Complete guide to renting a car in Lapland. Insurance types, fuel policy, parking, road conditions, emergency numbers, and common questions answered.
The practical guide to renting in Finnish Lapland: insurance coverage, fuel, parking and the small details that save you hours at the counter.
Understanding rental car insurance is the most confusing part for most visitors. Here's a clear breakdown.
Reduces your liability for damage to the rental car. Usually included, but with an excess of €800–€2500 that you pay first.
Check if your travel insurance or credit card (Visa Infinite, Amex Platinum) covers the CDW excess. If yes, decline the excess waiver upgrade.
Covers theft of the vehicle. Usually included in Finnish rentals. Check excess amount.
Always lock the car and never leave valuables visible. In Lapland towns, petty theft is rare but possible.
Removes or reduces the excess on CDW. An add-on costing €10–€25/day. Makes sense if your travel insurance doesn't cover the excess.
Purchase from a third-party insurer (e.g. Questor, insurance4carhire) rather than the rental counter, same coverage, much cheaper.
Covers personal injury to driver and passengers. Overlaps heavily with your travel insurance.
If you have comprehensive travel insurance, you almost certainly don't need PAI. Check your policy.
Covers windscreen chips, cracked glass and damaged tires. Very relevant in Lapland, gravel roads and studded tires cause more stone chips.
Worth adding for Lapland specifically, especially if driving gravel roads in spring. Usually €5–€10/day.
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?
EU/EEA licences are fully valid in Finland, no IDP needed. Non-EU drivers from many countries (USA, Canada, Australia, Japan) can drive on their national licence. Drivers from countries with non-Latin script licences (Russia, China, Thailand) should obtain an IDP. The IDP must accompany the original licence.
Is it safe to drive over frozen lakes in a rental car?
Some ice roads in Lapland cross frozen lakes: these are official roads maintained and monitored by the Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency. Do NOT attempt to 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.
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.
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.
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.
All major rental companies include 24/7 roadside assistance. The Finnish general road-assistance number is 0200 8080. Save both your rental company's emergency number and 0200 8080 before you drive. In Lapland's remote areas, response time can be 2–4 hours, carry emergency supplies.