Rovaniemi in winter: rental car and top tips

Rovaniemi in winter with a rental car combine ease, freedom, and the magic of Lapland. When the summer heat turns to bitter cold and snow covers the slopes of Ounasvaara, the capital of Lapland comes alive: the anticipation of Christmas, hunting for the Northern Lights, the joy of winter sports, and vibrant Arctic culture attract tourists to the north year after year.

A rental car is the ultimate travel companion for a winter holiday. With 24Rent, you don’t need your own car, as we have almost 1,000 cars available throughout Finland, or you can rent a car directly from Rovaniemi to continue your journey after sitting on a train or plane.

When to travel to Rovaniemi?

Rovaniemi shines in every season, but your ideal timing depends on what you want to experience.

• September–November : The aurora season restarts as nights darken. Early autumn offers crisp hikes; by November, the first proper snows usually arrive, though snow-based activities may be limited until winter settles in.
• December–early January: Christmas magic is in full swing. Expect lively crowds, limited availability, and premium prices, so book as early in advance as possible. Daylight is short but atmospheric—perfect for cozy city strolls, Santa experiences, and evening excursions. Book accommodation and a car well in advance.
• Mid-January–March: The sweet spot for snow reliability and winter sports. Nights are long enough for Northern Lights hunting, while days grow lighter for skiing and outdoor adventures. Driving is straightforward if you’re used to winter roads—consider an AWD or SUV for fresh-snow days.
  

Four tips for Rovaniemi

A rental car makes it easy to plot multiple destinations on the map. Below are a few spots 24Rent recommends for your Rovaniemi adventure:

• Santa Claus Village is an iconic way to kick off a winter holiday. The Santa’s workshop village on the Arctic Circle is especially great for families with children.
  
• Arktikum Museum & Science Centre offers a beautiful, enriching experience for travelers who hunger for knowledge.
  
• Ounasvaara Ski Resort is perfect for sports lovers—enjoy downhill skiing, snowshoeing, and illuminated cross-country trails.
  
• Husky and reindeer safaris add a dash of adventure and make a fun change of pace from time in the car.
  
• Snowmobile safaris let you try a completely new way of enjoying the territory.
  
• Glass-igloo hotels in Rovaniemi provide an exotic way to spend the night after a day of winter adventures.

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A rental car gives you the freedom to plan your days on your own terms: stop wherever you like, look for breaks in the cloud cover to hunt the Northern Lights, and return to your camp just as the Lapland sky bursts into stars.

24Rent is an official partner of Visit Rovaniemi. It’s worth exploring their website to dive even deeper into everything the city offers travelers.

Experience northern lights with a rental car.

Which car should you choose?

Picking the right vehicle makes winter driving smooth. Two passengers with carry-on luggage fit comfortably in a compact car, while families or groups will appreciate a wagon’s extra room for skis and suitcases. An SUV gives you added confidence in snowdrifts and peace of mind on slick country roads. Our all-wheel-drive options make it easier to get moving and handle deep snow.

The Finnish winter can be dark and cold, but all of our rental cars are new, shiny and well maintained all throughout the winter. Our cars are equipped with proper winter tyres and the batteries are constantly checked. No matter if it’s day or night, our 24/7 road service will help you should you need it. 

From 24Rent’s selection you’ll find winter-ready models equipped with snow brushes and ice scrapers so every start is easy and safe. In Rovaniemi, for example, you can choose spacious Ford Transit Hybrid, Peugeot Expert, and VW Transporter vans for heavy loads. The Renault Trafic BUS mini-bus moves larger groups together, and the compact Suzuki Vitara with all-wheel drive makes winter driving a breeze. Our large selection of station wagons such as the Toyta Corolla and Volkswagen Golf are also reliable choices for the winter traveller.

The right rental car makes winter travel a breeze.

Oneway is the winter traveler’s best friend

A one-way Oneway rental brings welcome flexibility to your trip. A particularly pleasant option is to begin your journey from the south by train and rent a 24Rent car right by Rovaniemi railway station. Take in the winter scenery from the train window, then pick from the many 24Rent vehicles parked at the station—there are also cars available all around the city. Prefer to fly north from Helsinki, Turku, Pirkkala, or Oulu? You can pick up your vehicle directly at the airport. On the return leg, you can drop the car off at a different location than where you picked it up.

Sweden and Norway in one trip

If you’d like to see Sweden and Norway as well, 24Rent makes it easy to include them in the same rental directly on our website.. Cross the western borders in your booked vehicle—just remember to purchase the border-crossing permit when making your reservation. After that, the stunning winter landscapes of Sweden and Norway are within easy reach on the same journey.

Be ready to fall in love with Rovaniemi.

How should you prepare?

Winter in Rovaniemi calls for thoughtful clothing and gear, but you don’t have to sacrifice comfort. Dress in layers; pack warm gloves, a beanie, and a neck warmer; and bring a thermos for hot drinks.

Size the car’s cargo space to your hobbies: if you’re bringing skis, snowshoes, or a kicksled, a larger family car or SUV makes packing smooth and stress-free. With 24Rent’s search tool you can sort cars by trunk size and select the right option for your trip’s length and load.

When to book accommodation and a car?

Winter travelers should lock in bookings early. Lapland—and Rovaniemi in particular—is popular, and many accommodations, including hotels, cabins, and Airbnbs, are reserved long before winter. The same goes for rental cars. Plan ahead to save time and money, and you can secure exactly the lodging and vehicle your trip calls for.

Christmas in Rovaniemi feels like magic.

What to remember?

• A vehicle suited to your gear and terrain
  
• Warm clothing and any sports equipment
  
• Plenty of snacks and a thermos of something hot
  
• Plan well and make use of 24Rent’s Oneway service
  
• Don’t forget to enjoy the Northern Lights and Rovaniemi’s fabulous attractions

It’s so easy – book a vehicle for your journey 

1. Our service offers a wide range of car models for all your everyday and holiday needs.
2. Dwnload our mobile app, to book a car anywhere and anytime 
3. Experience an amazing holiday with a rental car