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Compare car rental prices from top providers in Helsinki with Road Genius. From affordable cars to luxury SUVs and minivans, you'll find vehicles at low prices in convenient locations. Pick up at Helsinki Airport (HEL) or city centre depots from major brands like Avis, Hertz, Europcar and Sixt for day trips to Porvoo, Nuuksio National Park or Turku. In winter, rentals include mandatory winter tyres, and parking is simple with apps like EasyPark and ParkMan.

Map of campervan rental depots near 535134

Location	👍 Pros	👎 Cons
Helsinki Airport (HEL)	Immediate access after landing All major companies (Avis, Hertz, Europcar, Sixt) Extended hours (7:00-23:00 or later) Quick highway connection	Airport surcharges Possible queues after multiple arrivals Higher rates than city locations
City Centre Offices	Lower rates (no airport fees) Convenient if already in the city centre No navigation into city needed Good for hotel guests	Limited hours (often closed evenings/Sundays) Smaller vehicle selection Some offices shared between brands
Off-Airport Budget Providers	Lowest rates Often include shuttle service	5-10 minute shuttle rides Finding shuttle stops can be confusing Limited after-hours service

If staying in Helsinki for several days before exploring further, take the airport train (approx. 30 min, for a fee) to city centre and rent from there when departing

Car Rental Prices

How much does it cost to rent a car in Helsinki?

On average, car rentals in Helsinki cost around €85 per day, with the lowest-priced rentals available from €24 per day.

Low-cost rental tips

Compare pickup spots: Airport is convenient but has surcharges. City-centre offices are often cheaper, and off-airport providers with 5–10 min shuttles can be lowest.
Match booking to season: In summer and over Christmas/New Year, book ahead. In spring or fall, last-minute can work. Weekends in Helsinki city offices often have promos.
Rent only when you need it: Use HSL transit while in the centre, then pick up the car when leaving town. The airport train to the city centre makes this easy.
Choose an economy car: Ideal for Helsinki and day trips, easier to park, cheaper to rent and fuel.
Book online and compare: Airport walk-up prices can be about 20–40% higher. Check multiple brands, dates and vehicle classes to spot better deals.
Cut running costs: Return the car full to avoid refueling charges. Fill up at stations on the HEL approach. Use your phone for GPS instead of paid add-ons.

Parking and Local Driving

Area	Parking Options	Rates (Approx.) & Key Information
City Centre (Zone 1)	Street parking (metred) Public parking garages Private garages	Paid parking during posted hours Public garages available Limited free evening/Sunday parking
Residential Areas (Zones 2-3)	Street parking Time-limited disk zones	Paid parking in many areas Some time-limited free parking using a parking disk
Shopping Centres	Underground parking Validation options	Often limited free parking when you shop Kamppi, Forum, Citycenter have large garages
Park & Ride	Metro/train station lots	Fees vary at outer metro stations Often free or discounted using a valid HSL public transport ticket

Helsinki Parking Tips:

Payment increasingly through mobile apps (EasyPark, ParkMan, HSL-app), download before arrival
Street signage shows zone number, hours and rates
Watch for special restrictions during snow removal (seasonal signs)
Many hotels charge for parking in the city centre

Local Driving Rules:

City centre contains many one-way streets and dedicated bus/tram lanes
Yield to trams. They often have priority
Watch for cyclists in dedicated bike lanes when turning
Pedestrian zones in city centre (Aleksanterinkatu area), where driving is prohibited
Ring roads (Kehä I, II, III) useful for bypassing congestion

Why rent a car in Helsinki

Rent a car so you can easily:

Porvoo
Nuuksio National Park – forests, lakes
Turku – castle, cathedral
Hanko – beaches, villas
Fiskars
Serena and Vihti – ski resorts

Local Rental Locations

Driving Distances from Helsinki

FAQs

Is driving in Helsinki city centre difficult?
You'll find some one-way streets and tram lanes in the city centre, but traffic usually moves slowly and your GPS should work well. You could park on the outskirts and walk or use public transport to get right into the centre.

Do I need a car in Helsinki itself?
For the city centre, you'll find public transport is often easier than driving and parking. A rental car is most useful for exploring outside the city limits.

Where can I find cheaper parking in Helsinki?
You can use park & ride spots at outer metro stations or look for Zone 3 street parking. Some shopping centres offer free parking for customers.

Can I take the car on ferries to Tallinn or Stockholm?
Most rental companies don't allow you to take cars to Estonia or Sweden without special permission. You should check directly with your rental company.

Is winter driving in Helsinki dangerous?
Not usually. The city keeps the roads in good condition and rental cars have winter tyres when the law requires them. You should drive carefully and allow more time for your trips.

How do I pay for parking in Helsinki?
You can pay using mobile apps (like EasyPark, ParkMan and the HSL-app for Park & Ride) or by credit card at parking machines. The city is phasing out coin-operated metres.

Are there environmental restrictions for driving in Helsinki?
Right now, there are no low emission zones, but the city plans to introduce some in the future. You can drive any standard rental car anywhere in the region.

What should I do if I get a parking ticket?
You should pay it promptly using the directions on the ticket. If you get one in a rental car, the company may charge the fine to your card and add a processing fee.