If you're planning to fly to Stockholm, you'll find that there are several airports you can fly to. Stockholm has a total of 4 airports: Arlanda Airport (ARN), Bromma Airport (BMA), Skavsta Airport or Nyköping Airport (NYO), and Västerås Airport (VST).
Arlanda Airport is the main airport and handles most international flights. The other airports are mainly used for domestic and regional flights, as well as for low-cost and charter flights. Although a colleague of mine often flies to Bromma Airport because it is closer to the city center.
Since I have flown to Arlanda Airport both in 2011 (with KLM) and in 2023 (with Ryanair), I will explain in this blog post how to best travel from there to the city center. Here are your options:
By train: Arlanda Express
The train is a fast and comfortable option to travel from Stockholm's airport to the city center. The Arlanda Express is a direct train connection that takes you to Stockholm's central station in just 20 minutes. Trains depart every 10 to 15 minutes and offer comfortable seating and free Wi-Fi. One-way tickets cost approximately 295 SEK / Swedish Krona (about €26), while a round-trip ticket costs 540 SEK (about €48). Keep in mind that prices may vary, so it's always best to check the current rates before you travel. Additionally, you can often get discounts online. For example, we only had to pay 1,840 SEK for 5 round-trip tickets, which at the time amounted to a total of €162.43 or €32.49 per person.
Of course you can also buy the tickets in the Arlanda airport. I bet you won't miss their bright yellow ticket machines:
The train platform itself is easy to find as well. The elevator you need to take from the airport down is also in that same bright yellow color:
Since we had chosen a hotel close to the train station, this was the easiest choice for us. Especially for our return flight, for which we had to be at the airport quite early. This way, we got a little extra sleep.
Apart from the Arlanda Express, there are also regional trains departing from the airport, making various stops in the city. These trains are slightly slower but offer a cheaper option. You can take the train to different stations in the center of Stockholm and transfer to the metro or bus to reach your final destination. This is a good choice if you're not in a hurry and want to save some money.
By bus: Flygbussarna or FlixBus
If you're looking for an affordable alternative, you can take the bus from Stockholm's airport to the city center. There are several bus companies (such as Flygbussarna and FlixBus) that regularly offer services between the airport and different parts of the city. The buses are comfortable, air-conditioned, and provide an affordable way to travel to the city center.
The bus journey may take slightly longer than the train, depending on traffic and the number of stops. On average, it takes about 35 to 45 minutes to reach the center of Stockholm. Prices for a one-way ticket are approximately 99 SEK (about €9), while a round-trip ticket costs 198 SEK (about €18). These buses operate at regular intervals throughout the day, so you don't have to worry about long waiting times. However, it's best to check the schedule in advance to choose the right bus line to reach your destination.
By taxi / private transportation
If you're looking for extra convenience and privacy, you can consider taking a taxi or private transportation from Stockholm's airport to the city center. There are several taxi companies and private transportation services available at the airport, ready to take you directly to your destination.
The advantage of taking a taxi or private transportation is that you don't have to wait for public transportation and can go directly to your hotel or any other destination of your choice. This can be convenient if you have a lot of luggage or if you simply want to travel to the center quickly and comfortably. The travel time varies depending on traffic but usually takes about 30 to 40 minutes. Keep in mind that taxis in Stockholm can be quite expensive. A one-way trip can range from 500 SEK (about €45) to 700 SEK (about €62), depending on the time of day and traffic. However, if you can share the taxi with multiple people, the price can eventually be more reasonable.
Ultimately, you can choose what suits you best. The Arlanda Express is the fastest and most comfortable option, but it is also the most expensive. Flygbussarna offers an affordable alternative with a slightly longer travel time. Taxis and rental cars are convenient options if you want more privacy and flexibility.
Enjoy your trip to Stockholm!
