Navigating Public Transportation in Rovaniemi:
a Guide for Visitors

Wondering how to get around Rovaniemi without renting a car? The good news is that Finland’s official hometown of Santa Claus is surprisingly easy to explore using public transportation.

In this guide, you’ll learn everything you need to know about using buses in Rovaniemi, buying tickets, travelling from the airport, and deciding whether public transport is enough for your Lapland holiday.

Is Public Transportation Good in Rovaniemi?

Yes, kind of, but it comes with limitations.

Rovaniemi has a small but efficient public transport network. Local buses connect the city centre with residential areas, Santa Claus Village, the airport and the railway station.

Unlike larger European cities, Rovaniemi doesn’t have trams or metro lines. Most visitors rely on buses, walking, taxis, or organised tours.

If you’re staying mainly in the city centre and joining guided excursions, you may not need a rental car at all.

Getting from Rovaniemi Airport to the City Centre

Airport buses (Airport Express & Santa’s Express, same company) operate alongside scheduled flights and take passengers to the city centre.

Journey time:

• Approximately 15–20 minutes

The airport bus stops at:

• Rovaniemi City Centre
• Santa Claus Village
• Railway Station
• Close to major hotels

This is one of the easiest and most affordable ways to reach your accommodation.

• Airport bus official website with timetables HERE.
• Price was 8€ per person one way in season 2025-2026, new prices are not public yet (7/2026)
  • Tickets are available for purchase on the bus

Taking the Bus to Santa Claus Village

One of the most common questions visitors ask is:

Can I take public transportation to Santa Claus Village?
Absolutely.

Local buses regularly connect the city centre with Santa Claus Village throughout the year.

The journey takes approximately 15–20 minutes, making it an easy day trip even if you don’t have a car. Many organised tours also begin from Santa Claus Village, making public transport a convenient choice.

Same Airport express (also Santa’s Express bus) is running from the railway station – city center – santa claus village – airport route.

• Airport bus (Santa’s Express) official website with timetables HERE.
• Price was 8€ per person one way in season 2025-2026, new prices are not public yet (7/2026)
  • Tickets are available for purchase on the bus

Other option for Santa Claus Village visit is our local transport called Linkkari.

Line number 8 is running everyday to Santa Claus Village and it costs only 3,60€ per adult, and 1,80€ for children under 16 years old. (NOTE! Price for kids is 3,60€ if you pay by card, and 1,80€ if you pay by cash!)

Linkkari has great system to find routes. Just insert starting point and ending point and it will show you your timetables.
Find their routes and timetables HERE.

How to Buy Bus Tickets and how much it costs

Buying bus tickets in Rovaniemi is straightforward.

Depending on the bus, you can usually:

• pay with a contactless bank card
• use cash (carry small notes or coins when possible)

(Always check the latest fares and payment methods before travelling, as they may change!)

Basic fares in public transport (Linkkari):

• Adult: 3,60€ (valid for 60 minutes)
• Children under 16yo: 1,80€ by cash, 3,60€ by card. (valid for 60 minutes)

Day cap on public transport Linkkari (so maximum amount you is charged from your card) is 9 € per contactless payment method. This is a true money saver in Rovaniemi, as Airport express and Santa’s express are 8€ /one way and taxis are very very very expesive.

NOTE! The prices are same for all age groups if paying by contactless payment method. (Cash is cheaper for kids) Please note that you can only pay for one person’s trip or trips at a time with contactless payment.

Main Places Connected by Bus

Public buses connect many of Rovaniemi’s most important locations, including:

• Rovaniemi Airport
• City Centre
• Arktikum
• Santa Claus Village
• Railway Station
• Bus Station
• University of Lapland
• Ounasvaara area
• Local residential neighbourhoods

Is It Better to Rent a Car?

That depends on your travel style.

Public transportation is ideal if you:

• stay in the city centre
• mainly visit Santa Claus Village
• join organised tours
• only spend 2–4 days in Rovaniemi

A rental car may be worthwhile if you plan to:

• explore beyond the city
• visit multiple national parks
• chase the Northern Lights independently
• travel to places like Ranua, Pyhä-Luosto, or Korouoma etc.

For many first-time visitors, public transport combined with guided tours is the easiest and most stress-free option, but it limits you to the city area. So if you are looking for to explore Lapland more, I really recommend to rent a car.*

Winter Travel Tips for Public transport users

Winter conditions can affect transport schedules in some cases, but mainly public transport is always on time.

Before travelling:

• Allow extra time after heavy snowfall.
• Dress warmly while waiting for buses.
• Download offline maps.
• Check bus timetables before leaving your hotel.
• Keep your phone charged in cold weather.

If you can, do not take suitcases! They are impossible to handle in the heavy snowy roads. Backpacks are much better option if you walk and use public transport.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is public transportation in Rovaniemi free?

No. Bus tickets must be purchased unless you qualify for a local travel programme.

Can I use my credit card on buses?

Many buses accept contactless payment, but it’s always a good idea to carry an alternative payment method.

Can I visit Santa Claus Village without a car?

Yes. Local buses and airport buses provide easy access from the city centre.

Is walking around Rovaniemi easy?

Yes. The city centre is compact and many hotels, restaurants, museums, and shops are within walking distance.

Do I need a rental car in Lapland?

Not necessarily. If your holiday mainly consists of organised tours and city sightseeing, public transportation is usually enough.