How To Ride The Santa Claus Express To Lapland
Last Updated on: 21st July 2025, 11:27 am
What Is The Santa Express Train In Finland?
The Santa Express train typically refers to the overnight train journey from Helsinki, Turku, or Tampere to Rovaniemi, the official hometown of Santa Claus in Finnish Lapland. Operated by VR (Finnish Railways), this train is a popular way to travel to visit Santa Claus Village and experience the Arctic Circle. It is included in the Interrail/Eurail pass network, and you only pay for overnight seats or cabins. Even adults are excited to ride the Santa Claus Express train to Lapland.
Booking The Santa Claus Express
Booking the Santa Express is more straightforward if you are buying a ticket at the same time as the reservation. If you are using an Interrail pass, there is more to it. You will need to contact VR directly by the app or call them. You will give them your Interrail pass number and they will make your reservation.
- Tickets: Book tickets in advance through the official VR website or app (VR Finnish Railways).
- Options: Choose between:
- Economy seats: Comfortable but basic, it is a long journey and there is no privacy, but it does the job.
- Sleeper cabins: These are perfect for families, and they are private cabins that include beds and even en-suite bathrooms in some cases. Some cabins are only for 2 people, but they have adjoining doors. There are also pet cabins available if you want to bring your dog.
- Cost: Prices vary depending on the season and the type of ticket (around €50–€200 per person for a one-way trip).
- You can also book your car onto the Santa Express, so you can sleep whilst you travel.
The Journey Details
The train departs from Helsinki or Turku and travels to Rovaniemi, crossing stunning snowy landscapes along the way. As well as the other way home, too. It usually takes approximately 12–14 hours, making it an overnight adventure. You can also do the journey during the day, which is faster and cheaper, as you won’t need a cabin.
There is a dining car with Finnish snacks and meals, so you don’t need to worry about snacks. You can also pre-book breakfast for the morning. There are power outlets at most of the seats and also in the cabins. There is also WIFI throughout the train. The trains are cosy, warm and comfortable to ride.
The journey is a fun and exciting way to travel with your children. Some of the trains are even more festive in the Christmas period. The staff are professional and helpful. They stay happy and cheerful throughout the journey.
Arriving In Lapland
As the train heads north, the scenery transforms into a winter wonderland. Snow-covered forests, quaint villages, and frozen lakes provide a breathtaking backdrop. Keep an eye out for reindeer grazing near the tracks! You get on the train in the evening, where it can be sunny and hot. But you wake up the next morning to a snowy wonderland. The train arrives in Rovaniemi early in the morning, giving you a full day to explore. Stepping off the train, you’ll be greeted by crisp Arctic air and a festive atmosphere. There are bus and taxi connections at the station and they will take you to the centre of Rovaniemi, or even to Santa’s Village.
Practical Tips For Your Santa Claus Express Adventure
You will need some essentials to make your journey more comfortable. Although warm winter clothing is essential, you can rent some when you arrive in Rovaniemi. This saves you from carrying it on the train. You will need thermal layers, insulated boots, hats, gloves, and scarves. The temperatures can drop to minus 20 or even lower!
- As you are on the train for 12 – 14 hours, you might want to pack some home comforts. Things like tablets, phones, chargers, snacks, travel pillows, blankets (if you only book a seat)
- Have a camera handy all the time to grab photos as you travel.
- If you are travelling with small kids, use this time to get them to write letters to Father Christmas, it will keep them entertained whilst they travel and build up the excitement. Also, take some activities for them to do if they get bored. Please remember that people are sleeping on the train, and not to let them run up and down the carriages.
- Soak in every moment of the trip, you are creating the most amazing memories for your family. Something for you all to cherish forever.
What’s The Best Time To Travel
There are so many different times of the year to visit Rovaniemi. No need to worry about missing Father Christmas because he is there all year long. Obviously, the most magical time to visit Rovaniemi is from Late November to Early January. But it can also be the most expensive time. Rovaniemi turns into a pure Christmas wonderland.
Between December and March, you can see the Northern Lights well, and it is cold enough for winter activities. Snowman World is open, and you can go on a dog sledge trip.
April will see you catch the end of the Northern lights and the start of warmer weather as we come into Spring.
