How to Get to Swedish Lapland. Flights, Transportation, Airlines

Air Travel

Major Airports

Three main airports serve Swedish Lapland, with Kiruna and Luleå for it is the most frequently used by tourists.

Gateways

Kiruna Airport (KRN): Main airport for northern Swedish Lapland, direct access to Kiruna city, Jukkasjärvi (Icehotel), and Abisko.
Luleå Airport (LLA): Larger airport in southern Swedish Lapland with more flight options and connections. Good entry point for Luleå city and Gammelstad.
Arvidsjaur Airport (AJR) and Gällivare Airport (GEV) are tinyer regional options.

Airlines & Routes

Most flights into Swedish Lapland originate from Stockholm.

Domestic Carriers

SAS (Scandinavian Airlines): Regular flights from Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) to Kiruna (KRN) and Luleå (LLA).
Norwegian Air Shuttle: Flights from Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) to Luleå (LLA). (Dollar Flight Club for deals).
Braathens Regional Airlines (BRA): Flights from Stockholm Bromma (BMA) with connections to Luleå or Kiruna. (Skyscanner for comparisons).

Direct Flight Notes

No direct international flights reach Swedish Lapland airports from outside Scandinavia. Most international travelers connect via Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN).

Seasonal Fluctuations

Flight frequency and prices vary significantly with seasons. Peak winter and peak summer present highest prices. Shoulder seasons may show lower prices.

Airport Facilities

Airports in Swedish Lapland are generally smaller. They offer basic facilities like car rental desks, small cafes, and essential amenities.

Airport Transfers

Kiruna Transfers

Airport Bus (Flygbussarna) connects to Kiruna city center (15-20 minutes, ~SEK 120).
Taxis are available outside the terminal.
Many hotels and tour operators in Kiruna and Jukkasjärvi (Icehotel) offer pre-arranged transfers.

Luleå Transfers

Airport Bus service to Luleå city center (~10-15 minutes, SEK 80-100).
Taxis are readily available.
Car rental services are present at major airports. (DiscoverCars.com for options).

Booking Flights

Trusted Platforms

Utilize reputable flight search engines for comparing prices and finding deals.

Consider Night Trains

Traveling overnight from Stockholm to Kiruna helps you save on accommodation costs for one night and maximizes daylight hours in Lapland.

Land Transportation

Train Connections

Train travel offers a comfortable and a visually appealing way to reach Swedish Lapland.

SJ Night Trains

SJ (Swedish Railways): Offers comfortable night trains from Stockholm Central Station directly to Kiruna.
Various options exist, including seating, couchettes, and private sleeping compartments.
Some services continue more to the north to Björkliden, Riksgränsen, and Narvik, Norway.

Bus Services

Buses form the backbone of public transportation within the region.

Regional & Local Buses

Länstrafiken Norrbotten: Main operator for regional bus services, connecting towns and villages.
Larger towns like Kiruna and Luleå have their own the local city networks of buses.
Schedules vary significantly, with fewer services on weekends and national holidays. Organization is advisable.

Self-Driving Considerations

Driving offers the most freedom to explore the vast region.

Requirements & Winter Driving

A valid national driver's license. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is good for non-EU/EEA licenses.
Minimum rental age is typically 18, but many companies have higher age requirements (20-25).
Winter Driving: Experience and caution are important. Winter tires are mandatory (Oct 1 - Apr 15). Rental cars come equipped.

Road Conditions & Safety

Roads are generally well-maintained, but specific risks exist.

Hazards & Vigilance

Main roads are well-maintained. In winter, they are plowed, but might still be snowy or icy.
Wildlife: Reindeer and moose are common, especially on roads. Collisions can be serious. Drive with caution, notably at dawn and dusk.
Headlights must be on at all times, day or night. Speed limits are enforced strictly.

Border Crossing Information

As part of the Schengen Area, no routine border checks occur when traveling by land from neighboring Schengen countries (e.g., Norway, Finland).
Seamless border crossings are common.

No specific entry fees or special permits for standard crossings.
Special activities or controlled areas may have specific permit needs.

Departure Information

Exit Fees & Procedures

No particular exit fees or taxes are present for departing Sweden from its airports or train stations.

Airport Departure Timing

Standard airport check-in and security procedures apply.
Arrive at the airport: 2 hours for domestic flights, 3 hours for international (if connecting via Stockholm).
Allow extra time during peak seasons or for checking special gear (e.g., ski gear).

Station Departure Timing

Prepare for train departures accordingly.

Train Station Arrivals & Facilities

For train travel, arrive at the station at least 30-60 minutes before departure.
More time if tickets need picking up or with large luggage.
Airport and train station facilities in Swedish Lapland are generally basic, offering essential services.

Sea/River Travel Note

Sea or river transport is not a main mode of international arrival for Swedish Lapland. Mainly cargo or local archipelago ferries.

Local Boat Tours

Some riverboat tours run seasonally for local excursions, not for inter-country travel.

Departure Facilities

Airport and train station facilities are basic, with essential check-in, security, and sometimes small shops or cafes.

Local Transportation

Rental Options

Renting a car has the greatest flexibility for exploring.

Car Rental Benefits

Highly recommended for areas outside main towns.
Freedom to visit national parks or remote attractions at your own pace.
Motorcycle and scooter rentals are not common or practical due to vast distances.

Walking & Cycling

Pedestrian-friendly areas and cycling routes exist.

Accessibility & Safety

Town centers are generally pedestrian-friendly. Numerous well-marked hiking trails are available.
Dedicated cycling paths between towns are limited. Quiet roads are for cycling.
No specific "no-go" areas for safety, but check for deep snow or avalanche risk in winter.

Specialized Transportation

Tour Buses

Many tour operators include transportation in their packages (e.g., Northern Lights tours, Icehotel visits).

Boat Taxis

Limited to specific lake or archipelago tours in summer. A unique way to experience certain areas.

Unique Local Transport

Aurora Sky Station in Abisko via chairlift. Snowmobiles and dog sleds are common modes for guided tours.

Accessibility Information

Modern buses in Sweden generally have accessibility features. Train services also target accessibility. Confirm specific details with transit operators or local tourist offices in advance for particular mobility needs.

How to Get to Swedish Lapland