How To Get From Stockholm Arlanda Airport to City Centre in 18 minutes + Cheaper Options 🇸🇪

Arriving at Stockholm Arlanda Airport and need to get to the city centre? There are several excellent options to suit your schedule and budget.

From the fast express train to cheaper buses and convenient pre-booked taxis, this guide will help you choose the best way to reach Stockholm’s central areas.

• Please note that there are a few different airports around Stockholm; this guide is about Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN), the main international airport in Stockholm.

I’m Danish, so I’ve been to the capital of Sweden quite a few times. I’ve taken several different modes of transport, so I’ve got a good understanding of how to get from Stockholm Airport to the city centre.

Let’s start with the fastest way to get from Stockholm Airport to the city centre and then move down the list with cheaper options.

Trains from Arlanda to Stockholm City 🚄

The most popular (and fastest) mode of transport in Stockholm is the express train, but there’s another option if you want to save some cash. Let’s start with the fast train, though.

Arlanda Express – fastest & most expensive option

If you’re in a hurry to get to Stockholm’s city centre, the Arlanda Express is your best bet.

This high-speed train takes just 18 minutes from Arlanda Airport to Stockholm Central Station, making it the quickest option available.

Stockholm Central Station is the main train station in downtown Stockholm. If you haven’t booked a hotel in town yet, check out my massive guide on the best areas and places to stay in Stockholm.

However, this convenience comes with a hefty price tag. A one-way adult ticket costs SEK 320 (around €27.5 if you’re unfamiliar with the Swedish Crowns).

In my opinion, this is extremely expensive for an 18-minute train ride (if you’re more than 2 people travelling together, I’d recommend getting a pre-booked taxi; more on that later in this guide).

Discounts are available though:

• seniors (65+) pay SEK 160
• youth (8-25) pay SEK 160
• and children under 8 travel free with an adult.

Trains depart every 15 minutes during peak hours, and every 30 minutes early in the morning and late at night, so you won’t have to wait long regardless of your flight time.

For more information and to book tickets, visit the Arlanda Express website or get a full overview of the different train options at Omio.

Way cheaper & a bit slower trains

On my last trip to Arlanda Airport I found this other option that I think not a lot of travellers know about.

You should definitely consider taking the Pendeltåg or Mälartåg directly from Arlanda Airport to Stockholm Central Station.

Both of these train services are part of Stockholm’s public transport and offer a comfortable and cost-effective alternative to the Arlanda Express.

• if you’ve ever been to London, it’s a bit like at Gatwick Airport where you’ve got both the (expensive) Gatwick Express and the cheaper services such as Southern and Thameslink.

The Pendeltåg (commuter train) runs regularly from Arlanda to Stockholm Central, with tickets costing around SEK 151. This journey takes about 39 minutes and provides a reliable service throughout the day.

The Mälartåg also offers direct connections from Arlanda to Stockholm Central.

This option is a bit more expensive, but also just as fast as the Arlanda Express.

Booking tickets online through platforms like Omio can help you secure the best rates.

Pre-booked taxi (cheaper than the express train)

Another convenient option to get from Arlanda Airport to Stockholm city centre is to pre-book a taxi.

Using a service like Welcome Pickups, you can arrange for a private driver to meet you at the airport and take you directly to your hotel in Gamla Stan or anywhere else in central Stockholm.

This service costs around €79 and typically takes about 40 minutes, depending on traffic.

I’ve used Welcome Pickups a lot in Europe both in Berlin, Budapest and Prague, and it’s great knowing exactly how much you’ll pay upfront.

Plus, having a driver waiting for you at the airport with your name on a sign is a nice touch after a long flight.

Regular taxis in Stockholm can be pricey and unpredictable, so booking ahead saves you from any surprises. It’s a reliable and comfortable way to start your trip.

Don’t take a normal taxi in Stockholm

I’m not sure how it works these days, but one of my friends who used to live in Stockholm always told me never to hail a taxi from the street, as they can literally charge you any amount they want.

Have you seen my guide to the best spa hotels in Stockholm? There are some incredible places!

Airport Buses – the cheapest mode of transport

Taking a bus is an excellent option for those looking for a cost-effective way to get from Arlanda Airport to Stockholm city centre.

Flixbus offers frequent services and is considerably cheaper than other bus operators like Flygbussarna.

With Flixbus, you can book a ticket that allows you to use any bus within 12 hours, giving you flexibility if your flight is delayed or you need more time at the airport.

A one-way ticket with Flixbus costs around SEK 39 to SEK 79, depending on how far in advance you book and the time of day.

Check timetables and get tickets at Flixbus.com.

The journey takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour, depending on traffic. Buses run frequently throughout the day and night, making it easy to find a time that fits your schedule.

Flygbussarna also offers services from Arlanda to the city centre, with buses departing every 10-15 minutes during peak times.

The journey with Flygbussarna takes about 45 minutes and costs around SEK 119 for a one-way ticket. They provide a reliable service with dedicated luggage space and free onboard Wi-Fi.

If you’re looking to save money and have the convenience of choosing any bus within a set period, Flixbus is the way to go, in my opinion.

For the latest schedules and to book tickets, check out the Flixbus website and the Flygbussarna website.

In summary, if speed is your top priority, the Arlanda Express is the fastest way to reach Stockholm city centre. Pre-booking a private driver can be more economical and convenient for those travelling in a group.

However, if you’re looking to save the most money, Flixbus is definitely the cheapest option.

No matter your budget or schedule, there’s a transport option to suit your needs when travelling from Arlanda Airport to Stockholm city centre.

Let me know if you’ve got any questions about your trip to Sweden.

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Travel ressources & websites I use all the time 👇

• Booking.com has the best offers on hotels and unique places to stay
• GetYourGuide is the best place to book tours & activities with free cancellation
• NordVPN is the only VPN I've ever needed for travel (it just works, everywhere)
• Welcome Pickups is the best & safest place to pre-book airport transfers

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