How to find a cheap car hire deal in Helsinki Vantaa (HEL)
Travel at your own pace with a cheap Helsinki Vantaa rental car. With prices averaging $166 a day, it's an easy win for your budget and your plans. From city cars to family movers, we'll help you find the right ride at the right price.
The cheapest daily price for a rental at Helsinki Vantaa is $56.
Staying on in Helsinki for a while? Book a weekly rental from $225 and fit more into your itinerary.
Timing makes all the difference when it comes to finding a cheap HEL car hire. Book about two weeks before your departure date to score the best price.
At Helsinki Vantaa, you can grab your wheels from leading rental brands such as Green Motion, Alamo and addCar.
The coverage Green Motion or another company offers for your Helsinki Vantaa car hire can vary, so remember to check the fine print. While some include a collision damage waiver (CDW), others will apply a surcharge for it.
Booking one-way could land you a cheaper deal on your car hire. Providers sometimes offer lower prices when vehicles need to be moved around. Just select 'Return car to a different location' when searching for a car for hire in HEL.
Avoid any unexpected charges by choosing a car hire in Helsinki Vantaa with a 'Fair fuel policy.' Start and end your trip with a full tank, and only pay for what you actually use.
Hit every stop on your wish list by searching for rentals with 'Unlimited mileage.' Located under the 'Policies' filter, it means you can drive as far as you need without paying more.
Best value car hire options right now
You'll find the best value with this company. Prices average $302 a day.
Sitting in second place is this provider, offering daily rates of around $182.
The third option won't dent your budget either. You'll pay roughly $153 a day with this provider.
If you're having trouble deciding which wheels are right for you, choose something from the Economy rental category. It's the most widely booked vehicle type at HEL.
Compare car hire types from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL)
Small: Whether you're cruising narrow city streets or taking a short trip, this cheap Helsinki Vantaa rental car category offers big value in a small package. Including mini and economy classes, you can expect good fuel efficiency and easy handling.
Medium: Choose from compact and intermediate cars that combine fuel efficiency, space and comfort. Easy to manoeuvre in cities and with enough space for longer drives, they make sense for just about any journey.
Large: Offering greater driving comfort and advanced tech features, this HEL car hire option includes full-size cars. With bigger back seats and ample storage space, they let you load up and take everyone, and everything, with ease.
SUV: SUVs are ready whenever wanderlust hits. All-wheel drive and everyday versatility equip them for urban streets and rugged backroads alike.
Van: With options like commercial vans and trucks, this category of car for rent in Helsinki Vantaa takes heavy loads and larger groups in its stride. They're roomy, reliable, and ready for whatever task you throw at it.
Insurance and optional extras
Excess insurance covers your out-of-pocket costs if your HEL car hire is stolen or damaged. While not compulsory, it's a smart add-on if you'd rather play it safe. Just remember that insurance policies vary between providers, so make sure you know exactly what's included.
Take your ride to the next level with handy extras like a reverse camera or navigation unit. These features can turn your drive into a smoother experience when you rent a car in Helsinki Vantaa.
Good to know
Rental age requirements generally aren't a one-size-fits-all. Providers can set their own policies, and if you're a younger driver, you could be hit with extra charges or rules. Check the specific rules for each supplier before booking your car hire in Finland.
If you're travelling with kids, check if you should add a car seat to your HEL car hire booking. Whether a legal requirement or not, they're always the safest way for youngsters to ride.
You'll need to show some documents when collecting your car. As a general rule, bring your physical driver's licence, a credit card with enough balance for the deposit (debit cards usually aren't accepted), and another form of photo ID. Your booking will confirm exactly what's required.
If you haven't driven before in Finland, don't forget that traffic here sticks to the right side of the road.
Local speed limits may vary, but it's usually around 45kph in built-up areas and 95kph or so on highways. Always go by the posted signs.
In Finland, the legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit is 0.05%. If you're planning to have a drink or two, leave the driving to someone else or choose another way to travel.
The euro (EUR) is the currency you'll be using for everyday purchases and outings. Pay with a debit or credit card where you can, but have some cash ready when electronic payments aren't accepted.
Drive smarter from the start
The real fun starts once you've grabbed the keys to your HEL car hire. You've got the freedom to take any route you choose, but if you're headed to central Helsinki, it'll take you around 25 minutes to drive the 18 kilometres or so south.
In peak hour, expect the drive from Helsinki Vantaa to the centre to take as long as 50 minutes.
One of the busiest times for traffic in this destination is around 8am. Make things easy by driving outside rush hours in general.
Don't need a set of wheels right away? Think about grabbing a car hire in Helsinki instead of at the airport. That way, you won't be paying for days you don't use.
Hit the road: Where to drive from Helsinki Vantaa (HEL)
Before you move on, get in some sightseeing around Helsinki first. Major highlights like Helsinki Cathedral and Helsinki Central Station set the tone for your whole journey.
Espoo should be on your itinerary if you want to see Nuuksio Park and Nuuksio National Park. This city is around 21 kilometres southwest of HEL.
Add Lahti to your list of stops. Around 80 kilometres northeast of the airport, head there in your Helsinki Vantaa car hire to explore standout attractions like Lahti Art Museum and Sibelius hall.
Extend your journey and road-trip it to Pori, around 209 kilometres northwest of HEL. Kick things off at Selkämeri National Park (Pori), then spend some time at Kirjurinluoto.
