Rovaniemi Train Station
Rovaniemi Train Station
About Rovaniemi Railway Station
About Rovaniemi Railway Station
One of Finland's oldest railway stations, Rovaniemi railway station opened its doors in 1909 and has served as the primary gateway to Finnish Lapland ever since. Located at Ratakatu 3, 96100 Rovaniemi — approximately a 10-minute walk from the city center — the Rovaniemi train station is the northernmost passenger terminal operated by VR, connecting the Arctic Circle region with major cities across the country. From Rovaniemi station, you can board a direct daytime or night train to Oulu, Tampere, Helsinki, and Turku. The station is the final destination on the iconic Santa Claus Express night train from Helsinki and Turku — a service that also continues to Kemijärvi and Kolari on various departures. Inside the station you will find 11 tracks, three platforms, restaurants, ticket vending machines, restrooms, car-carrier loading docks, luggage lockers, and service assistance. Note that the station's waiting rooms are not open 24 hours daily — operating hours run from 05:00 to 21:30, so plan your departure time and arrival accordingly. The station is the perfect base to explore Finnish Lapland, with access to northern lights, the midnight sun, reindeer safaris, and Santa Claus Village all within easy reach.
A Night Train from Helsinki
A Night Train from Helsinki
It may still be months away, but that doesn't mean you can't start planning your night train adventure from Helsinki to Rovaniemi! VR's magical Santa Claus Express night train makes the perfect winter gift for friends and family — and a memorable journey for any season. Along the way, you'll experience the northern lights gliding across the sky, with the Finnish nature scrolling past in full view from your cabin window. Travel time on the Santa Claus Express from Helsinki to Rovaniemi is under fifteen hours, and reservations for beds are compulsory — so book in advance to secure your cabin and the best available price. The Santa Claus Express also connects Turku to Rovaniemi, giving travelers in south Finland an additional departure option. Make your trip unforgettable with a night train journey they'll talk about for years to come.
Rovaniemi Central Railway Station
Rovaniemi Central Railway Station
Facilities & Services:
- Ticket vending machine
- Public restrooms and toilets
- Car-carrier loading docks for vehicle transport on selected overnight trains between Rovaniemi and southern Finland
- Self-service baggage and ski lockers
- Assistance service for passengers with reduced mobility (must be booked 24 hours in advance; assistance point located near platform 1, with Track 1 featuring an elevated wheelchair ramp)
Address: Ratakatu 3, 96100 Rovaniemi
Open hours: Open daily from 05.00 - 21.30
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Routes via Imatra Station
Routes via Imatra Station
Check out other Rail Stations in Finland
Check out other Rail Stations in Finland
F.A.Q About Train Travel in Finland
F.A.Q About Train Travel in Finland
Rovaniemi railway station is located at Ratakatu 3, approximately a 10-minute walk from Rovaniemi city center. Bus Line 8 connects the train station directly to the city center and various neighborhoods, operated by the local Linkkari public bus service. Taxis are available at the station for direct transfers. Car rental services from many major brands are also available in Rovaniemi, including pickup options near the station site. The station is easy to reach from most parts of the city, and the journey on foot takes around 10 minutes from the central area.
Rovaniemi Airport is located north of the city center. Airport buses and taxi services connect Rovaniemi Airport to the train station and city center. Check current bus timetables and contact your accommodation or the airport information desk for the most up-to-date transfer options. The VR app also provides live information on train times and platform changes at Rovaniemi station, so you can check your departure details before leaving the airport.
The Santa Claus Express is VR's most famous night train, running from Helsinki and Turku to Rovaniemi — and continuing on selected departures to Kemijärvi and Kolari. Travel time from Helsinki to Rovaniemi on the Santa Claus Express is under fifteen hours, meaning passengers depart in the evening and arrive in Finnish Lapland the following morning. Reservations for beds on the Santa Claus Express are compulsory and should be booked in advance — cabin availability fills up quickly, especially in winter months and around the Christmas season. The train is a direct daytime or night service with no changes required, and is the most popular way to reach Rovaniemi from Helsinki and Turku. Tips for booking: reserve your cabin as many months ahead as possible and check availability on the VR app or Rail Ninja for the best seat and price options on your preferred date.
Rovaniemi train station serves direct daytime and night trains to various destinations across Finland. Direct routes depart from Rovaniemi to Helsinki, Tampere, Oulu, and Turku — connecting Finnish Lapland with the country's major cities in the south. The overnight service to Kemijärvi, north of Rovaniemi, has operated since 2014 and is the only overnight train service on that line. All long-distance trains to Helsinki and Turku depart from one of the station's three platforms, with 11 tracks in total serving the station. Check the VR app or call the VR service line to confirm departure times, as schedules can vary by date and season.
Yes — reservations are required on all long-distance VR trains departing from Rovaniemi, including day trains and the Santa Claus Express night train. Beds on the night train are compulsory to reserve in addition to the ticket. You can make reservations in advance via the VR app, the VR website, at the ticket vending machine at the station, or by calling VR directly. Booking well in advance — especially for winter travel and summer dates — is strongly recommended, as popular departures on routes between Rovaniemi and Helsinki or Turku can sell out months ahead. On-site assistance for booking is also available at the station during open hours (05:00–21:30 daily).
Rovaniemi is the official home of Santa Claus Village, located right on the Arctic Circle — a must-visit destination for families and winter travelers. The region is one of the best places in the world to see the northern lights (September to March) and experience the midnight sun in summer. Activities in the area include reindeer safaris, husky sled rides, snowmobiling, hiking in Finnish nature, and exploring the Arktikum museum. Rovaniemi city center is a 10-minute walk from the train station, with restaurants, shops, and local services all within easy reach. The station is the gateway to one of Finland's most magical regions — and the journey north on the Santa Claus Express is very much part of the experience.