Saariselkä is accessible via Ivalo Airport (IVL), located 30km north of the village in Finnish Lapland. Most travelers fly to Ivalo from Helsinki (90-minute flight), then take a shuttle, taxi, or rental car to Saariselkä. Alternative routes include train travel to Rovaniemi followed by a bus connection, or driving through Finland’s scenic northern highways. During winter months (December-March), transportation should be booked well in advance due to the popularity of northern Finland travel for aurora viewing and winter activities. Our Aurora Queen Resort offers travel guidance to ensure your journey to Lapland is as smooth as possible.
How do I get to Saariselkä?
Saariselkä is nestled in the heart of Finnish Lapland, approximately 250km north of the Arctic Circle. As one of Finland’s northernmost destinations, this charming village requires some planning to reach, but the journey is well worth the effort for the natural beauty that awaits.
There are several transportation options available for Lapland travel, with flying being the most convenient for international visitors. The village is served by Ivalo Airport, making air travel the fastest route. For those already in Finland, a combination of train, bus, or car provides alternative means of reaching this northern paradise.
At Aurora Queen Resort, we see many guests combining their transportation methods – perhaps flying in and renting a car, or taking the train part of the way for a more scenic journey. Each mode of transport offers a different perspective of Finland’s breathtaking landscapes, from snow-covered forests to frozen lakes where you might spot a fox darting across the ice.
What are the best flight options to reach Saariselkä?
Flying is the most efficient way to reach Saariselkä, with Ivalo Airport (IVL) being the gateway to Finnish Lapland. Finnair operates daily flights from Helsinki to Ivalo, with a flight time of approximately 1.5 hours. During the winter season (November to March), flight frequency increases to accommodate the influx of tourists seeking northern lights experiences.
International travelers typically connect through Helsinki Airport, which has excellent connections from major European cities, Asia, and North America. Some charter flights also operate directly to Ivalo from European destinations during peak winter season, though these vary year to year.
When booking flights to Ivalo, consider:
- Book well in advance for winter travel (December-March), as this is peak season
- Midweek flights are often less expensive than weekend options
- Morning arrivals give you more time to reach your final destination before nightfall
- Flight schedules may be more limited during spring and autumn seasons
For summer travelers, Finnair maintains regular service, though with somewhat reduced frequency compared to the winter schedule. The midnight sun season offers a different but equally magical experience of Lapland’s wilderness.
How far is Saariselkä from Ivalo Airport?
Saariselkä is located approximately 30 kilometers south of Ivalo Airport, with a driving time of about 25-30 minutes in good weather conditions. This relatively short transfer makes Saariselkä one of the most accessible destinations in Finnish Lapland for international travelers.
Several transportation options are available for the airport transfer:
- Airport shuttle buses: These generally meet incoming flights and cost around €10-15 per person
- Taxis: Available directly at the airport, costing approximately €60-70 for the journey
- Rental cars: Several car rental companies operate at Ivalo Airport
- Private transfers: Some accommodations, including our Aurora Queen Resort, can arrange private pickup services for guests (pre-booking required)
During winter months, all vehicles are equipped with winter tyres, and drivers are experienced with snowy conditions. If you’ve arranged accommodation with us at Aurora Queen Resort, we’re happy to help organise your airport transfer – simply contact us in advance with your flight details.
The journey from airport to Saariselkä offers your first glimpse of Lapland’s pristine wilderness, with snow-covered pine forests and perhaps even wildlife sightings if you’re lucky enough to spot a fox or reindeer along the way.
Can I reach Saariselkä by train or bus?
While there’s no direct train service to Saariselkä, the Finnish railway network does provide Finland transportation options that can be combined with bus connections. The most common route involves taking a train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi (approximately 8-10 hours), followed by a bus connection from Rovaniemi to Saariselkä (about 3 hours).
The overnight train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi is a popular option, offering comfortable sleeping cabins that allow you to save on accommodation while travelling. These trains are operated by VR (Finnish Railways) and feature dining cars and amenities that make the journey enjoyable. From Rovaniemi, regular bus services run by Matkahuolto connect to Saariselkä.
For those exploring multiple destinations in Finland, the train-bus combination offers several advantages:
- More scenic views of the Finnish countryside
- Reduced carbon footprint compared to flying
- Opportunity to stop at Rovaniemi or other locations en route
- More luggage flexibility than air travel
Long-distance buses also operate from southern Finnish cities directly to Saariselkä, though these journeys are lengthy (approximately 14+ hours from Helsinki) and typically involve transfers. These services are primarily used by budget travelers or those who prefer overland travel.
Is it possible to drive to Saariselkä?
Driving to Saariselkä is entirely possible and offers the freedom to explore Finnish Lapland at your own pace. The journey follows well-maintained highways, with the primary route being the E75/Route 4 that runs north-south through Finland. From Helsinki, the driving distance is approximately 1,100 kilometers, typically requiring 12-14 hours of driving time, making it advisable to break the journey with overnight stops.
Winter driving in Lapland requires special consideration. From November through April, winter tyres are mandatory, and drivers should be comfortable with snowy and icy conditions. The roads are well-maintained with regular ploughing, but daylight hours are extremely limited during the winter months, with December and January seeing virtually no daylight in northern Finland.
If you’re planning to drive, consider:
- Rental cars are available in major Finnish cities and at Ivalo Airport
- Most rental vehicles come equipped with GPS, winter tyres, and engine heaters
- Fuel stations become less frequent in northern Finland, so plan accordingly
- Aurora Queen Resort offers complimentary parking for guests
- Driving allows you to easily explore surrounding attractions during your stay
Many guests find that flying to Ivalo and then renting a car provides the ideal balance – avoiding the long drive from southern Finland while still having the convenience of a vehicle during their stay in Saariselkä.
Key takeaways for planning your journey to Saariselkä
When planning your trip to Saariselkä and the surrounding Finnish Lapland region, consider these essential travel recommendations to ensure a smooth journey:
- For international visitors, flying to Ivalo Airport via Helsinki offers the most efficient route
- Book transportation 2-3 months in advance for winter travel (December-March)
- Consider your comfort and time constraints when choosing between air, rail/bus, or driving options
- Account for potential weather delays during winter months
- Check seasonal transportation schedules, as services may be reduced in shoulder seasons
Each transportation method offers different advantages: flying saves time, trains provide comfort and scenery, while driving or renting a car gives you maximum flexibility during your stay. Your choice might also depend on other destinations you plan to visit in Finland or neighboring countries.
At Aurora Queen Resort, we understand that reaching Saariselkä is part of your adventure, and we’re happy to provide advice tailored to your specific travel needs. Whether you’re seeking the northern lights, planning to ski, or simply wanting to experience the tranquility of Lapland’s nature, the journey to reach us is well worth the effort.
For assistance with planning your journey or for more detailed directions to our resort, don’t hesitate to contact our team. We can help with arranging airport transfers, providing driving directions, or advising on the best transportation options based on your starting point and preferences.