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Car rental in Helsinki – environmentally friendly cars

Helsinki is a fantastic spot for a staycation, but also works great as a base for road tripping!

It’s southern seaside location offers the perfect weather to explore in, with lots on offer to see and do. Despite Helsinki being the largest city in Finland, you wouldn’t know it from all the beautiful beaches, picturesque forests and 4 National Parks within a short drive.

If you’d rather spend time inside, there are plenty of museums and galleries to visit as well such as the Uspenski Cathedral and the Museum of Contemporary Art, not to forget the beautiful public library Oodi, which offers a lot to see and do.

Helsinki is also home to one of the oldest zoos in the world, Korkeasaari Zoo!

Car hire in Helsinki – See our locations

Green Motion Car Rental Finland Helsinki Downtown Hotel Valo 767x767

Helsinki Downtown - Hotel Valo

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Green Motion Car Rental Finland Helsinki Vantaa Airport 767x767

Helsinki Vantaa Airport

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Tips for renting a car in Helsinki

Before you rent
Choose wisely. In 2019 we introduced our multi-product system which helps you choose a car based on your needs and easily see the final price. Car rental insurance can be tricky to navigate and often isn't what you expect, by booking with us direct you'll receive the correct insurance for your rental.

When you collect your vehicle
Plan ahead. We recommend planning your route before you leave, especially when renting a car at an airport. Are you sure where you're meeting your chaperone or where the rental desk is? Your confirmation email will have the contact information for the location, so we suggest saving the number in your phone ahead of time.

Have the correct documents ready. We try and keep the check in process as painless as possible but we do need to process certain information for legal reasons so having these ready ahead of time can help speed up the process. Make sure you have your booking details ready, along with your driving licence, passport and valid credit card.

Complete a vehicle check. It's essential when you are taken to your car you complete a Vehicle Condition Report (VCR) and note any existing damage, paying particular attention to the five damage hotspots. If you don't report this, you may be liable for these damages when you return the vehicle. We don't want you to get caught out, so we've put together a handy vehicle inspection video to help you check everything thoroughly.

While you rent
Take care. Unfortunately you may be liable for any damage caused to a vehicle in your care, and this will vary depending on the product you choose. A large proportion of damages to any car can be dings you pick up in car parks, so be mindful when space is limited and park further away and walk a little further to your destination.

When you return your vehicle
Complete a vehicle check. It's time to carry out a VCR again and even more essential to fully log any damage, no matter how small, to ensure you are fully covered and we can process your return effectively. Be sure to check the vehicle as before, paying special attention to the five damage hotspots.

Green Motion Car Rental Finland Helsinki Vantaa Airport 1200x627

Why choose Green Motion for car rental?

Our pricing is transparent

With Green Motion, you always easily see the total final price. Car rental insurance can sometimes be difficult to understand - by booking with us, you always get the right insurance easily.

Get your car with ease

Our car rental points are located within easy distances from central locations - near airports and train stations, as well as in the heart of cities.

We are eco-friendly

We strive to minimize our environmental impact. We invest in, among other things, biodegradable chemicals and less water-consuming methods to clean our cars, such as steam cleaning.

We are always happy to help

You can reach us by phone from 9 am to 5 pm and at other times by email, [email protected].

Green Motion Car Rental Finland Helsinki Vantaa Airport 767x767

Good to know about car rental in Helsinki


Once you have landed at Helsinki Airport and picked up your rental car from the designated office, we wish you a safe and enjoyable journey!

In Finland, driving is on the right-hand side. A valid driving license from your home country is required, and depending on your country of origin, you may also need an International Driving Permit (IDP).

The speed limits in Finland are generally 50 km/h in urban areas, 80-100 km/h on secondary roads, and 120 km/h on highways, but these can vary depending on road conditions and signage.

From November 1 to March 31, winter tires are mandatory, as Finnish winters can bring snow and icy roads. By law, vehicles in Finland must carry a reflective safety vest and a warning triangle, which should be used in case of breakdowns or accidents. Don’t worry – if you choose our rental car, we provide everything you need!

The legal blood alcohol limit in Finland is 0.05%. Penalties for driving under the influence are strict and can include heavy fines, license suspension, or even imprisonment.

Drivers must stop for pedestrians at marked crosswalks, as pedestrians always have the right of way.

In Helsinki, pay attention to parking zones, as paid parking is common in the city center. Be sure to use designated parking spots to avoid fines.

While fuel stations are plentiful in cities and along highways, they may be less frequent in more remote areas, especially in northern Finland. It’s a good idea to fill up your tank when traveling to rural regions.

Finland does not have toll roads, so you can travel freely between cities like Helsinki, Tampere, or Rovaniemi without worrying about toll fees.

If you need any assistance during your stay in Finland, don’t hesitate to contact us. In case of emergencies, dial 112 for all emergency services.

Useful Information about car hire in Helsinki

Side of road

Drive on the right side of the road

Local currency

Euro (€)

Is parking free in Helsinki?

There are some free parking areas in Helsinki, but it's usually almost impossible to find a free spot there! Paid parking works well in Helsinki and there are multiple spots available around the city! Parking can be paid via an app or with a ticket machine, so remember to check the right payment option depending on your parking spot.

Do I need winter tires in Helsinki?

Yes, between November 1st and March 31, winter tires or snow chains are mandatory in Finland. If you’re renting a car during this period, we will take care of that!

Is it easy to drive in Helsinki?

Yes, driving in Helsinki is generally considered easy! If you visit in winter, be prepared for snowy and icy conditions. In some areas, trams may have priority, so drivers should be mindful of tram lanes and pedestrian zones. Helsinki is very pedestrian- and cyclist-friendly. Drivers must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks, and cyclists often share the road or have designated bike lanes.

Is the traffic rough in Helsinki?

Like most capital cities, Helsinki can experience congestion, particularly during rush hours (morning 7-9 AM and afternoon 4-6 PM). However, traffic is generally lighter compared to other European capitals, and the city layout is fairly straightforward.

Is parking free in Helsinki?

Parking in Helsinki is not typically free, especially in the city center. There are paid parking zones where you must purchase a ticket from parking meters or use mobile apps.