How To Travel To Saariselkä?
How to Travel to Saariselkä by Plane, Train, Bus or Car
Saariselkä is located in Northern Lapland, in the municipality of Inari, surrounded by open fells, Arctic nature and the landscapes of Urho Kekkonen National Park. Although the destination feels wonderfully remote and peaceful, it is surprisingly easy to reach from different parts of Finland and from abroad. You can travel to Saariselkä by flying to Ivalo, taking a train to Rovaniemi and continuing by bus, using Lapland’s bus connections, or driving through Finland’s beautiful northern scenery.
By Plane
The fastest way to reach Saariselkä is to fly to Ivalo Airport. Ivalo is located about 30 kilometres from Saariselkä, and the transfer to the resort usually takes around 20–30 minutes. From Ivalo Airport, you can continue to Saariselkä by airport bus, taxi, pre-booked transfer or rental car.
Flying is an excellent option for travellers who want to arrive in the fell landscapes of Lapland quickly and comfortably. A rental car gives you more freedom to explore nearby destinations such as Ivalo, Inari, Kiilopää and the Lake Inari region during your stay.
By Train
Saariselkä does not have its own railway station. The most practical rail connection is to travel to Rovaniemi, which can be reached by VR day trains and overnight trains from Helsinki and other parts of Finland. The night train is a popular choice for Lapland travellers, allowing you to rest during the journey and continue north in the morning.
From Rovaniemi railway station, there are direct bus connections to Saariselkä. The bus journey usually takes around 3–4 hours, depending on the service and weather conditions. Combining train and bus travel is a convenient option for visitors who want to avoid a long drive while still enjoying the changing landscapes on the way to Northern Lapland.
By Bus
Bus connections to Saariselkä operate especially from Rovaniemi, Ivalo and other destinations in Lapland. The Rovaniemi–Saariselkä route is one of the key travel routes in the region and serves both train passengers and visitors travelling by public transport.
There are also bus connections from Ivalo Airport to Saariselkä. Timetables may vary depending on the season, weekday and flight schedules, so it is always best to check current connections before travelling. Bus travel is a practical option if your accommodation is located near Saariselkä village centre or local services, as many visitors can enjoy the destination without a car.
By Car or Rental Car
Travelling to Saariselkä by car gives you freedom and turns the journey into part of the holiday. The distance from Helsinki to Saariselkä is about 1,080 kilometres, so it is worth allowing plenty of time and, if needed, dividing the drive over two days. The route takes you through Finland towards Lapland, with possible stops in places such as Oulu, Rovaniemi, Sodankylä or the Inari region.
In winter, drivers should be prepared for northern weather and road conditions, allow enough travel time and make sure the car is properly equipped for winter driving. A rental car is a good choice especially for travellers arriving at Ivalo Airport who want to explore not only Saariselkä but also Inari, Ivalo, Kiilopää and other Northern Lapland destinations.
Getting Around in Saariselkä
Saariselkä is a compact and easy-to-navigate holiday destination. Many hotels, cabins, restaurants, activity providers, ski trails, nature routes and the ski resort are located close to one another. This means that a holiday in Saariselkä often works well without your own car, especially if your accommodation is near the village services.
For longer excursions, airport transfers and visits to nearby destinations, you can use taxis, bus connections, rental cars or transportation provided by activity companies. One of Saariselkä’s greatest advantages is that Arctic nature begins almost at your doorstep – while services remain conveniently close.
Whether you travel by plane, train, bus or car, Saariselkä rewards you with unforgettable fell landscapes, northern lights, ski trails, hiking routes and the peaceful atmosphere of Lapland in every season.