The Arlanda Express is overpriced — here's why you might still take it
The Arlanda Express is the fastest way from Arlanda Airport to Stockholm Central. It takes 18 minutes. The single ticket costs 340 SEK (approximately €30 or $32) as of 2024 — more at peak times, occasionally less on off-peak apps.
The commuter train alternative, Pendeltåget (SL line 38 or 40 depending on terminal), takes approximately 38-45 minutes to T-Centralen and costs 43 SEK with an SL card, or is included in any multi-day SL transit pass.
The difference is 297 SEK, or roughly €27. For two people, that’s €54. For a family of four, it’s over €100.
Here is the honest analysis of when each option makes sense.
What the Arlanda Express actually is
The Arlanda Express is a private railway — it was built and is operated by a private company (A-Train AB) on a concession. It runs on dedicated tracks, stops at Arlanda North and South terminals, and arrives at Stockholm Central on a separate platform. The trainsets are comfortable: wide seats, good overhead luggage space, wifi. The 18-minute journey is genuinely fast.
Because it is private, it is not included in any SL pass. Period. This is the first thing to understand: your SL 72-hour pass, however good it is for getting around Stockholm, is irrelevant at Arlanda. You pay separately.
The commuter train: actually quite good
Line 40 (from Terminal 5, the international terminal) runs to Stockholm Central in about 38 minutes at peak hours. It requires an SL ticket (43 SEK if bought individually, covered by any SL multi-day pass). The walk from Terminal 5 arrivals to the commuter train platform is longer than to the Arlanda Express — follow signs to “pendeltåg” and allow 10-15 minutes.
The train is a standard SL commuter service. It is not as comfortable as the Arlanda Express. Seats are closer together, it stops at several stations, and at peak hours it can be crowded. With luggage, you’re managing bags in a commuter environment.
The genuine downside: the 43 SEK figure requires having an SL card loaded with credit or a multi-day pass already. If you’ve just landed and you’re buying a single journey, the queueing at the machine and learning the system costs time. First-time arrivals frequently make this take longer than it should.
The bus: not usually worth it
Flygbussarna (airport buses) run from all Arlanda terminals to Cityterminalen (the intercity bus terminal next to Stockholm Central) in approximately 45-65 minutes depending on traffic. Cost: around 119 SEK for a single. This is cheaper than the Arlanda Express but more expensive and slower than the commuter train. The only advantage is luggage comfort — more space for large bags — and door-to-bus convenience from the terminal ground level.
Unless you’re arriving at an unusual hour when the commuter train runs infrequently, the Flygbuss is hard to justify.
When the Arlanda Express makes sense
1. You have a very early flight and luggage. If your outbound flight leaves at 6:30 AM and you’re carrying two large suitcases, not wrestling them onto a crowded commuter train matters. The Arlanda Express leaves you at Stockholm Central in 18 minutes without stops.
2. You’re travelling on business and someone else is paying. 340 SEK is a corporate taxi receipt, effectively.
3. You’ve factored it into your budget and want the simplest possible arrival. A tired person arriving from a long flight who just wants to get to their hotel in the least complicated way: the Arlanda Express platform is easy to find, the train is comfortable, and Stockholm Central is where everything connects.
4. Group discount: The Arlanda Express website often has promotions for two or more people travelling together. Two-for-one deals appear regularly. Check before buying.
When to take the commuter train
1. You already have an SL multi-day pass (or are going to buy one). The commuter train is free in that case. 38 minutes versus 18 minutes for saving €27 per person is a straightforward calculation.
2. You’re budget-conscious. A family of four saves over €100 by taking the commuter train. That’s a good restaurant dinner.
3. You’re not in a hurry. The 20-minute time saving means less than most people think in the context of a multi-day trip.
Stockholm Arlanda Airport train transfer to/from StockholmOur Arlanda to Stockholm guide has current timetables and booking links. Full transport pass analysis is in the Stockholm transport guide.
Frequently asked questions about Arlanda transport
Is the Arlanda Express worth it?
For solo travellers on a budget: usually not, unless time is critical. For couples or groups with multi-person discount options, it becomes more competitive. For families: the commuter train saves significant money with minimal practical inconvenience.
Does the SL pass cover Arlanda?
No. The SL pass covers trains, metro, buses and trams within Stockholm County. Arlanda Airport is in Uppsala County. The commuter train SL line 40/38 to Arlanda requires a separate zone ticket (approximately 43 SEK single) even with an SL city pass.
How long does the journey actually take on the commuter train?
Around 38-45 minutes from Arlanda to Stockholm Central or T-Centralen. Add 10-15 minutes for the walk from Terminal 5 to the train platform. Total journey from arrivals hall to T-Centralen: roughly 55-60 minutes.
Can I book the Arlanda Express in advance?
Yes, and you should. The online price is typically lower than the on-board price, and booking in advance lets you choose your travel time. The off-peak discount (before 6 AM or after 9 PM on weekdays, and most hours on weekends) can reduce the price to around 195-220 SEK.