- Must visit
Arktikum
Rovaniemi’s flagship museum explores northern nature, Sámi and Lapland culture, and Arctic history in a landmark riverside building.
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Helsinki to Rovaniemi is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Helsinki to Rovaniemi will cost around $122 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $92.
On Sun, Nov 15, we found 16 trains from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, including 6 direct services.
On Sun, Nov 15 the direct trains cover the 705 km distance in an average of 10 h 9 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 15 m .
On Sun, Nov 15 the slowest trains will take 11 h 34 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
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Trains from Helsinki to Rovaniemi run on average 23 times per day, taking around 10h 4m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $24 (€20) but you can travel from only $19 (€16) by bus.
There are 12 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:15, the last at 23:45. The fastest train covers the 438 miles (705 km) distance in 7h 53m.
Distance 438 miles (705 km) |
Average train duration 10h 4m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€20) |
Trains per day 23 |
Direct trains 12 |
Fastest train 7h 53m |
First train 12:15 AM |
Last train 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 91 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Helsinki to Rovaniemi.
The table below shows live departures for Helsinki to Rovaniemi trains for today, Saturday, November 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
PYO-265 | 7:29 PM Helsinki Central | 11h51 | 7:20 AM Rovaniemi station | 0 transfersDirect | |
PYO-265 | 7:37 PM Pasila railway station | 11h43 | 7:20 AM Rovaniemi station | 0 transfersDirect | |
S-183 · PYO-265 | 8:00 PM Helsinki Central | 11h20 | 7:20 AM Rovaniemi station | 1 transfer | |
S-183 · PYO-265 | 8:06 PM Pasila railway station | 11h14 | 7:20 AM Rovaniemi station | 1 transfer | |
LOL-8928 · PYO-265 | 8:06 PM Helsinki Central | 11h14 | 7:20 AM Rovaniemi station | 1 transfer | |
LOL-8928 · PYO-265 | 8:10 PM Pasila railway station | 11h10 | 7:20 AM Rovaniemi station | 1 transfer | |
LOL-9721 · PYO-265 | 8:10 PM Helsinki Central | 11h10 | 7:20 AM Rovaniemi station | 1 transfer | |
LOL-9721 · PYO-265 | 8:15 PM Pasila railway station | 11h05 | 7:20 AM Rovaniemi station | 1 transfer | |
PYO-273 | 11:13 PM Helsinki Central | 11h46 | 10:59 AM Rovaniemi station | 0 transfersDirect | |
PYO-273 | 11:20 PM Pasila railway station | 11h39 | 10:59 AM Rovaniemi station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC-641 · PYO-273 | 11:22 PM Helsinki Central | 11h37 | 10:59 AM Rovaniemi station | 1 transfer | |
IC-641 · PYO-273 | 11:30 PM Pasila railway station | 11h29 | 10:59 AM Rovaniemi station | 1 transfer | |
LOL-9737 · PYO-273 | 11:40 PM Helsinki Central | 11h19 | 10:59 AM Rovaniemi station | 1 transfer | |
LOL-9737 · PYO-273 | 11:45 PM Pasila railway station | 11h14 | 10:59 AM Rovaniemi station | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, November 15 | |||||
IC-21 | 6:20 AM Helsinki Central | 8h21 | 2:41 PM Rovaniemi station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC-21 | 6:26 AM Pasila railway station | 8h15 | 2:41 PM Rovaniemi station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
By Claire Martin
The Helsinki to Rovaniemi train – also called the Santa Claus Express – is an epic adventure from the Finnish capital to the wilds of Lapland. Regular flights connect the cities, but I found that the train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi has a certain magic to it. Excited at the thought of going to sleep and waking up in Santa’s hometown, here’s how I traveled to Lapland by train.

A VR night train at the platform in Rovaniemi station.
The train departs from Helsinki Central Station and terminates at Rovaniemi Station. It takes about 7 to 12 hours to journey directly north. I took the night train, but day trains are also available - they’re ideal if you’d like to watch the scenery.
As a keen train traveler, the Santa Claus Express has always been on my bucket list. So, for me, it was an obvious choice to take the train. I planned to reserve a cabin, but the prices were too high by the time I booked (they’re much cheaper in advance!). I did, however, pay an extra €40 for a private seated compartment. It wasn’t nearly as comfy—the seat didn’t even recline—but I appreciated the privacy (and the legroom!). It was still far more comfortable than taking the bus from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, which takes over 12 hours. On Omio, Helsinki to Rovaniemi train tickets are easy to book. Just download the app, select your journey (I recommend a sleeper cabin), and pay. The tickets will be accessible then and there.
After departing Helsinki Central Station, the train stops on the edge of the city to connect to a car-carrying cabin (locals transport their cars on the train to avoid the long drive). It then continues through the southern cities, stopping at Pasila, Tikkurila and Tampere before entering the sub-arctic region of Central Finland. Just before Rovaniemi, you’ll enter the region of Lapland! I recommend arriving at the station around 30 minutes before the train departs. You should be able to board soon after. The station has a few food outlets, though not much seating unless you’re in a restaurant. At the other end, Rovaniemi railway station is small, with a waiting area featuring some information about Lapland and car rental offices.
Helsinki Central Station is right in the city center, about a 10-minute walk from Senate Square. There are tram connections to the outskirts and long-distance trains across Finland. I arrived from Turku and stored my bags at the station for a few hours while I went exploring—don’t miss the Allas Sea Pools!
There are around six trains per day, departing either in the morning (to arrive early-mid afternoon) or at night (to arrive in the morning).
I traveled at night in December, so I didn’t see much scenery. However, if you go during the day or overnight in summer, you’ll see the urban south gradually give way to fir forests, with growing anticipation as you approach Santa’s home. On the train, there is a restaurant car serving drinks, snacks, and hot meals. Expect some Lapland classics, like reindeer stew. Vegetarian options are also available and clearly marked. If you take a sleeper cabin, duvets and pillows are provided. If you’re traveling in a seat, you’ll need to bring a blanket!
Should I take the train or fly from Helsinki to Rovaniemi? Helsinki to Rovaniemi by train takes seven hours in the day and twelve at night, so flights from Helsinki to Rovaniemi are a popular option due to the shorter journey time. But for me, the train is the best way to get from Helsinki to Rovaniemi! Buy your tickets as far in advance as possible – they’re available around 10 months ahead. You can choose a regular seat, a sleeper cabin with or without an ensuite shower or a cozy, private compartment, which is what I selected. A standard seat is the cheapest option, but you can secure some good deals on sleeper cabins or private compartments if you book ahead of time. Here’s a quick breakdown of my budget:
| Item | Cost (eur) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | €70 |
| Food & drinks | € |
| Travel to departure station | € |
| Travel from arrival station | € |
| Total | € 70 |
The Helsinki to Rovaniemi train might take a whole day or night, but if the idea of slow travel appeals, it’s an experience like no other. Enjoy settling into a seat or bunk and watching Finland slip away. Remember to book your tickets on Omio for a hassle-free journey!

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Rovaniemi — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Rovaniemi trip today.
Rovaniemi’s flagship museum explores northern nature, Sámi and Lapland culture, and Arctic history in a landmark riverside building.
Art museum in the Korundi cultural house, featuring contemporary Finnish and northern art with rotating exhibitions and strong local ties.
Science center focused on northern forests, wood use, and sustainability through interactive exhibits suited to adults and children alike.
The riverside hill and park are famous for panoramic city views, midnight sun scenes, and one of Rovaniemi’s best aurora lookouts.
Arctic Circle visitor area combining seasonal atmosphere, snowy scenery, and easy walks around one of Lapland’s most iconic zones.
Popular walking and cycling route along the Kemijoki, offering open river views, benches, and easy access from the city center.
Slow-cooked reindeer stew, often served with mashed potatoes and lingonberries. It is a hallmark of Lapland home cooking and Sámi-influenced food culture.
Cold-smoked or cured reindeer meat, sliced thin. It is a prized Lapland delicacy with a rich, wild flavor linked to northern herding traditions.
Arctic char from northern waters, usually pan-fried, smoked, or grilled. It is valued for its clean taste and strong connection to Lapland fishing traditions.
Refined Arctic fine dining in a stylish setting, known for seasonal Lapland ingredients such as reindeer, fish, berries, and forest flavors.
Elegant riverside restaurant at Arctic TreeHouse Hotel, serving modern Nordic dishes with local ingredients in a calm, upscale atmosphere.
Popular casual restaurant and brewery offering house beers, burgers, and Finnish comfort food in a lively, central atmosphere.
Very expensive for most visitors. Hotels, tours and winter dining cost more than many Nordic city breaks; local buses are fair, but taxis and peak-season stays raise daily budgets fast.
Tipping is not expected in Finland. Service is included; round up only for excellent service. In taxis, rounding up is enough. In cafes, leaving small change is optional.
Official public transport app
Rovaniemi Railway Station -> Lordi's Square, Rovaniemi
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Rovaniemi.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Helsinki to Rovaniemi by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Rovaniemi, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Helsinki to Rovaniemi trains use the Helsinki to Rovaniemi station pair. Use this guide to compare Helsinki and Rovaniemi train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Helsinki has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Vltava, Ravintola Zetor
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Helsinki. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Helsinki. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Helsinki: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Helsinki: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Helsinki: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Kämp, Scandic Simonkenttä, Clarion Hotel Helsinki.
Pasila is 3 km from Helsinki city centre. Public transport options include:
Pasila has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Tripla, Outrun Cafe
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Pasila. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Pasila. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Pasila: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Pasila: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Pasila: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Scandic Pasila, Original Sokos Hotel Tripla, Holiday Inn Helsinki - Expo.
Rovaniemi has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Restaurant Nili, Roka Kitchen & Wine Bar
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Rovaniemi. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Rovaniemi. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Rovaniemi: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Rovaniemi: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rovaniemi: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Scandic Rovaniemi City, Arctic Light Hotel, Santa's Hotel Santa Claus.
Check train stations information for Helsinki and Rovaniemi, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need