How to get to Kiruna

Nestled in the heart of Swedish Lapland, Kiruna is a gateway to unforgettable Arctic adventures, from chasing the northern lights to experiencing traditional Sámi culture and the thrill of dog sledding in Kiruna through snow-covered landscapes.

Reaching this remote town requires a bit of planning, but with several convenient options, you can easily find a way to arrive and enjoy all that Kiruna has to offer. Here’s how to get there!

By Air

Flying is the fastest way to reach Kiruna from Stockholm and other major cities in Sweden.

1. Domestic Flights from Stockholm to Kiruna Airport (KRN):
   • Duration: About 1.5 hours.
   • Airlines: Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and Norwegian operate daily flights from Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) to Kiruna Airport (KRN).
   • Frequency: Multiple flights are available each day, especially during the peak winter season.
2. Connecting International Flights:
   • International visitors can book flights to Stockholm, Sweden’s capital, from most major cities worldwide, including direct routes from Europe, Asia, and North America.
   • From Stockholm, visitors can transfer to a domestic flight to Kiruna.
   • Alternatively, Oslo (Norway) and Helsinki (Finland) are other connecting hubs for travelers from Europe.
3. From Kiruna Airport to Kiruna Town Center:
   • Distance: 10 km.
   • Transport Options: Taxis, airport shuttles, and car rentals are readily available. Buses are also available but less frequent. The trip to the town center takes about 15 minutes.

By Train

Traveling by train to Kiruna offers a scenic journey, especially in winter when the landscapes are covered in snow.

1. From Stockholm to Kiruna by Train:
   • Duration: 14-17 hours, depending on the service.
   • Operator: SJ (Swedish Railways).
   • Service Options: Both overnight trains and daytime trains are available. Sleeper cabins are recommended for overnight journeys.
   • Route: The train route from Stockholm to Kiruna passes through scenic areas, including Swedish forests, lakes, and small towns. Some trains even continue to Narvik in Norway, allowing for beautiful Arctic views.
2. From Other Cities in Sweden:
   • Trains are also available from Gothenburg and Umeå to Kiruna, with connecting routes in Stockholm or Boden, depending on the departure city.
   • Travelers coming from the southern regions can also take regional trains to reach larger hubs, where they can connect to direct Kiruna-bound trains.

By Bus

While less popular due to the long travel time, buses are an option for travelers looking for budget-friendly ways to reach Kiruna.

1. Long-Distance Buses:
   • Operators: Companies like FlixBus and Länstrafiken Norrbotten operate long-distance routes to northern Sweden.
   • Route: Buses from southern and central Sweden usually require multiple transfers and are best suited for travelers with flexible schedules.
   • Duration: From Stockholm, the bus journey can take over 20 hours, depending on connections and the season.
2. Local and Regional Buses:
   • From Narvik (Norway): There are local buses connecting Kiruna with Narvik, ideal for visitors traveling from Norway.
   • From Luleå and Boden: Regional buses operate to Kiruna and connect with other parts of Swedish Lapland.

By Car

Driving to Kiruna offers flexibility and the opportunity to explore Swedish Lapland and nearby scenic spots along the way.

1. From Stockholm:
   • Distance: 1,240 km.
   • Route: Take the E4 highway north from Stockholm and follow the E10 highway west to Kiruna. The journey takes approximately 13-15 hours by car.
   • Scenic Stops: Along the way, you can stop in charming towns like Umeå and Luleå, as well as national parks.
2. From Narvik (Norway):
   • Distance: 180 km.
   • Route: Follow the E10 highway east from Narvik to Kiruna.
   • Duration: Approximately 2.5 hours.
   • This route offers scenic mountain views and is a popular drive for those exploring both Sweden and Norway’s Arctic regions.
3. Road Conditions and Driving Tips:
   • In winter, snow and ice are common, so renting a vehicle with winter tires and ensuring you have experience driving in snowy conditions is essential.
   • Fuel stations can be sparse in northern Sweden, so plan ahead and fill up when you have the chance.
   • Note that wildlife, including reindeer and moose, may wander onto roads in rural areas, so drive carefully.

By Ferry (to Reach Northern Sweden)

While ferries do not go directly to Kiruna, travelers can take ferries to nearby regions and continue to Kiruna by other means.

1. From Finland to Luleå:
   • Ferries operate from various Finnish cities, including Helsinki and Vaasa, to Luleå in northern Sweden. From Luleå, travelers can take a train, bus, or drive to Kiruna.
2. From Stockholm to Turku/Helsinki (Finland):
   • Ferries connect Stockholm with Turku and Helsinki, where you can take a train or bus through Finland to the Swedish border, then continue onward to Kiruna by bus or train.

Summary

• For Speed: Flying is the best option for a fast and direct trip from Stockholm.
• For Scenic Views: Trains offer the most scenic way to travel to Kiruna and give you a chance to see the beautiful northern landscapes.
• For Flexibility: Driving provides freedom to explore and make stops along the way, ideal for those who prefer a road trip experience.

No matter how you choose to travel to Kiruna, this journey to Swedish Lapland will reward you with incredible views, unique adventures, and the unforgettable charm of the Arctic North!