- Must visit
Arktikum
Rovaniemi’s flagship science center and museum, covering Arctic nature, culture, and northern history in an iconic riverside building.
Cheapest price
$39
Average price
$45
Fastest journey
2 h 19 m
Average duration
2 h 24 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
166 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Oulu to Rovaniemi is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Oulu to Rovaniemi will cost around $45 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
Of the 6 trains that leave Oulu for Rovaniemi on Mon, Jun 01, 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 01 the direct trains cover the 166 km distance in an average of 2 h 24 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 19 m .
On Mon, Jun 01 the slowest trains will take 2 h 30 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.
PYO-273
IC-27
PYO-265
IC-35
IC-23
IC-23
IC-27
IC-35
PYO-265
IC-25Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Oulu to Rovaniemi among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $9. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 29m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $9, and a train costs an average of $12.
Distance: 103 miles (166 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$35 Average price | $11 Average price Cheapest | $53 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 59m Average total duration Fastest 2h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 35m Average total duration 3h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 47m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Oulu to Rovaniemi:
A bus is $24 (€19) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Oulu to Rovaniemi costing on average $35 (€28).
Other travel options to Rovaniemi take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 5m.
The journey is about 18m faster (2h 29m by train vs 2h 47m by car) and roughly $18 (€14) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($35 (€28) vs $53 (€43)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with VR.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Oulu to Rovaniemi trains for today, Sunday, May 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
IC-25 | 5:53 PM Oulu station | 2h30 | 8:23 PM Rovaniemi station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC-27 | 8:24 PM Oulu station | 2h21 | 10:45 PM Rovaniemi station | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, June 1 | |||||
PYO-265 | 4:52 AM Oulu station | 2h28 | 7:20 AM Rovaniemi station | 0 transfersDirect | |
PYO-273 | 8:26 AM Oulu station | 2h33 | 10:59 AM Rovaniemi station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC-35 | 12:20 PM Oulu station | 2h21 | 2:41 PM Rovaniemi station | 0 transfersDirect | |
IC-23 | 2:27 PM Oulu station | 2h19 | 4:46 PM Rovaniemi station | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Oulu to Rovaniemi run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 29m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) but you can travel from only $9 (€7) by bus.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:45, the last at 21:00. The fastest train covers the 103 miles (166 km) distance in 2h 19m.
Distance 103 miles (166 km) |
Average train duration 2h 29m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€10) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 2h 19m |
First train 3:45 AM |
Last train 9:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 42 days |
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 science center and museum, covering Arctic nature, culture, and northern history in an iconic riverside building.
Contemporary art museum and cultural venue housing the Rovaniemi Art Museum, known for changing exhibitions and Finnish contemporary art.
Interactive exhibition space focused on northern forests and sustainable use of wood, especially good for families and hands-on learning.
The best-known outdoor recreation area in Rovaniemi, offering viewpoints, forest trails, winter sports, and aurora-watching opportunities.
The tourist zone around SantaPark and the Arctic Circle, popular with families and social media visitors in winter.
Rovaniemi’s central urban square, useful as a walking hub with seasonal decorations, events, and nearby shopping streets.
Sautéed reindeer, usually served with mashed potatoes, lingonberries, and pickles. It is one of Lapland’s most iconic traditional dishes.
Thinly sliced smoked reindeer meat, often served as a starter with rye bread or salad. A classic Lappish delicacy with deep regional roots.
Creamy Finnish salmon soup with potatoes, carrots, dill, and fish broth. It is widely eaten in the north and especially welcome in cold weather.
Popular casual bistro known for hearty northern flavors, reindeer dishes, and quality local ingredients in a relaxed modern setting.
Well-known Rovaniemi restaurant specializing in traditional Lappish cuisine such as reindeer, game, and local fish in a rustic atmosphere.
Stylish restaurant in the city center focusing on seasonal Lapland ingredients, refined presentation, and a more upscale dining experience.
Prices are high by European standards, especially for hotels and dining, but supermarkets and lunch deals help cut costs.
Tipping is not expected. Service is included. You can round up or leave about 5-10% for excellent service, and round up taxi fares.
Official public transport app
Rovaniemi Airport, Rovaniemi -> Rovaniemi City Center, Rovaniemi
The train connection between Oulu and Rovaniemi is a convenient way to explore the stunning landscapes of Finland. Operated by VR, the Finnish railway company, this route offers comfortable travel options with scenic views along the way. The journey typically takes around 2 hours and 30 minutes, making it an ideal choice for both tourists and locals looking to experience the beauty of Lapland.
Traveling from Oulu to Rovaniemi takes approximately 2 hours and 18 minutes. There are up to 4 direct connections available each day, making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore the beautiful landscapes of Finnish Lapland.
The first daily train from Oulu to Rovaniemi departs at 05:26, providing an early start for travelers looking to explore the beautiful landscapes of Lapland. The last journey of the day leaves at 18:24, allowing visitors ample time to enjoy their activities before heading back in the evening.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Oulu and Rovaniemi is €9. The average ticket price typically hovers around €25, making it a budget-friendly option for travelers looking to explore these beautiful Finnish cities.
Welcome to Santa Claus Village, a magical destination that has captured the hearts of visitors since its establishment in 1985. This enchanting place is not only significant as the official hometown of Santa Claus but also serves as a vibrant hub for Christmas cheer year-round, attracting families from all over the globe. Unique features include meeting Santa himself, crossing the Arctic Circle line, and exploring charming shops filled with festive souvenirs.
Next on our journey is the Arktikum Museum, which opened its doors in 1992 and stands as a testament to Lapland's rich cultural heritage and natural history. The museum plays an essential role in educating visitors about life above the Arctic Circle while showcasing stunning exhibitions related to indigenous Sámi culture and climate change impacts. One of its most unique aspects is its striking architecture—designed to resemble ice floes—and panoramic views overlooking Ounasjoki River.
Finally, we arrive at Rovaniemi Church, built between 1950-1951 after World War II when much of Rovaniemi was rebuilt from destruction. This church holds great significance for locals as it symbolizes resilience and hope while serving as an important community gathering space throughout generations. Its unique feature lies in its beautiful stained glass windows created by renowned artist Maija Isola that depict biblical stories intertwined with Finnish nature themes—a true reflection of this region’s spirit!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Oulu 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.

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