Cross-border route
Norway Finland
Norway 
FinlandDriving across the border
Yes — you can drive from Norway into Finland, and you should carry an International Driving Permit alongside your national licence. Finland expects foreign drivers to hold an IDP, in the Both format. Both countries drive on the right, so there is no change of driving side at the border. Plan your border crossing in advance and keep your passport, national licence and IDP together.
Last reviewed June 2026
Route at a glance
FromNorway
ToFinland
IDP in FinlandRequired
Accepted formatBoth
Driving sideright (no change)
Currency in FinlandEUR
Norway → Finland
Crossing the border
Norway and Finland share a land border you can cross by car. Keep your passport, national driving licence and International Driving Permit together, and check opening hours and any toll or vignette requirements before you travel.
Driving rules in Finland
- Headlights on at all times.
- Winter tyres mandatory in winter conditions.
- 0.05% alcohol limit.
- Watch for elk/reindeer on rural roads.
What to see when you arrive in Finland
- the Lapland and Santa Claus Village in Rovaniemi
- the Helsinki Cathedral and Suomenlinna
- the Finnish Lakeland
- the northern lights of the Arctic
- the Åland archipelago
Common questions
01
Do I need an International Driving Permit to drive from Norway to Finland?
Yes — Finland requires foreign drivers to carry an IDP with their national licence. Finland recognises the Both format, which is what we issue.
02
Does the driving side change between Norway and Finland?
No. Both Norway and Finland drive on the right.
03
How quickly can I get an IDP for this trip?
International Driver Licence issues your digital IDP in as fast as 8 minutes, so you can have it ready before you set off.
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