How to Get from Arlanda Airport to Stockholm City Centre

Where is Stockholm Arlanda Airport?

Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) is Sweden’s largest international airport and the main gateway for visitors travelling to the Swedish capital. It is located approximately 40 kilometres north of Stockholm city centre.

The airport has several terminals and two railway stations:

• Arlanda South serves Terminals 2, 3 and 4.
• Arlanda North serves Terminal 5.

Before choosing your transport, check your arrival terminal and the location of the departure point.

1. Arlanda Express – the fastest way to Stockholm

Arlanda Express is the fastest connection between the airport and Stockholm Central Station.

The high-speed train takes approximately 18 minutes from Arlanda South and 19 minutes from Arlanda North.

Journey information:

• Journey time: 18–19 minutes.
• Frequency: approximately every 15 minutes.
• Departure: Arlanda South or Arlanda North railway station.
• Destination: Stockholm Central Station.

Ticket prices:

• Adult single: 340 SEK.
• Adult return: 640 SEK.
• Two adults travelling together: 460 SEK one way.
• Three adults travelling together: 580 SEK one way.
• Young passengers aged 18–25: 160 SEK one way.
• Pensioners aged 65 and over: 210 SEK one way.
• Children aged 0–17: free when accompanied by an eligible adult or pensioner ticket holder.

Group tickets can make Arlanda Express more affordable when travelling with other adults.

Tickets are available online and through the official Arlanda Express channels. Check the applicable validity conditions before travelling.

Best for: Visitors who value speed, travellers with limited time and people staying near Stockholm Central Station.

Official website: https://www.arlandaexpress.com/

2. Flygbussarna – an affordable airport bus

Flygbussarna is a popular alternative to the express train. Airport coaches connect Arlanda with Stockholm City Terminal, next to Stockholm Central Station.

The journey usually takes around 40–45 minutes, depending on traffic.

Journey information:

• Journey time: approximately 40–45 minutes.
• Departure: designated airport bus stops.
• Destination: Stockholm City Terminal.
• Frequency: regular departures throughout the day.

Online ticket prices for the Arlanda–Stockholm City route:

• Adult single: 129 SEK.
• Adult return: 209 SEK.
• Youth aged 8–25: 99 SEK one way.
• Children aged 0–7: free.

Prices and ticket conditions may vary. Check the operator’s website before purchasing.

Flygbussarna is a convenient choice if you want a direct connection to central Stockholm without paying for the express train.

Best for: Budget-conscious travellers, couples and visitors who prefer a direct airport bus.

Official website: https://www.flygbussarna.se/en/tickets-and-prices

3. SL commuter train – travel using Stockholm public transport

You can also travel from Arlanda to Stockholm using the SL public transport network.

The commuter train stops at Arlanda Central Station, located in SkyCity between the airport terminals. The journey to Stockholm Central Station takes approximately 43 minutes.

However, there is an important detail: passengers travelling through Arlanda Central Station must pay an additional airport passage fee.

Ticket prices:

• Adult single ticket including the airport passage fee: 200 SEK.
• Discounted single ticket including the passage fee: 183 SEK.
• If you already have a valid SL ticket, the passage supplement is 157 SEK for passengers over 18.

The airport passage fee is separate from an ordinary SL ticket. A regular travel pass does not automatically cover this charge.

SL tickets are not valid on Arlanda Express.

You can check connections, fares and ticket conditions using the official SL website or app.

Best for: Travellers who already use SL public transport or want to continue their journey by commuter train.

Official information: https://sl.se/en/fares-and-tickets/visitor-tickets/travel-to-and-from-arlanda-airport

4. Taxi from Arlanda to Stockholm

A taxi is a convenient option if you are travelling with several suitcases, arriving late or staying outside the central area.

Taxis are available at designated taxi ranks at the airport terminals.

Journey information:

• Journey time: approximately 40 minutes, depending on traffic.
• Availability: around the clock.
• Payment: credit cards are widely accepted.

Taxi fares in Sweden are not fixed by the government in the same way as public transport fares. Different companies may charge different prices.

Before starting your journey:

1. Choose a reputable taxi company.
2. Ask for the total price before departure.
3. Check whether the price is fixed or calculated by the meter.
4. Confirm the destination with the driver.

Avoid choosing a taxi solely because someone approaches you inside the terminal.

Best for: Families, groups, travellers with heavy luggage and visitors who want to travel directly to their accommodation.

Official airport information: https://www.swedavia.com/arlanda/transport/

5. Which is the best way to get from Arlanda to Stockholm?

Here is a comparison of the main transport options:

Transport Journey time Adult single fare
Arlanda Express 18–19 min 340 SEK
Flygbussarna 40–45 min 129 SEK
SL commuter train About 43 min 200 SEK
Taxi About 40 min Varies

Prices are based on published operator information checked on 31 October 2026. Journey times are approximate and can change depending on traffic, timetables and service conditions.

Our recommendation:

• Choose Arlanda Express if speed is your priority.
• Choose Flygbussarna if you want an affordable direct connection.
• Choose the SL commuter train if it fits your wider public transport journey.
• Choose a taxi if comfort and travelling directly to your accommodation matter most.

6. How to get from Arlanda Airport to your hotel

Your final destination matters when choosing an airport transfer.

Staying near Stockholm Central Station

Arlanda Express and Flygbussarna are both convenient. From the central station, you can continue by metro, bus, taxi or on foot.

Staying in Gamla Stan

Travel to Stockholm Central Station and continue by metro, bus or taxi. The Old Town is also within walking distance for visitors travelling with light luggage.

Staying in Södermalm

You can take a taxi directly or travel to the city centre and continue by metro. Check whether an airport coach route serves a stop closer to your accommodation.

Staying outside central Stockholm

Check the complete journey using the SL app or another journey planner. A direct taxi may be more convenient, but public transport is often cheaper.

7. Practical tips before leaving Arlanda Airport

A few simple preparations can make your arrival in Stockholm easier:

• Check your arrival terminal and the location of your transport departure point.
• Check train and bus departures, especially late at night.
• Buy tickets through official operator websites or apps.
• Keep your ticket available during the journey.
• Check your hotel’s location before choosing a transfer.
• Allow extra time for road traffic if travelling by bus or taxi.

For live travel information, consult the official operator websites before departure.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Arlanda Airport from Stockholm city centre?

Stockholm Arlanda Airport is approximately 40 kilometres north of central Stockholm.

What is the fastest way to get from Arlanda to Stockholm?

Arlanda Express is the fastest option. The journey takes approximately 18–19 minutes.

What is the cheapest direct transport from Arlanda to Stockholm?

Flygbussarna lists an adult online single ticket for 129 SEK on the Arlanda–Stockholm City route.

Can I use an SL travel card to get from Arlanda Airport to Stockholm?

Yes, you can use SL commuter trains, but you must also pay the airport passage supplement if your ticket does not include it. An ordinary SL ticket alone does not cover this additional fee.

Does Arlanda Express accept SL tickets?

No. Arlanda Express is a separate train service. SL tickets are not valid on Arlanda Express.

Is there public transport from Arlanda Airport at night?

Services operate at different hours and frequencies. Check current departures for your arrival time before travelling.

Can I pay by card in Stockholm?

Yes. Card payments are widely accepted in Sweden. Tickets can also be purchased through official transport apps and websites.

Is it better to book airport transport in advance?

Booking in advance can be convenient, particularly for Arlanda Express and airport coaches. Always check the ticket validity and cancellation conditions.

Final advice

For most first-time visitors, the choice is simple: Arlanda Express offers the quickest journey, while Flygbussarna provides a more affordable direct connection to central Stockholm.

If you plan to explore the city using public transport, learn how the SL ticket system works before arriving. Understanding the airport passage fee can help you avoid an unexpected extra cost.

Welcome to Stockholm!