The closest airport to Saariselkä is Ivalo Airport (IVL), located approximately 30 kilometers north of Saariselkä in Finnish Lapland. As Finland’s northernmost airport, Ivalo serves as the primary gateway for visitors traveling to Saariselkä and surrounding areas, including Aurora Queen Resort. The airport offers regular connections to Helsinki, with increased flight options during the winter season when tourism peaks. Travel time from Ivalo Airport to Saariselkä typically takes about 30 minutes by car, making it a convenient entry point for travelers seeking to experience the magical northern wilderness.
Planning your journey to Saariselkä and Aurora Queen Resort
When preparing for a memorable stay amidst the enchanting landscapes of northern Finland, understanding your travel options is essential. Planning your journey to Saariselkä requires careful consideration of airport access, as this remote destination is located well within the Arctic Circle.
For guests heading to Aurora Queen Resort, knowing the best airport routes can significantly enhance your travel experience. Our peaceful family-owned resort, with its glass-ceiling aurora view igloos, offers a perfect base for exploring Lapland’s pristine wilderness. Proper journey planning ensures you can maximize your time enjoying the northern lights rather than navigating transportation challenges.
The winter season (November to March) sees the highest visitor numbers, with travelers arriving to experience the northern lights, reindeer safaris, and snowmobile adventures. During this peak period, we recommend booking flights and airport transfers well in advance to secure the most convenient options.
What is the closest airport to Saariselkä?
Ivalo Airport (IVL) is definitively the closest and most convenient airport for reaching Saariselkä. Located just 30 kilometers north of Saariselkä, this airport holds the distinction of being Finland’s northernmost commercial airport, operating at 68° north latitude.
This compact yet efficient airport serves as the primary gateway to the Saariselkä region and northern Lapland. Despite its remote location, Ivalo Airport offers modern facilities including car rental services, a café, and a small gift shop selling local souvenirs and products.
Finnair operates daily flights between Helsinki and Ivalo, with flight time typically around 1 hour and 40 minutes. During the winter tourist season, the number of connections increases significantly, with flights arriving from various European cities. Some international charter flights may also operate directly to Ivalo during peak winter months.
The proximity of Ivalo Airport makes it the clear first choice for travelers heading to Aurora Queen Resort and the surrounding Saariselkä area, offering the quickest and most direct route to your Lapland adventure.
How far is Ivalo Airport from Aurora Queen Resort?
Aurora Queen Resort is located approximately 27 kilometers from Ivalo Airport, with the journey typically taking around 25-30 minutes by car under normal driving conditions. This relatively short transfer time means you can quickly transition from your flight to the tranquility of our glass-ceiling igloos.
The route from the airport to our resort follows the main E75 highway southward, passing through beautiful Arctic landscapes characteristic of northern Lapland. During winter months, the road is well-maintained, but journey times may occasionally extend due to snow conditions.
For guests arriving during the polar night period (December to January), please note that your airport transfer will likely take place in darkness, with the possibility of witnessing the northern lights during your journey if conditions are favorable. Conversely, summer travelers will experience the midnight sun phenomenon, with daylight extending throughout the night.
The relatively short distance from Ivalo Airport to Aurora Queen Resort means you can quickly begin your Lapland experience without spending excessive time on transportation after your flight.
What transportation options are available from the airport to Saariselkä?
Travelers have several convenient options for reaching Saariselkä and Aurora Queen Resort from Ivalo Airport. Each transportation method offers different advantages depending on your preferences and requirements.
Airport shuttle buses operate in conjunction with flight arrivals, providing a cost-effective transport option. These scheduled services run primarily during the winter season and stop at various accommodations in Saariselkä, including locations near Aurora Queen Resort. Tickets can be purchased directly from the driver or pre-booked online.
Taxis are readily available at Ivalo Airport and offer the most flexible transportation option. The approximately 30-minute journey to Saariselkä costs around €60-80, varying slightly based on specific destination and conditions. Taxis can accommodate up to 4 passengers comfortably, with larger vehicles available for groups or those with substantial luggage.
Car rental services from major providers are available directly at Ivalo Airport. Renting your own vehicle offers maximum flexibility for exploring the region beyond Saariselkä. During winter months, all rental cars come equipped with winter tires, and many offer options for additional equipment such as GPS navigation systems.
For guests staying at Aurora Queen Resort, we can arrange private airport transfers upon request, providing a seamless journey from your flight directly to our peaceful retreat. Please contact us in advance to arrange this service.
Are there alternative airports for traveling to Saariselkä?
While Ivalo Airport is the primary and most convenient gateway to Saariselkä, several alternative airports can be considered depending on your travel plans and flight connections.
Rovaniemi Airport is the next closest option, located approximately 260 kilometers (about 3 hours by car) south of Saariselkä. As the official “Home of Santa Claus” and capital of Finnish Lapland, Rovaniemi receives more international flights than Ivalo, particularly during winter. This airport might offer better connections from your departure location or more competitive fares.
Kittilä Airport presents another alternative, situated about 280 kilometers southwest of Saariselkä. Similar to Rovaniemi, Kittilä serves the popular ski resort areas and may offer useful flight connections, especially from European destinations during winter months.
For truly flexible travelers, Helsinki-Vantaa International Airport combined with an overnight train to Rovaniemi provides an alternative route. From Rovaniemi, you would then need to arrange transportation for the remaining 260 kilometers to Saariselkä.
Each alternative involves significantly longer transfer times to reach Saariselkä compared to flying directly to Ivalo. However, they may be worth considering if you plan to explore multiple regions of Lapland during your visit or find particularly advantageous flight options.
| Airport | Distance to Saariselkä | Approximate Travel Time | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ivalo (IVL) | 30 km | 30 minutes | Direct access to Saariselkä |
| Rovaniemi (RVN) | 260 km | 3 hours | More international connections |
| Kittilä (KTT) | 280 km | 3.5 hours | Western Lapland exploration |
Essential travel tips for your Saariselkä airport journey
Planning your arrival at Ivalo Airport requires some special considerations to ensure a smooth start to your Lapland adventure. Here are some essential tips to enhance your journey to Aurora Queen Resort and the Saariselkä region.
Flight scheduling deserves careful attention when traveling to Finnish Lapland. Winter weather can occasionally cause delays, so allowing buffer time in your itinerary is advisable. If possible, aim to arrive during daylight hours during the winter season to enjoy the spectacular snowy landscapes during your airport transfer.
Dressing appropriately for Arctic conditions immediately upon arrival is crucial, especially between November and March. While Ivalo Airport and all vehicles are well-heated, we recommend having warm layers, a hat, gloves, and appropriate footwear easily accessible in your hand luggage, particularly if your onward journey involves any outdoor waiting time.
Consider pre-booking your airport transfer during peak season (December-February) when demand for taxis and shuttles is highest. This is especially important if you’re arriving on popular flight connections from Helsinki or international destinations.
For wildlife enthusiasts, keep your camera accessible during your airport transfer. The route between Ivalo Airport and Saariselkä passes through pristine wilderness where reindeer sightings are common, and you might even spot a fox in its natural habitat.
Upon arrival at Ivalo Airport, you’ll find modest but adequate facilities. If you require special assistance or have specific mobility needs, we recommend notifying your airline in advance, as this small Arctic airport has more limited resources compared to major international hubs.
By considering these practical tips, your journey from Ivalo Airport to Aurora Queen Resort can become not merely a transfer but the beginning of your immersion into the magical landscapes and tranquility of Finnish Lapland.