How to get from Kuusamo airport (KAO) to Ruka and nearby resorts, shuttle, taxi and rental car options for 2026.
Kuusamo Airport (KAO) sits 6 km north of Kuusamo town and is the gateway to Ruka ski resort, Oulanka National Park and the Karhunkierros bear trail. Finnair flies from Helsinki year-round, several times a day in winter, and in winter 2026–27 airBaltic, Edelweiss, Eurowings and Lufthansa add direct flights from eight European cities, alongside tour-operator charters. The pre-booked airport bus to Ruka meets every scheduled flight.
Meets every scheduled flight (Finnair, Edelweiss, Eurowings, Lufthansa, airBaltic), but not charter flights. Book at matkahuolto.fi from a month ahead until 24 hours before; if seats are left, you can buy on board at the same price. Adults pay €15.90 to Ruka village, €9.90 to Holiday Club Kuusamon Tropiikki and €20.90 to RukaValley (ruka.fi).
Some Ruka hotels and tour operators arrange airport transfers, and charter passengers are not covered by the airport bus, so check your booking.
Rukan Taksi charges a fixed €70 (Mon–Fri) or €75 (Sat–Sun) between Ruka and the airport for 1–4 people, booked ahead. Finavia lists OTAXI Ruka-Kuusamo (0100 84200) and Rukan Taksi. Book ahead in winter peak.
Avis, Budget, Europcar and Hertz serve the airport; some open only with a prior reservation (Finavia). Useful for Oulanka day trips.
How do I get from Kuusamo airport to Ruka?
By the pre-booked airport bus, about 30 minutes, €15.90 per adult. It meets every scheduled flight. A pre-booked Rukan Taksi taxi costs €70–75.
Yes. Finnair flies from Helsinki year-round, several times a day in winter, and in winter airBaltic, Edelweiss, Eurowings and Lufthansa add direct European flights.
Yes: Avis, Budget, Europcar and Hertz. Some open only with a prior reservation, so book ahead.
How far is Oulanka National Park from KAO?
About 50 km, roughly an hour by car. In summer (1.6.–30.9.) the pre-booked Karhunkierros Express runs from Ruka village to Juuma (€25); at other times you need a taxi or a rental car.
Book the Ruka airport bus at least 24 hours ahead. It waits for every scheduled flight.
Ruka advertises over 200 skiing days a year; the 2026–27 season runs from 2 October to 2 May.
Oulanka National Park is the highlight in summer; book a car or guided transfer.
The airport has separate stands for pre-booked and free taxis, and a screen in the terminal shows the names of customers with a pre-booked taxi.
In summer (1.6.–30.9.) the pre-booked Karhunkierros Express runs from Ruka village to Juuma and the Oulanka Visitor Centre.