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Driving is on the right side of the road.

Helsinki Vantaa Airport rental cars may be either automatic OR manual transmission. Make sure to verify when booking if you are not comfortable with a manual transmission.

Your local drivers' licence is required.

An International Drivers' Permit (or IDP) may be required, especially if your local drivers' licence is in a language other than the local language (you may inquire when you pick up your car).

Helsinki Driving Stress Level: 2/10

Much of central Helsinki is extremely well pedestrianized and together with the network of public transport, means that there is little need to drive in this area. The usual morning and afternoon rush hours can be expected, when traffic grinds to a halt and drivers become frustrated. The Finnish always drive on the right-hand side of the road and therefore overtake on the left. Driving outside Helsinki and around Finland is relatively straightforward, although the winter months of December, January and February can create hazardous, icy stretches.

 

Helsinki is split into three main parking zones, with Zone 1 being the most central of the three and subsequently the most expensive. Zone 1 is known locally as 'I-vyöhyke' and spaces are charged per hour, with meters being easy to find and accepting most coins or local parking cards.

Car Rental Protection
Learn how to protect yourself when renting a car at Helsinki Vantaa Airport.