finland travel expenses

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Home » Europe » Finland » Is Finland Expensive? (Tips for Visiting in 2024)

Is Finland Expensive? (Tips for Visiting in 2024)

Finland is a magical wonderland that is best known for its stunning natural landscapes, love for heavy metal, and being home to the happiest people on Earth (apparently). From the laid-back vibe of Helsinki to the lush wild forests to the elegant dance of the Northern Lights, there are plenty of reasons to visit Helsinki.

But Scandinavia, and Finland in particular, is not known to be a budget destination. If you ask any traveler “Is Finland Expensive?” they will likely tell you to start saving.

But while Finland is one of the more expensive places to visit, there are some ways you can travel more affordably. You might have to skimp on a few luxuries, but you don’t have to compromise on seeing the Northern Lights, staying in unique accommodations, or seeing the most stunning nature.

If you’ve got your eyes set on a Finnish gateway, then this guide contains all there is to know about just how much you will need to budget to travel to Finland.

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So, How Much Does a Trip to Finland Cost on Average?

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Working how much a trip to Finland costs is going to depend on a few different factors. The first thing you need to figure out it is how much to budget for the trip. You will need to factor in the costs of flights, food, accommodation, sightseeing, and transport on the ground. But don’t worry, I’ve got you covered. 

Travel costs listed in this guide are all estimates and are subject to change. Prices are listed in US Dollars.

Finland uses the Euro (EUR). As of August 2022, the exchange rate is 1 USD = 1 EUR.

2 Weeks in Finland Travel Costs

Here’s a handy table summarizing the costs of what you can expect to pay on a 2-week trip to Finland.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE : $55 – $1,503 USD for a roundtrip ticket.

When you first start to plan a trip, you might wonder “ Is Finland expensive for flights?” and then hit up the internet in a quick bid to answer your question. The thing is that the cost of flights will vary hugely depending on where in the world you’re flying from, and when you’re visiting. Those of you based in Europe will have very different fares compared to the US.

No matter where you’re flying from, there are ways to find cheaper flights to Finland. The best way to get a bargain is to be super flexible with the dates and times you’re traveling. Locking in just a couple of weeks in a year for your trip will leave you at the mercy of chance. 

The highest airfares are usually found in the summer months of June to August when much of Europe takes its summer break. Fares also peak over the Christmas period when travelers head to catch the Northern Lights. For the cheapest tickets, try the shoulder seasons such as travelling during November.

The busiest airport is Helsinki Airport (HEL). The busy international airport is located around 20 kilometers from the city center. Getting between the two is made fairly easy, however, thanks to regular trains that connect the airport to the city in about 30 minutes.

A cheaper alternative is the 40-minute ride on a public bus. Either way, the transport between the two is also something to factor into your Finland travel budget .

Here are the average costs of flights to Finland from several international air travel hubs:

• New York to Copenhagen Airport $361 – $614 USD
• London to Copenhagen Airport: £47 – £111 GBP
• Sydney to Copenhagen Airport: $1320 – $2,163 AUD
• Vancouver to Copenhagen Airport: $519 – $1,510 CAD

As you can see from the cost of flights to Helsinki Airport, being based in a European city will really save you some serious cash on airfares. London has the cheapest flights by a long way which makes a trip to Finland very affordable. Elsewhere, flights do cost a great deal more, but don’t be dismayed: you can save money, too. 

Take some time to check out the various options available to you. Connecting flights can really help to shave a few hundred dollars from the ticket price, or you could try multiple transfers. These may take time but can be a whole lot cheaper when compared to direct flights. 

A good place to start your search is by checking out a price comparison site such as Skycanner. Just input your dates, be flexible with when you travel and the site will bring up all of your options – saving your time, and hopefully, money, too. 

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $20 – $170 per night

The price of accommodation in Finland is also going to be a big part of your trip budget. The type of accommodation you choose in Finland will depend on what kind of traveler you are and where in the country you want to visit. The price will vary depending on the location and the time of year and day of the week. 

Finland’s accommodation can be expensive at first but there’s a good choice of accommodation types out there to help balance out all of those chic hotels. From a long list of budget-friendly chain hotels to stylish hostels and some pretty cool airbnbs to choose from, too. 

So don’t get put off by the high prices at first glance. Accommodation in Finland can be affordable and there’s some great budget options out there. 

Let’s take a closer look at some of the accommodations in Finland to get you on the road to planning your vacation…

Hostels in Finland

Hostels are usually the first thing that comes to mind when travelers think about budget accommodation. Thankfully, Finland has some absolutely amazing hotels up its sleeve. You can opt to stay at friendly city-center hotels or stay in more remote locations close to lakes and national parks. 

The price for a night in a hostel in Finland is on average around $20 per night.

It doesn’t matter what hostel you end up booking in Finland, you will usually find yourself staying somewhere that is clean, comfortable and very welcoming. Some hostels even come with added extras like free bike rental, cafes, and even saunas for guests to use. And if you don’t want to stay in a dorm, there’s often private rooms too. 

Considering the possibility of spending a few nights in a hostel during your trip? Here’s some of the best the country has to offer for you to check out:

• Hostel Diana Park – The small and friendly hostel in Helsinki city center is great for exploring the city. Surrounded by shops, bars and eateries, the staff are on hand to make sure you enjoy your trip to the city. There’s only 15 beds, so it’s easy to mingle and meet other travelers. 
• Hostel Cafe Kofti – Located in central Rovaniemi, this Scandinavian-style hostel has a choice of dorms and private rooms. A buffet breakfast is available and there’s a well equipped kitchen and shared relaxing lounge relaxing area. Bonus points for the genuine Finnish sauna. 
• Tampere Dream Hostel – Located close to the city center, this stylish hostel is run by a friendly bunch of folks. The brand-new hostel offers up super clean dorms and shared spaces and a chilled-out atmosphere. Overall its excellent value-for-money. 

Airbnbs in Finland

When it comes to finding affordable accommodation in Finland one of the best places to search is on Airbnb. The site is really popular in Finland, which means there’s a long list of funky city apartments, remote cabin stays, and some really unique places to stay too. Yurts, anyone? 

With all that incredible choice comes the chance of finding some really affordable places to stay on the site. More often than not, you’ll be able to find somewhere that fits your travel budget and in a good location, too. 

The cheapest can be priced as low as $70-80.

Staying in an Airbnb in Finland will help to make traveling to more off-the-beaten-track locations in Finland so much easier. You can enjoy living like a local in a trendy city suburb or chill out in the wilderness among snow-coated mountains. The choice is almost endless. 

Another big plus point of staying in an Airbnb is the amenities that the prosperous offer up. Having your own kitchen means you can save a stack of cash on food. Instead of spending the big bucks eating out for every meal you can prepare some food for yourself every now and again.

If booking an Airbnb in Finland is something you might be interested in, here’s the details of a few top properties for you to take a look at.

• Minimalist Nordic Apartment – The stylish studio apartment is great for a couple of solo travelers. Located just a 15-minute walk from Helsinki’s Central railway station and city center, from here it’s easy to explore the city. 
• Cozy Lake-side cabin – Take time out during your trip and unwind amongst nature in this cool lake cabin. Located just a short walk away from Vaala town center, the cabin comes complete with everything you need for a comfortable stay. 
• Stylish Scandinavian Home – Set in Rovaniemi, this polished apartment is situated close to the city center close to restaurants and shops. The apartment has a beautiful design and has enough room to sleep 4 guests comfortably. 

Hotels in Finland

Hotels in Finland can really vary. In the capital of Helsinki and in other big cities you can expect to see a ton of expensive places to stay. These types of hotels will cost you around $200 a night, but you can expect fashionable design, in-house restaurants, and facilities like gyms and saunas to luxuriate in.

There’s also a good choice of budget-friendly hotels, which are a bit more simple but still modern and clean. These kinds of places are really great for those on a budget and can mostly be found in city centers, close to public transport, and city sights.

If you want to stay in a budget hotel in Finland, you can expect to pay around $70-$100 per night depending on the city.

Opting to book yourself into a hotel for your trip can come with some top perks. For one thing, hotels usually come with housekeeping so you don’t have to worry about making your bed or taking out the trash like at an Airbnb. Hotels might even come with amenities like bike rental and free breakfast, too. 

Even though Finland has some great budget hotels, they can get booked up in peak seasons. Make sure to plan as much in advance as possible and be flexible with your dates in order to secure the best deal for your room.

Here are some of the top budget-friendly hotels to get you started:

• Omena Hotel Helsinki – This super budget-friendly hotel in Helsinki city center is located close to public transport, eateries, and shops. Offering up clean and contemporary rooms, with private bathrooms and seating areas, guests check in this via a keyless entry system. 
• VALO Hotel & Work Helsinki – Situated in Helsinki, this modern hotel has been carefully designed with guests’ enjoyment and overall experience in mind. There’s a variety of different room types to choose from and some super cool shared spaces for relaxing. Amenities also include a restaurant, free bikes, a fitness center and bar in Helsinki.
• Hotelli Helmi – This affordable hotel is located in central Turku just a stone’s throw from the Concert House. Rooms are simple but bright and comfortable and come with private bathrooms. A buffet breakfast is served every morning.

Unique Accommodation in Finland

When it comes to unique accommodation, Finland really has it covered. There’s so much more to the nation than its cities and that’s because it’s got some incredible natural scenery. Those of you who want to take a trip out to explore the country’s wild landscape really have a treat in store for you in the form of igloos. 

Yes, you might think that spending the night in the igloo sounds pretty chilly, but think again. The igloos in Finland have been carefully crafted with the utmost comfort in mind. They are usually located as a part of a remote resort where Fins and overseas travelers come to see the Northern Lights – and sometimes even meet Santa Claus. 

These types of stays do not come cheaply, however. You can expect to pay at least $150 for a night in an igloo. But you will also have access to the restaurants, saunas, and activities at the resort. 

But there are some more down-to-earth choices out there. Some Fins have built their own igloos and regularly welcome guests to spend the night in real snow structures. Don’t worry: they still have real beds inside and are decked out with warming fairy lights.

If that sounds like the type of amazing experience that you would like to try during your trip, here are some of the best igloos to take a glance at:

• Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort – This amazing igloo is located in the Saariselkä Fell region of Finnish Lapland. You can spend the night in a glass igloo that features glass roofs and luxury beds. Some even come with a sauna. The resort includes two restaurants to enjoy.
• Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos – Located in the Arctic Circle, the glass igloos here boast heated floors and thermal-glass roofs so you can see the night sky. The hotel includes a selection of three restaurants and an ice bar to enjoy.
• Genuine Snow Igloo – This small, family-run business offers up the chance to spend the night in a real snow igloo. Located next to the lake Pyhäjärvi and Pyhä-Luosto National Park, the family make the igloos themselves each winter for guests to stay in.

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ESTIMATED EXPENSE : $0 – $70 per day

It may surprise you to learn that Finland is a pretty big country. With an area that covers 338,455 square kilometers (130,678 sq mi), it’s actually one of the biggest countries in Europe. It’s roughly about 88% larger than the state of California. That getting around the nation can seem a bit daunting. 

Thankfully Finland has a fantastic transport system that’s really well developed and the large-scale distances and landscapes in the country can be easily traversed. From modern trains equipped with fantastic amenities all the way to easy-to-use public buses, you shouldn’t have any trouble getting around. 

The nation also boasts a network of well-maintained highways that stretch between the sparsely populated towns and cities. In winter getting around by car can be much more troublesome, but in the summer months road trips are very rewarding for the more adventurous travelers; in fact, you can go for hours without seeing another tourist.

The only downside is that traveling around Finland on public transport can be expensive. There are some ways to bag yourself cheaper tickets and save some cash on the cost of long-distance travel. Here’s an up-close look at how much getting around by train, bus, and car in Finland is really going to cost.

Train Travel in Finland

The railway network in Finland is made up of a total of 5,919 kilometers (3,678 miles) of the track. Tens of millions of travelers regularly rely on Finnish trains to get around the nation. The train network is run by the Government-owned Finnish State Railways.

Train travel really is the best and most convenient way to travel around Finland. The far-reaching train network spreads out from the hub of Helsinki Central Station and connects to major cities, and coastal towns, in the south of the country. To the north, in the Finnish Lapland, trains are reliable but much more limited. 

Trains come in the form of the Comfortable Express, InterCity, and high-speed tilting Pendolino trains. A great option for budget travel is the country’s night train, where you can save on the cost of a hotel for the night and get to where you need to be. 

If you’re going to do a few journeys on a train in Finland, it’s a really good idea to purchase a rail pass. The cost of train tickets can be high and so a rail pass makes economic sense. The Interrail Finland Pass gives you unlimited travel on various routes in Finland. For those under 28, you can purchase the discounted Youth Pass.

These handy passes come in a range of different lengths and different regions so you can choose the one that best suits you. There’s even the option to combine the pass with a Europe-wide rail pass if you want to explore further afield.

Eurail Finland Pass

• 3 days within 1 month – $163
• 4 days within 1 month – $196
• 5 days within 1 month – $225
• 6 days within 1 month-  $253
• 8 days within 1 month – $305

The Interrail pass is only available for Europeans to buy. If you’re a non-European resident, the Eurail Pass is the best option for you.

The pass doesn’t cover everything though. For one thing, seat reservations are needed for most of the long-distance trains and express trains. Seat reservations usually cost between $5-$20, but you shouldn’t need to book them too far in advance. 

Another tip for budget train travel is to look out for deals on local and national railway websites and see if there are any seasonal discounts and offers. 

Bus Travel in Finland

Given the reliability of the rail network, bus travel in Finland is surprisingly important. This is the way a lot of locals and tourists choose to get between the big towns and cities. The bus network spreads out across all of Finland but is particularly useful up in the north of the nation where the train doesn’t reach as far. 

You can even catch a bus and cross over international borders to the neighboring nations of Russia, Norway, and Sweden. 

The intercity bus network is run by a range of different companies. Buses are usually comfortable but the journeys can be long because of distances and low speed limits. The cheapest fares are for the regular vakiovuoro buses which stop frequently; expect to pay more for the intercity pikavuoro express buses. 

You can buy a ticket at the main bus stations and one-way tickets can be picked up on board. Matkahuolto is the organization in charge of all of the tickets on the buses in Finland. Their website is easy to use and you can compare bus times and pieces. 

For the cheapest bus fares in Finland, try out Express Bus, you can find tickets for only a few dollars. Onnibus also has some low-cost fares. Make sure to book as far in advance as you can in order to secure the lowest priced fares. 

One option you may want to consider is the Matkahuolto bus pass which allows unlimited travel across the entire country; 7 days is $150, 14 days $250.

Ferry Travel in Finland

Finland has a whole lot of islands. More than 188,000 to be more specific. These destinations are either connected to the mainland by a series of bridges or ferries. There are a number of different sea routes which make travel between destinations such as Helsinki and Porvoo and Naantali to the Åland Archipelago a real adventure. 

There’s also international boats which connect Finland with nearby European countries including ferries that set sail between Sweden, Germany, Estonia, and Russia. For those of you who want to travel further afield, this could be a cheaper alternative to flying or taking the train. 

Although ferries used to be the backbone of travel in Finland, today they’re more of a fun experience. Having said that, they do make it easier to travel to the more far-flung destinations in Finland which can take a long time to reach by the road network. 

There are up to 399 weekly ferries that ply over 21 different routes in Finland. The 6 main operators have varying prices for tickets, but generally, they can start at around $14. 

Getting Around Cities in Finland

Getting around cities in Finland is never too complicated, but it does change depending on the season. The capital Helsinki is home to the country’s only metro – which also holds the claim of being the northernmost metro system in the world. 

The city is also where you’ll find the only tram network in the country, which is arguably the best way to travel around all the main sights in the downtown area.

The metro network isn’t very large (only 25 stations), but it’s modern and easy to use. The city bus covers areas where the metro and trams don’t. The inexpensive buses are a good way to get around when it’s cold outside, and will take you to all of the city’s sights and tourist hotspots. 

Buses are the main mode of public transport in other Finnish cities. They’re reliable and make it (usually) very cheap to get around.

If you’re in the capital for a couple of days, you might consider the Go Helsinki Card . This travel pass allows for unlimited travel across all of the city’s transport networks including the metro, buses, trams, local trains, and Suomenlinna Ferry.

Go Helsinki Card CITY gives unlimited travel within the zones AB for either 24, 48, or 72 hours. Prices start at $52. Cards can be picked up at the airport, online, and at various sellers throughout the city.

In the summer months, the most popular way to travel around Finnish cities is by bicycle. 

This is a nation of cyclists and you will be able to enjoy safe journeys on two wheels via a well-developed system of cycle paths. There are even some pretty amazing long-distance cycle routes to try out too. It’s useful to know that you can also take your bike on most trains and buses, sometimes for a fee of $10. 

In Helsinki, the City Bikes bike share scheme is easy to use. There is a $25 registration fee, bike hire is $10 per week, $5 per day. Bike rental from shops will cost around $15 per day, with a deposit of around $30.

Renting a Car in Finland

Sometimes you just want to travel at your own pace or want to explore regions of a country that are hard to reach by public transport. That’s when renting a car comes in. Hiring a vehicle to self-drive around Finland can be a great way to see more of what the country has to offer. 

Getting yourself a modern, reliable car is no hassle at all. Driving in Finland is pretty dreamy, too; the well-maintained highways are almost traffic-free, there are no tolls to fork out for and there’s some absolutely breathtaking scenery to soak up.

But is Finland expensive for car rental? Well, the truth is that it can be expensive. The cost of fuel is steep, there are some big surcharges if you want to drop off at a different location, and in peak season prices also rise. 

Finland is one of the best winter destinations in Europe because of the amazing skiing and winter activities, however driving conditions is one thing you need to take into consideration.

Hitting the highway in the winter comes with extra challenges. Slower speed limits will be in place and, from November to March, snow tires are required, which is an added expense.

If you are set on hiring a car in Finland, you should make sure to book as far in advance as possible in order to secure the best rate. You’ll be able to rent cars from all of the big international brands, as well as some smaller local companies. The average price for car hire is $61 a day. 

When you need to fill up, you’ll be paying $2.080 per liter (that’s $7.874 per gallon). Most petrol stations are unmanned; you can usually pay with cash or a card. 

Want to save some cash and explore Finland by rental car? Use rentalcar.com to find the best deal possible. There are some great prices on the site and they aren’t difficult to find.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $25 – $60 USD per day

Finnish food is a delicious combination of influences from the region. From Scandinavian to Russian tastes, you can expect a lot of fish and interesting local meats like elk and reindeer, too. Being a country with cold winters, dishes tend to be hearty and come in the form of rich casseroles, and potato-filled pies. 

Although you can get food from around the world in Finnish cities, you shouldn’t pass up the chance to try home-spun recipes made from local ingredients.  A good place to start is with a big Finnish breakfast, which is usually made up of smoked fish, cheese, and bread. 

Here are classic Finnish dishes you should seek out during your trip:

• Karjalanpiirakka (rice pies) – The delicious pastry hails from the region of Karelia and a particularly popular feat for breakfast or lunch. Made from a rye crust that is filled with rice pudding and then topped with buttery egg. Can cost as low as $6.
• Kalakukko (fish pie) – Hailing from the region of Savonie, the name of this dish translates to “fish cook”. Traditionally prepared with rye bread with fish baked inside, variations include pork and bacon. Juicy and filling. Try for around $6. 
• Lihapullat (Finnish meatballs) – You can’t come to Finland without trying the nation’s variation on meatballs. The Finnish version is lighter on the herbs, but uses curd cream for the sauce and is served up alongside mashed potatoes, gravy, pickles, and gravy, and lingonberries. Priced around $15. 

Finnish cuisine is very tasty, but it isn’t always cheap. Those on a budget may find it hard to find somewhere to try the local dishes, but here’s some pointers on how to eat on the cheap during your trip:

• Look for lounas deals – You will often see restaurants advertising lounas (lunch) deals for a really affordable price. Keep an eye out for adverts for lunch buffets or check local deal websites. A lot of the time the lunch buffet costs between $12 to $15. 
• Go to student areas – If in doubt go to where the students hang out. The neighborhoods around university campuses will have good food deals, but you could also head onto campus and eat lunch at the mensas (canteens) for around $5. 
• Enjoy Asian cuisine – When you’re looking for something to eat in the evening, a good idea is to opt for Asian food. In most big cities you will find Chinese or Thai restaurants that serve up fresh and affordable dinners for a lot cheaper than Finnish food. 

Where to Eat Cheaply in Finland

At first, it can seem like all of the restaurants in the county are totally out of your price range. But don’t worry: you can eat in Finland cheaply if you make sure to keep these pointers in mind:

• Dine at market halls (kauppahalli) – These indoor markets are local institutions that can be found in almost any town or city in Finland. Go here to find a great range of low-priced snacks and meals. There are usually a few cafes to eat at, too. You can often find them next to big train stations, so it’s a good place to pick up snacks for a long-distance journey. 
• Stand up at street grills ( grillis ) – These kinds of street strands are the place to go for a quick and cheap bite to eat; you can pick up a burger or a hot dog for a few euros and be filled up in no time. Elsewhere cafeterias in transport hubs are a good option for a quick and cheap meal.
• Soup stops – Found all over Helsinki, the soppakeittiö (soup kitchen) is a favorite of locals at lunchtime. Here you can enjoy classic Finnish soups, which make use of local fish as well as vegetarian options. Meals here cost around $10 and come with a hearty helping of delicious bread.

But, we all know that eating out all of the time is quickly going to eat a hole in your Finland travel budget. For when you aren’t out there living the high life in restaurants and cafes, there’s a selection of supermarkets. Here are a couple of the best budget supermarket chains to keep an eye out for…

• Lidl – The classic cheap European chain is well-known for having consistently low-priced goods. This is the cheapest supermarket in FInland and even though they don’t have branded goods, their food is reliable and tasty, too.
• Sale – Another low-priced option is Sale, similar to a chain called K-Mart but with prices that are a little lower. Though prices can vary, there are often sales and deals going on. The produce is fresh and there’s a good selection on offer.

ESTIMATED EXPENSE: $0 – $37 per day

Is alcohol expensive in Finland? Well, I’m afraid to say that, yes, it is. In fact, Finland is the most expensive country in the EU when it comes to the price of alcohol. That means that having a few drinks can really add up. For those of you who enjoy a tipple, knowing where to drink cheaply is really going to help you out. 

The first thing to know is that all alcohol above 5.5% ABV in Finland is sold by the government-run monopoly called Alko. Alcohol in general is pretty heavily taxed, to the point that it is 91% more expensive than the average EU price. 

A glass of beer costs upwards of $6 in a restaurant or bar. 

Alcohol can be picked up from the government-run Alko shops, which are only open during the week between 9 a.m. – 8 p.m. and on Saturday 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. The price of a strong beer is usually around $1.30 per 300ml, local brands include Lapin Kulta and Koff. Imported beers are pieces around $3 a can. 

There are also strong local spirits like the Finlandia vodka, priced at $20 per 700ml bottle, or Koskenkorva, which is cheaper at around $15 per bottle. The price of wine varies, but you can buy a mid-range bottle for around $13. 

One thing to note about buying alcohol in Finland is that the age limit varies. To buy beer and wine you need to be 18, and 20 to buy spirits. Some bars and clubs even have an even higher age limit. 

If you fancy sampling some of the local liquor, these are some of the more popular Finnish drinks…

• Salmiakki Koskenkorva – This licorice black cocktail is a combination of vodka and salty licorice that became fashionable in the early ‘90s. This deliciously spiced drink is now the third-most sold liquor in Finland. It’s around $15 a bottle.
• Jaloviina – also known as Jallu, Jaloviina is an amber-colored variety of French brandy that is mixed with grain for a smoother flavor. Introduced to the nation in the 1930s, it’s drunk neat or on the rocks. A bottle costs $20.

If you’re staying in Helsinki, then make sure to head over to the alternative neighborhood of Kallio. This hipster hub has some of the cheapest bars in the city where you can drink for less than $10. 

ESTIMATED EXPENSE : $0 – $40 USD per day

When it comes to things to do, Finland has a whole lot going for it. No matter what time of year you take a trip, you will never be short of amazing activities. Thankfully, most of the time, you won’t need to spend a ton of cash doing activities in Finland. 

That’s because the country’s wild natural landscape is the perfect place to explore, and it won’t cost you a single penny. With the wilderness of Lapland, national parks, and forests, you’ll be spoilt for choice when it comes to outside activities.

Summer months bring the midnight sun which means taking on the best hikes in Finland , wild camping, and cooling off with a dip in a river. Then when the winter months come around the region is turned into a glistening Arctic wonderland where you can see the northern lights completely free of charge. 

When exploring Finnish cities, you can spend your time strolling around charming streets, dropping into museums, and treating yourself to a sauna experience. Visitors to Helsinki can save money on the top places to visit in Helsinki by picking up passes like the Helsinki Card, which not only covers city transport but also entrance to sites. 

Here are a few great ways for you to save money on sightseeing and attractions during your Finland adventure:

• Go on a free guided walking tour – a walking tour is always a great way to get to grips with a new city. Thankfully Green Cap Tours runs free walking tours in multiple city locations around the country including Helsinki, Turku, and Levi.
• Look for free museum days – Before you schedule a trip to a museum or gallery, check out their website to find the free entrance days. These usually take place once a month, but you can also find reduced entry days or cheaper rates later on in the afternoon. 

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So by now we have gone through the cost of accommodation, worked out the price of flights, take a look at transport, and even factored in how much you’re going to need to spend on food. But there are a few other things you are going to want to add to your Finland trip budget. 

We all know that there is always something else that you will need to spend money on during your holiday. Be it the price of storing your luggage or the costs of a few afternoon coffees. And then there’s how much you’re going to spend shopping for a few souvenirs.

A good rule of thumb is to set aside 10% of your total budget for these little unforseen extra costs. 

Tipping in Finland

Overall, tipping in Finland is not expected at all. If you receive bad service or aren’t happy with a meal, then you do not need to leave a tip. The people who work in the service industry in Finland are paid a good living wage that does not rely on tips to bolster it. 

That being said, if you do want to leave a tip then by all means you can. People will definitely not object to being left tips and it’s a normal thing to do in restaurants, cafes, and hotels. 

You are not expected to give taxi drivers a tip, but the common thing to do is to simply round up the fare or offer for the driver to keep the change. Again, you don’t have to do this at all and it’s only if you want to say thank you for good service. 

Another situation you may come up against tipping is with tour guides. If you are joining a free walking tour, it’s always a nice show of thanks to give the guide a few euros at the end of the tour. For tours that you have paid for it’s up to you if you want to tip; if you do then 10% of the cost of the tour should suffice. 

Get Travel Insurance for Finland

Travel insurance is usually the part of planning a trip that is skimmed over. It’s not the most exciting thing to be spending your money on after all. But it might be a good idea to consider taking out travel insurance for your trip just in case. 

We all want to have the best vacation ever, but you can’t foresee something going wrong and that’s when insurance comes in. It will usually cover you for things like injury, hospital stays, delayed flights, and theft. Overall it’s pretty useful to have something worth taking some time to think about. 

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

This epic guide is almost at its end. But now you probably have a good idea of how much it will cost for a trip to Finland. But here are some last nuggets of money-saving advice for you…

• Consider different arrival airports – If you’re mainly going to be exploring Lapland then taking a flight to Helsinki (way down south) might not be the best plan for your budget. Check out flights to other Finnish airports from your destination and see if you can save some cash and shave time off your journey, too. 
• Visit in off season – Finland is beautiful year round and if you travel in the months of November, January or March you can really take advantage of the lowest rates for flights and accommodation. You’ll still get to see plenty of snow and enjoy the magic of Lapland too. Autumn is also a really beautiful time of year in Finland with affordable rates. 
• Have a water bottle : Don’t waste money on plastic, bottled waters; carry your own and refill it in the fountains and the tap. If you’re worried about potable water, get a filtered bottle, like the GRAYL, which filters out 99% of viruses and bacteria.
• Pick up the Go Helsinki Card – For $44, the Helsinki Card gets you into top city attractions and 24 hours of unlimited journeys on the transport network. Not only that, but it also comes with a stack of restaurant discounts, too. Worth checking out for sure. 
• Earn money while you travel: Teaching English while traveling is a great way to make ends meet! If you find a sweet gig, you may even end up living in Finland.
• Self-cater – Making yourself meals is one surefire way to save money during a trip. You can still enjoy eating out now and again… and just think of all the fun things you can buy at a Finnish supermarket to eat for dinner. 
• Become a volunteer with Worldpackers : Give back to the local community and, in exchange, you’re room and board will often be covered. It’s not always free, but it’s still a cheap way to travel in Finland.
• Book a dorm – Solo travelers should totally consider spending time at hostels. Dorm beds offer the best overall value no matter what time of year you’re a traveler. Most dorms cost between $20-$40 and will come with facilities like shared kitchens and the chance to mingle with other like-minded travelers. 

Our GREATEST Travel Secrets…

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Ok, so here’s the deal. Finland can be expensive, there’s just no getting around it. Trains for one thing can really add up, accommodation can be expensive, and did you see the cost of grabbing a cheeky beer? 

But, with all that being said, a trip to this European nation really doesn’t have to cost you the price of a deposit on a small flat. 

There are ways you can keep your daily travel costs low and still make the most of what Finland has to offer. In fact, you could take a trip here on the cheap if you choose your accommodation wisely and are flexible with the time of year you travel. 

What we think the average daily budget for Finland should be:

Keep that budget in mind, enjoy a treat here and there and do a bit of forward planning, I think you could visit Finland for a daily budget of around $80.

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Christina Grayt

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Hi! Actually one can take a water bottle of one`s own. Nobody in Scandinavia, nor Finland either, buys water. We just pour water from tap and drink it. It is very safe. This was one thing, which I was very amazed by. I didn`t, at first, know that people have to buy there own drinking water. When one lives at the northern areas of Europe, you can just fill your bottle from rivers etc. They are clean and safe to drink-

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Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

Finland Travel Guide

Last Updated: August 9, 2023

Due to its out-of-the-way location and the fact that Finland is expensive, many travelers skip visiting the country when they explore Europe .

But this is a mistake.

Finland has a lot to offer and there are plenty of ways to save money here. I think it’s one of the most underrated destinations in Europe — especially if you love the outdoors!

This travel guide to Finland can help you plan your trip, save money, and make the most of your time in this amazing nation.

Table of Contents

• Things to See and Do
• Typical Costs
• Suggested Budget
• Money-Saving Tips
• Where to Stay
• How to Get Around
• How to Stay Safe
• Best Places to Book Your Trip
• Related Blogs on Finland

Click Here for City Guides

Top 5 things to see and do in bath.

1. Explore the Salla Reindeer Park

This park in the Arctic Circle is where you can feed reindeer, pet huskies, take a canoe trip, do some hiking, or try snowshoeing and skiing. There are reindeer competitions (reindeer are an important part of the indigenous culture here), husky sleigh rides, and midnight canoe trips when the sun is out all night. In the winter months you can experience the northern lights as you hike through the forest at night using snowshoes. If hiking isn’t your thing, there are nighttime reindeer sleigh rides for those hoping to see the northern lights. You can try out dogsledding and steer your very own team of huskies too. Admission to the park is 10 EUR (tours have additional costs).

2. See the Northern Lights in Lapland

This is hands-down one of the best things to do in the country. In the northern part of Lapland, you can see the northern lights shining almost every night when the sky is clear, whereas in southern Finland they are only visible 10-20 nights each year. Lapland is within the Arctic Circle so there is essentially 24 hours of darkness each day from November until January. There are plenty of guided tours you can join, though you can also venture out on your own to save money too if you’re on a budget. A three-hour snowmobile tour to see the northern lights costs around 155 EUR per person. September-April is the best time to see them.

3. Visit Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi

This Christmas amusement park is great for anyone traveling with kids. You can meet “Santa,” do snow-shoeing safaris, feed reindeer, and learn about Finnish Christmas traditions through the ages. The adorable village includes Santa’s official office, his Christmas house, the main Santa Claus Post Office, and the house of Mrs. Claus and Santa’s reindeer. Adults can enjoy a variety of dining options ranging from upscale restaurants to fun bars. The Ice Bar is rebuilt each year and is full of snow and ice sculptures. Admission is free and the village is open all year.

4. Explore Helsinki

Historic, small, filled with green space, and set on the Baltic Sea, Helsinki is a scenic city that doesn’t get huge tourist crowds like other European capitals. Visit the six islands that make up Suomenlinna Sea Fortress (which dates to the late 1700s) or get your history fix at the National Museum of Finland. If you’re feeling the need for some relaxation, stop by one of Helsinki’s many saunas. And for a unique experience, book the sauna room on the Skywheel Helsinki Ferris wheel. The city is filled with world-class museums and restaurants and is perfect for a few days of exploring.

5. Stay in an ice hotel or glass igloo at the SnowHotel

Located in Lapland, everything in the SnowHotel is made of ice — including your bed (you get warm furs and sleeping bags, don’t worry)! The hotel is rebuilt each year from snow and ice, so the appearance is constantly changing. It sleeps up to 70 guests, and there are additional glass igloos that make for excellent star gazing. Enjoy sauna experiences, search for the northern lights, and plenty of ice art. There’s also an ice restaurant here too which serves local cuisine on frozen plates. The bar serves tasty craft cocktails in glasses made from ice too. A basic room with a double bed costs 200 EUR per night. You can also stay in smaller glass igloos as well.

Other Things to See and Do in Finland

1. go ice climbing.

Finland is known for its impressive ice formations, including frozen waterfalls and tall ice walls inside deep canyons or valleys. Companies like Bliss Adventure can outfit you with the right gear and introduce you to ice climbing in places like Tajukangas Falls and Korouoma Canyon (Korouoma is the most popular place to ice climb in the country). Prices vary but plan to spend around 100 EUR for a short tour. If you’re not afraid of heights and if you’re a bit of a thrill-seeker, try rappelling from the top of the Tajukangas Ice Falls (it’s about 30 meters high).

2. See Pakasaivo Lake

This lake in the north of Finland was once a place where indigenous Sámi worshipped. The 60-meter-deep lake is a meromictic lake, which means the water on the surface and at the bottom never mix (normal lakes mix at least once a year when the water at the surface cools off and becomes denser, causing it to sink). This creates an oxygen-free environment where the contents at the bottom are perfectly preserved. The area is known as the Hell of Lapland as people used to believe there was another realm under the lake. There is also a giant’s kettle here (a deep glacial pothole) that people believed tunneled all the way to hell.

3. Tour the King’s Road

This route is an old postal route running between Bergen, Norway to the former Finnish capital of Turku, and then across Finland to St. Petersburg, Russia. The 330-kilometer (205-mile) trail dates to the 15th century and it follows the southern coast of Finland. It’s accessible all year with well-paved roads and plenty of scenic stops along the way. You’ll take in manor houses, medieval churches, tiny villages, and endless scenic countryside. You can do the entire Finnish route in a day via car, though 2-3 days is better so you can make plenty of stops. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can also cycle the route in around one week.

4. Visit the Lampivaara Amethyst Mine

Lampivaara Hill is known for its amethysts (a type of purple quartz). The amethysts in this region were created 6 million years ago and on a mine tour, you can learn more about this precious mineral and then get a chance to dig around and find your own to take home as a souvenir. The mine is part of Pyhä-Luosto National Park and is located in northern Finland 90 minutes north of Rovaniemi. Tour prices vary from 35-66 EUR per person and include transportation. If you have your own vehicle, you can visit and tour the mine for 19 EUR.

5. Explore Raanua Wildlife Park

This is the northernmost nature reserve in the world and a fun place to visit with kids. There are over 50 different animal species here, including the only polar bears in Finland as well as lynx, wolves, and brown bears. Because it’s a predominantly outdoor park, you’re able to see the animals in a much more natural habitat than most zoos. There is no artificial lighting or indoor enclosures so you need to bring your own flashlight if visiting later in the day during the winter (when the sun sets early). Admission is 23.50 EUR.

6. See the Old Church of Sodankylä

Located in Lapland, this church is Finland’s best-preserved wooden church. The steeple-less church was built from timber in 1689 and was commissioned by King Charles XI of Sweden, who paid for it. The exterior and interior are incredibly well-preserved, with a dark timber interior and exterior that resembles more of a log cabin than a traditional European church. In the summer, religious services and weddings are often held here. Admission is free but be sure to dress respectfully.

7. Learn Finnish cultural history

The ethnographic Museum of Local History in Kemijärvi showcases what life was like in rural Finland at the turn of the 20th century. The main building is home to a traditional farmhouse and living quarters, maid’s chamber, daughter-in-law’s chamber, and living room so show you exactly what life was like for the Finnish working class. In addition to the house, the grounds include a granary, a workshop, a smoke sauna, a barn, and a stable that you can wander and explore. Admission is 10 EUR.

8. Go hiking

There are almost 40 national parks in Finland, each with hiking trails and camping sites. In the winter, they make for great places to cross-country ski or go snowshoeing. Nuuksio National Park is only 45 minutes from Helsinki and is filled with calm lakes, green forests, and rocky trails. Archipelago National Park, in Southwestern Finland, has more islands than any archipelago in the world. With its calm islets and colorful villages, canoeing or kayaking this park is a must. If you want to get off the beaten path, be sure to visit Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park in the north, where you can hike and stay in traditional villages. Additionally, wild camping is free in all the national parks as Finland has ‘freedom to roam’ laws ( Jokamiehen Oikeudet ) that enable you to wild camp in national parks if you are quiet and respectful.

9. Explore the Harbor Islands

There are over 330 islands that make up the Helsinki city archipelago. Suomenlinna is the easiest to reach with regular municipal ferries (you can take a ferry directly from Market Square). Vallisaari and Kuninkaansaari are two other islands worth visiting, as they used to be military bases closed off to the public (during the Viking era, Vallisaari was used as an outpost that would light a fire whenever a Viking raid was coming so people could prepare). The islands have since been reclaimed by nature and turned into parks dotted with abandoned fortifications. You can explore on your own or take a guided tour; there are a ton to choose from, with most lasting 1-2 hours and costs around 25 EUR.

10. Compete in the Air Guitar World Championship

Held every year at the Oulu Music Video Festival, this competition started out as a joke in 1996 but has evolved into a major festival that attracts thousands. If you happen to be in Oulu in the month of August, be sure to check out this quirky competition. Anyone can enter with just a 35 EUR entry fee. Even if you don’t want to compete you should definitely attend if you can — it’s one of the most unique festivals in the world!

11. Wander the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum

Located north of Helsinki on Seurasaari Island, the Seurasaari Open-Air Museum allows you to get up close to numerous traditional Finnish buildings. They aren’t replicas either; the buildings were collected from all over the country and physically moved here. There are houses, cottages, outbuildings, a windmill, and more. Opened in 1909, guided tours are available daily during the summer. Admission is 10 EUR

12. Go skiing

Levi is Finland’s most beloved ski resort located in Lapland (it’s the location of the Alpine World Cup Race). There are 43 slopes here for all abilities and over 200 kilometers (124 miles) of trails for cross-country skiing. There’s even a dedicated area for snowboarders, plus dogsledding and a reindeer park. A one-day pass costs 49 EUR. Pyhä-Luosto National Park, Saariselkä, Kuusamo, and Jyväskylä are other excellent places to ski too.

13. See Turun Linna (Turku Castle)

Turun Linna (Turku Castle) is located in Turku on the Aura River. The castle dates back to the 1200s and is one of the oldest buildings in the country. It helped defend the region from Russia during the Middle Ages, though much of the castle was destroyed during World War II and later rebuilt. Inside are two large dungeons as well as ornate banquet halls that are often used for municipal events. Tours take place all summer (June to August) and admission is 12 EUR.

14. Learn about the Sámi

The Sámi are the only indigenous people in the EU. Their language and culture are endangered, and so they’re governed by an autonomous government in Inari (Finland’s largest municipality). They’re famously known for their reindeer herding, which is at the core of their culture. Visit communities in Inari, Enontekiö, and Utsjoki to see Sámi culture up close. In Inari, don’t miss the Siida indoor and outdoor museum where you’ll learn about culture, art, and nature through interactive exhibits. But if you want to really spend time with the Sámi, come in spring when most of the Sami markets, concerts, and dances take place all over Northern Lapland. VisitLapland.com has a comprehensive list of activities and tours for getting to know the Sami people, including a visit to a traditional reindeer farm.

Finland Travel Costs

Finland has “freedom to roam” laws that enable free wild camping all around the country for those with a tent. If you’d prefer to stay in a campground with amenities, expect to pay 14-18 EUR for a basic tent plot for two people without electricity.

Budget hotel prices – A budget hotel with a private bathroom starts at 80-120 EUR during the peak summer season. In the off-season, budget rooms start at 65 EUR.

On Airbnb, private rooms start at 40 EUR (though they average double that). If you’re looking for an entire home or apartment, expect to pay at least 75 EUR, though prices usually average over 100 EUR. Book early for the best deals.

Food – Finnish cuisine leans heavily on fish, meat (specifically pork), and hearty vegetables like potatoes. Reindeer is commonly eaten as well as wild game like deer and moose. Smoked salmon and smoked or pickled herring are also popular dishes. Like their Scandinavian neighbors, Finns also enjoy dark bread and cheeses, usually as part of an open-faced sandwich (these are the go-to breakfast choice).

Overall, food in Finland is expensive. Your average casual restaurant charges around 13 EUR for a meal while fast food (think McDonald’s) is 9 EUR. For a three-course meal with table service, expect to pay at least 40-80 EUR.

Pizza costs around 8-10 EUR for a large while Thai or Chinese food costs 10-15 EUR for a main dish. If you want to splash out while in Helsinki, I suggest Ravintola Aino for good Finnish food (try the reindeer). Dishes cost between 50-62 EUR but are incredibly tasty!

Beer costs 7 EUR while a latte/cappuccino is 4 EUR. Bottled water is 1.70 EUR.

If you plan on cooking your own food, groceries cost between 50-65 EUR per week for basic staples like vegetables, bread, pasta, and some fish or meat.

Backpacking Finland Suggested Budgets

On a backpacking budget of 70 EUR per day, you can stay in a hostel dorm, cook all your meals, limit your drinking, take public transportation to get around, and do free activities like visiting the free museums, hitting the beach, and relaxing in the parks. If you plan on drinking, add 10-15 EUR to your daily budget.

On a mid-range budget of 140 EUR, you can stay in a private hostel room or Airbnb, eat out for some meals, have a couple of drinks, take the occasional taxi, and do more paid activities like visiting museums, skiing, or taking a guided tour of Suomenlinna Fortress.

On a “luxury” budget of 290 EUR or more per day, you can stay in a hotel, eat out for all your meals, drink as much as you want, rent a car to explore, and do whatever activities you want. This is just the ground floor for luxury though. The sky is the limit!

You can use the chart below to get some idea of how much you need to budget daily, depending on your travel style. Keep in mind these are daily averages — some days you’ll spend more, some days you’ll spend less (you might spend less every day). We just want to give you a general idea of how to make your budget. Prices are in EUR.

Finland Travel Guide: Money-Saving Tips

Finland isn’t cheap. Everything here is expensive due to high taxes and lots of imports. Fortunately, there are ways to save money if you know where to look. Here are my best money-saving tips for Finland:

• Drink the tap water – The tap water here is some of the cleanest in the world and will save you from buying new water bottles all the time (and it cuts down waste too)! LifeStraw makes a reusable bottle with a built-in filter so you can always ensure your water is clean and safe.
• Stay with a local for free – Couchsurfing connects you with a local who can host you for free. You may have to sleep on a couch, but you’ll get to make a new friend and get tons of insider information about the country.
• Grocery shop – Buy basic staples like bread, meat, and cheese for breakfast or for a quick lunch on the go. It’s not glamorous, but by cooking your own meals you’ll save a ton of money, enabling you to eventually splurge on some great dinners.
• Take a free tour – Green Cap Tours offer daily free walking tours around Helsinki. You get to see the main sights while interacting with an expert guide who can answer all your questions. Just be sure to tip at the end!
• Get a Helsinki Card – There’s a lot to see in the city and paying 10-15 EUR per attraction adds up. This tourism card grants you free admission to the main sights (as well as access to the hop-on/hop-off bus) for 50 EUR (for a 24-hour pass). You can also get a 48-hour pass for 63 EUR or a 72-hour pass for 74 EUR. It includes discounts on some restaurants as well. For an additional charge, you can add free public transit as well.
• Rideshare – If you want to save money on transportation around the country, there are numerous apps like Kyydit and Carpool World that can help. They’ll allow you to connect with drivers looking for extra passengers. While it isn’t free, it might be cheaper (and more convenient) than taking a bus or train.
• Hitchhike – Hitchhiking isn’t super common here, however, it’s definitely possible and quite safe. Just use common sense and check Hitchwiki for specific tips and advice.

Where to Stay in Finland

Hostels can be found in a few of the larger cities around the country. Here are my recommended places to stay throughout the country:

• Hostel Diana Park (Helsinki)
• Eurohostel Helsinki (Helsinki)
• Dream Hostel Tampere (Tampere)
• Wherever Boutique Hostel (Rovaniemi)
• Laivahostel S/S Bore (Turku)

How to Get Around Finland

Public transportation – Helsinki is the only city in Finland with a tram and metro system, though other cities and towns have public bus networks. They usually depart every 10-15 minutes with one-way tickets starting at 2.80 EUR.

Bus – Buses are the main form of intercity travel in Finland. A bus from Helsinki to Turku takes 2-2.5 hours and costs 10-15 EUR while the two-hour journey to Tampere is around 8 EUR. You can even take the bus from Helsinki to Rovaniemi (Lapland) for 54 EUR (it’s a 13-hour ride).

Matkahuolto is the main bus company. Use matkahuolto.fi/en to plan your journey. OnniBus is another intercity bus service. Prices are pretty consistent with Matkahuolto but fares can be up to 50% off if you book in advance rather than at the last minute.

Train – Trains are an excellent way to get around Finland and you rarely need to make a reservation ahead of time (you can book online at vr.fi). Trains are slightly more expensive than the bus but they are much more comfortable. Helsinki to Turku costs about 21 EUR for the two-hour trip, while Helsinki to Tampere starts from 20 EUR (and it’s also around two hours).

If you wait until the last minute, you can often find “saver deals” listed on the website (typically the night before). For example, at the time of writing this, last-minute fares for both the routes mentioned above are less than 9 EUR. So, generally, you can get them around 50% off the normal price if you’re flexible.

Bicycle – Finland is incredibly bike-friendly. All cities have bike lanes and there are endless paths with very few hills. There’s a bicycle rental service in almost every town, with prices starting from 15 EUR per day. You can often get discounts for multi-day or weekly rentals. For example, Bicyclean Helsinki has city bikes from 19 EUR per day while a week’s rental is 80 EUR.

Flying – Finnair is the main domestic airline in Finland, with fares between most destinations costing less than 100 EUR when booked in advance. Expect to pay double that for last-minute flights. You can pretty much fly anywhere in the country in around 90 minutes or less.

Flights from Helsinki to nearby Stockholm, Sweden or Oslo, Norway are also quite affordable, costing around 75 EUR (one way) when booked early.

Car rental – Cars can be rented for as little as 25 EUR per day for a multi-day rental. Drivers must be at least 20, have had their license for at least one year, and have an International Driving Permit (IDP). For the best car rental prices, use Discover Cars .

When to Go to Finland

The best time to visit Finland is largely based on what you want to do. If you want to experience Lapland at its peak awesomeness, come in December or January. Lapland is a wintery dream world in December due to the holiday decorations, Christmas markets, and the northern lights. Keep in mind it gets extremely cold in Finland during this time, no matter where you are in the country. The average daily temperature in the winter is -8°C (17°F).

Spring and autumn are the shoulder seasons and temperatures are still low. The average daily high in April is 2°C (37°F), while in October it’s 5°C (41°F). Both seasons are beautiful, though. In spring, everything is in full bloom; in autumn, the fall colors come out.

Summer is full of activities all around Finland, especially in Helsinki. With longer days (in summer, the sun won’t set until after 10:30pm) and warmer temperatures, Finnish people love enjoying the change in season. Parks and beaches are full and there are festivals all the time. The country is very lively. The average high in the south of the country is 15°C (64-72°F), however, so you’ll still want to pack warm clothes if you plan to visit Lapland, as temps up there will be cooler.

How to Stay Safe in Finland

Finland is super safe and the risk of violent crime here is incredibly low. Pick-pocketing can occur in Helsinki on public transpiration and at busy bus and train stations but even that is rare. Simply leave your valuables at home and be mindful of your surroundings while you’re out and about. Do that and you should be perfectly fine.

Be careful when using ATMs as credit card skimming is on the rise when using outdoor ATMs.

Scams here are rare, but, if you’re worried about getting ripped off, you can read about common travel scams to avoid on this blog post .

Solo female travelers should generally feel safe here. However, the standard precautions apply (never leave your drink unattended at the bar, never walk home alone intoxicated, etc.). You can read specific tips on one of the many solo female travel blogs on the web.

If you rent a car, don’t leave any valuables in it at night. Break-ins are rare, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry!

Your biggest concern in most areas is actually moose. Be careful when driving!

If you experience an emergency, dial 112 for assistance.

Always trust your gut instinct. Make copies of your personal documents, including your passport and ID. Forward your itinerary along to loved ones so they’ll know where you are.

The most important piece of advice I can offer is to purchase good travel insurance. Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. You can use the widget below to find the policy right for you:

Finland Travel Guide: The Best Booking Resources

These are my favorite companies to use when I travel. They consistently have the best deals, offer world-class customer service and great value, and overall, are better than their competitors. They are the companies I use the most and are always the starting point in my search for travel deals.

• Skyscanner – Skyscanner is my favorite flight search engine. They search small websites and budget airlines that larger search sites tend to miss. They are hands down the number one place to start.
• Hostelworld – This is the best hostel accommodation site out there with the largest inventory, best search interface, and widest availability.
• Booking.com – The best all around booking site that constantly provides the cheapest and lowest rates. They have the widest selection of budget accommodation. In all my tests, they’ve always had the cheapest rates out of all the booking websites.
• HostelPass – This new card gives you up to 20% off hostels throughout Europe. It’s a great way to save money. They’re constantly adding new hostels too. I’ve always wanted something like this and glad it finallt exists.
• Get Your Guide – Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace for tours and excursions. They have tons of tour options available in cities all around the world, including everything from cooking classes, walking tours, street art lessons, and more!
• The Man in Seat 61 – This website is the ultimate guide to train travel anywhere in the world. They have the most comprehensive information on routes, times, prices, and train conditions. If you are planning a long train journey or some epic train trip, consult this site.
• Rome2Rio – This website allows you to see how to get from point A to point B the best and cheapest way possible. It will give you all the bus, train, plane, or boat routes that can get you there as well as how much they cost.
• FlixBus – Flixbus has routes between 20 European countries with prices starting as low 5 EUR! Their buses include WiFi, electrical outlets, a free checked bag.
• SafetyWing – Safety Wing offers convenient and affordable plans tailored to digital nomads and long-term travelers. They have cheap monthly plans, great customer service, and an easy-to-use claims process that makes it perfect for those on the road.
• LifeStraw – My go-to company for reusable water bottles with built-in filters so you can ensure your drinking water is always clean and safe.
• Unbound Merino – They make lightweight, durable, easy-to-clean travel clothing.
• Top Travel Credit Cards – Points are the best way to cut down travel expenses. Here’s my favorite point earning credit cards so you can get free travel!

Finland Travel Guide: Related Articles

Want more info? Check out all the articles I’ve written on backpacking/traveling Finland and continue planning your trip:

The 5 Best Hostels in Helsinki

The 21 Best Things to See and Do in Helsinki

How to Spend Three Days in Helsinki

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• Where To Stay
• Transportation
• Booking Resources
• Related Blogs

Is Finland Expensive? A Finland Trip Cost Guide

Disclaimer: This article contains affiliate links. That means if you click a link and make a purchase, we may make a small commission. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. For more information, see our privacy policy.

Is Finland expensive? If you’re thinking of planning a trip to Finland and are already aware of how expensive the Nordic region can be, it can be pretty disheartening if you have your sights set on a trip to Finland.

Despite high travel costs when visiting Finland, it is possible to visit on a tight budget and have an outstanding Finnish getaway. With the right planning, you’ll be able to make the most of every euro without breaking the bank while enjoying this outstanding country. 

Finland can be an expensive country to visit with an average cost of €85-320 per person per day. However, there are ways that you can save money in this gorgeous Nordic nation, as well.

This article will give you the best idea of an average Finland trip cost as well as how to maximise your budget while visiting the happiest country in the world.

Table of Contents

Finland Trip Cost Guide

Accommodation prices in finland .

Typically in most European countries, the high tourist season comes during the warm summer months, but in Finland, it’s the opposite, with the high season being the cold winter months.

Tourists typically flock to the Finnish capital of Helsinki and Aurora-studded Lapland in the wintertime to get the most out of what the country is known for.

You can expect accommodation in Finland to be a little more expensive in the wintertime, but in this guide, I’ve averaged both costs to give you a general idea of what to expect when paying for accommodation in Finland. 

Accommodation costs in the most visited areas of Finland (Helsinki and Finnish Lapland) are also a lot higher in comparison to less visited towns and regions in the country.

The most cost-efficient accommodation option when visiting Finland will undoubtedly be to book a bed at a hostel . On average throughout the country you can expect to pay around €35 per night , making it pretty on par with hostel bed costs in many other parts of Europe. 

If you’re looking to have more privacy and would like to stay in a mid-range hotel or private accommodation when staying in Finland, the average cost will be around €100 per night. Finally, for those looking to stay in a nicer hotel in Finland, the minimum anticipated cost per night is typically around €150 .

If you’re visiting Finnish Lapland in the winter and would like to stay in a hotel, expect the cheapest cost to be around €200 as demand is high especially during the high season.

Hostel options in Lapland and the capital city of Rovaniemi are limited but affordable, so book far in advance if you’re determined to save costs.

Transportation Prices in Finland 

While accommodation costs in Finland are rather expensive, transportation is quite reasonable and on par with the costs of its European neighbors. 

If you’re visiting the stylish capital city of Helsinki whether by a flight or via ferry from Estonia , you’re in luck if you’re visiting Finland on a budget as it’s quite compact, making it an incredibly walkable city for visitors and getting around is easy.

If you find yourself needing public transportation in Helsinki or other Finnish cities, a one-trip ticket on any aspect of the public transport system will cost €3.60 and a one-day pass comes out to €9.00 .

Other towns and cities in Finland such as Turku, Oulu, Rovaniemi, and Porvoo are also quite walkable and pleasant to experience by foot. 

Furthermore, if you plan on seeing more of the country than just Helsinki, a great option is to rent a car to save money on train transport and have the most flexibility during your Finland itinerary.

Renting a car in Finland in the summer months is more affordable than in winter months, at around €50 per day, and also a lot safer than driving in the winter. You can browse rental car options here.

This is just the basic fare and anything else including insurance, petrol costs, or snow chains will be added on top.

Finnish winter, especially in the northern part of the country, can be quite brutal and I recommend against renting a car for your trip during the winter months if you’re not a driver with experience driving in harsh weather conditions. 

Food Prices in Finland

Unfortunately, food costs in Finland hit the higher mark along with accommodation costs. Restaurants in Finland tend to be pretty pricey with meal costs per person typically around €25. These prices are quite typical throughout the country regardless of the region you’re in, but outside of Helsinki and Rovaniemi, you may be able to find a meal a bit cheaper. 

On a positive note, there are affordable options if you’re visiting Finland on a budget and it is possible to find cheap eats during your stay. Ethnic food such as Asian or Middle Eastern is usually quite affordable no matter where you are in the world, and Finland is no exception.

This is typically an easier feat to find when in bigger cities such as Helsinki and Oulu, and you’ll be able to find a solid meal for around €15 .

Street-food markets are also great options to find delicious and more affordable food options. I highly recommend visiting the Old Market Hall in Helsinki if you’re looking for a quality meal bargain.

Traditional Finnish restaurants tend to be on the higher end of costs, so unfortunately, unless you’re able to dish out a large amount of money it’s hard to try traditional foods on a budget. If you’re determined to try traditional food in Finland, make a trip to the supermarket to try local specialties without spending too much.

Staying in an Airbnb with a kitchen is also a great bonus if you’re trying to save money during your trip as groceries in Finland are pretty economical and high quality. This way you’ll be able to cook meals as much as you’d like during your stay. Many hostels also offer breakfast (usually buffets), making it a great way to save a large chunk of money on a Finland trip cost. 

Finland also has a delicious and extensive breakfast and brunch culture offering multiple dishes inclusive of coffee/tea and juice with incredibly fresh and high-quality ingredients.

While these typically cost around €25 per person, it’s a great way to fuel up for the day with a delicious and nutritious breakfast. If you prefer to skip these set breakfasts, it’s also affordable (around €4 to get a local pastry for breakfast to further save on your Finland trip cost. 

Activities Prices in Finland

A major part of any trip to Finland but especially when traveling to Finnish Lapland is deciding which activities in Finland you’re interested in as well as which activities fit well into your Finland travel cost.

If you’re visiting Helsinki, there are a wide array of museums to visit of all sorts; from Finnish history to all different types of art galleries and museums.

Most museums in Helsinki as well as throughout the rest of the country typically average out around €15 , making it a relatively affordable way to explore Finnish culture and history.

If you’re traveling as a family with children, Finland is a solid destination as most museums offer free entry for those 18 and under. 

Of course, engaging in the typical Finnish experience of lounging in a sauna is another popular activity and this is also something that you can do somewhat affordably, depending on the type of experience you’re after.

Activity costs are a completely different field when visiting Rovaniemi and Finnish Lapland in the winter high season. While it is possible to have a fantastic trip to Finnish Lapland on a budget, unless you have a large amount of money to spend while visiting, it can become pretty limiting.

Activities in Lapland and out of Rovaniemi vary from husky-sled and reindeer tours to Northern Lights safaris , with these typically costing at a minimum of €100 per person . If visiting as a family or group, it can become pretty expensive quickly.

If you’re set on visiting Rovaniemi and Finnish Lapland, but are on a budget, one of the main attractions, Santa Claus Village is free to visit.

Santa Claus Village is a magical world in itself, with astonishing nature, winter/holiday fun, Santa visits and more affordable husky/reindeer rides, and enough sites within the village to visit over multiple days. 

Walking tours are quite popular in Helsinki and you can find a wide variety of different free walking tours (with a small tip expected), as well as paid walking tours for around €50. This is a great way to acquaint yourself well with the area with a local guide without having to spend much money at different museums and points throughout the city.

Local tour guides also have a lot of insight and interesting facts about Finland and Finnish culture to share that you probably wouldn’t know or learn otherwise, so I extremely recommend getting to know the country with a local guide!

Most historic sites in Finland such as city cathedrals and historic monuments such as Suomenlinna Fortress are also free to visit, keeping Finland activity costs low for those sticking to a tight travel budget.

If you’re a nature seeker and tend to find yourself on the hunt for the best outdoor spots on your travels, Finland is Europe’s most forested country as well as one rich in many deep blue lakes, national parks, unique wildlife, and breezy Baltic islands.

Finland is a country of free-roaming and  “everyman’s land”, meaning that anyone living or visiting Finland has free rights to roam, forage, and fish any public and recreational land in the country.

This makes this nordic country an idyllic destination if you’re a lover of the natural world and also looking to cut down on your trip to Finland cost. 

Entertainment Prices in Finland

Similar to food costs in Finland, coffee and alcohol costs are both pretty high in comparison to other parts of Europe and the world.

If you’re keen on trying local beers and wine during your time in Finland, it’s safe to say that you should expect to pay an average of €7 for a pint of beer and about €8 for a glass of wine in Finland . This is on the low end, as in restaurants you’ll typically pay a bit more in comparison to a designated pub or bar. 

The Finnish have a really large and thriving coffee and cafe culture, making it a great spot to visit if you love trying local coffees and having local spots to caffeinate up during a Finnish adventure.

Coffee costs aren’t too high but are on par with costs throughout a lot of Europe with a cappuccino costing around €4 and a hot brewed coffee around €3 .

The arts are a deep part of Finnish culture and identity, and this is well reflected in the Kalevala, Finland’s national epic, highlighting the national struggle during Finnish independence as well as the beautiful Suomi language.

Because of this history, Finland has a wonderful opera and theater scene and it’s a wonderful way to get to know Finnish culture, history, and the importance of how they tie together.

Costs for opera/theater or ballet shows vary depending on the seats you purchase but for a pretty good seat, the average cost is around €40 per ticket. 

Is Finland Expensive? Average Prices in Finland 

So overall, how expensive is Finland? Finland isn’t a destination suited for budget travelers and backpackers, but with focused planning and organising of your trip, it’s possible to enjoy a budget trip to this lush and interesting country.

Accommodation : €35-100 / night

Transportation : €10-40 / day

Food : €15-40 / day

Activities : €15-100 / day

Entertainment : €10-40 / day

Above you’ll see the most relevant individual costs (assuming costs are split between two people) that make up a Finland travel cost from the low-end to the high-end. On average a trip to Finland per day you should expect to pay between €85-320 per person .

This won’t include any pre-trip expenses such as flights or travel insurance.

You’ll notice that there’s quite a wide range, indicating that Finland is a destination manageable on most budgets, whether you’re a budget traveler or a luxury seeker.

If you stay in affordable accommodation, walk as much as you can while visiting cities and towns, take advantage of free walking tours, seek affordable meals, and skip pricey sit-down restaurants, you’ll manage to make the most of every euro when you travel to Finland. 

Due to the high costs in Finland, it may seem close to impossible to enjoy a trip to the beautiful Nordic country without having a lot of money to put towards a trip. But with the right planning of your time and money, Finland on a budget is certainly possible, still offering you an unforgettable adventure. 

Are you planning a trip to Finland? Have any questions about expenses? Let us know in the comments!

Related Posts:

A Guide to Visiting Finnish Lapland in Winter

The Perfect 2 to 3 Days in Helsinki Itinerary

The Essential Guide to Visiting Helsinki in Winter

About Olivia Ellis

Olivia is a writer for The World Was Here First. Originally from Michigan, USA, she is currently living in Athens, Greece exploring Europe and filmmaking. When she’s not travelling or writing, Olivia can be found cooking delicious new recipes from around the world, reading, and spending time outdoors.

We are an elderly couple from India, being in our mid sixties. My wife has walking issues but short walks will not be a deterrent. We are passionate travellers and enjoy the history, culture and cuisine of every place that we visit plus of course the natural surroundings. We are planning a trip to Finland in the Christmas Season 2024 and would love to spend Christmas in Lapland. We would love to take up private tours in chauffeur driven cars. While for Helsinki we have done our research, we need some assistance for Lapland by way of suggestions for Private Tours in Lapland.

Sounds like you’re planning a great trip! Have a look at our Lapland itinerary to get some inspiration. You can also browse private tours in Lapland here .

I’m a reasonably fit 72 year old living in Edinburgh. I plan to combine a 2/3 day visit to Helsinki with a 4/5 day visit to Tallinn Estonia in late April or early May. I thought the best way would be to fly to Helsinki, spend some time there then get the ferry to Tallinn for a few days. Ferry back to Helsinki then fly home. There is a direct flight between Edinburgh and Helsinki. I wonder are there ticket concessions for those of my age.

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• Travel Planning Guide

How much does a trip to Finland Cost?

How much money should you budget for your trip to Finland?

• How much does a one-week trip to Finland cost?
• How much does a two-week trip to Finland cost?
• How much does a one-month trip to Finland cost?
• Hostel Prices
• Hotel Prices

The Cost of a Trip to Finland

A trip to Finland for one person usually costs between $71 and $379 per day and $142 to $759 for two people. This is a wide range of costs, and the daily average per person from our data is $171 (€157) per person. This average includes food, accommodation, sightseeing, and local transportation expenses contributed from other travelers. Prices can vary based on travel style and activities. While the overall price for a trip to Finland is dependent on your personal travel style and the specific places you visit, if you book standard accommodation and travel with an average level of convenience, then your budget should be somewhere within this range. Also, the prices for individual destinations such as Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku may vary, but generally fall somewhat close to this range. Below you can find a breakdown of travel expenses by category, plus a comparison of guided tour costs versus traveling independently.

For budget travelers in Finland, planning for around $71 (€65) per day should cover essentials such as accommodations in hostels and budget hotels, affordable meal options, local transportation, and engaging in various activities. If you're a mid-range traveler, setting aside around $171 (€157) per day would allow for more comfortable stays in typical hotels, dining at regular restaurants, and exploring a diverse range of popular attractions. Luxury travelers, on the other hand, should consider a daily budget of approximately $379 (€349) to accommodate higher-end hotel stays, dining at nicer restaurants, and indulging in more exclusive private tour options. It's important to note that these price ranges are derived from our extensive travel cost data for Finland, which is based on valuable insights from other travelers as well as hotel and tour data provided by travel companies. For a more detailed breakdown of travel costs, you can refer to our comprehensive travel cost data for Finland .

How much does a one week trip to Finland cost?

When planning a one-week trip to Finland, most visitors to Finland spend between $498 and $2,656 for their trip, with the average cost falling around $1,197. This estimate includes essential aspects such as sightseeing, local transportation, food, and accommodations. With a full week, you'll have sufficient time to explore one, two, or possibly three locations within Finland, depending on the amount of time you want to spend in each place. The most popular places worth considering are Helsinki , Tampere , and Turku . Keep in mind that these numbers are based on overall averages and may vary depending on your individual preferences.

How much does a two week trip to Finland cost?

With two weeks, you should budget between $997 and $5,311 for your trip to Finland. The average price for a two week trip is $2,394. Two weeks will allow you enough time to visit between three and five places. If you're on a budget, you might want to consider some of the more affordable places such as Savonlinna and Levi.

How much does a one month trip to Finland cost?

When embarking on a month-long trip to Finland, expenses can range from $2,136 to $11,381, with an average cost falling around $5,130. For those fortunate enough to have a full month, considering a vacation rental with a kitchen for at least a portion of your stay can help save money with meals. Backpackers often opt for hostels due to their affordability and the added benefit of a social vibe.

Hostel Prices in Finland

With more than 10 hostels in Finland, the average price is $29 per night for a dorm bed. Hostels are a terrific option for younger independent travelers looking to save money while staying social during their trip. With many types of hostels, it can be overwhelming to sort out the best places, though. Our analysis of the hostels in Finland not only found the average price, but also uncovered some surprises about the overall quality, amenities, and atmosphere of hostels in the region. You can see more details from our analysis about typical hostel prices in Finland here .

Here are a few sample prices from popular hostels in Finland.

• $35 for a dorm bed at Hostel Diana Park in Helsinki more details
• $30 for a dorm bed at Hostel Cafe Koti in Rovaniemi more details
• $25 for a dorm bed at Tampere Dream Hostel in Tampere more details

Hotel Prices in Finland

You'll find a wide range of hotel options across Finland. Below are prices for some of the destinations, and for more details see our analysis of hotel costs in Finland .

Arctic Light Hotel

Should you do an organized tour or travel independently in Finland?

When planning a trip to Finland, there are two primary options to choose from: organized tours and independent travel. Organized tours offer a convenient and hassle-free experience, as all the details of your trip are handled by travel experts. Additionally, you'll have the benefit of an expert guide who can provide valuable insights and knowledge during your journey. This option is often favored by travelers who appreciate the convenience and ease it offers, with many tours providing transportation and expert guides to enhance the overall experience.

On the other hand, independent travel provides a different set of advantages. It offers a higher level of freedom and flexibility, allowing you to customize your itinerary and explore at your own pace. This option appeals to travelers who value the ability to make spontaneous decisions and have more control over their travel plans. The independence of traveling on your own can provide a sense of adventure and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture on a deeper level.

Ultimately, the choice between organized tours and independent travel depends on your personal preferences and travel style. Consider your desired level of convenience, the amount of guidance you prefer, and the level of flexibility you seek when making your decision. Both options have their own merits, and the decision should be based on what aligns best with your travel goals and preferences.

Comparing Trip Costs in Finland

When we compare the prices of organized tours to the average costs of independent travelers, we can see that sometimes the prices are fairly even.

Tours vs. independent Travel: Pros & Cons

Organized tours.

• An expert guide familiar with the culture
• Convenient transportation
• Fellow travelers to socialize with
• Well researched activities
• Efficient and thought out itinerary
• The security of have a trip leader if something goes wrong
• Limited options
• Usually not customizable
• The fast pace often means you can’t visit one place in depth
• Usually more expensive than independent travel
• There may be limited time to interact with the local culture and community

Independent Travel

• Completely customizable
• Opportunity to visit off-the-beaten-path destinations
• Can fully immerse yourself in the local culture
• Freedom to move at your own pace
• Flexibility to change your itinerary at any time
• More affordable
• Challenging to plan an efficient itinerary
• Transportation may be challenging or inefficient
• Booking and trip planning can be a hassle
• Popular sights may sell out well in advance
• If something goes wrong, you're on your own

Are organized tours more expensive than independent travel in Finland?

Organized tours typically average around $330 per day and provide the convenience of an all-inclusive package with one comprehensive payment. On the other hand, independent trips usually average around $171 (€157) per day and involve individual payments for accommodations, local transportation, meals, and sightseeing. Both organized tours and independent trips have their own unique challenges and benefits, so it's crucial to thoroughly understand the aspects of each to make a fair comparison. For a detailed analysis of tour prices in Finland, check out our comprehensive guide on tour prices in Finland here .

Here are a few sample tours in Finland:

• Self-guided Canoe Expedition in Lapland ($911) 6 days, 3 destinations more details
• Self Drive Family Summer Adventure ($2,737) 8 days, 8 destinations more details
• Skiing Expedition Hut to Hut in Pallas Ylläs National Park ($2,165) 6 days, 3 destinations more details
• Experience the Northern Lights ($7,976) 15 days, 11 destinations more details
• Northern Lights of Scandinavia (Small Groups, 10 Days) ($5,060) 10 days, 6 destinations more details

More for Finland

If you're planning a trip to Finland, check out these other informative travel guides.

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works .

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1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis. 2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis. For example, the Food 2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment 1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.

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Is Finland expensive to visit? Your perfect Finland travel cost guide

Finland is the land of lakes, forests, saunas and home to Santa Claus. A trip to Finland should revolve around these experiences for every traveller. It is a perfect travel destination in Europe if you are looking for a mix of city life as well as picturesque villages. Did you know that Finland was voted the world’s happiest country in the 2018 World Happiest Report and then again in 2019? Even after paying half of their salaries in taxes, people in Finland are happy. In order to truly experience the quality of life in Finland, you should visit this country. But is this visit going to cost you a bomb? Read to get answers for all your Finland travel cost queries!

Fort a detailed cost analysis for your Eastern Europe trip read our travel guide, Europe trip cost Calculator: How to travel to Europe for cheap with just 60 Euros per day

A Perfect 10 day Finland travel itinerary  

We visited Finland during summers for 10 days and can’t wait to visit it again during the winter months.   Here’s our Finland travel itinerary:  

• Helsinki 3 days
• Rovaniemi 3 days
• Tampere 2 days
• Turku 2 days

A detailed Finland travel cost guide  

Is Finland expensive to visit? With little planning and following some excellent budget travel tips for Finland, we managed to keep out Finland travel cost to 65 Euros per person per day. In Indian currency, it’s just INR 50000 per person. Just a reminder, we are neither backpackers or luxury travellers. We do seek comfort and local experiences when travelling while keeping a tight check on our overall travel costs.  

Suggested daily Finland travel cost is 65 – 70 Euros per person per day  

(Note: This Finland travel cost will suit you if you are a budget traveller who seeks little comfort during travel and wouldn’t prefer backpacking through hostels. It is not a budget for luxury travel.)

This suggested daily budget of 65 – 70 Euros a day for your Finland vacation includes:  

• accommodation at central locations in either AirBnB or private rooms in hostels or mid-range hotels
• sightseeing and tickets to attractions
• food (a mix of eating out and cooking a few meals)
• nightlife  
• all transport within Finland including the cost of travelling between different cities and daily local transport within the city

Read:  Things to do in Budapest in one day

Detailed Finland travel cost report

Here is our detailed Finland travel expense report for our 10 day travel itinerary. Our per-person Finland travel budget turned out to be only INR 5000 per person per day.  

How much does it cost to travel to Finland?  

Let’s go into the details of how expensive it can get to travel to Finland and average daily costs for a budget traveller. These costs should give you a reasonable idea about the costs of travelling to Finland and help you get an average estimate for your trip to Finland.

Detailed list of common expenses in Finland

Accommodation costs in Finland  

• Bed in a dormitory in Finland: 20-25 Euros per night  
• Private room in a hostel with shared toilets: 45-55 Euros per night  
• Room in a mid-range hotel: 80-100 Euros per night
• Private room with shared facilities in an AirBnB: 30-40 Euros per night  
• Studio apartment in Finland: 50-70 Euros per night

Lockers and other miscellaneous costs

• Public locker in Finland at bus/railway station: 2-4 Euros for 24 hours (it varies with the size of the locker)
• Bottled water: 2 Euros per bottle (P.S: Finland is proud of its tap water and it is known to be one of the world’s finest)
• Beer at a bar: 6-8 Euros  
• Cocktails at a bar: 10-15 Euros a drink  

Food cost in Finland

• Grocery store meal: 5-8 Euros  
• Basic meal at a cafe or lunch deals at restaurants: 10-12 Euros
• Average meal cost in Finland at a restaurant: Above 25 Euros

Transport cost in Finland

• Overnight train from Helsinki to Rovaniemi: 50 Euros per ticket (price increases closer to travel dates)
• Intercity bus transport (for short 2-4 hour distances): 4-10 Euros per person  

You Might Also Like

How to travel to Finland on a budget?

Europe trip cost Calculator: How to travel to Europe for cheap with just 60 Euros per day

How to save up to 50% on a trip to Spain and Portugal

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Budget Travel Ideas , Europe , FINLAND , Western Europe

How much does a trip to finland cost.

It’s no surprise to learn that Finland does not account for the cheapest trip I’ve ever taken!

Yes, being situated in Scandinavia – a region known for its high cost of living – it’s fair to say Finland isn’t a country usually associated with budget travel.

In fact, this is probably why it’s only recently that I’ve first stepped foot there!

But having now visited, I have to say Finland was actually not as expensive as I thought.

Yes, much to my pleasant surprise, my week-long trip to Finland was not quite as astronomically costly as I imagined!

To be fair I had feared the worst, but actually, Finland is widely thought to be the most affordable of the Nordic nations and, in my experience, it didn’t reach far beyond the average western Europe trip budget.

So if you’ve been put off visiting Finland through fear of the costs, think again!

This post is going to bring up the full lowdown on just how much a trip to Finland costs… and you might be surprised by the results too!

Related Posts

• 15 Things to Know When you Travel Finland
• How to Plan the Best Christmas Trip to Lapland
• Ultimate Winter Finland Packing List

This page contains affiliate links meaning Big World Small Pockets may receive a small commission on any purchases at no extra cost to you.

Prices and info are correct at time of writing.

Intro to this Finland Trip Budget

The first thing I’d encourage you to do is head over to my Finland itinerary post – check out that 1 week plan and then come back here!

To give you some idea of prices, I’m going to cost out that specific itinerary, so you get some handle on what a Finland trip budget might look like in real terms.

This cost-covering post will be based on that trip, the one I did, staying in the same places, enjoying the same activities and getting around in the same ways.

Obviously, this will involve travelling on a budget as much as possible, i.e. utilising Airbnbs, local guesthouses and small-scale activity providers to try and keep the costs down.

That said, it will include a few splurges, that wouldn’t be considered budget travel items ordinarily, but which in Finland are well worth the expense.

As I’ve pointed out, travel here is never going to be ultra-cheap, but if you head to this country and miss out on a few key experiences that you likely have on your Finland bucket list, then you will be doing your trip here a major disservice. After all, isn’t part of travel always about spending a bit to see and experience a country’s best?

In my mind, this is certainly true, which is why I’ve included things like a stay in a glass igloo, a husky ride and a northern lights tour in this budget outline.

This budget will also include domestic flights, because again while taking the train to Lapland can be a cheaper option, for many budget travellers, time is still of the essence and their priority is seeing Finland in a week.

Worth pointing out too is that this budget does not include international flights, any visa expenses or insurance costs, so don’t forget to factor those in as well.

First up, I’m going to give you a breakdown of each category so that, if you are travelling to Finland for longer than a week, or with a bit more / less cash, you can do your own workings.

Then, at the end of this post, you’ll find the complete budget breakdown of my proposed 1 week Finland itinerary to let you know exactly how much to set aside for your trip.

Hope this all helps and that you have a wonderful time travelling in this country too!

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#1 Accommodation

Accommodation costs aren’t cheap in Finland, primarily because rents aren’t cheap here and neither is the cost of living.

What this means is that, while there are a few hostels in Finland, the vast majority of affordable accommodation comes in the form of hotels, guesthouse rooms or Airbnbs.

There are hostels in both Helsinki and the main Lapland town of Rovaniemi, as well as other major cities such as Turku.

In Helsinki, beds in hostel dorms start at around €25, whilst private rooms begin at around €50. My pick in this city is The Yard Hostel .

In Lapland (which is always more expensive), dorms start at around €40 and private rooms from €100! In Rovaniemi, my pick of the bunch is Hostel Cafe Koti .

Given these rates, if you’re travelling as a couple, a pair or a family, a basic hotel or guesthouse might suit you better.

Standard double or twin rooms (including breakfast) begin from €120 – €150 in Helsinki. Check out Hotel F6 or Hotel Helka as 2 top-rated options in the city centre.

Or otherwise, Airbnb apartments in the capital can be picked up for around €100 –  a real bargain as these studio spaces often sleep up to 4 people and include a kitchen space so you can prepare your own simple meals.

Check out my list of the top 10 Airbnbs in Helsinki for more ideas.

At the other extreme of the country and price range, luxury stays in Lapland can be up to €500 a night, like this amazing Glass Resort , which offers premium glass apartments with saunas and hot tubs.

And in the high winter season, they can be even more – especially in the pre-Christmas, December lead-up.

For something more reasonable, middle-range guesthouses and hotels can be found in Lapland’s main tourism town of Rovaniemi for around €170 a night, like a family room in Wherever Mini Hotel .

Otherwise, self-catering accommodation in Rovaniemi can be found for around €140 – see this Arctic Circle Home which sleeps 2.

Alternatively, you can look to get off the beaten track a bit – which gets my vote every time! – and head out of the main Lapland resort areas for some better prices.

Ranua, just an hour from Rovaniemi, is a very lovely, local Finnish town and here the Arctic Guesthouse and Igloos provides single rooms from €65 a night, double rooms from €80 a night and superb AuroraHut glass igloo pods from €220 a night.

Learn more about my stay in an AuroraHut glass igloo pod here .

#2 Transport

Transport fees can make a huge difference when it comes to the cost of travelling in Finland, and they largely depend on how much time you have in the country and how much you want to see.

What I mean by this is, if you want to whizz around Finland and experience both the capital of Helsinki and Lapland in a week, you’re very likely to fly.

If you’ve got longer or are up for an adventure, you can take the night train to Lapland from Helsinki or even hire a car and drive… stopping at the Finnish Lakes on the way.

As a guide, a return flight between Helsinki and Rovaniemi may cost you around €160. These flights are operated by Finnair and the prices I quote include checked luggage, so you can save more by opting for a carry-on only.

As always, I use Skyscanner to get the best rates on plane tickets.

If you want to take the train between Helsinki and Lapland, the best option is the overnight Santa Claus Express direct train, where cabin prices begin at €160.

Learn more about all the options for travelling between Helsinki and Lapland in this article I wrote.

In terms of short-distance transport in Finland, Uber is available in Helsinki and it will cost you around €40 to get from the airport to the centre of the city – to be fair this is quite a long distance.

Alternatively, you can buy a public transport card to navigate this journey. A single journey costs around €5, or you can get a day or multi-day pass, which is a much more affordable option if you’re in Helsinki for 1-3 days and plan to use the buses and trams.

These passes work using a zone system and, while the city centre is in Zone A, the airport is in Zone C. This means you’ll need a card that works across Zone ABC for travel to and from the airport as well as downtown. This costs around €20. Learn more here

Bike-sharing or scooter-sharing schemes can also be found in Finland if you prefer to travel small distances this way.

Otherwise, for car hire in Finland, you’re looking at around €170 for 6 days, plus the price of fuel of course. If you’re travelling as a group, you can split the costs of this.

Another top tip is not to hire a car until you’re leaving Helsinki – this will keep the number of days you require a vehicle to a minimum, as you really don’t need one in the capital.

#3 Tours & Activities

And coming in at number 3, it’s another big ticket item in Finland, namely tours and activities.

This is where your budget can really spiral if you’re not careful.

In Helsinki, you don’t really need to take any tours if you don’t want to.

It’s only the cost of entrances to any museums or galleries etc that you’ll need to pay – most are about 12-15€ per adult.

In addition, many of the main Cathedrals and religious buildings in the capital cost around 5€ to enter.

If you plan to do a lot of sightseeing in Helsinki, it may prove more cost-effective to buy a Helsinki City Card .

However, in Lapland, it’s really all about enjoying at least a few amazing excursions, even if you’re budget is small. Honestly, they really are worth the splurge in my book, otherwise you’re not going to do this incredible place justice in my opinion.

You can learn more about my fave Lapland activities in this post about the best things to do in Lapland , but in general, you’re looking at between €90-120 per person for top Northern Lights or Husky Sledding tours.

Options for snowshoeing, hiking and snow sculpture activities usually cost a bit less.

Check out these top picks for more ideas…

• Icebreaker Cruise with Lunch and Ice Floating from Rovaniemi
• Snowmobile Safari to the Wilderness with Lunch
• Ranua Wildlife Park Guided Tour
• Apukka Husky Adventure from Rovaniemi
• Northern Lights Wilderness Tour with Camera

Thankfully, seeing Santa can be done at his official home in Rovaniemi for free.

Learn more of my top tips for how to holiday in Lapland for less here .

#4 Food & Drink

Thankfully, following on from the activities section, food and drink in Finland is not as crazily priced. And while not cheap, I didn’t find it that different from my eating and drinking costs at home in London.

Of course, this doesn’t include fine dining options, but in general, a coffee in a local café will cost you around €3.50 and a pizza in a casual restaurant around €15-20.

Staying somewhere that offers breakfast, or has a small kitchen, so you can pop to the supermarket for a few bits, is a good way to save money here.

A casual sandwich and drink type lunch in a café is likely to be around €15-20 and dinner out with a glass of local beer around €30.

It’s once you start adding more drinks or imported alcohol, such as wine or spirits, that things get very expensive in Finland. The tax on alcohol here is high and for a Finnish beer in a local bar you’re looking at €5-10. Wine is around €10-15 a glass and, of course, cocktails even higher.

Limiting how much alcohol you drink in Finland is an easy way to keep the budget under control, but if you do drink and still want to keep your budget low, buy alcohol from the supermarket (or duty-free on the way here) to enjoy in your accommodation, or stick to 1-2 drinks of local alcohol (try Lapland lager!) in smaller local bars.

This means you should be able to get by on around €60 a day when it comes to eating and drinking – it just depends how much and in what quantities you like doing that stuff!

#5 Other Expenses

Then you’ve got to factor in all those other expenses, like international flights, visa costs (Finland is part of the EU, so this should help you work out whether you need to pay anything or not), laundry (once a week should do it) and possibly insurance, plus a SIM and data package too.

Alternatively, if you’re a long-term traveller, digital nomad or frequent remote worker seeking travel health cover, check out Safetywing’s Nomad Insurance policies.

You’ll find these costs have a sneaky way of really adding up, so shouldn’t be forgotten about as part of your budget either!

Final Budget Breakdown

And here it is, the complete per person breakdown of what it costs to travel in Finland for 1 week on a mid-range budget….ish!

• 7 Nights Accommodation in a Standard Double Room (based on an average of €120 per night, divided by 2 people) – €420
• Return Flights to Lapland from Helsinki – €160
• 3 Day Public Transport Card for Helsinki – €20
• Helsinki Museums & Attractions – €30
• 3-4 Lapland Activities – €350
• 7 Days of Food and Drink – €420

Total – €1400

I hope you’ve found this article about how much it costs to travel in Finland useful and that you can use a few of the budget travel hacks I’ve given out too.

Is the total figure more or less than you expected?

I’d love to know what you think and also how much you’ve budgeted for / spent on your Finland travels…

PIN IT TO PINTEREST!

Creator of Big World Small Pockets, Stephanie Parker is a travel addict! Originally from Jersey in the Channel Islands, Stephanie adventures the world collecting tips, advice and stories, to share with a smile

2 thoughts on “ How Much Does a Trip to Finland Cost? ”

Thank you for the information!! Unfortunately, we will be traveling in the spring (though the northern lights is on my bucket-list), and only staying in Southern Finland, the information was incredible!!

Ah thanks Carol, so happy to hear you found the info useful. Hope you enjoy your Spring time to Finland! Best, Steph 🙂

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Travel Cost Calculator

Finland travel cost calculator.

How much does a trip to Finland cost? How much money do I need per day in Helsinki or Lapland?

Our online travel cost calculator helps you plan travel expenses including hotel costs, attractions, transportation and dining.

This free tool is for any traveler who simply wants to figure out a budget for a trip to Finland.

Choose your destination, number of travelers, travel month, your preferences, and the tool provides a rough estimate for you to see if these costs meet your budget or when to go to Finland for cheaper rates.

Prices are shown in Euro (€) and U.S. dollars (US$) to make the calculations easier to use.

How do we calculate your travel costs?

Accommodation rates are based on average rates for a standard double/twin room for two adults. The peak and off – season rates are taken into account. Shoulder season rates and holidays are not included in the estimate. Accommodation rates may vary greatly depending on how far in advance you book, cancellation policies, special offers and deals, etc. The hotel prices we’ve collected are all well-rated hotels in the popular tourist areas in Finland.

Transportation prices:

• Public transport: 24-hour pass or 4 single/one-way tickets per person per day
• A 10 km (7 miles) taxi ride in a city center
• Midsize car rental. A car hire cost is calculated per day, so it might be a lot cheaper to rent by a week or two weeks. SCDW insurance is not included in the estimate

Food prices:

• Cheap eats: street food, fast food, e.g. Big Mac & Coke for a lunch
• Mid-range cafes and restaurants: a set lunch menu or a one main meal + dessert + coffee for a lunch; 2-course dinner without drinks
• Fine dining: breakfast and lunch in mid – range cafes and restaurants; dinner: Tasting Menu without wine
• 1 alcohol drink: a glass of wine or beer
• 3 drinks: a glass of wine, beer and cocktail

Attractions :

• Two attraction tickets listed in “Things to Do”
• Two popular attraction tickets and one tour

Unexpected travel expenses such as tips, souvenirs, a bottle of water, etc.

Average Travel Costs

The average price of a 7-day trip to Finland in July is US$1284 | €1190 for a solo traveler, US$1450 | €1344 for a couple. Off-season travel may be up to 48 % cheaper. The average cost of a 7-day trip to Finland during off-season is US$661 | €613 for a solo traveler, US$827 | €767 for a couple.

Hotels range from US$74 - 379 | €69 - 351 per night with an average of US$124 | €115. Travelers spend on average US$69 | €64 on meals per person per day in Finland. 1 day in Helsinki will cost you US$191 | €177.

Things to Do

Ferry Prices

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Finnish Tax Administration: kilometre and per diem allowances in 2024

The Finnish Tax Administration has published a Decision (16.11.23) on tax-exempt allowances for business travel expenses in 2024.

• If you use own car during your temporary business trip your employer may pay you tax-exempt kilometre allowances. The tax-exempt kilometre allowances will increase by 4 cents and is going to be 57 cents per kilometre in 2024, when you use own car for the business trip (53 cents per kilometre in 2023, 46 cents in 2022).
• The tax-exempt domestic full per diem allowance (trips longer than 10 hours) will increase to EUR 51 in 2024 (EUR 48 in 2023, EUR 45 in 2022).
• The partial per diem allowance (trips longer than 6 hours) is EUR 24 (EUR 22 in 2023, EUR 20 in 2022).
• The meal allowance (or also known as "meal money”) is EUR 12.75 (EUR 12.00 in 2023, EUR 11.25 in 2022).

Maximum allowance (compensation) for mileage in 2024

* 57 cents per kilometre to be raised by:

• 10 cents for towing a trailer;
• 15 cents, if performance of the duties-at-hand requires towing a caravan attached to the car;
• 29 cents, if performance of duties requires towing a mobile canteen or other comparable heavy load attached to the car;
• 4 cents for transporting machinery or other items in the car, weighing over 80 kilograms, or of large size;
• 4 cents, if performance of duties requires the employee to transport a dog in the car;
• 12 cents for actual kilometres driven on forest roads or road construction sites closed to other traffic if performance of duties so requires.

More information can be found at Finnish Tax Administration website .

Unemployment Insurance Reform in Finland

The Finnish Government is currently preparing legislative reforms that can affect unemployment security system. Changes would enter into force throughout the year 2024.

Finnish Pension System: Trust Remains at a High Level

According to the recent Pension Barometer data conducted by the Finnish Centre for Pensions, citizens' trust in the pension system remains at a high level.

Finnish Economic Outlook for 2023–2025 years

The increase in interest rates have a negative impact on economic growth. This is reflected especially in the housing market and the construction sector.

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Finland Tax Agency Updates Guidance on Employee Travel Expense Deductions

The Finnish Tax Administration June 27 updated Guidance No. VH/2486/00.01.00/2022, on the deduction of employee travel expenses. The updated guidance includes: 1) the increased threshold to 8,400 euros (US$8,885) from 7,000 euros (US$7,932) for employee travel deductions for travel between home and work, effective for calendar year 2022; 2) the reduction of 0.30 euros (US$0.31) per km when driving a car and 0.24 euros (US$0.25) per km when driving a utility car, effective for calendar year 2022; 3) the 750 euros (US$793) deductible travel expense limit; 4) the scope and procedure to calculate the deduction; 5) the requirement to deduct ...

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Foreign in Finland – Daily allowances and travel expenses for the self-employed (2021)

5 minute read

Ever wondered how daily allowances work for self-employed people in Finland? You’re not alone. We get asked this question a lot, and so we decided to write a new Foreign in Finland article on it! Yes, we’ve put in the research and compiled this short guide on self-employed per diems. What are they, and how can you use them to save money on taxes? 

How does daily allowance work for the self-employed?

Most employees know how daily allowances (or per diems) work. Self-employed daily allowances work similarly in Finland. The amounts you can deduct are identical, what changes is how you apply.

The process for claiming daily allowances is much like that of claiming kilometre allowances . You have two options:

• Deduct the actual expenses in your accounts
• Apply for the daily allowance in your annual tax return

If you don’t have an accountant to help out, the simplest method of claiming self-employed travel expenses is to apply for all daily allowances at the end of the financial year, in your annual tax return. This way, you avoid entering individual travel expenses in your books.

Keeping track of expenses for bookkeeping

As the financial year comes to a close, you or your accountant will calculate the total amount of daily allowance based on the number and length of your business trips. These are then deducted from your annual tax returns.

To claim business travel expenses, you must keep track of all travel expenses throughout the year. An easy way to do this is in Holvi. You'll be prompted after each purchase to save your receipt in-app, for easy bookkeeping .

Accommodation expense receipts

§15 of the § 73 and § 75.2 of Income Tax Act ( tuloverolaki ) outlines that ‘the maximum allowance for accommodation payable over and above the per diem is the amount shown on a receipt or other reliable written proof provided by the accommodation establishment.’ In other words, if your accommodation bill exceeds the daily allowance, you can claim extra (within reason). Just make sure to keep your receipt.

How much is Finland’s daily allowance for self-employed in 2021?

In 2021, the self-employed daily allowance rate is €44 full-time and €20 part-time. To apply for a daily allowance or reduce travel expenses directly in your accounts, the following conditions must be met.

1. The length of your journey (in time)

To claim a daily allowance, your business trip must be at least six hours. Depending on the length of the trip, you can receive either full-time or part-time.

2. Distance from your home or workplace

Business trip must be at least 15 km from your home or permanent workplace. The trip must be temporary and outside your permanent workplace. For example, weekly work gigs within a 20-kilometre radius of your home do not entitle you to daily allowances – sorry!

How to calculate self-employed daily allowance in Finland

Example 1. minna’s daily allowance for puppet show trips.

Minna runs her own puppet theatre in Tampere. During the year, she makes four longer two-day trips to different locations around Finland. In addition, she makes five shorter trips to nearby communities, each of which lasts longer than 6 hours. 

At the end of the financial year, Minna declares her business’ daily allowances in her company's annual tax return like this:

• 4 full-day trips x 2 days each x €44 = €352
• 5 part-day trips x €20 = €100
• A total of €452

Easy, right?

Example 2. Jaakko’s daily allowance for music video filming

Jaakko is a part-time videographer. During the spring, he travels to Lapland to film a Finnish rap video in the snow. He leaves home on Monday at 9:00 a.m. and returns home on Wednesday at 2 p.m. A total of 53 hours = 2 days and 5 hours. So he receives two full-time allowances and one part-time allowance.

At the end of the financial year, Jaakko declares his business’ daily allowances in his company's annual tax return like this:

• 2 full-day trips x 1 day each x €44 = €88
• 1 part-day trip x €20 = €20
• A total of €108

Need help calculating daily allowance and travel expenses? 

If you have any questions on how to calculate daily allowances and travel expenses for your self-employed business, we recommend reaching out to an accountant. They can guide you in the world of entrepreneurial per diems, and ultimately save you money and hassle come tax time.

If you’re looking for a service specialising in small business accounting, check out Holvi Zen – but note that this service is currently only offered to sole traders in Finnish. English is coming soon!

Simplify your work life

Holvi is your business’ new financial home. Our all-in-one account features:

• Business account
• Holvi Business Mastercard®
• Online invoicing & e-invoicing
• Bookkeeping tools

Always curious? Subscribe to Workaround, for the boldly self-employed.

Related articles, business account price – whats a fair price for your business account, an expat’s guide to a business account – 5 reasons to open a geschäftskonto (2023).

Finland is offering free vacations for people to come and learn how to be happy after being named the happiest country in the world

Finland has been named the happiest country in the world for the sixth year running.

• It's now offering 10 people a free trip to take part in a "Masterclass of Happiness."
• Visit Finland's masterclass is scheduled to take place over four days in mid-June.

The Nordic country topped the rankings with a score that was "significantly ahead of all other countries," according to the World Happiness Report 2023 published this week. The report, which the United Nations Sustainable Development Solutions Network published and a team of independent experts wrote, measures factors including average income and mental and physical health. The data for the report is primarily taken from Gallup's World Poll. 

After repeated success in the area, Visit Finland is now offering ten people the chance to come to the country and learn how to be happy like the Finnish. 

Related stories

Visit Finland's " Masterclass of Happiness " is scheduled to take place over four days in June at the Kuru Resort in Finland's Lake District. Visit Finland will cover all travel and accommodation expenses, which include a private room, access to a private sauna and spa, and all other "essential facilities," according to Visit Finland's website.

The trip includes sessions with Finnish experts to learn about nature crafts, food, well-being, health, and balance, according to the website.

Applications are open now until April 2, with hopefuls asked to make an Instagram Reel or a TikTok showing why they "may secretly be a Finn" as part of their application. The participants will also be filmed during the visit with the material used for Visit Finland's advertising, according to the website.

Heli Jimenez, senior director at the governmental organization Business Finland, said in a press release that Finland's national happiness "stems from a close relationship with nature and our down-to-earth lifestyle: it's not some mystical state."

It is a "skill that can be learned," she said.

• Main content

Scam messages have been sent out in the Tax Administration’s name. Read more about scams

Tax-exempt allowances in 2023 for business travel

• Matkakustannusten korvaukset
• Official Decisions

Decision of the Tax Administration on tax-exempt allowances for travel expenses in 2023

— English translation —

Under § 73 and § 75.2 of Income Tax Act (tuloverolaki) of 30 Dec 1992 (1535/1992), including the amendments by Act no 504/2010 and by Act no 1246/2013, the Finnish Tax Administration has set out the following:

The criteria for and amounts of allowances for travel expenses, to be considered exempt from tax in the 2023 taxation, shall be as prescribed in this decision below.

Travel expenses are the costs arising from a taxpayer's business travel in the territory of Finland or other countries.

Business trips mean any short-term trips by an employee in performing his duties to a place where he temporarily performs working tasks or conducts business, distinct from his regular place of work. If, because of the nature of his work, the employee has no regular place of work, any short trip by employee from home to a temporary place of employment is a business trip.

Furthermore, trips under the following circumstances are also regarded as business trips:

• Location of the workplace is elsewhere than inside the facilities or establishments that belong to the employer or to a closely related corporate entity within the employer’s sphere of interest;
• Work falls into the definition of temporary work under § 72 a, Income Tax Act (tuloverolaki);
• Location is at a distance exceeding 100 kilometres from the taxpayer’s home;
• Taxpayer has stayed overnight, due to the trip to the workplace, in temporary quarters, which are necessary because of the distant location of the workplace.

Nevertheless, travelling or commuting between home and regular place of work is not considered a 'business trip' or 'travelling in business'. This also concerns weekend travel or other similar travel between home and a temporary place of employment, during a longer work assignment spanning several work weeks.

If it is typical for the line of work that the location of employment changes frequently because of the short-term nature of work in the particular sector, daily travel from home to a temporary 2 location will only make the employee eligible to receive allowances for 'travel expenses proper' referred to in §7, §8 and §9 below, if the employee has no main or regular place of work. The employee shall, however, also be entitled to meal money (§14) if he has no opportunity to benefit from meal services arranged by his employer on the temporary location or in its immediate vicinity.

Travel made otherwise than as referred to in section 3, paragraphs 1 and 2, by an employee to his secondary workplace, only makes the employee eligible to receive allowance for 'travel expenses proper' (see §7, §8 and §9), and to receive allowance for accommodation (see §16). Secondary workplace means such ordinary establishment of the employer, or another corporation within the same sphere of interests with the employer, which is situated in another area, or another state, than the employee’s primary, main or regular place of work.

Travelling to and from an employee’s separate accommodation and his secondary workplace does not entitle the employee to receive allowance for 'travel expenses proper' when the separate accommodation is necessary because of the location of the secondary workplace.

The main or regular place of work is the employee’s permanent place of employment. If, owing to the itinerant nature of his work, the employee has no permanent place of employment, the main or regular place of work is considered the place where he receives his assignments and keeps the clothes, tools or materials that he uses in his work, or any other location with a similar function in respect of the performance of his duties.

A day of travel means a period of no more than 24 hours beginning from the time that the employee sets out on a business trip from his workplace or home. A day of travel ends when the employee returns from a business trip to his workplace or home.

Allowance for travel expenses proper to be paid for business travel means reimbursement for tickets for travel, seats or sleeping car berths and other comparable expenses directly related to travel.

Allowance for travel expenses proper also includes costs for the transport of tools and other such equipment that the employee must take with him.

The maximum allowance for travel expenses, payable for the business travel of the employee using transport other than a motor vehicle owned or held by him is the amount spent on travel expenses proper, demonstrated with tickets provided by the transport company or other reliable proof.

The maximum allowance for an employee’s business travel using a means of transport owned or held by him shall be:

If other persons, for whose transport the employer is responsible, travel in a vehicle owned or held by the employee, the maximum allowance referred to in paragraph 1 is raised by 4 cents per Km and passenger.

If an employee, enjoying the company car benefit known as the limited benefit ( käyttöetu; förmån att använda bil ), referred to in the official decision of the Tax Administration on benefits-in-kind, uses the company car for business travel and pays for the energy to run the vehicle, he is entitled to a kilometer allowance of no more than 14 cents per Km.

Per diem, i.e. daily allowance means coverage for a reasonable increase in meal expenses and other living expenses incurred by the employee during business travel. Thus, per diem does not include allowance for travel expenses proper or accommodation expenses.

Per diem is payable only for such a day when the temporary place of employment is located more than 15 Kms away from either the employee’s main or regular workplace or his home, depending on where the travel begins. Moreover, the temporary place of employment should be more than 5 Kms away both from the main or regular workplace and from home.

Depending on the duration of a business trip, the maximum per diem amounts are the following

For any day of travel, when the employee receives free meals, or meals included with the travel ticket, the maximum per diem is half the amount specified in paragraph 1. Free meals comprise two free meals in the case of full per diem, and one free meal in the case of partial per diem.

The maximum per diems payable for business travel outside Finland are as follows:

The per diem allowance concerns one day of travel i.e. 24 hours from the beginning of a business trip or 24 hours from the end of the preceding day of travel .

The maximum amount of per diem is defined on the basis of the country or region where the day of foreign travel ends. If the day of travel ends on a ship or airplane, the amount should be based on the country from where the ship or airplane last departed or, if leaving Finland, where it will first arrive.

Upon returning to Finland, the employee is entitled to half of the per diem for foreign travel paid for the last completed day of travel if the length of the business trip exceeds, by more than two hours, the last full day of travel that ended in foreign territory or in a ship or airplane departing from such territory.

If the length of a business trip exceeds, by more than ten hours, the last full day of travel, which ended in foreign territory or in a ship or airplane departing from such a territory, the employee is entitled to a per diem for foreign travel for the last full day of travel. The maximum amount payable for a day of travel or part thereof beginning after the employee returns to Finland must be determined as prescribed above in § 12.

For any business trip in foreign countries lasting a minimum of 10 hours, the employee is entitled to the confirmed amount for the relevant country. If the total duration of the trip is shorter than 10 hours the amount should be paid in accordance with the provisions and amounts applicable to domestic travel.

If the employee receives free meals or meals included in the price of a ticket or a hotel room the per diem must be reduced by 50 percent. For the purposes of calculation of per diems for foreign travel, two free meals constitute ‘free meals’.

If a business trip outside Finnish territory is made, the work being done under exceptional circumstances at the request of an employer located in Finland, and if the employee returns to Finnish territory for the night, and no per diem is being paid under § 12 above, the maximum allowance for business travel, by derogation from subparagraph 1 above is €18.00.

Meal money can only be paid if no per diem is being paid, and the work assignment prevents the employee from having a meal at his normal eating-place during his meal break. The maximum amount is confirmed as €12.00.

If the employee has to have two meals at a place other than his normal eating-place during a business trip and no per diem is being paid the maximum meal money equals €24.00.

The maximum allowance for accommodation payable over and above the per diem is the amount shown on a receipt or other reliable written proof provided by the accommodation establishment.

The maximum allowance for accommodation payable, over and above the allowance for travel to the secondary workplace, is the amount shown on a receipt provided by the accommodation establishment, or a reasonable amount shown on other reliable written proof.

An allowance for night travel is payable only if at least 4 hours (during a day of travel for which the employee is entitled to a per diem) are between the hours of 09:00 PM and 07:00 AM and if the employer does not arrange any free accommodation for the employee or pay him allowance for accommodation or for a sleeping car berth. The maximum allowance for night travel is €15.00.

Seafarers: The foregoing provisions on allowances for travel expenses are applicable to the tax-exempt allowances under the law, payable to taxpayers earning seafarer’s income.

This decision comes into force on January 1, 2023 and is applicable to business travel or part thereof taking place in 2023.

Attachment :  Further explanation of the list of foreign territories where per diem allowances are paid (pdf)