Hiring a Car in Finland: A Comprehensive Guide
Finland is one of Europe’s most rewarding self-drive destinations. With a rental car, you can travel between compact cities, forested Lakeland regions, quiet coastal routes and the wide open landscapes of Lapland at your own pace. That flexibility is especially useful in a country where many cabins, national parks, ski areas and scenic stops sit beyond the main rail network.
Hiring a car in Finland makes it easier to plan a true road trip, whether that means combining Helsinki with Porvoo, Tampere and the lakes, following the southwest coast from Turku, or heading north toward Oulu, Rovaniemi, Levi, Saariselkä and Arctic wilderness. It is also one of the best ways to reach ski resorts, remote hikes, lakeside towns and northern viewpoints where public transport can be limited.
Driving in Finland is usually calm and straightforward. Roads are well maintained, traffic is often light outside the biggest cities, and driving standards are generally orderly. The main difference for many visitors is the climate: in winter, snow, ice, darkness and long distances mean it is important to choose the right car, allow extra time and drive with care.
Why hire a car in Finland?
A rental car gives you more flexibility than relying only on trains and buses, especially if you want to visit Lapland, cabins, ski resorts, lakeside areas, coastal villages or national parks. It also makes airport arrivals easier, allows earlier starts and later returns, and helps you explore smaller places that would otherwise take much longer to reach.
Requirements for renting a car
Driving licence
All visitors must have a valid driving licence from their home country. Many rental companies accept overseas licences as long as they are current and easy to read. If your licence is not in the Roman alphabet, it is wise to bring an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original licence. Some providers may also require that you have held your licence for at least one year.
Age requirement
Drivers are typically required to be at least 20 or 21 years old, depending on the supplier and vehicle type. Many companies charge a young driver supplement for those under 25. Larger SUVs, estate cars, premium categories and vans may have stricter age rules.
Credit card
A credit card in the main driver’s name is normally required to secure the booking and deposit. Most companies place a refundable hold on your card, with the amount depending on the vehicle, rental location, rental duration and level of insurance selected. Always check the deposit and excess before booking.
Passport or ID
A valid passport or, where applicable, a national identity card is required for verification. Make sure the name matches your driving licence, booking and payment card to avoid problems at the rental desk.
Where to pick up your rental car in Finland
The easiest and most popular collection points are Finland’s major airports. Helsinki Airport (HEL) is the main gateway for city breaks, southern Finland and longer one-way drives. Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) is ideal for Lapland, winter holidays and Arctic road trips, while Kittilä (KTT), Ivalo (IVL) and Kuusamo (KAO) are excellent choices for ski resorts, northern lights trips and outdoor travel in the north.
Popular pick-up regions for road trips:
- Helsinki: best for city breaks, Porvoo, southern Finland and longer road trips north.
- Rovaniemi: ideal for Lapland, northern lights, Santa Claus Village and winter road trips.
- Oulu: useful for west coast routes and access to northern Finland.
- Tampere: good for inland cities, forests and Lakeland driving.
- Turku: strong choice for the southwest coast, Naantali and Archipelago routes.
- Kittilä and Ivalo: useful for ski resorts, fells, Arctic scenery and wilderness routes.
Choosing the right car for Finland
A compact or mid-size car is a smart choice for many Finland trips, especially in Helsinki, Turku or Tampere where parking can cost more and city streets may be tighter. For longer journeys, however, comfort, luggage space and seasonal equipment matter more than in many other European destinations.
- Cities and short breaks: economy and compact cars are easy to park and often offer the best value.
- Longer summer road trips: a mid-size car or estate gives more comfort for long motorway and rural drives.
- Families and outdoor holidays: choose extra luggage space if you are carrying suitcases, buggies, ski gear or hiking equipment.
- Lapland and winter travel: confirm that the vehicle is fitted appropriately for winter conditions and is suitable for snow, ice and long distances.
Automatic cars are popular and can sell out early, especially at Lapland airports during the winter season, so reserve early if you do not drive a manual.
Car rental costs
Car type: Small economy cars are usually the best-value option in quieter periods, while compact SUVs, estate cars, automatics and winter-ready vehicles cost more. Prices can vary significantly between Helsinki, regional airports and Lapland resort locations.
Seasonal variations: Finland has strong seasonal demand. Prices can rise sharply during Christmas, New Year and northern lights periods in Lapland, as well as during school holidays and the summer travel season. Shoulder months outside the main peaks often provide better value.
Location costs: Airport locations are usually the most convenient but may include extra fees. City branches can sometimes be slightly cheaper, although opening hours may be more limited than at airport desks.
Rental duration: Weekly rentals often offer better value than booking day by day. If you are planning a one-way trip from Helsinki to Rovaniemi, or between southern Finland and Lapland, check one-way fees before you confirm.
Insurance and deposits: what to expect
Car hire in Finland usually includes basic cover, with optional upgrades that reduce your excess. Before accepting extra protection, check exactly what is included, what the excess is, and whether tyres, glass, wheels, roof, underbody or single-vehicle damage are excluded.
- CDW or LDW: often included, but usually with an excess.
- Theft protection: commonly included or offered as part of the package.
- Tyres, glass and undercarriage: often excluded from basic cover and worth checking carefully in winter.
- Deposit hold: blocked on the main driver’s credit card and released after the car is returned.
Take photos or video of the car at both pick-up and drop-off, including wheels, windscreen, bumpers, mirrors, roofline, fuel level and the interior. In winter, check for any existing scratches or chips hidden by snow, ice or road dirt before you leave the depot.
Tolls and fuel in Finland
Finland is simple compared with many European countries because private cars do not use a nationwide motorway toll or vignette system. In most cases, you can drive on Finnish roads and motorways without paying road tolls.
Fuel is widely available across the country. Unleaded petrol and diesel are easy to find in and around major cities such as Helsinki, Tampere, Turku, Oulu and Rovaniemi. On remote northern routes, fuel stations may be farther apart, so it is wise to top up early rather than assume another station is just ahead. In quieter areas, some fuel stations may be unmanned, so carrying a working payment card is a good idea.
Driving tips in Finland
Speed limits
Standard speed limits are typically 50 km/h in built-up areas and 80 km/h outside them unless signs state otherwise. On major roads, limits can rise to 100 km/h, and on motorways to 120 km/h in summer. In winter, some higher limits are reduced, so always follow local signage.
Traffic rules
Always drive on the right-hand side of the road. Seat belts are mandatory, and mobile phone use should be hands-free only. Daytime running lights are expected even during daylight hours, and child seats must be used where required.
Parking
Paid parking zones are common in Helsinki, Tampere, Turku and other large towns. Many central areas use ticket machines, apps or time restrictions, so always check the signs carefully. Hotels may offer private parking, which can be the easiest option in cities.
Road quality
Finland’s main roads are generally in good condition, and traffic is often lighter than in much of Europe. The main challenge is not congestion but weather, especially snow, ice, slush and reduced daylight in winter. Distances can also be longer than visitors expect, especially in the north.
Winter conditions
Winter driving is a major part of motoring in Finland. Roads can be icy for long periods, especially in Lapland. Use smooth steering and braking, leave extra distance, clear the car fully of snow and ice, and avoid rushing on unfamiliar roads in dark or freezing conditions.
Wildlife hazards
Watch carefully for reindeer, elk and other animals on rural roads, especially in Lapland and forested regions. Wildlife can appear suddenly, particularly in low light, so reduce speed and stay alert on quieter routes.
Practical driving advice and safety
- Documents: keep your driving licence, passport or ID, IDP if required, and rental papers easy to access.
- Winter tyres: if you are travelling from late autumn to early spring, confirm that the car is correctly equipped for winter conditions. This is especially important for Lapland and other northern routes.
- Long distances: Finland can look compact on a map, but driving times can be long, especially north of Oulu.
- Darkness: in winter, daylight can be very limited in northern Finland, so plan realistically and avoid overloading the day.
- Wildlife: watch carefully for reindeer, elk and other animals on rural roads, especially in Lapland and forested areas.
- Alcohol: Finland applies a blood alcohol limit of 0.05% BAC. The safest approach is not to drink at all before driving.
- Driving with children: proper child restraints are required where applicable, so request a child seat in advance if you need one.
- Emergency number in Finland: 112.
What to carry in the car
It is sensible to check that your rental car includes basic safety equipment such as a warning triangle and the rental provider’s emergency contact details. In winter, it is also helpful to have an ice scraper, snow brush and enough warm clothing in the vehicle in case journeys take longer than expected.
Great Finland road trips to plan with a rental car
- Helsinki to Porvoo to Lappeenranta: a rewarding southern route with coast, historic streets and lakeside scenery.
- Helsinki to Tampere to Jyväskylä: a classic inland route linking cities, forests and the Lakeland region.
- Turku to Naantali and the Archipelago: ideal for coastal towns, island scenery and relaxed summer driving.
- Rovaniemi to Levi to Ylläs: one of the most popular Lapland drives for winter scenery, ski holidays and Arctic landscapes.
- Kuopio to Savonlinna: a strong Lakeland route for forests, lakes, small towns and slow scenic touring.
- Oulu to Rovaniemi: a useful route for travellers heading north from the coast toward Lapland.
If you are planning a one-way trip or cross-border itinerary into Sweden or Norway, check drop-off fees, insurance cover and border permissions before booking.
Frequently asked questions about car hire in Finland
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Finland?
Many visitors can rent with a standard full driving licence from their home country. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is recommended if your licence is not in the Roman alphabet or if your rental company specifically asks for one. Always bring your original licence as well.
Which side of the road do drivers use in Finland?
Drivers in Finland use the right-hand side of the road.
Are there toll roads in Finland?
Finland does not operate a nationwide toll road or vignette system for private cars, so most visitors can drive on Finnish roads and motorways without paying motorway tolls.
Do rental cars in Finland come with winter tyres?
Cars used in winter conditions in Finland should be fitted appropriately for the season. Travellers should always confirm with the rental company that the vehicle has suitable winter tyres if they are visiting from late autumn to early spring, especially in Lapland.
What fuel is available in Finland?
Unleaded petrol and diesel are widely available throughout Finland, including in Helsinki, Tampere, Turku, Oulu and Rovaniemi. Fuel stations are easy to find on main routes, though they can be farther apart in remote northern areas.
Is it difficult to drive in Finland in winter?
Driving in Finland is generally calm and orderly, but winter conditions can make journeys more demanding. Snow, ice, darkness and long distances are the main challenges, especially in Lapland, so drivers should allow extra time and make sure the car is properly equipped.
What are the driving age limits for renting a car?
Minimum ages vary by provider, but many rental companies require drivers to be at least 20 or 21. A young driver surcharge often applies under 25, and some larger or premium vehicles may have higher age requirements.
Can I take a rental car from Finland into Sweden or Norway?
Often yes, but it depends on the rental company and the countries you plan to enter. Cross-border travel usually needs advance approval and may involve extra paperwork or fees. Always confirm before booking.
What are the drink-driving rules in Finland?
Finland applies a blood alcohol limit of 0.05% BAC for standard drivers. The safest choice is not to drink at all if you plan to drive.
When should I return my rental car before my flight?
Aim to arrive at the rental return area at least 30 to 60 minutes before your scheduled departure. Allow extra time in winter at busy airports such as Helsinki or Rovaniemi.