How to get to Kuusamo

Located in the northeast of Finland, the picturesque Kuusamo serves as a gateway to the wilderness of Lapland and the popular Ruka ski resort. Getting here is quite simple: the city boasts its own airport and is excellently connected to the rest of the country by a network of roads, making travel by plane, car, or bus equally accessible. Whether you are planning a winter fairytale or a summer hike, the logistics of the trip will not cause any particular hassle.

The fastest way to start your holiday is to take a direct flight to Kuusamo Airport (KAO), which receives scheduled flights from Helsinki and seasonal charters. The airport is located just a few kilometers from the city center and the resort area, ensuring an easy transfer after landing.

If direct tickets are sold out, you can consider flying to neighboring cities: Rovaniemi (167 km), Oulu (202 km), or Kajaani (206 km). From these transport hubs, you can comfortably continue your journey to Kuusamo by rental car or public transport.

Although Kuusamo itself does not have a railway station, the train remains a comfortable part of the route, especially if you choose the night express from Helsinki to the north. The railway allows you to conveniently reach the nearest major stations while enjoying views of Finnish nature from the window.

The optimal option is to take a train to the stations in the cities of Oulu, Rovaniemi, or Kajaani. From there, regular bus services are organized to take you directly to the center of Kuusamo or to the slopes of the Ruka resort.

Bus services connect the region with key transport hubs, offering an affordable travel option. The most convenient and fastest route runs from Oulu: the bus covers a distance of about 220 km in approximately 3.2 hours.

There are also routes from Rovaniemi (about 6.7 hours on the road) and Kajaani (travel time can reach 14.7 hours due to route specifics). Given the duration of the trip from these cities, it is recommended to check the schedule in advance and choose direct routes or convenient connections.

Traveling by car will allow you to enjoy the picturesque landscapes of Finland at your own pace and make stops in beautiful places. The shortest route leads from Rovaniemi: a road 190 km long will take only about 2.3 hours.

Routes from Oulu (approximately 2.6 hours) and Kajaani (about 2.8 hours) are also popular thanks to high-quality road surfaces and calm traffic. Taxis for such distances are available but can be expensive, so renting a car often becomes a more cost-effective solution for a group or family.

Preparing for a trip to Kuusamo requires attention to detail, especially if you are planning an active holiday in nature. Here are some recommendations to make your journey comfortable and safe.

1. Clothing and Essentials. The weather here is changeable. In winter, be sure to bring thermal underwear, wool items, and a windproof jacket (temperatures can drop below -20°C). In summer, a light waterproof jacket and mosquito repellent will be useful.
2. Transport. Public transport within the city is moderately developed. To visit the surroundings and national parks, renting a car is most convenient.
3. Finances. The country's currency is the Euro (EUR). Bank cards are accepted almost everywhere, even in small kiosks, but carrying some cash for small expenses is helpful.
4. Health and Safety. Kuusamo is a very safe city. Pharmacies are well-stocked, and medical assistance is provided at a high level. Tap water is pure and safe to drink.
5. Communication. The official languages are Finnish and Swedish, but almost all locals, especially in the tourism sector, speak fluent English.
6. Local Etiquette. Finns value personal space and quietness. Greetings are usually reserved (a handshake), and loud conversations in public places are not customary.
7. What to Avoid. Do not walk on the frozen ice of bodies of water in winter without checking the ice thickness or having a guide. Also, avoid violating rules in national parks (such as lighting fires outside designated areas).
8. Extra Tip. If you are traveling in winter, download an app to track the Northern Lights — this region is excellent for observing the Aurora Borealis.

Following these simple rules will help you avoid minor inconveniences and fully focus on the beauty of northern nature.