This winter you can fly direct from 13 UK and Irish airports into Finnish Lapland, and from London Gatwick straight to Ivalo, the airport closest to our hotels.
This guide shows you every direct option for winter 2026/27, which one suits where you live, and how we take care of the last stretch to Inari and Saariselkä. For all the ways in, including the train and the road north, see our guide on how to get to Lapland.
The quickest way: London Gatwick to Ivalo
British Airways flies direct from London Gatwick to Ivalo through the winter season, operated by BA Euroflyer. Ivalo is 35 to 45 minutes from every one of our hotels, so you can leave London and reach the hotel the same day.
We meet you in arrivals and drive you to the hotel. Transfers are included in most of our ready-made packages. Check the flight days on ba.com when you book, as seasonal schedules are set by the airline.
Direct to Rovaniemi from across the UK and Ireland
Rovaniemi, the capital of Lapland, has direct winter flights from all over the UK and Ireland. It is the widest choice of departure airports by far.
Departure airport | Airline |
London Gatwick | BA Euroflyer, easyJet, Norwegian |
London Luton | easyJet |
London Southend | easyJet |
London Stansted | Ryanair |
Birmingham | easyJet, Ryanair |
Bristol | easyJet, Ryanair |
Manchester | easyJet, Ryanair |
Liverpool | easyJet, Ryanair |
Newcastle | easyJet |
Edinburgh | easyJet |
Belfast | easyJet |
Dublin | Ryanair |
Shannon | Ryanair |
From Rovaniemi it is about 290 km north to our hotels. From Rovaniemi, you can continue north by public bus or contact us about a private transfer. The most suitable bus stop and any onward transfer depend on your hotel. Check the arrangements with us before booking. Our guide to getting from Rovaniemi to Ivalo covers the journey, and many guests find the drive through the snowy forest a highlight in itself.
Via Helsinki with Finnair
Finnair flies to Helsinki from London Heathrow, Manchester, Edinburgh and Dublin, with onward flights to Ivalo several times a day. Everything sits on one ticket, your bag goes all the way through, and you land in Ivalo just like the Gatwick flight. It is a good choice if you want to fly from Heathrow or prefer a full-service airline.
If you would like to see a little of Finland on the way, you can also break the journey in Helsinki and take the Santa Claus Express night train north to Rovaniemi.
Kittilä, for western Lapland
easyJet also flies direct to Kittilä from London Gatwick, London Luton, Manchester and Liverpool. Kittilä is the gateway to the western fells of Levi and Ylläs. If you are combining a few days of skiing there with a stay with us, we can arrange the transfer across Lapland, which takes about three hours.
Which route suits you?
If you live near | Easiest option | Lands at |
London | Gatwick direct, or Heathrow via Helsinki | Ivalo |
North of England | Manchester, Liverpool or Newcastle direct | Rovaniemi |
Midlands and South West | Birmingham or Bristol direct | Rovaniemi |
Scotland | Edinburgh direct, or Edinburgh via Helsinki | Rovaniemi or Ivalo |
Northern Ireland and Ireland | Belfast, Dublin or Shannon direct, or Dublin via Helsinki | Rovaniemi or Ivalo |
Arriving with us
Wherever you land, we take it from there. Send us your flight details when you book and we will plan the last stretch with you.
Airport | To our hotels | How |
Ivalo (IVL) | 35 to 45 min | Our transfer, included in most packages |
Rovaniemi (RVN) | about 3-4 hours | Direct buses or private transfer |
Kittilä (KTT) | about 3-4 hours | Private transfer we arrange |
Plan your trip with us
Tell us where you are flying from and we will help you choose the best route and arrange your transfer, so your holiday starts the moment you land.
Plan your Arctic adventure with our sales team.
Contact us: sales@wildernesshotels.fi · +358 10 212 3990
Wilderness Hotels & Safaris, Inari and Saariselkä, Finnish Lapland
Frequently asked questions
Are there direct flights from the UK to Lapland?
Yes. In winter 2026/27 there are direct flights to Rovaniemi from 13 UK and Irish airports, to Kittilä from four UK airports, and from London Gatwick to Ivalo.
Can I fly direct from the UK to Ivalo?
Yes. British Airways flies London Gatwick to Ivalo in winter. Ivalo is 35 to 45 minutes from our hotels, and we meet you on arrival.
Which airport is closest to Inari and Saariselkä?
Ivalo. Saariselkä is about 30 minutes away and Inari about 45. Rovaniemi is about four hours by road, and Kittilä about three.
How do I get from Rovaniemi to the hotels?
Take the direct public transportation north, which needs no changes, or let us arrange a private transfer. Our Rovaniemi to Ivalo guide has the details.
Can I fly from Heathrow?
Yes, with Finnair via Helsinki. You change planes once and land in Ivalo, all on one ticket.
Expert info
Written by: the Wilderness Hotels guide team, Inari & Saariselkä.
We have welcomed UK guests off the Ivalo flight, the Rovaniemi direct bus routes and the road north since 2004. Wilderness Hotels is a family-owned company; its founders, Mari and Jouko, were named National Entrepreneurs of the Year in Finland in 2024. All locations hold Green Key (since 2022) and Sustainable Travel Finland (since 2024) certifications.
Contact: sales@wildernesshotels.fi · +358 10 212 3990
Sources:
Finavia, route listing for winter season 2026/27 (published 8 October 2026)
British Airways, easyJet, Ryanair, Norwegian and Finnair schedules (airline websites)
Wilderness Hotels, own transfer operations, Inari and Saariselkä
