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 183 SEK for the single SL + Arlanda ticket, or 157 SEK for the Arlanda passage if you already hold a valid SL ticket or pass.
The difference is 157 SEK, or roughly €14. For two people, that’s €28. For a family of four, it’s about €56.
Here is the honest analysis of when each option makes sense.
| Fastest option | Arlanda Express, 18 minutes, 340 SEK |
| Cheapest option | Flygbussarna bus, 45-65 minutes, ~119 SEK |
| Middle ground | commuter train, ~40 minutes, 183 SEK (157 SEK with an SL pass) |
| Where they arrive | Stockholm Central / T-Centralen |
| Best time to book | online in advance for off-peak Arlanda Express discounts |
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 (183 SEK for the single SL + Arlanda ticket; 157 SEK for the Arlanda passage if you already hold an SL ticket or 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 183 SEK price (or 157 SEK on top of a pass) has to be paid before you board, at a machine or in the SL app. 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: the cheapest way in
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 both the Arlanda Express and the commuter train, though slower than either. It also offers more space for large bags and door-to-bus convenience from the terminal ground level.
If you do not already hold an SL pass, the Flygbuss is the cheapest option for a single traveller.
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). You pay only the 157 SEK Arlanda passage. 38 minutes versus 18 minutes for saving about €17 per person is a straightforward calculation.
2. You’re budget-conscious. A family of four saves roughly €65 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. Our broader Stockholm airport arrival guide covers passport control, SIM cards, and currency alongside the transport question.
Taxi and rideshare: rarely worth it
A taxi from Arlanda to central Stockholm costs 550-750 SEK and takes 35-45 minutes — slower than the Arlanda Express and roughly double the price. Only use official taxis with visible Taxi Förbundet or Bolt/Uber branding; unmarked “taxi” touts inside the terminal are a known scam risk and often quote fixed prices well above the metered rate. For a group of four or more, splitting a taxi can approach the per-person cost of the Arlanda Express while dropping you directly at your accommodation.
If you would rather settle the question before leaving home, a pre-booked private car transfer from the airport removes the queue at the ranks and the guesswork about price. It is a comfort choice rather than a saving, so weigh it against the commuter train the same way you would the Arlanda Express. Our taxi versus Uber guide and the taxi scam prevention guide explain how to avoid the usual traps if you do go the taxi route.
Planning the rest of your arrival
How you get into town sets the tone for the first day, so it helps to think one step ahead.
Luggage before check-in. If you land well before your room is ready, you do not have to drag bags around the old streets. The luggage storage guide covers the options near Stockholm Central, which pairs naturally with an arrival by Arlanda Express or commuter train, since both end in the same area.
Your first transit pass. If the commuter train is your pick, buy the pass you will use for the rest of the trip rather than a single ticket. The SL pass guide and the SL pass versus Stockholm Pass comparison help you decide which one suits your plans. For a reader who has already done the maths, our three-day SL pass versus single tickets post tells the same story from experience.
Paying for things. Arriving in a country that is almost entirely cashless can be disorienting. Read the Swish and payments guide for tourists before you land, and our honest take on cards in Stockholm before you reach the ticket machine.
Getting your bearings. Once you are settled, the Stockholm in 3 days overview and the first-timer 3-day itinerary turn the arrival into a plan. If you are leaving the capital for the islands, the archipelago complete guide is the place to start. Anyone watching costs overall will also like the tourist traps to avoid list.
Heading back out. The same logic applies in reverse on the last day. Decide the night before which option you will use, check the departure time of your flight, and leave a sensible margin. A relaxed departure is worth more than whatever the difference in fare buys you. If you want the simplest possible exit, a booked airport transfer between the city and the airport is one way to take the timing out of your hands.
The comparison, side by side
| Option | Time | Cost (single) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Arlanda Express | 18 min | 340 SEK | early flights, heavy luggage, time-pressed |
| Commuter train (SL) | 38-45 min | 183 SEK (157 SEK with an SL pass) | budget travellers, SL pass holders |
| Flygbussarna bus | 45-65 min | ~119 SEK | large bags, arriving at an odd hour |
| Taxi/rideshare | 35-45 min | 550-750 SEK | groups of 4+, door-to-door needed |
Our recommendation by traveller type
Solo traveller with a carry-on: commuter train, no contest. The saving is significant and the inconvenience is minor with light luggage.
Couple with checked bags on a tight connection: Arlanda Express, especially if arriving before 7 AM when the commuter train runs less frequently. Consider the two-for-one promotion first.
Family of four: commuter train or Flygbussarna if the kids and bags make the metro-style seating of the commuter train impractical. The saving over the Arlanda Express is substantial enough to fund a meal on arrival — see our Stockholm budget guide for what that buys.
Anyone arriving for a first 24 hours in the city: whichever option gets you to your accommodation with the least friction; our Stockholm in 24 hours itinerary assumes a mid-morning arrival and builds in time for either transfer option.
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 an extra Arlanda passage (157 SEK) even with an SL city pass; a single SL + Arlanda ticket costs 183 SEK.
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.
Is a taxi from Arlanda ever the right call?
Mainly for groups of four or more splitting the fare, or when your accommodation is far from Stockholm Central and a second transit leg would eat the time saving. Stick to official taxi ranks or app-based rideshare — unmarked touts inside the terminal are a genuine scam risk.
Which terminal do I need for the commuter train versus the Arlanda Express?
Both services are accessible from all Arlanda terminals via signposted walkways, though the walk to the commuter train platform from Terminal 5 (the international terminal) is longer — allow 10-15 minutes rather than the 5 minutes typical for the Arlanda Express platform.
