Santa Claus Express: Helsinki to Rovaniemi Overnight En-Suite Sleeper Train

Rovaniemi in Lapland, Finland, is famous as the home of Santa — and these days it is also known for glass igloo hotels. Instead of flying from Helsinki, you can ride the train: the Santa Claus Express, an overnight sleeper all the way toward the Arctic Circle.

Two Santa Express trains, one late-night departure

They have two “Santa Express” trains running the Lapland overnight routes. We took the late night one — the 11pm departure from Helsinki.

The route runs Helsinki to Rovaniemi, calling at Tampere, Seinäjoki, Oulu and Kemi along the way.

The upper en-suite cabin: 188 EUR total

We booked upper en-suite cabins — 188 EUR total. They aren’t a substitute for hotel rooms, but they’re a hit with kids.

A real (tiny) bathroom

There’s a tiny bathroom with actual flowing water — and the mirror swings aside if you want to shower.

Sleeping through the night

Blinds will ensure you aren’t awake at 4am. And due to the angle to Oulu, sunrise is actually on the left.

The restaurant car

The train has a restaurant car: coffee, drinks, juices, croissants — but no breakfast sandwiches.

Crossing the Kemijoki

Finland is mostly flat — after Kemi we cross the Kemijoki river.

On-time arrival in Rovaniemi

On-time, non-fussy arrival in Rovaniemi — and the train station houses rental car companies. We booked an automatic wagon with Alamo.

To the Arctic Circle and Apukka Resort

After a brief stop at the Angry Birds playground, we were off to the Arctic Circle — empty on a late August weekday afternoon. Lunch at the pizza place at one end of the village, and then 15 mins further to the fabulous Apukka Resort.

Not a hotel room, but a memorable way to fall asleep in Helsinki and wake up in Lapland.