Car Rental in Finland - All You Need To Know
July 6, 2025

Planning a road trip through Finland? Here’s everything you need to know about car rental in the Land of a Thousand Lakes – from parking and insurance tips to what you can expect to spend.

With its smooth, quiet roads, beautiful natural scenery and barely any traffic outside the big cities, Finland is something close to a driver’s dream. Renting a car in Finland is a great choice for those keen to explore the country at their own pace or get off the beaten track. In this guide, we’ve covered all the car hire essentials to help make your Finnish road trip as stress-free as possible.

Legal Considerations

To rent a car in Finland, you must be at least 20 years old and have held a valid driver’s license for at least a year. If you're under 25, certain companies might also impose a young driver surcharge – though this is relatively uncommon. International visitors can usually use their home country’s license, though it has to be in English or accompanied by an International Driving Permit.

If you’re planning to venture beyond FInland then you also need to be aware of the rules. Taking a Finnish rental car across borders needs explicit permission from the rental company. Some companies permit travel to certain Euro countries, while others have even tighter limitations.

In Finland, you have to use dipped headlights at all times, irrespective the time of day or season. Carrying a first aid kit isn't legally mandated, but it's certainly recommended. Additionally, during winter months (start of December to end of February), vehicles have to be equipped with winter tire due to the often icy conditions.

Insurance

Finnish car rentals generally include basic third-party liability insurance. However, this doesn't cover damage to the rental vehicle itself, so many drivers often buy additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW) or Theft Protection.

However, even with CDW, most Finnish rental companies apply a deductible – often between €500 and €2,000 – meaning you'll still pay out of pocket for part of any damage. To avoid this, you can opt for Super CDW (SCDW) or excess reduction insurance.

Some international visitors rely on credit card insurance for rental coverage in Finland. This can be a good option, but terms vary – many exclude rentals over a certain value or duration. You must usually decline the rental company’s CDW for the card’s policy to apply.

Tips on Driving in Finland

Finland’s roads are generally in excellent condition, especially in urban areas and along major highways. In rural Lapland, roads can be narrower and affected by snow or ice from October to April. During spring thaw, road damage is common and temporary speed restrictions may apply. Gravel roads are frequent in remote regions and can become slippery in wet conditions.

Finnish drivers are typically calm and respectful. Honking is used only to warn of immediate danger, not to express frustration. Flashing headlights can indicate hazards like moose or police checks ahead. Yielding to pedestrians at zebra crossings is also mandatory and strictly enforced.

Traffic in Helsinki and other major cities can be heavy during weekday rush hours, but congestion is rare by European standards. Outside urban centres, traffic is usually light. Be cautious of slow-moving farm vehicles and wildlife, particularly elk and reindeer, which often wander onto roads in rural or northern areas, especially around dawn and dusk.

Winter driving in Finland requires extra caution. From November to March, snow and ice are common, and – as mentioned above – studded or winter tyres are mandatory. Visibility can drop suddenly in snowstorms or during polar night periods in the north. Even in summer, fog and rain can reduce visibility.

Where to Park

In major cities like Helsinki, Tampere and Turku, parking is typically regulated and fee-based. Street parking is divided into zones with fees ranging from €2 to €4 per hour, payable via ticket machines or mobile apps like EasyPark and Aimo Park . Private garages are common but often charge higher rates.

In residential zones, parking is only allowed in marked spaces. In rural areas, parking is generally free, but always ensure you're not obstructing traffic or violating local regulations. Remember to park at least 5 meters from pedestrian crossings and intersections to comply with Finnish traffic laws .

Local Rental Agencies

In addition to the major car rental names like Budget, Enterprise, Europcar, and Avis, you'll also find a small handful of local car hire companies throughout Finland.

Established in 1988, Finn-Rent has over 50 locations across Finland. They offer a wide range of vehicles, from compact cars to vans and minibuses, all equipped with seasonal features like winter tires . They also provide flexible pick-up and return options.

Another popular local option is Scandia Rent, with over 100 locations across the country. Established in the 1940s, it remains a family-owned business and offers a diverse mix of vehicles, with flexible rental options, including short-term rentals and long-term leasing up to three years.

The Cost of Renting a Car in Finland

Renting a car in Finland usually costs between €30 and €50 per day for a standard vehicle. Prices fluctuate depending on location, the type of car, and how far in advance you book. Airport rentals, for example, often carry a premium compared to city-centre options. To save money, consider booking ahead and travelling in off-peak months like May, when demand is lower. Prices tend to rise significantly during peak periods like December and midsummer.