Complete guide to renting a car in Lapland. Insurance types, fuel policy, parking, road conditions, emergency numbers, and common questions answered.
What age do I need to be to rent a car in Lapland? Most companies require a minimum age of 19–21 years with a driving licence held for at least 1–2 years. Drivers under 25 often pay a 'young driver' surcharge of €10–€20/day. Some premium vehicles are restricted to 25+. Check each company's policy at booking.
Do I need an international driving permit (IDP) for Finland? A valid licence from an EU or EEA country is accepted in Finland, and so is one from a country that has signed the Geneva or Vienna road traffic convention, or from Hong Kong, Macao or Taiwan. A licence from another country that Finland recognises is valid for a passenger car. If your licence does not clearly show its categories and validity, for example because it is written only in Japanese or Chinese, carry an International Driving Permit (IDP) or an official translation into Finnish, Swedish or English with the original. Mainland China does not issue IDPs, so a mainland Chinese licence needs the official translation. Rental companies can set stricter rules than the law, so check your booking terms.
Is it safe to drive over frozen lakes in a rental car? Finland has only a few official ice roads, and one of them is in Lapland: a crossing of under 500 metres over Lake Kemijärvi at Räisälä, opened in place of the summer ferry. The authorities open an ice road only once the ice is thick enough, and Fintraffic's liikennetilanne.fintraffic.fi shows whether it is open. Do NOT drive on ice that is not a designated ice road. Rental cars are generally permitted on official ice roads, but check with your rental company as policies vary. Never drive on unmarked lake ice.
Can I take the rental car to Norway or Sweden? Not automatically. Most Finnish rental agreements restrict international travel. If you want to cross into Norway or Sweden, you must explicitly request this at booking. There is usually a fee (€50–€150) and some operators decline entirely. Ivalo-based rentals are often needed for the Nordkapp trip.
What fuel type do most rental cars use? The majority of Lapland rental cars run on petrol or diesel. Electric and hybrid vehicles are available from Hertz, Avis and Sixt in Rovaniemi but not at remote airports. For EVs, note that charging infrastructure is sparse north of Rovaniemi and cold temperatures reduce battery range by 30–50%. Diesel is preferred for longer trips in -30°C.
What is the fuel policy? Most Lapland rentals use 'full-to-full', you receive the car with a full tank and must return it full. If you return it empty, the company charges for fuel plus a high 'refuelling fee' (€30–€70 admin). Never return the car without filling up. In Lapland, fill the tank 10–15 km before returning as stations near airports may be closed.
Where can I park in Rovaniemi and other Lapland towns? City-centre parking in Rovaniemi is metered (€1–€2/hour). Santa Village has free parking. Most accommodations include parking. Rural Lapland, virtually everywhere is free. In winter, look for spaces with electrical outlets (engine block heater posts). Using a heater-equipped spot overnight is strongly recommended.
What happens if I hit a reindeer? Reindeer roam freely in Lapland, collisions are common. If you hit a reindeer: stop and call 112, then the reindeer owner (there is a registry: Paliskuntain yhdistys +358 16 331 6000). The damage should be covered by CDW. Document with photos. Never move an injured reindeer. This is the most common type of accident for visitors.
Is roadside assistance included? All major rental companies include 24/7 roadside assistance, and the number is on your rental agreement: call that first. Autoliitto's road service (0200 8080) is a Finnish service number that usually cannot be dialled from a foreign SIM. In Lapland's remote areas, response time can be 2–4 hours, so carry emergency supplies.
What should I keep in the car for winter safety? Rental cars come with basics (scraper, sand bag). We recommend adding: energy bars, water, thermal blanket, charged power bank, warm hat and gloves (in case you get stuck), download offline maps before departure, and a fully charged phone. Tell someone your route plan if going into remote areas.
The practical guide to renting in Finnish Lapland: insurance coverage, fuel, parking and the small details that save you hours at the counter.