Travel Smart: How to Use Public Transport for Your Ski Holiday in Finland

Choose an easy start for your Lapland trip – the night train takes you comfortably from Helsinki to the North. Photo: Protect Our Winters Finland

More and more skiers want to travel responsibly – also on holiday. In Finland, it’s easy thanks to the extensive railway network and reliable long-distance buses. With trains, buses and even night sleepers, your ski holiday can start in a climate-smart way.

By Train to the Slopes

Finland’s rail network stretches across the country, making it simple to reach Lapland without a car. Trains run from all major cities – and you don’t always have to go through Helsinki. For example, trains from Turku connect directly north, and services from Helsinki also pass through Tampere, where passengers can board.

From the Rovaniemi railway station, buses continue to almost every ski resort in Lapland. You can also ride further north by train to Kolari (gateway to Ylläs, Levi, Olos and Pallas) ad too Kemijärvi for Pyhä, Luosto, Suomu, Salla and Ruka.

For many, this is the most relaxed way to begin a ski holiday: board in the evening, sleep in a cabin, and wake up to snowy landscapes in the morning.

Night Trains – A Holiday Before the Holiday

Night trains are especially popular with families and groups. You can book a sleeper cabin and travel overnight, saving both time and hotel costs. Some services even allow you to bring your car, making onward travel even smoother.

It’s worth noting that Finland’s railways are operated by VR (Valtion Rautatiet), the national railway company. VR runs both modern and older sleeper carriages: the newer ones are very comfortable, while the older ones feel more traditional. Either way, they make for a memorable start to a ski trip.

Because night trains are so popular during ski season, especially around winter holidays, it’s best to book early – many departures sell out weeks in advance.

By Bus Across the Country

In Finland, buses are not just for local transfers – they connect the entire country. From Helsinki or other southern cities, you can take a long-distance coach all the way to Lapland’s ski resorts. For many, it’s an affordable and comfortable way to travel.

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Buses also link smoothly with trains at stations like Rovaniemi, Kolari and Kemijärvi, carrying passengers directly to the slopes. Modern coaches are designed to handle ski equipment, and one bus can replace up to 40 private cars, making it a sustainable choice for winter travel.

Why Choose Public Transport?

Traveling by train or bus changes the rhythm of a ski holiday. Instead of focusing on icy roads or long drives, you can relax with a book, play cards with your family, or simply watch as snowy forests and frozen lakes pass by. When you wake up on a night train or step off a bus in the middle of Lapland, the holiday has already begun.

There’s also the satisfaction of knowing your journey leaves a lighter footprint. In Finland, 95% of trains run on fossil-free electricity, and buses carry dozens of travelers who might otherwise drive separately. Public transport is safe, climate-smart and, above all, part of the Finnish winter experience itself.

Tips for a Smooth Journey

• Book early – night trains and holiday buses sell out quickly.
• Plan connections – trains and buses are often scheduled to link.
• Travel light – ski gear is welcome, but compact packing makes life easier.
• Make the journey part of the holiday – whether it’s a nap in a cabin or hot chocolate at a bus stop, the trip north is an adventure in itself.

For skiers who value responsibility and comfort, Finland offers excellent public transport connections to winter resorts. Your ski holiday can start the moment you step on board – and it’s a choice the environment will thank you for.