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Cross-border route

Finland Sweden

Driving across the border
Yes — you can drive from Finland into Sweden: carry a certified IDP translation of your licence alongside the original so border officials and rental desks can read your credentials. Sweden expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP, prepared in the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format. Both countries drive on the right, so there is no change of driving side at the border. The road crosses the Torne River between Tornio and Haparanda in the north.
Get my permit for Sweden Sweden requirements

Last reviewed July 2026

Route at a glance
FromFinland
ToSweden
IDP in SwedenStrongly recommended
Accepted format1949 Geneva & 1968 Vienna
Driving sideright (no change)
Currency in SwedenSEK
Emergency number112
Top speed limit120 km/h motorways
Driving in Sweden
Finland → Sweden

Crossing the border

The road crosses the Torne River between Tornio and Haparanda in the north.

Driving rules in Sweden

  • Daytime headlights mandatory at all times.
  • 0.02% alcohol limit — near zero.
  • Winter tyres mandatory Dec–Mar.
  • Congestion tax in Stockholm and Gothenburg.

What to see when you arrive in Sweden

  • the Vasa Museum and Gamla Stan in Stockholm
  • the ICEHOTEL in Jukkasjärvi
  • the Göta Canal
  • the island of Gotland
  • the archipelago of Stockholm

Once you're driving in Sweden

Destination-specific detail sourced from national road authorities, motoring clubs and rental policies — the things that catch cross-border drivers out.

Driving on a foreign licence

EU/EEA licences are fully valid; tourists who are not entered in the Swedish population register may drive on any valid foreign licence (with a translation/IDP if not in Latin script) for their whole visit. Non-EEA residents who register fall under a one-year limit.

Tolls & road charges

Stockholm and Gothenburg levy a congestion tax at camera stations on weekdays, plus bridge tolls (Oresund, Sundsvall, Motala); foreign-registered cars are billed via the EPASS24 partner, and rental firms typically pass charges on with a fee.

Parking in the cities

Urban parking is paid and zone-based, usually via apps (EasyPark, Parkster, Mobill) or meters; watch cleaning-day and residential signs, and illegal parking fines reach about SEK 1,400 (~EUR 125).

Fines & camera enforcement

Speeding even 1 km/h over is finable, starting around SEK 2,000 and rising by band; holding a phone while driving is prohibited, seatbelts are compulsory, and police issue fixed on-the-spot fines.

If you have an accident

Call 112 for injuries; exchange details and complete a European Accident Statement for minor crashes, and report to police if there are injuries, disputed fault, or damage to public property or wildlife (a duty to report animal collisions applies).

Driving in the capital

Central Stockholm's congestion-tax cordon is charged on entry and exit on weekdays, and the compact, bridge-linked Gamla Stan old town has heavy pedestrian and one-way restrictions best avoided by car.

Sources: transportstyrelsen.se · transportstyrelsen.se · polisen.se · fuel-prices.eu

Common questions

01
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive from Finland to Sweden?
Yes — Sweden commonly asks foreign drivers to carry an IDP with their national licence. Sweden recognises the 1949 Geneva and 1968 Vienna Convention format, which is the format your certified IDP translation is prepared in.
02
Does the driving side change between Finland and Sweden?
No. Both Finland and Sweden drive on the right.
03
What is the emergency number and speed limit in Sweden?
In Sweden, dial 112 for emergencies; 112 also works from most GSM phones. The maximum for cars on the fastest road class is 120 km/h motorways, but posted limits in towns and on secondary roads are lower and always take precedence.
04
How do tolls and road charges work in Sweden?
Stockholm and Gothenburg levy a congestion tax at camera stations on weekdays, plus bridge tolls (Oresund, Sundsvall, Motala); foreign-registered cars are billed via the EPASS24 partner, and rental firms typically pass charges on with a fee.
05
How quickly can I get an IDP for this trip?
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