Ivalo Car Hire

Budget-Friendly Car Hire in Ivalo

We offer low-cost, budget-friendly car hire when public transport simply won’t cut it. Exploring Ivalo and its surrounding areas by car is one of the best ways to appreciate everything that Lapland has to offer, from mountain biking in the summer to skiing in the winter. Being well-organised with your car hire is key, especially in the peak tourism season over the Christmas and New Year period.

Securing the Best Deals

From December to February, Ivalo sees an increase in demand for car rentals as tourism increases. As a result, we suggest booking your car hire at least one month in advance, especially if you are planning on visiting in December.

Understanding Ivalo’s Driving Regulations

• Speed limits in built-up areas: 50 km/h
• Speed limits outside built-up areas: 80 km/h
• Speed limits on highways and motorways in summer: 100 km/h and 120 km/h, respectively
• Speed limits on highways and motorways in winter: 80 km/h and 100 km/h, respectively
• Drive on the right-hand side of the road, as with the rest of Finland
• Seatbelts are a mandatory requirement for all vehicle occupants.
• Winter tyres are required from December to March.
• Using a mobile phone is prohibited while driving, unless on a hands-free basis.
• The blood alcohol limit is 0.05%.
• Road signs are written in Finnish or Swedish, except for stop signs and taxi signs, which are written in English.

Rules of the Road for Renters

• All occupants of the vehicle must wear a seatbelt at all times.
• Beware of wildlife in the winter months such as elk, reindeer and moose.
• The busiest times on the roads are from 07:30–09:00 and 16:00–18:30.
• Overtake on the left.
• Speed limits are in kilometres per hour, not miles per hour.

Parking in Ivalo: A Guide

As long as there is not a sign claiming that you cannot park somewhere, generally, it is fine to park anywhere (safely) in Ivalo. You may have some problems parking roadside if the traffic is busy, but generally, it is fine to park anywhere in the village.

When parking in a pay-and-display car park in Ivalo, you will need to pay the required fee, which is clearly displayed on the parking meter, and you are usually charged hourly for this. The currency used in Ivalo – and the rest of Finland – is the Euro. Prices start from around €2 per hour and increase the longer you choose to stay. You can incur fines if you do not purchase a parking ticket in these pay-and-display car parks.

Finding Convenient Parking Spots in Ivalo

Parking is generally easy to find in Ivalo, with it being a fairly quiet village. During the busier tourist seasons, particularly towards Christmas time and New Year, then you may be better off parking in a designated car park, even though this will cost more.

Top Attractions in Ivalo

Even though it is only a small place, there is still lots to explore in Ivalo and its surrounding areas, from museums to excursions to see the Northern Lights and more.

Discovering Ivalo’s Highlights

Here are some of the best things to do in Ivalo and its surrounding areas:

• Traditional Husky Sledge Ride: Huskies were bred for pulling sledges for long distances through the snow, and you can experience the raw power of these incredible dogs with a sledge ride in Ivalo.
• Taivo Planetarium: As well as providing information about space, you can also book a stargazing tour here.
• Ivalo Trek into Lapland: In the summer you can go on a hiking and photography trip, while in the winter you can go via a snowmobile and to see the Northern Lights.

Transport Options in Ivalo

If you do not drive or do not want to hire a car, there are a couple of public transport options. Because of its remote location in northern Finland, Ivalo does not have trains or metro services – in fact, the nearest train station is over 300km south, in the city of Rovaniemi. However, buses run occasionally to and from the airport, Inari Village, and the popular Saariselkä resort. There are also several taxi firms available in Ivalo.

Buses: An Easy Way to Get From A to B

While the bus services are not as frequent as they are in major Finnish cities such as Helsinki, they are still nevertheless available. Running from the main terminal in Ivalo Airport, they also run to Inari Village and Saariselkä. Both cash and card payments are accepted on buses in Ivalo.

Taxis: Convenient for Direct Routes

While more expensive than buses, taxis are a convenient way of getting around Ivalo. Similar to buses, most taxi firms also accept cash and card payments. They also have the advantage of being pre-bookable, and available 24/7, making them ideal for airport runs, particularly those who have early morning or late night flights from Ivalo Airport.

Best Day Trips from Ivalo

• Lake Inari: One of the most popular day trip destinations from Ivalo is Lake Inari. Some companies offer fishing expeditions on the lake during the summer, while there is the option for ice fishing during the winter months. Distance from Ivalo: 45.4km (28.2 miles)
• Saariselkä: A popular destination for tourists, Saariselkä offers multiple activities, from hiking and mountain biking in the summer to skiing, spas, and snowmobile tours in the winter. Distance from Ivalo: 30.9km (19.2 miles)
• Treriksrøysa: Literally translated into English as “Three Country Cairn”, this border point marks exactly where Finland, Norway and Russia meet each other. Distance from Ivalo: 83.6km (51.9 miles)

Planning Your Adventure

There are many attractions in and around Ivalo, so planning your adventure in advance is absolutely essential. We recommend using a sat-nav, Google Maps or other similar navigation systems to make finding your way around easier.

Optimal Driving Times in Ivalo

Similarly to the UK, it is best to avoid driving at rush hour in Ivalo. Typically, this is between 07:30 and 09:00 and then again from 16:00–18:30.

Avoiding Congestion and Optimising Enjoyment

As mentioned earlier, it is best to avoid driving during rush hour to make the most of your driving experience and your time in Ivalo.

Weighing the Benefits of Car Hire in Ivalo

Driving means that you can explore Ivalo at your own pace, and go where you want when you want. However, car hire is not for everybody.

Pros: Advantages of Personal Mobility

You are able to explore places off the beaten track, and also places that may not be accessible by public transport. You can also visit places in your own time, and you are not restricted by public transport timings.

Cons: Potential Drawbacks of Hiring a Car

Driving in Ivalo can be challenging, particularly during the winter months when there can be lots of ice and snow on the roads.

Variety of Rental Vehicles in Ivalo

From Ivalo itself to Ivalo Airport, there is a large range of vehicles from reputable suppliers, such as the small and compact Fiat 500 or Nissan Micra, to the Hyundai I30, or even the large Toyota Rav 4, ideal for large families.

Choosing the Right Vehicle for Your Needs

Depending on whether you’re a solo traveller or you are visiting Ivalo with your family, choosing the right vehicle is imperative. It’s also best to take into account what time of year you are visiting Ivalo, and thus which vehicle will be more suitable. We recommend a larger vehicle for the winter months and a smaller vehicle for the summer months.

Partnering with Ivalo’s Premier Car Hire Providers

Enjoy Travel provides low-cost and reliable vehicles from well-known and reputable companies: Europcar, Keddy, Hertz and Green Motion are all available to hire from Ivalo Airport.

Selecting a Reputable Company

The best way to ensure that the company you hire from is reputable and reliable is to read reviews online about the services that they offer and decide whether or not they align with your requirements and expectations.