Driving from Southern Finland to Lapland

If your main destination is above the Arctic Circle and you do not have much time, you might wonder whether it is practical to arrive in southern Finland (for example, Helsinki or Turku) and drive your camper directly to Lapland.

The good news is that it is absolutely possible. The route is straightforward and easy to follow, especially during the snow-free season.

For example, the drive from Helsinki to Rovaniemi is more than 800 kilometres. Depending on how often and how long you stop for meals, coffee, or fuel, the total journey usually takes around 11-13 hours in good driving conditions. In winter, snow, ice, or poor weather can increase your travel time considerably.

The easiest route to Lapland

The simplest route from southern Finland to Lapland passes through several larger cities. From Helsinki or Turku, head towards Jyväskylä. From Jyväskylä, continue north to Oulu. From Oulu, your route will depend on which part of Lapland you are visiting.

Using a navigation app is recommended, but the route is generally straightforward and well signposted. Sometimes the navigation app (Google Maps, at least) may suggest “faster” routes to your destination in Lapland. However, if you would like to occasionally see other people and have easier access to fuel stations, it is better to make sure your route goes through the larger towns and follows the main roads.

What is the drive like?

Most of the route follows good-quality highways, but apart from the motorway sections near the largest cities, the roads are mainly two-lane highways with speed limits typically between 80 and 100 km/h.

The drive north can feel quite long because many sections of the road are straight and the scenery changes only gradually. The landscape remains fairly similar until you reach the Oulu area, where it starts to become more noticeably northern.

Reindeer warning sign

It is important to stay alert throughout the journey. Large animals such as moose and deer may occasionally cross the road unexpectedly. Once you reach the reindeer herding area, you should also watch out for reindeer on or near the road.

You may also find yourself driving behind slower vehicles, such as trucks, for long stretches before reaching a safe place to overtake. Some parts of the route have passing lanes, but they are not continuous, so patience is often required. Because of this, it is best to allow enough time for the journey and enjoy the drive instead of trying to reach your destination as quickly as possible.

Planning your travel time

Although driving from southern Finland to Lapland in one day is certainly possible—and many Finns do this when travelling for a Lapland holiday, especially younger travellers—it is often more comfortable to divide the trip into two days. This allows you to drive at a relaxed pace and enjoy the journey without feeling rushed.

When planning your trip, think about your own driving experience and energy level. If you are not familiar with driving in Finland, it is a good idea to allow extra time and take regular breaks. If you are travelling during winter, make sure your vehicle is equipped with suitable winter tyres, as they are required when winter road conditions exist. Weather conditions can change quickly, especially in northern Finland.

There are plenty of places to stay overnight along the route, whether you prefer a campground, a camper stop, or wild camping. Fuel stations are easy to find throughout most of the journey. However, once you travel further north, they become less frequent, especially outside towns. It is a good idea to refuel before your tank gets too low.

Once you arrive, take time to enjoy life above the Arctic Circle. Explore the fells, experience the unique northern landscapes, and, if you have time, maybe even continue your journey to the Arctic Ocean or northern Norway.

Published on 1.8.2026