Lapland is a long way from Turku, about 850–1,000 km depending on where you go, but it is easier to reach than many people think. This planner brings everything together: how to get there, which area to choose, what a trip costs, and a five-day itinerary you can follow or adapt.
Getting from Turku to Lapland
By plane
Flying is the fastest option. Lapland's main airports are Rovaniemi (for Santa Claus Village), Kittilä (for Levi and Ylläs), Ivalo (for Saariselkä and Inari) and Kuusamo (for Ruka). Most flights from Turku connect through Helsinki-Vantaa, and the Helsinki–Rovaniemi flight takes about 1 hour 20 minutes. Many travellers from Turku find it easiest to drive or take a transfer to Helsinki-Vantaa, which has the most flights north. See our guide to getting from Turku to Helsinki Airport.
By night train
VR's overnight trains run from southern Finland to Rovaniemi and Kolari, with sleeper cabins and car-carrying wagons. You go to sleep in the south and wake up in the snow, without losing a day to travel. From Turku you usually connect via Tampere or Helsinki. Check vr.fi for current connections, and book early for December and February.
By car
Driving from Turku to Rovaniemi takes around 10–11 hours without stops, so most people split it over two days. It gives you freedom in Lapland, where distances between resorts are long, but winter driving in the north needs experience: snowy roads, darkness and reindeer.
Where to stay
Rovaniemi: a city with an airport, Santa Claus Village, restaurants and every kind of tour. It is best for a first visit and for Christmas trips with children. See our Rovaniemi guide.
Levi: Finland's best-known ski resort, about 15 minutes from Kittilä Airport, with a lively village centre, restaurants and nightlife. It is great for skiing and active holidays.
Ylläs: a large ski area with two villages, quieter and more natural than Levi, next to Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park. It is ideal for cross-country skiing and nature lovers.
Saariselkä and Inari: in the far north, close to Urho Kekkonen National Park and Lake Inari, with excellent northern lights chances. In Inari, the Siida museum is the best place to learn about Sámi culture.
What does a Lapland trip cost?
Lapland is not a cheap destination, especially in December. These are rough guides only, and prices vary a lot with the season and how early you book:
Accommodation: simple hotels and cabins are the most affordable, especially outside the Christmas period. Glass igloos and aurora cabins are at the top end and can cost several hundred euros per night in peak season.
Activities: guided safaris (husky, reindeer, snowmobile, aurora tours) are usually the biggest expense, often from around a hundred euros per adult for a short trip, and more for half-day trips.
Food: restaurant prices are similar to the rest of Finland. Cabins with a kitchen help save money.
Ways to save
Travel in January or early March instead of mid-December.
Book flights and accommodation early.
Mix paid safaris with free activities: winter walks, sledding, public ski trails and aurora hunting on your own.
Choose a cabin with a sauna and a kitchen instead of a hotel.
A 5-day Lapland itinerary (Rovaniemi)
Day 1: Arrival
Arrive in Rovaniemi and check in. If you land early, take a gentle walk along the riverside and visit the Arktikum to learn about Arctic nature and the northern lights. In the evening, have your first Lapland dinner of sautéed reindeer.
Day 2: Santa Claus Village
Spend the day at Santa Claus Village: meet Santa, cross the Arctic Circle, and send a postcard from the Santa Claus Main Post Office. In the evening, join a guided aurora tour.
Day 3: Husky safari
Take a half-day husky safari in the morning and meet the dogs at the farm. Relax in the afternoon. End the day with a sauna and, if you are brave, an ice swim.
Day 4: Reindeer and nature
Visit a reindeer farm and take a sleigh ride. In the afternoon, try snowshoeing or cross-country skiing. Families can visit SantaPark or Ranua Wildlife Park instead.
Day 5: Last morning and departure
Do some souvenir shopping (look for genuine Sámi handicrafts), have a final coffee with bread cheese and cloudberry jam, then head to the airport. Rovaniemi Airport is only minutes from Santa Claus Village.
For a longer trip, add two or three days in Levi, Ylläs or Saariselkä for skiing and darker skies.
Frequently asked questions
How many days do I need in Lapland?
Five days is a good first trip. It gives you time for the main activities and several chances to see the northern lights.
Is it better to fly or take the train from southern Finland?
Flying is fastest. The night train is relaxing and saves a hotel night, and families often love it.
Start your journey with Aura Rides
Aura Rides is launching transfers in Lapland soon, including airport pick-ups. Until then, we can take you from your door in Turku to Turku Airport or Helsinki-Vantaa Airport, any time of day. Book your transfer. Before you go, read when to visit and what to pack.
