Passing through Sodankyla Airport? A layover in Sodankyla is more doable than you might think. The city is only about 60 minutes from the airport, and with a bit of planning you can stretch your legs, grab a real meal, and see something new before your next flight.
Essential Info Before You Head Out
Three things to verify before you walk out of SOT:
- Can you legally enter Finland? Some nationalities need a visa even for a few hours. Check your passport’s validity too.
- Do you have enough time? With a 60-minute journey each way by local transport, you’ll want at least 5-6 hours total to make the trip worthwhile.
- How will you pay? Local currency is the local currency. Cards are widely accepted in most places, but carrying some the local currency in cash is a good idea for smaller vendors.
Getting to Sodankyla from the Airport
From SOT, the local transport gets you to Sodankyla in around 60 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 80 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the local transport offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Planning Your Layover Spending
Wondering how much cash to bring? For a few hours in Sodankyla, budget roughly $40 USD to cover transport, a meal, and incidentals.
The average cost of a meal here runs about $20 USD, and transport from the airport and back will add another $10 or so. Keep a small buffer for unexpected expenses.
Keep some small bills handy for tips, street food, and public transport in Sodankyla.
What’s Worth Seeing in Sodankyla
With limited time, focus on what’s accessible. In Sodankyla, two standouts are:
- Sodankylä Local History Museum (Kotiseutumuseo) — Worth a stop if you have at least an hour to spare.
- Sodankylä Old Church (Vanha Kirkko) — Respectful visitors are generally welcome for a quick look.
Both are realistic options even if you only have a few hours to spare.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside SOT, you can spend time at SOT Terminal Waiting Area or try General Aviation Observation Window. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food Worth Trying
In Sodankyla
If you make it into town, Ravintola Huttu-Uula is a good bet for a proper meal. For something different, try Ravintola Sodankylä (Hotel Sodankylä).
Inside SOT
If you’re staying in the terminal, SOT Airport Snack Vending Machines (Drinks) is your main option. SOT Airport Snack Vending Machines (Food) works too if you want something quick.
Bag Storage Near SOT
Dedicated luggage storage at SOT may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Sodankyla’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Staying Connected
Free WiFi is generally available at SOT, which is handy for checking maps and transport schedules. For connectivity in Sodankyla itself, an eSIM is the easiest route — services like Airalo offer data plans for Finland that you can activate straight from your phone, no physical SIM swap needed.
Taking a Break at SOT
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, SOT has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Final Thoughts
A layover in Sodankyla with time to spare is really an invitation to explore. Sodankyla may not have been on your original itinerary, but sometimes those surprise stops become the best part of a trip.
Just remember: set an alarm, know your gate, and leave time for security. Everything else is an adventure.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.