Pick-up location
Pick-up date
Drop-off Date
4.67/5
Based on 1,300+ reviews
Excellent
Trustpilot
Helsinki
Mini
Fiat 500 or similar
4
1
3
A/C
Auto
€ 24
per day
Helsinki
Economy
Toyota Yaris or similar
5
2
5
A/C
Auto
€ 29
per day
Helsinki
Compact
Volkswagen Golf or similar
5
3
5
A/C
Auto
€ 33
per day
Helsinki
Intermediate
Skoda Octavia or similar
5
4
5
A/C
Auto
€ 39
per day
The average cost of car hire is €34 per day, with 1,878 vehicles available and an average hire duration of 6 days.
Helsinki is a vibrant city with much to offer, but exploring beyond the city centre becomes much easier with a hire car. While public transport is efficient, a car gives you the freedom to discover the surrounding natural beauty and attractions at your own pace.
Explore the Finnish Archipelago: A car allows you to easily access the coastal areas and ferry terminals to explore the stunning Finnish archipelago, a unique and unforgettable experience.
Visit Nearby Attractions: Destinations like the historic city of Porvoo or the Nuuksio National Park are within easy driving distance, offering a change of scenery and a deeper dive into Finnish culture and nature.
Flexibility and Convenience: With a hire car, you can travel on your own schedule, without being constrained by public transport timetables. This is especially useful if you're planning day trips or have specific interests outside of Helsinki.
When hiring a car in Helsinki, ensure you're aware of the rules. The minimum age is typically 20+, you need a valid licence (possibly an IDP), and understand insurance, deposit, mileage, and fuel policies. Extras or young drivers might incur fees.
Area
715 square kilometres (276 square miles)
Population
Approximately 650,000 residents
Time Zone
Eastern European Time (EET), GMT+2
Ideal for
Exploring Helsinki and day trips
Rush Hours
Expect heavy traffic 7 AM – 9 AM and 4 PM – 6 PM
Rating
4.5/5
1. Age RequirementsMost companies require drivers to be at least 20 years old, but this can vary. Some may also charge a young driver fee for those under 25.
2. Driver’s Licence & DocumentationA valid driver's licence is required. If your licence is not in Latin characters, an International Driving Permit (IDP) is highly recommended.
3. Insurance & DepositsBasic insurance is usually included, but consider additional coverage like Collision Damage Waiver (CDW). A security deposit is held on your credit card during the rental.
4. Mileage & Fuel PolicyCheck the mileage policy – unlimited is preferable. Fuel policies often require returning the car with a full tank to avoid extra charges.
5. Additional FeesBe aware of potential fees for additional drivers, one-way rentals, late returns, or extras like GPS navigation systems or child seats.
Estimated Daily Prices
Business:
from £40 / $50 / €45 per day
Electric:
from £25 / $31 / €28 per day
Classic:
from £15 / $19 / €17 per day
Executive:
from £35 / $44 / €40 per day
7 Seater:
from £50 / $63 / €57 per day
Automatic:
from £30 / $38 / €34 per day
SUV:
from £20 / $25 / €23 per day
Peak season (June to August): Demand is higher, prices increase by 20-30%
Low season (November to February): Often come with discounts and lower rates
*Additional costs may apply for insurance, extra drivers, and one-way rentals. Booking early and comparing offers can help secure the best deal.
To ensure a seamless rental experience, compare prices, choose the right car, and understand rental terms to avoid surprises. Booking early, especially in peak season, is advisable. Don’t forget your licence, credit card, and ID when picking up the vehicle.
1. Compare Prices - Use comparison sites to find the best deals based on your travel dates and vehicle needs.
2. Choose the Right Car - Select a vehicle that suits your purpose, whether it’s a compact car for city travel or a larger vehicle for longer trips.
3. Check Rental Terms - Review mileage limits, insurance coverage, and deposit requirements beforehand.
4. Book in Advance - Secure lower prices and ensure vehicle availability by booking early, particularly during peak travel seasons.
5. Pick Up Your Car - Bring your driver’s licence, credit card, and identification when collecting your rental vehicle.
Helsinki offers a blend of modern and classic architecture, making it a fantastic city for exploration. Understanding traffic rules, parking options, and fuel access is useful, especially if you plan to explore beyond the city centre with a hire car.
As the capital of Finland, Helsinki is an exciting city with rich history and culture. Whether visiting for sightseeing, business, or simply exploring, there is something for everyone. Although Helsinki has an efficient public transportation system, renting a car is a great way to discover the surrounding areas, such as the coastal regions or nearby towns. Driving within Helsinki requires awareness of local traffic laws and regulations, including speed limits and parking restrictions, to ensure a smooth and pleasant experience.
Top Attractions to Discover
Suomenlinna Fortress
A UNESCO World Heritage site, accessible by ferry, offering a glimpse into Finnish history.
Helsinki Cathedral
An iconic landmark with its distinctive green dome and neoclassical architecture.
Temppeliaukio Church (Rock Church)
A unique church built directly into solid rock, known for its exceptional acoustics.
Where to Find Parking
Public Parking Garages
Use services like EuroPark or Q-Park for secure parking throughout the city.
On-Street Parking
Pay attention to parking signs and time limits when using on-street parking.
Park & Ride
Consider using park-and-ride facilities on the outskirts of the city to avoid inner-city traffic.
Gas Stations in Helsinki
Major Brands Available
Look for Neste, St1, and ABC stations throughout Helsinki and the surrounding areas.
Refuelling Considerations
Fuel stations are readily available, but it's always wise to fill up before venturing out on longer trips.
Navigation Apps
Use apps like Google Maps or Waze to locate nearby stations and check prices.
Useful Tips for Visiting Helsinki
Use Contactless Payment
Contactless payments are widely accepted for public transport and at most establishments.
Respect Pedestrians & Cyclists
Be mindful of pedestrians and cyclists, especially in the city centre.
Plan for Traffic Delays
Avoid driving during rush hours (7:00-9:00 AM and 4:00-6:00 PM) when traffic congestion is highest.
Major Bus Stations
Kamppi Bus Terminal
Helsinki's main long-distance bus terminal, located in the Kamppi district.
Railway Stations
Helsinki Central Station
The main railway station in Helsinki, providing connections to various destinations in Finland and Russia.
Airports
Helsinki Airport (HEL)
Located approximately 19 kilometres (12 miles) north of Helsinki, it serves as the primary international airport in Finland.
Hiring a car in Finland is generally straightforward, but you'll need to meet certain requirements before you can drive away. Here's what you'll need.
A valid driver's licence is required. If your licence is not in a language that's easily understood, an International Driving Permit (IDP) may be necessary.
Most rental companies require drivers to be at least 20 years old, though some may have different age restrictions depending on the car category.
A credit card in the main driver’s name is usually required for the security deposit. Some companies may accept debit cards, but this is not always the case.
A passport or another form of official identification may be required.
This content was written, fact-checked, and/or translated by our expert team of content creators.
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This page was edited, fact-checked, and/or translated by our experts who are passionate about helping travellers experience the world by car. Our team of seasoned travel writers and editors has driven across more than 50 countries, hired cars on six continents, and explored countless scenic routes — from Icelandic fjords to Moroccan deserts.
Our clients rate such place as Helsinki as
To ensure every review is from a real customer, we do not allow reviews to be posted directly on this page. Instead, we invite every customer to leave a review after they have returned their hire car. This way, you can be sure that all reviews are authentic.
Pretty relaxed, really
Sarah Jones
Reviewed: 21.05.2025
Helsinki was fantastic! Exploring with the family was so easy, having a car made everything smoother. Highly recommend!
David Lee
Reviewed: 24.10.2024
Helsinki was a wonderful surprise! So easy to get around with a car, and I explored so much more than I expected.
Emily Brown
Reviewed: 12.03.2025
Pretty chill vibe
Chloe Miller
Reviewed: 17.08.2024
Solid, low-key vibe.
Jessica Garcia
Reviewed: 14.07.2025
Back in Helsinki after ages, and it was even better than I remembered! Having a car made exploring so much easier.
Olivia Thompson
Reviewed: 04.05.2025
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Pretty chill, tbh
Mike Smith
Reviewed: 13.08.2025