Tropical beach

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How to get to Levi, Finland

Levi sits in remote Finnish Lapland, but getting there is more straightforward than you might think. The closest airport, Kittilä, is just a 15-minute drive away, making a flight followed by a short transfer one of the simplest ways to reach the resort.

You can also fly into Rovaniemi and continue to Levi by road, or take an overnight train to Kolari or Rovaniemi before completing your journey by bus, taxi or hire car.

Getting to Finnish Lapland: flights and trains

For most visitors, there are three main options to reach Finnish Lapland for a trip to Levi: fly into Kittilä (KTT), fly into Rovaniemi (RVN), or take an overnight train to Kolari or Rovaniemi. The best option depends on your budget, where you’re travelling from and how you want to complete the journey to Levi.

Flying into Kittilä airport

Kittilä Airport is 15 km (9 miles) from Levi, with a drive of around 15 minutes, depending on your exact final destination. Its closeness makes it the most convenient airport for a Levi holiday.

Finnair operates regular flights from Helsinki, with several services a day during the busy winter season. Direct flights from selected European airports also operate in winter, including services offered by airlines and tour operators.

Kittilä airport is easy to navigate and has a very short walk to baggage reclaim. Therefore, arrivals can feel quicker and simpler than at larger airports, although waiting times for luggage will vary, especially during the busy winter season.

Flying into Rovaniemi airport

Rovaniemi is around 170 km (105 miles) from Levi and has a larger airport than Kittilä. Transfers can take over two hours, depending on transport, road conditions and where you’re staying. It’s worth considering if the flights better suit your budget or departure point, or if you want to include a stay in Rovaniemi as part of your holiday.

With often more flight options during winter months, flying into Rovaniemi is a common way to arrive in Lapland. When comparing fares with Kittilä, factor in the cost and time of getting to Levi, as a cheaper flight may not mean a cheaper journey overall.

Taking the overnight train

The overnight train is a good option if you’re spending a few days in Helsinki or starting your trip there. Trains run to Kolari, the closest railway station to Levi, or Rovaniemi, and you can book a sleeper cabin to settle into for the night.

Often seen as part of the holiday where you can relax and enjoy the views. Regardless of your arrival station, remember you’ll still need a transfer to Levi, so check onward connections before booking.

Transfers to Levi options

Whichever way you choose to arrive in Finnish Lapland, you’ll need to complete the journey to your accommodation in Levi. The best option depends on your arrival airport or station, your budget, the number of people in your group and where you’re staying.

  • Taxi or pre-booked transfer: It’s best to pre-book during busy periods and for early-morning returns. Confirm the fare when booking. You’ll be dropped at your accommodation, which is helpful in the cold when you’re still in your travelling clothes.
  • Bus: If staying in the centre of Levi, the bus is an option. Remember to check where it drops off and how far you’ll need to walk. Even a small walk with luggage or children can be challenging if not dressed for the conditions.
  • Car hire: If you intend to drive whilst in Levi, hiring a car at the airport may be a good option, especially if staying outside the village. It’s best to pre-book and be prepared for snow-covered roads. Check your accommodation has parking and if there are any parking fees.
  • Tour package transport: If you’ve booked a holiday package, there’s a high chance that transport is included, so check with your tour operator before departure.

Additional Kittilä airport transfer details

  • Taxi or pre-booked transfer: Prices start from around €60 for 1-4 people, and the transfer will take around 15 minutes. There’s a taxi rank just outside the terminal if you haven’t pre-booked.
  • Bus: The airport bus, operated by Tunturilinjat, costs around €15 per adult one way.

Additional Rovaniemi transfer details

  • Pre-booked taxi transfer: A pre-booked taxi from Rovaniemi airport may cost around €450 one way for 1-4 people.
  • Bus: A bus may cost between €30 – €40 per adult one way and commonly, you may need to depart from Rovaniemi bus station. Taking a taxi from the airport to the bus station may make the journey easier and tickets can be purchased from OnniBus or Eskelisen Lapin Linjat.

How to get to Levi from the UK

In recent years, more airlines have started offering flights at certain times of the year, giving you more options to book independently and build your own holiday rather than relying on tour operators.

Arriving at Kittilä

The following airlines offer flights to Kittilä (KTT):

  • Finnair – From London Heathrow (LHR), connecting flights via Helsinki (HEL), Finland. Operates all year round, with frequency depending on your dates. (Nordic Regional Airlines sometimes operate HEL to KTT flight.)
  • easyJet – From various UK airports (such as LGW, LTN, MAN, LPL), direct flights. Operates in winter months, with frequency depending on the departure airport and dates.
  • TUI – From London Gatwick (LGW), direct flights. Operates in winter months, with one flight a week.
  • Eurowings – From London Heathrow (LHR), connecting flights via Düsseldorf (DUS), Germany. Operates in winter months, with one-three flights a week.
  • KLM – Operates from various UK airports, connecting flights via Amsterdam (AMS), Netherlands. Operates in winter months, with many flights a week.

Arriving at Rovaniemi

The following airlines offer flights to Rovaniemi (RVN):

  • Finnair – From London Heathrow (LHR), connecting flights via Helsinki (HEL), Finland. Operates all year round, with several daily flights between Helsinki and Rovaniemi.
  • easyJet – From various UK airports, direct flights. Operates in winter months, with frequency depending on the departure airport and dates.
  • Ryanair – From various UK airports, direct flights. Operates in winter months, with daily flights from London Stansted (STN) and generally two flights a week from other airports.
  • Norwegian – From London Gatwick (LGW), direct flights. Operates in winter months, with two-three flights a week.
  • TUI – From various UK airports, direct flights. Operates during winter months with frequency depending on your departing airport and dates.
  • Eurowings – From London Heathrow (LHR), connecting flights via Düsseldorf (DUS), Germany. Operates in winter months, with frequency depending on your dates.
  • KLM – From various UK airports, connecting flights via Amsterdam (AMS), Netherlands. Operates in winter months, with frequency depending on your dates.

Package options

In addition to these lists, tour operators such as Crystal Ski and Inghams offer winter package holidays with flights from selected UK airports. Some, such as Inghams, offer exclusive charter flights, which may not be available to book separately from a package.

Frequently asked questions

Is it better to fly into Kittilä or Rovaniemi?

With Kittilä airport being only 15 minutes drive from Levi, it would be a lot more convenient to fly into Kittilä airport where possible.

How far is Rovaniemi from Levi?

Rovaniemi is 170 km (105 miles) away from Levi and will take around 2-3.5 hours by road, depending on your method of transport and the amount of stops.

Is there a direct train to Levi?

No, there is no direct train to Levi, and the closest train station is Kolari, around 80 km (50 miles) away.

Scott

Article by Scott Sherwood

Over the past 15 years, I’ve travelled to various destinations across Scandinavia and Finnish Lapland with my wife, and on family trips with our son. I love the snow, snowboarding and trying different winter activities. Lapland Base brings together what we’ve learnt from those trips.