Car hire in Helsinki
Hiring a car in Helsinki
To truly understand the charm of Finland, Helsinki is definitely the place to go. The harbourside city is full of Baltic charm and natural beauty that make it unlike anywhere else. Seemingly a combination of water, interesting landscape and art-nouveau buildings, Helsinki is sure to have you hooked, just like every visitor before you.
In order to appreciate and explore all that the Scandinavian beauty has on offer, driving is a must. Like most roads across Finland, those surrounding Helsinki are often empty. This in itself can be a relaxing part of your holiday, as you can easily get from A to B without the heavy traffic of many European cities, which makes hiring a car a great option.
What you need to know
Finding a car hire company in Helsinki is very simple, as some of the best-known companies are located in the city. You can make it easier to find the right vehicle to meet your needs by using Holiday Autos' booking took. This will show you exactly what cars are available and the total cost, without any hidden charges.
Booking with us also means you have the added benefit of free cancellation should your plans change, as well as 24/7 support. This is why so many people come to Holiday Autos to find their hire car.
Where to pick up your car
There are a number of options when it comes to picking up your hire car in Helsinki. If you are flying into Helsinki Airport (HEL), you can start your holiday straight away by collecting your car in the terminal. You'll find the car hire desks in the corridor between terminals one and two, making it simple to find your provider.
You can also arrange to pick up your hire car at Helsinki Central Railway Station, which is handy if you are arriving to the city by train. Each car hire company has their own office at the station, so you'll need to locate the right one. Some companies also have pick-up points throughout the city, so it is a good idea to check the options before you travel.
Best Car Hire Companies Helsinki
Car Hire Reviews Helsinki
Where to go
Helsinki is a wonderfully vibrant city in a country unlike any other. From beautiful beaches to seemingly endless countryside, there is plenty of nature to explore around the city. Helsinki also offers a great range of historical sites, restaurants, attractions and shopping areas so you will never run out of things to do.
Simply pick up your hire car and start your adventure, with the whole of Helsinki and beyond open to you.
Nearby Helsinki
From the centre of the city, it is just a 25 minute drive via the E12 to the beautiful Central Park. The park is a stunning wooded area that offers trails for walking, cycling and mountain biking. With ornate wooden bridges and lots of wildlife, the park is a perfectly serene area that is ideal if you want to have a relaxing wander.
If you're planning to head out of Helsinki for a day, the town of Espoo could be the ideal location. Just under 20km via Route One, Espoo is a wonderfully diverse town that offers art and culture alongside the impressive wilderness of Nuuksio National Park. The city also plays host to a number of events, so it's worth seeing what is happening during your holiday.
Longer drives
Driving in Finland is such a joy, that even longer journeys will be no hassle at all. This means it is a great idea to head out of Helsinki and explore more of the country. One place that you should definitely go is the city of Porvoo. A little over 50km away from the centre of Helsinki via the E18, Porvoo is the second oldest city in Finland. With its cobbled streets and red shore houses, you can feel the history in every step you take, while the small shops, cafes and museums ensure there is plenty to do.
Of course, you could simply set up your satnav and head off in whatever direction you feel like to enjoy the views and the mostly empty roads. Because driving in Finland is such a pleasure, it makes sense just to go for it and see what you find along the way.
Top attractions to visit in Helsinki
There really is so much to see in and around Helsinki and hiring a car can ensure that you truly get a taste of everything that Finland has to offer. This includes some of its varied and interesting top attractions.
Temppeliaukio Church
Temppeliaukio Church is probably one of the most unusual churches you'll ever visit. The structure was actually excavated into solid rock right in the heart of Helsinki. Completed in 1969, the church has an interesting design, combining nature and modernism together seamlessly. The hall of the church is covered with a dome that is supported by concrete beams and covered in copper, which stands out perfectly against the rugged rock walls.
Sammallahdenmäki
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Bronze Age burial site of Sammallahdenmäki is well worth a visit. It is the biggest complete burial site from the Scandinavian Bronze Age to still be standing. In total, there are 33 burial cairns, creating a varied landscape of piled rock. As well as being an incredibly interesting piece of Finland's history, Sammallahdenmäki also offers a stunning view of the sea.
Suomenlinna
Away from mainland Finland is the inhabited sea fortress of Suomenlinna, which is built on six islands within the port of Helsinki. Accessible by ferry, Suomenlinna was built as a maritime fortress and served as the base for the Archipelago fleet. Originally constructed during the Swedish era in 1748, the fortress has been well-maintained and has an interesting and unique history that you should take a day to explore.