advance
During winter season (December-March) seats fill up quickly. Book 2-4 weeks in advance for the best price.
Night bus = savings
Night buses save a hotel night and time. Sleep during travel and wake up in Lapland ready for adventure!
Winter gear
Temperatures can be -20ยฐC...-40ยฐC. Warm clothes, proper winter boots and hats are essential!
๐ Santa Claus Village
On the Arctic Circle, Rovaniemi โข Open year-round
๐ Location and accessibility
- ๐ 8 km north of Rovaniemi center - bus no. 8 takes you there (โฌ3.50)
- ๐ Arctic Circle 66ยฐ33' - official border of the Arctic region
- โ๏ธ Rovaniemi airport only 2 km away
- ๐ซ Free admission - no entrance fee!
๐ What can you do at Santa Claus Village?
- ๐ Meet Santa Claus - free daily, queue 30-60 min
- ๐ฌ Santa's Main Post Office - send postcards with special stamp
- ๐ฆ Reindeer rides - authentic Lapland reindeer (โฌ15-45)
- ๐ช Elf workshops - production and shops
โฐ Opening hours
Summer season (June-August)
Daily 9:00 - 18:00
Midnight sun!
Christmas season (Nov-January)
Daily 10:00 - 19:00
Peak season!
Spring/Fall (Feb-May)
Daily 10:00 - 17:00
Northern lights season!
Santa meets visitors daily - Quiet times: autumn and spring (fewer queues)
๐ Arctic Circle 66ยฐ33'
What is the Arctic Circle?
The Arctic Circle is the line on Earth where the midnight sun shines in summer (June) and polar night prevails in winter. Located at 66ยฐ33' latitude.
Midnight Sun
In June, the sun doesn't set at all north of the Arctic Circle. You can experience bright nights at Santa Claus Village in June-July.
Polar Night
In winter (December-January) the sun doesn't rise at all. In Rovaniemi, polar night lasts about 2 weeks in December. A bluish twilight prevails even during the day.
๐ Northern Lights - Aurora Borealis
When can you see northern lights?
- โ Best time: September-March
- โ Peak months: November-February
- โ On clear, cloudless nights
- โ Far from city lights
- โ Activity varies with solar winds
Tips for seeing northern lights
- ๐ฏ Book a northern lights safari - โฌ60-120
- ๐จ Stay overnight in a glass igloo or igloo hotel
- ๐ฑ Download aurora forecast apps
- โฐ Best views between 22:00-02:00
- ๐ท Camera on tripod for long exposures
๐ฟ Activities and experiences in Lapland
Snowmobile Safari
Ride through snowy wilderness on your own snowmobile. 2-8 hour safaris.
๐ฐ Price: โฌ85-250
โฑ๏ธ Duration: 2-8h
๐ Season: December-April
โ Guided instruction
Reindeer Safari
Traditional reindeer sleigh ride through snowy forest with Sami guide.
๐ฐ Price: โฌ45-95
โฑ๏ธ Duration: 1-3h
๐ Season: November-April
โ Reindeer meat by the fire
Husky Sledding
Husky-pulled sled through fells in silence - an unforgettable experience.
๐ฐ Price: โฌ95-180
โฑ๏ธ Duration: 2-6h
๐ Season: December-April
โ Dog farm visit
Snowshoeing
Peaceful trek in pristine snow with snowshoes. Suitable for everyone.
๐ฐ Price: โฌ35-75
โฑ๏ธ Duration: 2-4h
๐ Season: December-April
โ Easy option
Ski Slopes
Ounasvaara in Rovaniemi and Yllรคs, Levi in nearby areas offer great slopes.
๐ฐ Day pass: โฌ35-55
โฑ๏ธ Slopes: 10-16
๐ Season: November-May
โ Equipment rental
Fell Hiking
In summer, beautiful hikes to fell peaks. Under the midnight sun.
๐ฐ Price: โฌ55-120
โฑ๏ธ Duration: 4-8h
๐ Season: June-August
โ Guided tours
Ice Fishing
Winter fishing on ice - traditional Lapland activity. Tar on the fish!
๐ฐ Price: โฌ40-85
โฑ๏ธ Duration: 3-5h
๐ Season: January-April
โ License and equipment included
Smoke Sauna & Ice Hole
Relaxing in authentic Finnish sauna and swimming in ice hole.
๐ฐ Price: โฌ25-65
โฑ๏ธ Duration: 2-3h
๐ Year-round
โ Traditional experience
๐๏ธ Attractions in Rovaniemi and surroundings
Arktikum
Arctic museum and science center. Lapland's history, culture and nature under a stunning glass tunnel.
- ๐ Pohjoisranta 4, Rovaniemi
- ๐ฐ โฌ14 adult, โฌ7 child
- โฐ Tue-Sun 10-18 (summer daily)
- ๐ Northern lights simulation inside
- โ Sami culture exhibition
Ranua Zoo
Northernmost zoo in the world! Polar bears, reindeer, lynx and other Arctic animals.
- ๐ Ranua (80 km from Rovaniemi)
- ๐ฐ โฌ18 adult, โฌ10 child
- โฐ Daily 10-16
- ๐ป Polar bears and Arctic foxes
- ๐ Day trip by bus possible
Korundi
Lapland's cultural center - art gallery, concert hall and library in the same modern building.
- ๐ Lapinkรคvijรคntie 4, Rovaniemi
- ๐ฐ Free admission (exhibitions vary)
- โฐ Mon-Fri 11-18, Sat-Sun 11-16
- ๐จ Rotating art exhibitions
- ๐ต Concerts year-round
Kemi Snow Castle
World's largest snow castle rebuilt every winter in Kemi (about 1h by bus).
- ๐ Kemi (100 km from Rovaniemi)
- ๐ฐ โฌ12-15 adult
- โฐ January-April daily
- ๐จ Snow hotel for overnight stays
- ๐ Daily bus Rovaniemi-Kemi
Ounasvaara
Rovaniemi's own skiing and downhill center. Great views over the city!
- ๐ 5 km from Rovaniemi center
- ๐ฐ Day pass โฌ35
- โฐ November-May daily
- ๐ฟ 7 slopes + cross-country tracks
- ๐ Local bus from center
Jรคtkรคnkynttilรค
Rovaniemi's landmark - 45 meter high torch on Kemijoki riverbank. Beautiful when lit at night.
- ๐ City center, Kemijoki bridge
- ๐ฐ Free admission (outdoor)
- โฐ Always open
- ๐ธ Best photo spot
- ๐ถ Walking distance from center
โ Frequently Asked Questions - By Bus to Lapland
When is the best time to travel to Lapland?
Winter (December-March) is most popular - northern lights, snow activities and Santa Claus. Summer (June-August) offers midnight sun and hiking. Autumn (September-October) is fall foliage season and quieter - best time for northern lights without large tourist crowds!
Do I need to pay admission to Santa Claus Village?
No! Santa Claus Village is a free destination. Meeting Santa is free, but photos cost (โฌ30-40). Activities (reindeer rides, snowmobile) are paid. Restaurants and shops have normal prices.
How long should I stay in Rovaniemi?
At minimum 2-3 days to see Santa Claus Village and the Arctic Circle. 4-5 days allows for safaris and Arktikum. A week-long trip gives time for Ranua and Kemi Snow Castle. In winter, allow time for activities!
Is a night bus a good option to Lapland?
Yes! Night bus saves a hotel night and time. Helsinki-Rovaniemi night bus departs evening at 21:00-23:00 and arrives morning at 7:00-9:00. Comfortable seats and possibility to sleep during travel.
How cold is it in Lapland in winter?
From December to March temperature is typically -10ยฐC...-30ยฐC. At coldest it can be -40ยฐC in January. However, the cold is dry, so it feels tolerable with proper gear. Layered clothing, warm winter boots and hats are essential!
How do I get to Santa Claus Village from Rovaniemi bus terminal?
Bus no. 8 runs from Rovaniemi center to Santa Claus Village. Travel time about 20-30 minutes, ticket costs โฌ3.50. Buses run every hour. You can also take a taxi (โฌ25-35) or rent a car.
Can I see northern lights at Santa Claus Village?
Yes, but city lights interfere. Best location is 20-30 km outside the city. I recommend booking a northern lights safari (โฌ60-120), where they take you to a dark spot and guide helps find the best views. Northern lights are visible best September-March.
Should I book activities in advance?
Absolutely yes during winter season! December-March safari activities (husky sledding, snowmobile, reindeer rides) fill up quickly. Book 2-4 weeks in advance. In summer and autumn you can book on site, but advance booking ensures best times.
How much money should I budget for a Lapland trip?
Budget per day: Accommodation โฌ40-150, food โฌ30-50, activities โฌ50-150, transport โฌ10-30. 3-day trip: โฌ400-900 per person (bus tickets โฌ90-180 extra). Winter season is more expensive. Savings tips: night bus, food from supermarket, free attractions.
๐ Practical information for Lapland trip
๐ Packing list for winter trip
Clothing:
- โ Warm winter boots
- โ Layered clothing
- โ Insulated jacket
- โ Warm socks (wool socks)
- โ Hat and scarf
- โ Warm gloves
- โ Thermal pants
Other:
- โ Sunglasses (snow)
- โ Thin glove liners
- โ Camera + spare battery
- โ Phone + chargers
- โ Flashlight/headlamp
- โ Thermos
- โ Lip balm
๐ก Useful Tips
- ๐ฑ Download the Aurora Apps on your phone to predict the Northern Lights
- ๐ณ Cards work everywhere - cash is not necessary
- ๐ Bring spare batteries for your camera and phone - the cold drains batteries
- ๐ก๏ธ Don't leave electronics outside in the cold - take them inside to the hotel
- ๐ด Restaurants close early (9-10 PM) - eat on time
- ๐ฐ The tap water is drinkable and of high quality everywhere
๐ Bus Travel Tips
- ๐บ Book a window or aisle seat in advance
- ๐ง Bring headphones, a pillow, and a blanket for long journeys
- ๐ซ Bring snacks with you - it's more expensive at rest stops
- ๐ถ WiFi works on most buses, but 4G isn't always available
- ๐งณ 1-2 suitcases per person - check the operator's baggage limits
๐จ Accommodation in Rovaniemi
- ๐จ Hotels: โฌ80โ200/night โ Located in the city center and Santa Claus Village
- ๐ Cabins: โฌ100โ300/night โ Great for families, usually with a kitchen
- ๐๏ธ Hostels: โฌ25โ50/night โ For budget travelers
- ๐๏ธ Glass Igloos: โฌ150โ400/night โ View the Northern Lights from your bed!
Start your Arctic adventure today! ๐
Book a bus trip to Lapland and experience Santa Claus Village, the Arctic Circle, and the Northern Lights!
๐ Search and compare bus trips to LaplandPrices from โฌ29 โข Daily departures โข Night buses available