From Arlanda Airport to the City Centre

Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) is Sweden's main international gateway, located around 40 kilometres north of the city. From here, there are four practical ways into the centre – from the fast express train to the budget commuter train. Which one suits you best depends on your budget, luggage and time of day. This guide compares the options by journey time and price; for getting around once you're in the city, see the guide to public transport in Stockholm.

Arlanda Express – the fastest connection

The Arlanda Express is a dedicated high-speed train that runs non-stop between the airport and Stockholm Central Station. At around 18 minutes, it's the fastest way into the city centre. During the day it typically runs every 15 minutes, less often in the early morning and late evening; the ticket isn't tied to a specific departure and is valid for any train.

Speed comes at a price – the Express is the most expensive option:

• Adults (26–64): 340 SEK one way, 640 SEK return
• Young people (18–25): 160 SEK one way, 320 SEK return
• Seniors (65+): 210 SEK one way, 420 SEK return
• Children (0–7): always free
• Children (8–17): free when accompanied by a paying adult or senior (up to four children per ticket holder); only unaccompanied 8- to 17-year-olds pay 160 SEK one way

Travelling as a group brings the price down further – additional passengers on the group fare cost from 120 SEK. The Express is worth it above all when time is tight or your accommodation is close to Central Station.

Flygbussarna – the airport bus

Considerably cheaper is the Flygbussarna airport bus (Vy flygbussarna), which runs from the airport to Cityterminalen, right next to Stockholm Central. The journey takes around 40 minutes – a bit longer than the Express, but at a fraction of the price. A single ticket costs 129 SEK, a return 198 SEK; it's cheapest to book online or through the Vy flygbussarna app.

The bus runs from early morning until late evening, roughly every 10 to 15 minutes during the day; there are also night buses to and from the airport, which is handy for late flights. At Arlanda, the bus stops at Terminal 5. There's free Wi-Fi and power sockets on board – useful for checking your hotel and route after landing.

Pendeltåg – the cheapest train option

If you already hold a valid public transport card, the Pendeltåg (line 40) commuter train is the cheapest way in. This SL commuter service connects Arlanda C via Stockholm City with Uppsala and Södertälje; the journey from Arlanda C to Stockholm C takes around 38 minutes. Since the route is part of the SL public transport network, it fits seamlessly into Stockholm's regular ticketing system.

One quirk to know about is the Arlanda supplement: entering or leaving Arlanda C station on the Pendeltåg or Mälartåg incurs an extra charge of 130 SEK on top of your SL ticket. It can be bought through the SL app, at the ticket machine in Arlanda C, or at an SL centre. That leaves two scenarios:

• With a valid SL period card: just the 130 SEK Arlanda supplement
• Without a valid SL card: an SL single ticket as well (around 40 SEK), so about 170 SEK in total

For day visitors without an SL card, the Pendeltåg is barely cheaper than the Flygbussarna bus and slower than the Express. It really pays off mainly if you're already using an SL period card during your stay in Stockholm.

Taxi – fixed fare, but watch for touts

Taxis wait right outside the arrivals halls of Terminal 5 and Terminal 2. Trips to and from Arlanda run on fixed fares: within the marked zone, the maximum fare is 800 SEK for 1 to 4 passengers and 1,275 SEK for 5 to 8 passengers. Depending on traffic, the ride into the city centre usually takes around 35 to 45 minutes.

A few things to know for your safety – and to avoid being overcharged:

• Only airport-licensed taxis are permitted to operate from Arlanda; they wait at the official ranks outside the arrivals halls.
• Never accept offers from drivers touting for business inside the arrivals hall – these are not licensed airport taxis.
• Agree the fare upfront and check it matches the posted fixed rate, since Stockholm taxi fares are otherwise set freely by the operator.

With Taxi Stockholm, the fixed fare doesn't include waiting time; pre-booked rides from Arlanda cost a 100 SEK surcharge, and airport operator Swedavia may add a further charge passed on to passengers. For one to four people with plenty of luggage, or on a late arrival, a taxi can still be the most comfortable choice.

Which option suits you?

• Fast and simple, hotel near Stockholm C: Arlanda Express (18 min, from 340 SEK)
• Best value without an SL card: Flygbussarna bus (40 min, 129 SEK)
• Cheap with a valid SL period card: Pendeltåg (38 min plus the 130 SEK Arlanda supplement)
• Lots of luggage, a group, a late arrival, or comfort: taxi at a fixed fare (up to 800 SEK for 1–4 people)

If you're still planning how to get to Stockholm in the first place, see the guide to getting to Stockholm. And once you've made it into town, the overview of tickets and fares on the SL network at Stockholm Pass & SL tickets is a useful next stop.