How Much Does Traveling in Finland Actually Cost This Summer?

Finland isn’t exactly a budget destination — but it doesn’t have to break the bank either. With a bit of planning and local know-how, you can enjoy everything from lively cities to quiet lakes without spending a fortune.

Here’s a down-to-earth look at what you can expect to pay in 2025 if you want to travel smart and make the most of your trip.

Where to Stay — Finding the Right Place for Your Budget

Accommodation is often the biggest cost, but there are plenty of good value options if you know where to look.

In Helsinki and other cities, budget hotels like Omena Hotels or Bob W offer clean, no-frills rooms for around €60–€90 per night. These places are great if you want something simple but reliable.

If you prefer Airbnb, you can find private rooms or small apartments starting at about €50 per night, especially if you book early. You can find hostels for quite cheap, around €30 per night. And don’t forget about couchsurfing, which is free and a great way to meet locals.

For groups, summer cabins outside the city are very popular and affordable if you split the cost — expect to pay around €50–€150 per night for a nice cabin that sleeps 4–6 people.

One of the best ways to save on accommodation — and experience Finnish nature up close — is to sleep in a tent, lean-to shelter, or wilderness cabin inside national parks. Thanks to Everyman’s Right (jokamiehenoikeudet), this kind of camping is free almost everywhere in Finland, as long as you follow the rules and respect nature.

Renting a Campervan — Freedom and Savings on the Road

Another popular and cost-effective way to travel is by renting a campervan. Finland has thousands of beautiful, free places where you can park your campervan overnight — from peaceful lakesides to forest clearings. This lets you combine your accommodation and transport costs, giving you a lot of flexibility and saving money on hotels.

Campervan rentals start around €80–€150 per day, depending on the season and vehicle size, but when you factor in no hotel costs and the ability to cook your own food, it’s a great budget option for adventurous travelers. If you travel with a friend or two, this will be even a cheaper option!

Eating and Drinking — Saving on Food Without Missing Out

Eating out in Finland can get pricey, but there are plenty of budget-friendly options.

If you want to keep costs low, look for grocery stores like Lidl, Alepa, or S-market, where you can get a decent cup of coffee for as little as €1, sandwiches for €2–€3, and snacks for under €5.

Fast food chains or casual lunch restaurants usually charge €8–€15 for a meal, while a typical restaurant meal runs €25–€40 per person.

Markets are a great place to try local food like fresh berries, rye bread, or smoked salmon without spending too much. But you can also find berries for free in the forest and fish for free in the lakes if you know how to fish! Just remember the fishing licenses.

Everyday Prices — What You’ll Usually Pay for Common Items

To help you get a better sense of everyday costs, here’s a quick list of typical prices for things you might buy while traveling in Finland:

• 0.5L bottle of water: €1 (remember that tap water is amazing quality, so no need to buy)

• Small bottle of beer (0.33L): €1-3.50

• Big bottle of beer (0.5L) €2-5

• A beer in a bar €4-10 (average about 7-8€

• Latte or cappuccino: €3.50–€4.50

• Loaf of rye bread: €2.50–€3.50

• A kilo of potatoes: €1.50–€2.00

• 1L milk: €1.20–€1.50

• Packet of cigarettes (if you smoke): €6.00–€7.00

• Ice cream cone: €2.50–€4.00

• Bus or tram ticket in Helsinki: €3.20–€4.80

• One-way train ticket (Helsinki to Tampere): €15–€30

• Entrance to a public sauna: €10–€15

• Meal at a mid-range restaurant: €25–€50

• Basic groceries for a day (for one person): €10–€15

• Camping gear rental (per day): €15–€30

• Gasoline (per litre): around €1.8

Getting Around — How to Travel Without Overpaying

Getting around Finland is straightforward, but costs can add up if you’re not careful.

Within cities, a single public transport ticket costs between €3.20 and €4.80 depending on zones. Helsinki’s transport system is easy to use and covers trams, buses, and metro. Another affordable and fun way to see the city is by renting a bike through the Alepa city bikes in the capital region — they’re very affordable and give you freedom to explore at your own pace. You can find these yellow bikes all around Helsinki for €10 a day or €35 for the whole summer!

If you’re sharing rides, Bolt taxi can often be cheaper than public transport in Helsinki, especially if you split the cost with a friend.

For longer distances, trains are comfortable and offer some discounted tickets if you book early. For example, a train from Helsinki to Tampere costs about €15–€30.

If you’re heading north to Lapland, taking the night train from Helsinki is a popular, affordable option that saves you a night’s accommodation — tickets start around €40.

Car rental is great if you want to explore rural Finland or Lapland, but expect to pay €40–€70 per day plus fuel and parking.

For budget intercity travel, FlixBus and Onnibus coaches are reliable and cheap choices — tickets can be as low as €10–€20 depending on the route.

Activities and Experiences — Getting the Most Out of Your Trip

There’s so much to do that won’t cost you much.

Many outdoor activities like hiking, swimming, and berry picking are free. Finland’s nature is the real star, and trails and national parks don’t have entrance fees. It's all for free baby!

If you’re interested in culture, the Finnish Museum Card is a great investment at €76 — it gives you access to over 300 museums across Finland for a full year. Many museums have also free days every month, so google it before visiting.

Sauna culture is huge here. While public saunas usually charge €10–€15 for entry, there are also some amazing free saunas like Sompasauna in Helsinki — a unique spot where you can enjoy a traditional Finnish sauna without spending a cent.

Summer festivals vary — some are free, others charge between €20 and €50. Free festivals happen all around Finland, especially in bigger cities during summer. These events offer music, local food, and a chance to soak up Finnish culture without spending much. Just google the city and festival when you're there and you'll find a list of festivals.

Tips to Stretch Your Euro

• Book accommodation and transport as early as possible to snag discounts.

• Use public transport and walk or bike when you can — taxis are expensive, but sharing a Bolt ride can sometimes be cheaper.

• Cook some meals if you’re staying somewhere with a kitchen.

• Travel in groups to split costs on cabins or car rentals.

• Take the train or bus to Lapland instead of renting a car for the whole trip.

• Consider camping or renting a campervan to save big on accommodation.

Final words

Finland might not be the cheapest destination, but with a bit of planning, it’s very doable to enjoy an unforgettable summer here without breaking your budget. The natural beauty, endless daylight, and welcoming culture make it worth every euro.

Remember that in my Guide to Finland, you'll find lots of free places to visit in Finland! 🇫🇮

Hope you have a great trip to Finland.