Planning a trip to Lapland and wondering if you need a car? Renting a car in Lapland isn’t necessary if you’re staying in Rovaniemi and joining organized tours for husky sledding, visiting Santa Claus Village, or chasing the Northern Lights with tour operators.
But if you want to explore Finnish Lapland beyond the main tourist activities, a rental opens the door to unforgettable adventures: frozen lakes, remote wilderness saunas, the stunning national parks of Pyhä-Luosto and Riisitunturi, or hidden viewing spots for the Aurora Borealis away from the crowds. On our own trips, having a car gave us the freedom to stop at scenic viewpoints, discover cozy roadside cafés serving reindeer burgers, and truly experience the Arctic landscape at our own pace.
In this guide, we’ll cover whether you need to rent a car in Lapland, what it costs, what kind of vehicle to choose, and essential tips for safe winter driving, so you can enjoy Finnish Lapland without stress.
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Don’t Book Your Car Before Reading This 👇
Do You Need a Rental Car in Lapland?
Short answer: Yes—if you want freedom to explore beyond organized tours and discover Lapland at your own pace.
Rovaniemi itself is a small, manageable town where you can get around by foot or taxi. Many tour operators offer pick-up services from your accommodation for popular activities like husky sledding, reindeer safaris, and Northern Lights tours. For a tour-focused trip, a car isn’t mandatory.
But the moment you start dreaming about exploring frozen waterfalls, reaching remote wilderness locations, discovering hidden Aurora viewing spots away from tour groups, visiting the dramatic scenery of Pyhä-Luosto National Park, or stumbling upon authentic roadside cafés in tiny villages, a rental becomes the key that unlocks those experiences.
Our experience: We loved having a rental on our own Lapland adventure. While organized tours were fantastic, the surrounding Arctic wilderness is equally spectacular. Driving through snow-covered forests, past frozen lakes, and along winding winter roads turned the journey itself into a highlight.
The freedom to pull over at a breathtaking vista, explore a quiet village, or chase the Northern Lights on our own schedule made the extra cost feel like an investment in unforgettable memories.
👇 Below are the three core reasons a rental car adds genuine value to a Lapland-based holiday:
1. Flexibility & Freedom
Tour operators work on fixed schedules with set departure times and predetermined stops. With a car you set your own timetable, decide how long to linger at a frozen lake, and chase the Northern Lights when forecasts are optimal without worrying about tour bookings or group sizes.
👶 Traveling with babies or young children? A rental car is even more valuable. Most tour operators don’t provide child seats, meaning you’d need to carry your own to meeting points along with all your baby gear, nappy bags, and winter clothing—not fun in -20°C. With a rental, you simply install your child seat once and have everything you need right there. Plus, you can stick to your child’s nap schedule, warm up the car when needed, and avoid the stress of keeping little ones entertained while waiting for tour buses.
👉 Planning to visit Lapland with a toddler? Read our complete guide:
Lapland With A Toddler? Here’s How To Make It Work for tips on activities, packing essentials, and keeping little ones happy in Arctic conditions.
2. Access to Remote Wilderness
Many of Lapland’s most magical spots—hidden frozen waterfalls, remote wilderness saunas, lesser-known national parks, and Aurora viewing locations without light pollution—lie outside the reach of tour buses. A rental lets you venture into these pristine corners at your own pace, turning a standard holiday into a deeper immersion in Arctic nature.
3. Comfort & Climate Control
When temperatures drop to -20°C or below, having a warm car with your own luggage space is invaluable. No waiting for buses in extreme cold, no cramped shuttle vans, and no need to constantly juggle winter gear on crowded tours. Plus, you can warm up whenever you need to.
👉 Bottom line: Renting a car transforms Lapland from a wonderful tour destination into a launchpad for unforgettable Arctic adventures—giving you flexibility, access to hidden gems, and the comfort to explore in extreme winter conditions.
How Much Does a Rental Car Cost in Lapland?
That’s probably the next question on your mind. Prices shift depending on the car class, rental company, season, and length of hire, but the figures below give you a realistic sense of what a five-day winter trip will cost.
Sample Budget for a 5-Day Trip
Economy car (5 days) – from €310 ($330). A small hatchback such as a Toyota Yaris or Volkswagen Polo comes with mandatory studded winter tyres and is the most affordable option.
Small SUV (5 days) – from €360 ($385). Small SUV such as Volkswagen T-Cross offers extra confidence on unplowed roads and more space for winter gear and families.
Fuel – assuming you drive about 100 km per day at a conservative 70 km/h (recommended for safe winter driving) with winter consumption rates of 7-8 L/100 km, you’ll use approximately 35-40 litres total. At Finnish fuel prices (around €1.80-€1.90 per litre), budget around €65-75 ($70-80) for the full trip.
Full coverage insurance (CDW + Theft Protection) – around €120 ($130) for 5 days. Many credit cards already include basic CDW, so double-check your coverage before adding extra protection. However, full coverage with zero excess is highly recommended for winter driving peace of mind.
Child seat – from €30 for booster seat to €100 for small child seat ($35-110) for 5 days if needed. It varies a lot between the different rental companies.
Total estimated cost for 5-day rental car:
- Economy car with full insurance: ≈ €500 ($535)
- Economy car with insurance + child seat: ≈ €590 ($620)
- SUV with full insurance: ≈ €550 ($590)
Our experience: We initially hesitated at the rental cost, but it turned out to be excellent value. The total expense was actually less than what we would have spent on private taxis to various locations, and it gave us infinitely more freedom.
We could leave when we wanted, stop wherever we wanted, and didn’t have to coordinate around tour pickup times. For families or groups, the cost per person becomes even more reasonable—and you can’t put a price on the convenience of having your own warm car in -20°C weather.
Quick Savings Tips
Book early – Prices rise sharply during the peak Christmas season (December).
Use comparison aggregators – Platforms like DiscoverCars let you filter by price, vehicle type, and included insurance.
How To Choose The Right Rental Car?
Picking the ideal vehicle for Lapland winter driving is crucial, and it hinges on two factors: winter capability and heating efficiency.
Winter Performance vs Size
Economy cars with winter tyres: A compact hatchback (think Toyota Yaris or Volkswagen Polo) fitted with mandatory studded winter tyres handles winter roads surprisingly well. They’re affordable, fuel-efficient, and perfectly adequate for most Lapland driving.
All-wheel drive (AWD): Not essential, but provides extra confidence on unplowed side roads or when conditions are particularly icy. If you’re planning extensive backcountry exploration or feel nervous about winter driving, an AWD vehicle offers peace of mind.
Our experience: We opted for a standard economy car with studded winter tyres to keep costs low. It handled the main roads and most secondary routes perfectly well. The studded tyres provided impressive grip even on compacted snow and light ice.
👉 Bottom line: All rental cars in Lapland come with studded winter tyres by law, so any vehicle will handle winter roads reasonably well. Choose a standard economy car if you’re on a budget and sticking to main routes. Upgrade to AWD if you plan extensive exploration of remote areas or want extra peace of mind in Arctic conditions.
Requirements for Renting a Car in Lapland
Driver’s licence – Your license must be written in Latin alphabet (English, French, German, etc.). If it’s in a different alphabet (Arabic, Cyrillic, Chinese, etc.), you might need an International Driving Permit (IDP) alongside your original license. The IDP must be physical (not digital) and issued by an official authority.
💡 Always check the specific rental company’s requirements before booking, as policies can vary!
Age – Minimum age varies by company: some rent from 18, others from 21. Drivers under 25 may pay a young driver surcharge, though not all companies charge this fee. Most require you to have held your licence for at least 1 year.
Credit card – Required for the security deposit – typically €300-€600 ($320-$640). You’ll need a credit or debit card in the main driver’s name at pick-up for payment and any required deposit.
Where To Book a Car in Lapland?
The easiest way to find a good deal is to use a comparison site that shows prices from multiple rental companies at once. We recommend DiscoverCars—it compares top brands like Hertz, Europcar, Budget, and local Finnish agencies, so you can:
- See final prices upfront (including insurance options or extras)
- Filter by car type, pickup location, and AWD capability
- Get free cancellation on most bookings for peace of mind
💡 Pro Tip: Book early for the peak winter season (December-February)—prices rise quickly and vehicles sell out fast.
Conclusion
Having a rental car in Lapland transformed our trip from a standard tour package into a true Arctic adventure.
Driving through snow-covered forests, past frozen lakes, and along winding winter roads made the journey just as memorable as the destinations. With proper preparation—choosing the right car, understanding winter driving techniques, and using resources like Fintraffic—you can enjoy every mile safely.
Yes, driving in winter Lapland is different from driving anywhere else. But it’s also part of the adventure. Just respect the conditions, stay alert, watch for reindeer, and don’t rush.
If you’re dreaming of exploring Lapland beyond organized tours, a rental car isn’t just convenient—it’s the key to an unforgettable adventure.
⚠️ And remember: If you run into serious trouble or an emergency, the number for emergency services in Finland is 112.
FAQs – Renting a Car in Lapland
Is it worth renting a car in Lapland?
Yes—especially if you want to explore beyond organized tours. A car gives you the freedom to visit remote wilderness areas and chase the Northern Lights on your schedule. For tour-only trips based in Rovaniemi, a car isn’t necessary.
Is driving in Lapland difficult?
Not if you’re prepared. Roads are well-maintained and rental cars come with studded winter tyres by law. The main challenges are driving in the dark, watching for reindeer, and adjusting to snowy conditions. Drive 10 km/h slower than feels safe, maintain distance, and never overtake unless completely safe.
Do I need an AWD car in Lapland?
Not necessarily. All rentals come with studded winter tyres, which provide excellent grip on most roads. A standard economy car handles main routes perfectly well.
Do I need extra insurance when renting a car in Lapland?
Base rentals include third-party liability. Additional coverage like CDW and Theft Protection is highly recommended for peace of mind in winter conditions. Some credit cards provide CDW—check your coverage limits before declining rental insurance.
What’s the speed limit in Lapland during winter?
Most roads are limited to 80 km/h. Always drive 10 km/h slower than what feels safe to allow for better reaction time in snowy conditions.
Is GPS reliable in Lapland?
Google Maps works but can sometimes suggest routes that aren’t winter-maintained. Always double-check your route using the Fintraffic website for real-time road conditions and safer route planning.
Do I need an International Driving Permit (IDP) in Lapland?
Non-EU/EEA drivers typically need an IDP along with their valid license. EU/EEA licenses are accepted without extra permits.
Are there any hidden fees when renting a car in Lapland?
Check for young driver fees, additional driver costs, one-way drop-off surcharges, and extras like GPS or child seats. Reading the fine print avoids surprises. Winter tyres with studs are included by law at no extra charge.
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