Stockholm Airport to City Center: The Cheapest (and Better) Way
You arrive at Arlanda Airport only to discover that it’s super far from the city center. Once you step outside the terminal, you’re assaulted with bright yellow advertisements to take the Arlanda Express. Not knowing any better, you decide to pay $32 USD (!!!) for a one way ticket per adult… Yes, the train is fast, but $60 USD round trip airport transfer service just doesn’t seem economical. Especially if you’re a traveller on a budget or just simply want to spend your money somewhere else, there are cheaper alternatives to getting from Stockholm Airport to city center (Stockholm Central Station). The way I’m going to talk about is also how airport workers and locals get to the airport, too. So, follow along and save your money!
Stockholm Airports Overview
Stockholm has 4 international airports: Arlanda, Bromma, Skavsta and Vasteras airport. Arlanda is the main airport servicing Stockholm, and the airport you are most likely going to be flying in and out from. In 2023 alone, Arlanda served about 22 million people alone! However, it’s quite far from the city center, about 40 km north of Stockholm. But it’s not as far as Skavsta or Vasteras, which are 100 km west of Stockholm.
Bromma airport is the closest airport to Stockholm, just 9 km west of Stockholm. However, its international services are limited and it mainly services domestic flights. If you can get a flight here, it will only make your life easier. There are buses that take you from Bromma to the city center, but no trains run here.
So, once you’ve landed at Arlanda, how do you get to the city center?
Transportation Options From Stockholm Airport to City Center
There are multiple ways you can get from the airport to the city center. But most people will tell you to take the Arlanda Express which is heavily promoted all around the airport.
Arlanda Express
Background: The A-Train AB company owns and operates the Arlanda Express, which was built in 1995 and opened in 1999. The construction was a joint effort between the Swedish Rail Administration (state) and several private companies. Most of the funds came from international bank loans, which may be why the tickets are so expensive…
Duration: 18 min from Arlanda Airport to Stockholm C
Frequency: every 10 min or 30 min depending on the time
Fare: 340 SEK ($32) per adult one way, 640 SEK ($60) per adult round trip; 160 SEK per youth one way
The Arlanda Express connects the Arlanda Airport to Stockholm Central Station, in a record 18 minute train ride. Trains travel as fast as 200 km per hour and run non-stop. During peak hours, trains come every 10 minutes. The train cars are spacious, air conditioned, and comfortable and also has luggage storage on board.
If you’re in a rush to get to the city center or just don’t want to think about transportation, the Arlanda Express is a good option for you. It’s extremely fast, but at a cost.
Book Your Ticket for Arlanda Express Here
Flybussarna
Background: The Swedish group Vy group, since 2020, owns and operates Flybussarna. Flybussarna is an airport coach bus service that connects multiple Swedish airports to many train stations. You can use it to go to Arlanda, Bromma, even Malmo airports. From Arlanda airport, you can take the Flybussarna to Stockhom Central Station.
Duration: 45 minutes
Frequency: Every 20-30 minutes
Fare: 129 SEK ($12) per adult one way, 209 SEK ($20) per adult round trip
The Flybussarna is a cheaper alternative to a comfortable commute between Arlanda airport and Stockhom Central Station. The coach buses are spacious, have luggage storage, and direct as well. This is a good option if you are looking for a direct way to get to the airport without breaking the bank. It’s slower than the Arlanda Express, but much cheaper than the express train.
Book Your Ticket For Flybussarna Here
Taxis
Like most airports, there are taxis readily available outside the airport terminals. If you’re keen on private transportation and don’t want to deal with bad weather or other people, then a taxi or rideshare is the best option for you. It provides a convenient door-to-door transportation option for those with heavy luggage as well.
Duration: 35-40 minutes
Frequency: N/A
Fare: 500-850 SEK
HOWEVER, if you do decide to take a taxi, make sure to get in an authorized taxi. This includes Taxi Stockholm, Taxi Kurir or the yellow Taxi Sverige. Taxi fares are not regulated in Sweden, but each of these reputable taxi companies will have yellow stickers with prices to Stockholm Central on them. This way, you know what price you’re paying up front. A taxi ride is usually around the 700 to 850 SEK range max.
Whatever you do, DO NOT FOLLOW any of the well-dressed gentlemen asking if you need a taxi once you exit the airport terminal. They will say their taxi is parked somewhere else and they will scam you. The people hawking you are not authorized taxis and will rip you off. Don’t follow them!
For car sharing, Bolt and Uber are good options to use in Stockholm, and the prices are usually a little cheaper than the official taxi.
FlixBus
Background: Flix started as the FlixBus start-up in Munich with the desire to make travel more sustainable, comfortable, and affordable. It is now a clear market leader in travel transit worldwide, with long-distance buses in 40+ countries, many in Europe. FlixBuses provide cheap bus rides to long-distance cities, but also to far airports like the Arlanda Airport.
However, Flixbus rides can be a hit or miss, as many people have reported bad experiences like late buses, rude drivers, etc. I personally have had just okay experiences with Flixbus but prefer other modes of transport. The general feeling is that it’s cheap, it’s a bus, and it’s just a means to an end, haha.
Duration: 45 minutes
Frequency: 28 buses running per day from 6:35 AM to 10:47 PM
Fare: 99 SEK ($8 For some reason, it’s a little cheaper in USD)
Book Your Ticket For FlixBus Here
SL Commuter Train + Bus Combo (The Cheapest Way)
Now, this is the method that I’ve been waiting to share with you! This is how locals and airport workers get to and from the Arlanda airport. It’s also the cheapest way to get from Arlanda airport to Stockholm city center (Stockholm Central Station) and vice versa.
Background: The city-owned public transit company Storstockholms Lokaltrafik owns and operates the SL commuter trains and public transportation throughout Stockholm county. There are regional trains you can take directly from Stockholm central to Arlanda airport, but those routes require passengers to pay an airport fee, which makes the ticket cost equal to that of the coach buses.
How to Go to and from Stockholm Airport and Stockholm City Center (Stockholm Central Station)
Arlanda airport to city center: To get the cheapest fare, take the 583 bus from Arlanda Airport to Märsta station. Follow the signs for “local bus” at Arlanda airport to reach the bus stop just outside the terminal. Then, take the SJ Regionaltåg (869, 873, etc.) from Märsta towards Stockholm C.
City center to Arlanda airport: To get the cheapest fare, take the SJ Regionaltåg (822, 873, 818, etc.) towards Uppsala Centralstation to Märsta station. Then, take the 583 bus from Märsta to Arlanda Airport.
Duration: 20 minutes train + 11 minutes bus = total 31 minutes
Frequency: the train comes once every hour, and the bus comes every 10-15 minutes
Fare: 42 SEK ($4)
The single ticket journey costs just under $4 AND is valid for unlimited travel for 75 minutes. You can travel as much as you like until the ticket expires. So a single SL ticket will go far and is perfect for this train and bus combo to Arlanda Airport from Stockholm Central. It’s also included in a visitor pass ticket if you have that. It’s cheap, and relatively fast! It’s a win-win. So don’t pay for an expensive train or car ride if you don’t have to!
Arlanda Airport to Stockholm City Center Transportation Comparison
Not sure how these transportation options to and from Arlanda Airport to city center? Here’s an easy comparison graphic I made that lays all the information out nicely.
Use this chart to compare different parts of each transportation method. Ask yourself some questions before you decide how to get from the Arlanda airport to city center and vice versa:
- Do you value speed or saving money?
- Do you have a lot of luggage?
- Is the weather good or bad?
- Are you traveling with people? Will splitting costs make some methods cheaper per person?
Depending on the answers to those questions, the best transport method will differ. For example, walking to a bus stop in the rain with luggage doesn’t sound like the greatest time. Paying $30 for a one way ticket isn’t in everyone’s budget. Some people might not trust FlixBus. Whatever your reasoning, there are options for you.
Tips for Traveling in Stockholm
After you’ve picked a way to get from the airport to city center, here are essential tips to ensure a smooth transition and journey to Stockholm:
- Assess Accommodation Location: See what your accommodation is around when planning your Stockholm itinerary.
- Understand Public Transit: Stockholm public transportation is easy to understand and use. Make sure to have valid tickets before boarding any public transit. Avoid fines!
- Learn Basic Swedish: Knowing a few basic phrases in Swedish can be helpful, though most Swedes speak excellent English. Key phrases include “Tack” (Thank you), “Hej” (Hello), and “Ursäkta” (Excuse me).
- Sort Phone Data: Access to internet is important when exploring around a new city. Make sure you have data abroad, whether that be from your home provider (I love T-Mobile’s free international data) or through purchasing a SIM card.
- Leave Cash At Home: Swedish Krona cash is not used at all… Everyone and everywhere accepts contactless pay now, whether through credit card or Apply Pay. You don’t need cash!
Start Exploring Stockholm!
Whether you prefer the speed of the Arlanda Express or the affordability of local public transport services, you’’ll get from Stockholm airport to city center one way or the other. But I know you won’t breathe a sigh of relief until you make it to the central train station. Heck, not until you check into your room at your accommodation. Once you do though, rejoice! Now, you’re ready to start exploring Stockholm and have fun. Hopefully, this airport to city center guide helped make your trip a little easier and cheaper. I loved Stockholm and hope you enjoy it just as much as I did. Happy travels!
Related Reads:
How to Take Copenhagen Public Transport: The Best Guide
How to Visit Roskilde Denmark from Copenhagen + Things to Do
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