How to get from Ivalo airport (IVL) to Saariselkä and the other destinations it serves: shuttle, taxi and rental car options for 2026.
Ivalo Airport (IVL) is Finland's northernmost airport, 11 km from Ivalo and well over 200 km north of the Arctic Circle. It serves Saariselkä, Inari and Sámi country. Finnair flies from Helsinki year-round, up to three times a day in winter, and in winter direct flights and charters arrive from London, Paris, Frankfurt, Zurich and other European cities.
Runs only when a flight arrives or departs, to Saariselkä (€15), Kakslauttanen (€19) and Kiilopää (€20), with stops at the main Saariselkä hotels. No seat reservation needed: buy the ticket from the driver in cash or by card.
Some Saariselkä and Kakslauttanen hotels arrange transfers in winter, so ask when you book.
Book Taksi Saariselkä (0100 84669) or Ivalon Taksit (0100 87888); Finavia lists several more Ivalo-area taxi firms. Worth it only for very late flights or with young kids.
Avis, Budget, Europcar, Green Motion and Hertz serve the airport; some open only with a prior reservation (Finavia). Essential if visiting Inari, Nellim or the Kevo Strict Nature Reserve.
How far is Saariselkä from Ivalo airport?
28 km, ~30 minutes by the Eskelisen airport bus (€15) or by taxi. No train line, road transport only.
Is there a shuttle from Ivalo airport to Inari?
Not a scheduled one. A shuttle to Inari village runs as a charter service, booked with Ilmari Slant Ky; otherwise take a taxi or a rental car.
How do I get to Kakslauttanen from Ivalo airport?
Ask your hotel about a transfer, or take the Eskelisen airport bus, which continues past Saariselkä to Kakslauttanen (€19).
Yes: Avis, Budget, Europcar, Green Motion and Hertz. Book ahead in winter; some open only with a prior reservation.
Yes, from Helsinki year-round, with up to three flights a day in winter. Check the current timetable on finavia.fi.
The Eskelisen airport bus may leave as soon as the flight's passengers and luggage are on board, so go straight to it after baggage claim.
Inari (Sámi capital, SIIDA museum) is 40 km further north, add half a day.
Aurora forecasts are best checked before landing; IVL is deep in the auroral zone.
Taxis wait at the stand at flight times, but to be sure of a ride, book ahead. Save Ivalon Taksit (0100 87888) in your phone.
Winter temperatures hit -35°C. Plane-to-taxi transfer in shorts is unwise.