Europe > 🇫🇮 Finland
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Finland can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Finland; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Finland?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Finland?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in Finland
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Helsinki | HEL | |
| Ivalo | IVL |
Should You Rent a Car in Finland? 🚗🌲
Finland offers a unique blend of modern cities, vast forests, pristine lakes, and Arctic wilderness. With efficient public transport in urban areas and stunning scenic routes in the countryside, your travel style will determine the best way to explore. So, should you rent a car in Finland? It depends on whether your plans involve the cities of the south or the open landscapes of Lapland and the Lakeland region.
🚆 When You Don’t Need a Car
Finland’s public transport is excellent in major cities and between key destinations. Trains and buses are clean, punctual, and comfortable.
| Location / Travel Style | Why You Don’t Need a Car | Best Transport Option |
|---|---|---|
| Helsinki | Compact and walkable | Tram, metro, walking |
| Tampere & Turku | Easy to navigate | Train or local bus |
| City-to-city travel | Great intercity rail connections | VR trains |
| Northern lights tours | Transport provided | Guided excursion |
➡ If your trip focuses on major cities or organised activities, you won’t need to drive.
🚗 When Renting a Car Is Ideal
Finland truly opens up when you leave the cities. Renting a car gives you the freedom to discover national parks, lakeside cabins, Arctic villages, and reindeer-filled landscapes on your own schedule.
| Benefit | What You Can Explore |
|---|---|
| Scenic routes | Drive Finland’s famous Lakeland roads |
| National parks | Nuuksio, Koli, Pyhä-Luosto |
| Northern lights | Access remote viewing spots |
| Lapland travel | Reach wilderness lodges and ski resorts |
Best Self-Drive Regions
| Region | Highlight | Driving Experience |
|---|---|---|
| Finnish Lakeland | Lakes, forests, saunas | Peaceful backroads |
| Lapland | Northern lights, reindeer | Long, scenic highways |
| Coastal Finland | Fishing villages, lighthouses | Easy coastal drives |
🚦 Driving in Finland – What to Expect
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Driving side: Right-hand side
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Road quality: Excellent across the country
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Winter conditions: Snow tires are mandatory in winter; roads are still very driveable
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Traffic: Light outside major cities
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Wildlife: Watch for reindeer and elk, especially in Lapland
Car Rental Availability
You’ll find rental agencies such as Hertz, Avis, Europcar, and Sixt at major airports, train stations, and city centres. Electric cars are also widely available, reflecting Finland’s focus on sustainability.
🚕 Alternatives to Renting a Car
| Transport Type | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Train (VR) | Intercity travel | Fast and scenic |
| Bus services | Rural connections | Reliable and affordable |
| Taxi / Uber | Short city trips | Widely available |
| Domestic flights | Long distance travel | Helsinki ↔ Lapland |
| Ferries | Coastal and island travel | Frequent connections |
🧭 Conclusion
Renting a car in Finland is the best option for travellers who want to explore the countryside, stay in remote cabins, or chase the northern lights through Lapland. However, if you plan to stay mainly in Helsinki or travel between major cities, Finland’s outstanding public transport system will take you everywhere you need to go without the hassle of driving. The decision ultimately comes down to whether your journey is about urban exploration or wilderness adventure.
