Quick Read: Here’s a quick guide on finding the best way to get yourself to Rovaniemi city centre with the updated transport options from the airport!
Previously, I’ve shared a very detailed travel itinerary that takes you through the journey in Finland.
With a very efficient transport system, getting anywhere in Finland is plain easy. And what makes their transportation impressive, is how accurately on-the-dot their trains arrive.
The same goes to their buses too. Well, almost always on time at least.
And did I also mention that winter up in the North is just extraordinarily good? If you wish to know more about how you can have a blast for your next winter trip and the top recommended activities, I strongly suggest to take some time and read my earlier post.
However, today’s note is intended to just cover specifically on getting yourself from Rovaniemi’s airport to its City Centre.
Over time, their transport system may have some changes and I’ve had the chance to experience it first hand in my very recent trip there.
So I thought it would be good if I can share the updated best way in navigating yourself around Rovaniemi.
What was the transportation like back in 2017?
In 2016/2017 when I first visited Finland, transportation was already easy to navigate around.
Right outside Rovaniemi airport, taxis and shuttle buses are there to pick you up and send you to the City Centre.
Our only little problem we encountered was, we arrived at Rovaniemi on a Sunday.
There’s that last bus timing that we missed and we didn’t have any transport to get to City Centre (besides a taxi).
I guess we got too used to having transports available all day everyday.
And this certainly caught us by surprise and I didn’t plan for this. So our only way out, was a taxi.
But, it’s really expensive. It’s a whopping eur24 for approximately 10-ish minutes ride!
Tip: there’s transport on Sunday actually. It’s just that they operate on much shorter timing. So if you know you’re going to arrive on a Sunday, please check the busses schedule! (Regardless of where you’re going)
Now in 2020, transport options are even more readily available
For those who had followed my Facebook page or Instagram, you would know that I’ve visited Finland. Again!
Check out: https://facebook.com/graytravelnotes/
So what’s changed now? Honestly, as a whole there isn’t much that you would feel it at all.
Especially if it’s your first time there, you might be impressed instead.
In my opinion, the changes had only made it even more convenient for all travellers.
How so?
Right off the bat, if you’re arriving at Rovaniemi Airport through Finnair or Norwegian, the shuttle bus follows your flight arrival.
What that means is, you should expect a bus available the moment you step out of the airport!
The same information had also been mentioned on their website.
Check out: https://airportbus.fi/en/
To be fair, I was a little skeptical too. But I had experienced that first-hand, so it’s true!
Yes, you don’t have to book a ticket in advance to get into the city.
Really? You sure about that? What if I missed the bus?
Yup, absolutely. The bus driver is aware of the flights timing and would be there to pick you guys up.
Tip: And about the bus leaving immediately, don’t worry about it. The bus driver does wait as he can clearly see the crowd fading – and that could only meant that most passengers of that flight are out.
If you missed the bus, there’s an alternative still. Besides a taxi, yes.
Alternatively, ride the Santa Express!
If you miss the airport bus, fear not! You’re not going to be stranded at the airport.
How did you ever miss the bus I’m unable to comprehend… but hey! Situation does arise at times!
Although sometimes, depending on the time of the day, it certainly feels like it…
It’s quiet, empty and clear. You can hear the wind howling too.
Right, back on point. Santa Express is another bus service that runs through the airport and ferry you to the city and Santa Claus Village.
Hence, Santa Express is the name.
The only problem is, it’s not exactly an airport service. Which means, it runs on its own schedule, not any flights or booking requests (at least not that I know of).
Check out: Download Santa’s Express Schedule here
But since you’ve missed your airport bus somehow, there’s no harm in waiting then.
If all else fails, meaning you missed both of the buses, and you can’t wait anymore, you should just grab a taxi then.
And how ever you could miss two bus services do get me wonder now…
One good thing about Finland is that, you don’t get surrounded by eager drivers who want your business the moment you step out of the airport.
Aren’t they such nice people?
Now you can book your seats online easily
If you’re heading to the airport from City Centre, you can book your seats online using the link below.
Book your Airport shuttle: https://airportbus.fi/en/contact/
Just be aware that you should only book your seats 2 days before your departure.
Because you would also only get their response 2-3 days before your departure anyway.
Why, you ask? I could only guess that it’s easier to manage the scheduling?
So if you book your seats way in advance and didn’t get a response, don’t panic.
They will reply.
If you’re in the hearts of City Centre, your pick up point is likely going to be at Arctic City Hotel.
Tip: Just let them know where you’re staying at, and they will let you know where’s your nearest pick up point.
For myself, the shuttle bus that came to pick us up was a mini-bus. Which is just fine, because even then it wasn’t full.
Look out for the bus and just check with the driver. You can’t go wrong on that.
My last thoughts
While different countries and travel destinations may provide different ease of access, I must say that Finland had done it well.
Right from the Helsinki airport to the city centre, and going to popular places like Levi and Rovaniemi, they had it all figured out.
At your convenience too.
With multiple locations and transport options, you can choose the best that fits your itinerary, travel style and budget.
For example, a 7 to 8 hours train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi may set you up close to an air ticket with Norwegian at approximately SGD 250-ish.
However, the long scenic train provides a completely different experience too. Cutting across the Lappish landscape, you’re sure to wake up to a beautiful sunrise behind those tall pine trees.
And for myself, having travelled to Finland three times thus far, I’ve yet to see all of its beauty!
Each time I visit, the vast Lapland offers different experience and hidden stories behind its rich culture.
And the biggest star of it all, is the Northern Lights above its white landscape.
It’s truly magical, mesmerising and mysterious.
Well, there you go! I hope the guide above helps you easily plan a great and painless trip to Rovaniemi.
Let me know your thoughts and questions, and I’m happy to help you out!
Cheers, till next time.
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