Car Rentals in Helsinki, FIN

Reasons to book a car hire in and around Helsinki

Renting a car in and around Helsinki offers the freedom and flexibility to explore the city and its surrounding areas at your own pace. With a rental vehicle, you can easily visit significant attractions like the Helsinki Cathedral, located in the heart of the city, and the vibrant Senate Square, both ideal for culture experiences. Families will appreciate the convenience of accessing Linnanmaki Amusement Park without the hassle of public transport, allowing for a fun-filled day of adventure. Additionally, a car allows you to explore popular destinations such as Vantaa, which features the Heureka Finnish Science Centre and the Finnish Aviation Museum, just a short drive away. For those in search of business or city-themed experiences, the Helsinki City Centre and Kamppi neighbourhood provide ample opportunities, with attractions like the Old Church of Helsinki and Kamppi Chapel within easy reach. The flexibility of having a rental car means you can manage your luggage with ease and tailor your travel plans to your needs, making it an ideal choice for families, business travellers, and city explorers alike.

Most popular car hires in Helsinki

• Compact: The most popular choice among travellers, compact cars are perfect for accommodating up to 5 people along with 3 medium suitcases. This option is ideal for solo adventurers, couples, or small families looking for a convenient way to get around Helsinki. With their smaller size, they are easy to manoeuvre through the city while providing the flexibility to explore at your own pace.
• Midsize SUV: Midsize SUVs are a fantastic option for those travelling in groups or with families. They comfortably seat up to 5 passengers and can hold up to 3 large suitcases, making them perfect for longer trips or those needing extra luggage space. This car type offers a blend of comfort and versatility, allowing you to navigate both city streets and the surrounding areas with ease.
• Economy: Economy cars are an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers. They accommodate 5 people and offer space for 2 medium suitcases, making them suitable for solo explorers, couples, or families. Their efficiency and smaller size make them ideal for city driving, allowing you to easily park and access various attractions in Helsinki while keeping travel costs low.

Top rated car suppliers in Helsinki

• Alamo Rent A Car: Alamo is a popular choice for travellers seeking a seamless rental experience in Helsinki. With one rental location, Alamo is recognised for its quick pickup service and friendly staff. The most booked vehicles include Compact and Midsize SUVs, catering to various travel needs. Customers appreciate the cleanliness of the cars and the hassle-free return process, making it a reliable option for those looking to explore the area comfortably.
• Greenmotion: With two rental locations in Helsinki, Greenmotion stands out for its focus on economy and compact vehicles, making it an excellent choice for budget-conscious travellers. Customers often commend the efficiency of the rental process and the helpfulness of the staff. Greenmotion's commitment to sustainability also appeals to environmentally conscious tourists, offering a pleasant driving experience as you navigate through the beautiful surroundings of Helsinki.
• Sixt: Sixt operates two rental locations in Helsinki and is well-regarded for its range of Compact and Midsize vehicles. Travellers frequently highlight the quality of the cars and the professionalism of the staff. Sixt offers a straightforward booking process and efficient customer service, ensuring a smooth experience from pickup to return. This supplier is an excellent choice for those looking to explore Helsinki and its vicinity with comfort and ease.

Where to stay in Helsinki

• Helsinki City Centre: A vibrant neighbourhood ideal for business, family, and city-themed experiences. Within easy reach, explore the iconic Helsinki Cathedral, which is perfect for a cultural holiday. Enjoy the lively atmosphere at Hakaniemi Market Square, ideal for those interested in local culture. For family fun, visit the Linnanmaki Amusement Park. With various restaurants and a nearby marina, Helsinki City Centre offers a well-rounded stay, especially during the summer months when the city comes alive.
• Vantaa: Located near Helsinki, Vantaa is perfect for families and business travellers. Key attractions include the Heureka Finnish Science Centre, which provides engaging experiences for all ages, and the Finnish Aviation Museum, ideal for culture enthusiasts. The city also features shopping centres and entertainment venues like the Energia Arena. Vantaa is particularly appealing in the spring and summer when outdoor activities thrive, making it a great base for exploring nearby attractions.
• Kamppi: This bustling neighbourhood in Helsinki is well-suited for city-themed, business, and family experiences. Highlights include the Old Church of Helsinki and Kamppi Chapel, both suitable for cultural exploration. The area boasts shopping centres and a variety of dining options, ensuring convenience during your stay. Kamppi's proximity to the city centre makes it an excellent choice for exploring Helsinki, especially during festive seasons when local events are abundant.

10 tips to save on your car hire in and around Helsinki

1. Use filters to find the right car: Refine your search using vehicle type and features. Whether you require an SUV for additional space, a convertible for summer drives, or an economy car for budget-friendliness, utilise the filters on Expedia to identify the best option for your journey.
2. Book in advance to help lower costs: Rental prices can vary based on demand, so it's advisable to secure your car well in advance of your trip. By booking early, you are likely to obtain lower rates and enjoy improved availability, particularly during peak seasons.
3. Consider a smaller car for savings: Smaller vehicles are typically more affordable to rent and easier to manoeuvre in busy urban areas. Mid-size rentals strike a good balance between cost, comfort, and fuel efficiency.
4. Age guidelines: Drivers under the age of 30 may be subject to higher deposits or daily surcharges, and certain vehicle categories—such as SUVs or premium models—may not be accessible. This can also apply to renters over the age of 70. Always verify the age restrictions before making a booking.
5. Check fuel policies: Some rentals require a full-to-full fuel policy, which means you must return the vehicle with a full tank to avoid additional charges. This option is usually the most straightforward. Others may offer full-to-empty or prepaid fuel options, which are acceptable as well. Just ensure you return the car empty in that case.
6. Save on city and airport pickups: Picking up your rental car at airports often incurs a surcharge, but the added convenience may justify the cost.
7. Know your payment options: Many car hire companies exclusively accept credit cards for payment.
8. Understand your insurance coverage: Car hire insurance can help you avoid unnecessary expenses and provides peace of mind should any unexpected issues arise during your trip. It's easy to add car hire insurance when booking through Expedia.
9. Consider unlimited mileage: If you're planning long road trips, seek out rentals that offer unlimited mileage to prevent incurring extra costs.
10. Bring your driver's license and ID: A valid driver's license is essential for renting a car.

Best time to rent a car in and around Helsinki

The best value period to rent a car in and around Helsinki is April, when prices are slightly low and demand is average. This is closely followed by March, which sees low demand and average prices, making it another attractive option. May also offers slightly low prices with average demand. In contrast, July stands out as the most expensive month, accompanied by high demand, while August continues this trend with elevated prices and busy rental activity.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Demand	Pricing
January	25.3°F (-3.7°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
February	25.7°F (-3.5°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Average
March	29.8°F (-1.2°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
April	38.7°F (3.7°C)	No Rain (Dry)	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly Low
May	49.8°F (9.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
June	58.6°F (14.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Average
July	64.2°F (17.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
August	62.8°F (17.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	High	Slightly High
September	55.2°F (12.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	44.6°F (7.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Average
November	37.9°F (3.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Low	Slightly Low
December	30.4°F (-0.9°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Cloudy	Average	Slightly High