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Hire A Car In Rovaniemi And Explore Lapland Your Way

Get competitive prices with a practical, UK-focused guide to picking up at Rovaniemi Airport or the city centre, understanding winter requirements and avoiding extra charges.

Lapland Essentials
Rovaniemi Car Hire Guide For UK Travellers
Renting a car in Rovaniemi is one of the easiest ways to see Lapland beyond the city—especially in winter when daylight is limited and attractions are spread out. For UK travellers, driving is straightforward: you can use your UK licence, roads are well maintained, and signage is clear. The main differences are winter conditions and local rental rules. Expect a security deposit on a credit card, and check what is included in the price (CDW/excess, theft protection and glass/tyres). In winter, cars are typically equipped with appropriate tyres (often studded) and may include an engine block heater; confirm availability and any extra charges for premium insurance or additional drivers. Fuel policies are commonly ‘full-to-full’—take photos of the fuel gauge and any pre-existing damage at pickup. If you plan to cross borders (e.g., Sweden or Norway), confirm permissions in writing before booking.
Alamo
Avis
National
Dollar
Thrifty
Budget
+ more
Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) – Car Rental Desks
The main pickup point for visitors. Desks are located in/near the arrivals area, with vehicles collected from the airport car parks. Best for immediate onward travel and for those arriving with luggage and winter gear. Disadvantages: prices can be higher during peak dates, and queues are more likely around flight arrivals.
Rovaniemi City Centre – Hotel And Office Pickup
Convenient if you are staying centrally and prefer to settle in before driving. Pros: often calmer collection and easier access to shops for supplies. Cons: shorter opening hours and you may need a short walk/taxi to the office; parking in the centre can be tighter in busy periods.
Rovaniemi Railway Station Area
Useful for travellers arriving by overnight train from Helsinki. Pros: practical handover if you are not flying and want to drive straight to your accommodation or nearby attractions. Cons: fewer on-site options than the airport and limited hours can apply, so confirm collection and return times carefully.
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Best Rental Cars for Your Rovaniemi & Lapland Road Trip

Discover top car picks for chasing the Northern Lights, Arctic safaris, and the magic of Lapland's capital. Browse more popular rentals below.

By Trip Type
Popular Makes

Winter

SUV

Arctic-Ready & Northern Lights Chaser
5
3
Auto

An SUV with four-wheel drive and proper winter tyres is essential for Lapland's icy roads and snow-packed tracks to remote aurora-viewing spots. Elevated clearance handles unploughed forest lanes leading to husky and reindeer farms. Heated seats and mirrors make sub-zero mornings bearable for visitors from milder climates. Automatic transmission is widely available and helps on slippery surfaces.

Family Safari

Van

Spacious & Lapland-Ready for Groups
7
4
Auto

A 9-seat van suits families or small groups with bulky snowsuits, sledges, and ski gear. The generous boot easily holds prams and Christmas presents from Santa Claus Village. Modern vans offer strong heating and stable handling on snowy highways. Automatic gearboxes make long winter drives to Pyhä or Levi ski resorts far less tiring.

Polar Comfort

Premium

Heated Luxury & Cosseting Drive
5
3
Auto

A premium saloon brings genuine comfort to Lapland's brutal winter climate, with heated seats, heated steering wheel, and rapid cabin warming as standard. The refined suspension copes beautifully with rutted, frost-heaved Arctic roads. Powerful LED headlights help during the long polar nights, and the quiet cabin is ideal for spotting the aurora from a roadside lay-by.

Choose Your Ride

Find the perfect vehicle for your trip. Compare options below.

Airport
City Centre

Fastest Start: Pick Up At Rovaniemi Airport (RVN)

Ideal for arriving flights, late landings and early departures. Airport desks offer straightforward collection, longer opening hours in peak season and easy access to main roads towards Santa Claus Village, Levi, Saariselkä and Ranua.

logo
City SprinterSmall
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

Green motion48 ft
5
1
4
Manual
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$592.81
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
City SprinterSmall
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

Addcar rentalIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
1
4
Manual
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$1,769.09
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
logo
City SprinterSmall
Volkswagen Polo

Volkswagen Polo

AlamoIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
1
4
Manual
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$355.69
MileageLimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
logo
Aurora BaseVan
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

Green motion48 ft
5
2
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$592.81
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Aurora BaseVan
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

AlamoIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$355.69
MileageLimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
logo
Aurora BaseVan
Volkswagen Golf

Volkswagen Golf

EnterpriseIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$355.69
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates
logo
Snow MasterSUV
Volkswagen T-cross

Volkswagen T-cross

Green motion48 ft
5
2
4
Manual
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$592.81
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Snow MasterSUV
Toyota C-HR

Toyota C-HR

Green motion48 ft
5
2
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$592.81
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card, Debit card
Check Rates
logo
Snow MasterSUV
Toyota C-HR

Toyota C-HR

HertzIn terminal, Walk to counter
5
2
4
Auto
Cancellationcancellation fees apply
Deposit$235.88
MileageUnlimited
PaymentCredit Card
Check Rates

Rovaniemi Airport (RVN) Car Hire – Real Reviews & Ratings

Read honest, verified reviews from real customers who hired cars at Rovaniemi Airport. Make confident choices with genuine ratings.

Rental companyRatingAvg. Daily RatePickup Method/DistanceSecurity depositAccepts Debit CardsKey Advantages
National
3.0
63 reviews
$480.8 mi from Rovaniemi Downtown
$355
  • Friendly professional staff
  • Emerald Club car selection
  • Quick efficient service
Sixt
3.0
23 reviews
$920.8 mi from Rovaniemi Downtown
$234 - $237
  • Friendly and professional staff
  • Easy pickup and return process
  • Clean vehicles in good condition
Green motion
2.9
31,000+ reviews
$380.7 mi from Rovaniemi Downtown
$585 - $591
  • Friendly and helpful staff
  • Clean and well-maintained vehicles
  • Efficient airport pickup service
Alamo
2.8
6 reviews
$420.8 mi from Rovaniemi Downtown
$351 - $613
  • Friendly and helpful staff
  • Vehicle upgrade offered
  • Clear instructions provided
Keddy by europcar
2.8
3 reviews
$390.8 mi from Rovaniemi Downtown
$355
  • Competitive rental pricing
  • Straightforward vehicle handover
  • Reliable pre-booked reservations
Avis
2.5
5 reviews
$53Walk to counter
$612 - $727
  • Fast service without problems
  • Full insurance coverage available
  • Excellent price-quality ratio
Europcar
2.5
5 reviews
$570.8 mi from Rovaniemi Downtown
$623 - $753
  • Standard rental process
  • Wide vehicle selection
Finn-rent
2.4
21 reviews
$630.8 mi from Rovaniemi Downtown
$591 - $2,364
  • Best price
  • Great car
  • Helpful service
Dollar
1.9
3400+ reviews
$524.9 mi from Rovaniemi Downtown
$234
  • New vehicle fleet available
  • Professional and friendly staff
  • Smooth pick-up and return process
Thrifty
1.9
3700+ reviews
$554.9 mi from Rovaniemi Downtown
$234 - $1,336
  • Professional and helpful staff
  • Friendly personnel
  • Easy pickup and dropoff

*Rating and review data are sourced from Trustpilot. Policy details may vary by location and vehicle type. Please confirm at the time of booking.

Data source: QEEQ Car Rental
Last updated: Jun. 6 2026
Essential Rental Hub
Everything you need to know before you drive off. Select a topic to get the full brakdown.
Refuelling Your Rental Car in Finland: A Complete Guide
This guide provides essential steps for refuelling your rental car in Finland, covering payment methods, fuel types, and tips for a smooth experience.
View details
Rovaniemi Car Hire Insurance: Why Zero-Excess Cover Can Save You €5,000
Essential guide for anyone hiring a car in Rovaniemi. Explains why standard CDW often excludes glass, tyres and undercarriage, outlines Lapland-specific risks (black ice, studded-tyre gravel, reindeer), compares rental-company zero-excess cover with third-party reimbursement policies, and provides a concise pre-flight checklist to avoid unexpected bills up to €5,000.
View details

Platform Insights

Car Rental Expert Advice

By QEEQ Platform Expert Team

Expertise Metrics

Platform Recognition

Asia's Best Car Rental Booking Website 2023&2024

Booking Volume

Review Quality

10,000+ verified 5-star reviews

Market Experience

Data Authority

Expertise Verification

QEEQ data verified against local official data sources

Key Expert Insights

Platform Analysis

"Rovaniemi Airport handles 78% of regional car rentals, with 1.12M passengers in 2025 (+18.4% YoY), dominated by international chains including Sixt, Hertz, Avis, Europcar, Budget, and Enterprise."

Booking Patterns

"SUV/4x4 bookings surged 28% in 2023-2024 with 45% winter spike Nov-Mar; economy cars hold 30-35% summer share; average rental duration 4-6 days across seasons."

Customer Pain Points

"42% of renters underestimate winter tire requirements; 38% face unexpected damage charges; 27-35% report insurance confusion over CDW coverage."

Data Sources

  • QEEQ internal booking databse
  • Finavia Traffic Statistics 2025
  • Wikipedia - Rovaniemi Airport
  • Visit Rovaniemi - Getting Around
  • Visit Finland - Tourism Statistics
  • Statista Car Rental Market Outlook Finland
  • Nordic Tourism Collective Report
  • Finnish Transport Infrastructure Agency
  • Trustpilot Reviews Analysis - Auto Europe
  • European Consumer Centre Finland

Road Trips

One-way rental routes starting from Rovaniemi

Plan your ultimate road trip with these popular one-way routes departing from Rovaniemi

Drive Through Finland's Arctic Wonderland

Essential driving and travel guide for Rovaniemi - from speed limits to gas prices, everything you need to know before hitting the road in Lapland

LANGUAGES

Finnish, Swedish

CURRENCY

EUR

DRIVE ON

Right-hand side

COUNTRY CODE

+358

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL PRICE

$65 per day

AVERAGE CAR RENTAL LENGTH

5 days

SPEED LIMIT WITHIN TOWN

50 km/h

SPEED LIMIT OUT OF TOWN

80-100 km/h (summer: 100-120 km/h on motorways)

ACCEPTABLE LIMIT OF BAC

0.05%

AVERAGE GAS PRICE

$2.37/L

LOWEST / HIGHEST GAS PRICE

$1.46/L - $2.98/L

Hiring a Car in Rovaniemi: FAQs

What UK drivers need to know about winter tyres, fuel, reindeer, tolls and licences in Finnish Lapland

Can I drive in Finland with just my UK photocard licence, or do I need an International Driving Permit?
Your UK photocard licence is valid for up to 12 months in Finland as a tourist — no IDP is strictly required by law. In practice, most major rental firms at Rovaniemi Airport (Hertz, Avis, Sixt) still ask for a 1949-style IDP alongside your licence, so grab one from the AA or RAC before flying — it costs around £5.50 and arrives within 24 hours. Bring your passport and a credit card in the main driver's name. Minimum rental age is 19-21; under-25s pay a 'young driver' surcharge of €15-30 per day.
Are winter tyres actually mandatory in Rovaniemi, and will I get fined if I don't use them?
Yes — studded or friction (non-studded) winter tyres are compulsory from 1 November to 31 March, or longer if conditions demand. The fine for summer tyres in winter starts at €100. In Rovaniemi, where temperatures regularly plunge to -30°C, always go for studded tyres (nastarengas) — they grip ice far better than friction tyres. Most rental companies include winter tyres in the December-March rate, but charge €10-25 per day outside that window. Crucially, driving on packed snow without them typically voids your collision damage waiver, so check the contract before signing.
How real is the reindeer-on-the-road risk in Lapland, and what if I hit one?
Very real — Finland records roughly 4,000 reindeer collisions a year, with most happening around Rovaniemi between October and January at dawn and dusk. Reindeer have right of way, and unlike deer in the UK, hitting one can leave you facing a €1,000-5,000 repair bill because collision damage waivers rarely cover animal strikes. Slow to 60 km/h where you see warning signs, use full beams at night, and never swerve sharply — brake in a straight line. Call 112 after any collision; the herder must be informed before the animal is removed.
How expensive is fuel in Rovaniemi, and what petrol do I need?
Petrol in Finland is among Europe's priciest — expect €1.85-2.05 per litre for 95 E10, the standard unleaded. Diesel is around €1.75-1.95. Outside Rovaniemi, stations thin out fast: gaps of 150-200 km are common on routes to Ivalo or Inari, so always top up in town. Pumps are colour-coded — black or green for 95 E10. Full-to-full is the standard policy: return the car with the same fuel level as collected, or face a €20-40 refuelling surcharge on top of a marked-up per-litre price. Credit cards work at every pump.
Are there any toll roads or congestion charges in Finland?
No — Finland is one of the few European countries with zero car tolls and no congestion zones. You can drive every kilometre of motorway, including the E75 north to Utsjoki at the Arctic coast, completely free. The only fees you'll meet on the road are a handful of ferry crossings, such as the short hops to Hailuoto island. Parking in Rovaniemi city centre, however, is paid: €1-2 per hour in marked bays, payable via the Parkman or EasyPark app. Download these before arrival, as cash is rarely accepted at meters.
What happens if my rental car breaks down at midnight in -25°C outside Sodankylä?
Every major rental firm in Rovaniemi offers 24/7 roadside assistance, with the emergency number printed on your key fob and rental agreement. They will tow you to the nearest garage or send a replacement vehicle, usually within 2-4 hours even in remote Lapland. Block-heater cables are standard on Finnish cars — ask your hotel for a powered parking bay. Keep an emergency kit in the boot: blankets, a torch, a charged power bank and a warm drink. Mobile signal drops out 30 km beyond main roads, so download offline maps before setting off.

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