Find competitive car hire prices in Finland with Road Genius. Compare rates of SUVs, hatchbacks, minivans and reserve with no booking fees. Compare car hire at Helsinki and Lapland airports like Rovaniemi and Kittilä, or pick up in Helsinki city centre for often lower fees. Check automatics, AWD, mileage and insurance excess details online and book early for winter peak.
Location | 👍 Pros | 👎 Cons |
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Helsinki Airport (HEL) |
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Helsinki City Centre |
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Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) |
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Kittilä Airport (KTT) |
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Booking Tips:
On average, car rentals in Finland cost around €85 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €24 per day.
Compare airport vs city pickup in Helsinki. Airport desks are easy but carry surcharges. The airport train to the city centre is cheap, and city-centre pickups often price lower. Check hours first, as many city locations close evenings and Sundays.
Book by season, not always “early.” For Lapland winter peaks (Dec–Mar, Rovaniemi/Kittilä), book 3–6 months ahead. For spring (Apr–May) and autumn (Sep–Oct), prices are softer and last-minute can work. Flex your dates a day or two to see drops.
Pick a cheaper class. Compact or a mid-size wagon usually beats an SUV on price and fuel. If you can drive stick, manuals are cheaper than automatics in Finland. Compare total cost across classes before locking in.
Rent only for days you’ll drive. In Helsinki, public transport is excellent. Save by renting only when you leave the city. Also check if a weekly rate beats 4–5 daily rates.
Compare locations and returns. Off-airport locations can be cheaper. Returning to the same branch often reduces one-way fees, though some routes and seasons have reasonable one-way pricing. Most deals include unlimited km but always verify.
Plan for parking costs. Helsinki garages can be around €30/day. Use park-and-ride or stay slightly outside the centre. In smaller cities, street parking is often cheaper or free with a parking disk.
Location | Car Park Options | Rates (Approx.) & Local Details |
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Helsinki City Centre |
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Other Cities |
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Lapland/Rural Areas |
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Key Driving Rules:
Rent a car so you can get to:
Turku – 170 km, 2 hours
Archipelago Ring Road – 250 km, 1-2 days
Finnish Lake Road – 350 km, 1 day
Saimaa region – Route 62, Puumala Road
Do I need an International Driving Permit in Finland? No, if your licence is from an EU/EEA country or if your non-EU licence uses the Latin alphabet. Otherwise, you should carry an IDP or an official translation.
Are there any toll roads in Finland? No, you can use all Finnish roads for free. You don't need to pay tolls or buy vignettes.
Can I take a Finnish hire car to neighbouring countries? Yes, most major companies let you travel to Sweden and Norway. Just make sure you tell them when you book. They usually don't allow travel to Russia.
How common are automatic transmission cars? They are less common than manual cars, especially in the economy class. You should book well in advance and expect to pay slightly more.
What should I do if I hit a reindeer? You must call the emergency number 112 right away (it's the law). You also need to call your rental company. Do not go near any injured animals.
Are electric vehicle rentals available? Yes, and you can find more of them all the time, especially in big cities and at major airports. You could also consider a hybrid car, as they are easier to find and still good for the environment.
Is parking difficult in Helsinki? Finding a park in the city centre can be difficult and expensive. It's a good idea to stay outside the centre or use the park-and-ride facilities.
How are the roads in winter? The road crews keep them in excellent condition. They clear the main roads quickly, but you can expect to drive on packed snow on smaller roads.