Stockholm airport arrival guide: Arlanda, Skavsta and Bromma explained
Stockholm: Arlanda Airport train transfer to/from Stockholm
What is the best way to get from Arlanda Airport to central Stockholm?
The commuter train (Pendeltåg) is the best value: 43 SEK with an SL card, 38–45 minutes to T-Centralen, requires a change at Märsta. The Arlanda Express is faster (18 minutes, no change) but costs 340 SEK — a 297 SEK premium for 20 minutes. Pre-booked private transfer is recommended with heavy luggage or late-night arrivals. Never take an unlicensed taxi from the arrivals hall.
Stockholm’s three airports
Stockholm is served by three airports:
Arlanda Airport (ARN) — 45 km north of central Stockholm. Stockholm’s main international airport, handling most long-haul flights and major European carriers. This is where the majority of visitors arrive.
Skavsta Airport (NYO) — approximately 100 km southwest of Stockholm, near Nyköping. Used primarily by Ryanair budget routes. The long distance and lack of direct rail link means travel time to central Stockholm is 80–90 minutes minimum, and costs more than the nominal ticket saving often suggests.
Bromma Stockholm Airport (BMA) — 8 km west of central Stockholm. A small airport used for domestic routes within Sweden (mostly SAS domestic) and some European business routes. Closing at the end of 2025 / early 2026 as part of a long-running urban development dispute. Check current status if your flight is listed for Bromma.
This guide focuses primarily on Arlanda, where most international visitors arrive.
Arlanda Airport: your options
Option 1 — Commuter train (Pendeltåg) via Märsta
Cost: approximately 130–160 SEK depending on how you buy it. Time: 38–45 minutes total to T-Centralen (Stockholm Central). Transfer: one change at Märsta station. Frequency: every 15–30 minutes.
The commuter train (J39/J40 Pendeltåg) to Stockholm stops at Arlanda’s underground station on the E4 motorway-level basement. The train runs south to Märsta station; from Märsta, take any Pendeltåg southbound to T-Centralen. The Märsta transfer takes 5–10 minutes.
Important: Arlanda Airport has its own station within the SL zone, but Arlanda’s airside stations require an Arlanda supplement fee on top of any SL pass or ticket. The supplement costs approximately 120 SEK (Skytrain/Pendeltåg Arlanda supplement). If you are buying an SL card for the rest of your stay anyway, load the card and pay the supplement separately. If not, buy a direct ticket from the ticket machine in the terminal.
The total journey cost of approximately 130–160 SEK compares with Arlanda Express at 340 SEK — a saving of 180–210 SEK for 20 additional minutes.
Option 2 — Arlanda Express
Cost: 340 SEK one-way (adult). Discounts for advance purchase online. Time: 18 minutes, non-stop to Stockholm Central (T-Centralen). No transfer — direct from airport to city. Frequency: every 10–15 minutes during daytime hours.
The Arlanda Express is operated by a separate company (not SL), runs its own dedicated track, and does not accept SL cards or passes. It is the fastest and most comfortable option — new trains, quiet carriages, luggage racks designed for airport baggage.
When it is worth the premium: if you are connecting directly to another train from Stockholm Central; if you are travelling on company expense; if you strongly prefer no transfers with heavy luggage; or if you are arriving late when commuter train frequency is reduced.
Book: Arlanda Airport train transferOption 3 — Pre-booked private transfer
Cost: approximately 500–700 SEK door-to-door. Time: 45–70 minutes depending on traffic. No transfer — car picks you up at arrivals, drops you at your hotel.
A pre-booked licensed private transfer is the most convenient option for arrivals with substantial luggage, families, or late-night arrivals (after midnight when train frequency drops). Book in advance through a reliable provider.
Book: private transfer from Arlanda AirportImportant: Pre-booked transfers from licensed providers (GetYourGuide, Welcome Pickups, the regulated operators’ own websites) are fundamentally different from accepting a ride from anyone who approaches you in the arrivals hall. Pre-booked = fixed price, licensed driver, tracked journey. Approached at arrivals = unlicensed, variable price, highest risk of overcharging.
See the full taxi guidance: Taxi scams in Stockholm: prevention guide.
Option 4 — Regulated metered taxi
Cost: approximately 500–700 SEK. Time: 45–70 minutes. Risk: low if you use a regulated operator; high if you use an unmarked vehicle.
Regulated taxis are available at the dedicated taxi rank outside arrivals. Use Taxi Stockholm (yellow signs), Cabonline (Sverigetaxi), or Kurir. Check the price sticker on the rear passenger window before getting in — regulated operators are legally required to display it.
Never accept a ride from anyone who approaches you inside the terminal building or in the car park. The regulated taxi rank is signposted clearly; walk past anyone approaching you and follow the signs.
Option 5 — Flygbussarna (airport express coach)
Cost: approximately 130–170 SEK. Time: approximately 50–75 minutes to Stockholm City Terminal (Klarabergsviadukten, near T-Centralen). Frequency: every 10–15 minutes in daytime.
The Flygbussarna coach runs directly between Arlanda and the Stockholm City Terminal. It is cheaper than the Arlanda Express, slightly slower than the commuter train, and requires no transfers. A reasonable option if you have significant luggage and find the commuter train’s two-stage journey unappealing.
Arlanda Airport: practical information
Terminals: Arlanda has four operational terminal buildings (T2 for international Schengen, T5 for international non-Schengen and long-haul, T4 for some Schengen and domestic, T3 mainly closed). The terminal for your flight is on your boarding pass. The Arlanda Express and commuter train stations are accessible from all terminals via the Sky City connector.
Currency exchange: Currency exchange desks at Arlanda offer typically poor rates — use them only for immediate taxi cash, then find an ATM or use contactless. Sweden is 90%+ cashless; you will rarely need cash. ATMs at Arlanda dispense SEK.
SIM cards: Swedish SIM cards (Tele2, Comviq, Hallon) are available in the airport convenience stores. If you have an EU/EEA phone plan, EU roaming applies in Sweden. US and non-EU visitors should buy a Swedish or EU data SIM.
Luggage storage: Available in terminals T2, T4, and T5 Sky City. Approximately 80–150 SEK per 24 hours for a standard suitcase.
Opening hours: Arlanda operates around the clock. The SkyCity retail area (between terminals) is open from approximately 05:00 to the last flight.
Arriving at Skavsta Airport
Skavsta (NYO) is used primarily by Ryanair and serves European budget routes. The airport is located near the city of Nyköping, approximately 100 km southwest of Stockholm.
Transport options from Skavsta:
- Flygbussarna coach: Runs directly to Stockholm City Terminal. Journey approximately 80–90 minutes. Cost approximately 200–250 SEK. Timed to match flight arrivals.
- Taxi to Nyköping station + train: Taxi from Skavsta to Nyköping station (~15 minutes, ~200 SEK), then SJ intercity train to Stockholm (~40 minutes, ~120–180 SEK). Total approximately 320–380 SEK, faster if the train timing works.
- Rental car: Skavsta has car rental facilities (Hertz, Europcar). Driving to Stockholm takes approximately 90 minutes on the E4 motorway.
Important: when comparing budget airline prices to Arlanda flights, remember to add the extra ~100 SEK and 40–50 minutes of travel time that Skavsta adds. For most travellers, a Skavsta flight that is 200–300 SEK cheaper than an Arlanda equivalent is roughly price-equivalent when travel costs and time are factored in.
First hours in Stockholm
Once you reach T-Centralen (Stockholm Central station):
- Buy an SL card: at the SL ticket machines at T-Centralen or at Arlanda. Load with a 24-hour (140 SEK) or 72-hour (340 SEK) pass if you plan to use transit extensively.
- First orientation: T-Centralen connects directly to all T-bana lines. Gamla Stan is one stop on the red or green line (T-bana direction Mörby Centrum or Ropsten or Fruängen/Skärholmen).
- Currency: there are ATMs and currency exchange at T-Centralen. You will rarely need cash in Stockholm; contactless is universal.
Frequently asked questions about arriving at Stockholm airports
How far is Arlanda Airport from central Stockholm?
45 km north. Commuter train: 38–45 minutes. Arlanda Express: 18 minutes. Car/taxi: 35–60 minutes depending on traffic.
What is the Arlanda Express?
A dedicated 18-minute airport train to Stockholm Central, costing 340 SEK. Faster but much more expensive than the commuter train (43 SEK, 38–45 minutes via Märsta).
Can I use an SL card at Arlanda?
The SL card covers the commuter train fare within the SL zone, but Arlanda requires a separate supplement of approximately 120 SEK. The Arlanda Express is a separate company and does not accept SL cards.
What is the cheapest way to get from Arlanda to Stockholm?
Commuter train via Märsta: approximately 130–160 SEK total. Compare with Arlanda Express (340 SEK) and taxi (500–700 SEK).
What is Skavsta Airport and how far is it from Stockholm?
Skavsta (NYO) is 100 km southwest of Stockholm, used by Ryanair. Travel to central Stockholm takes 80–90 minutes by Flygbussarna coach (200–250 SEK).
Frequently asked questions about Stockholm airport arrival guide
How far is Arlanda Airport from central Stockholm?
Arlanda Airport is 45 km north of Stockholm city centre. The drive takes 35–60 minutes depending on traffic. The commuter train (Pendeltåg, via Märsta) takes 38–45 minutes total to T-Centralen. The Arlanda Express takes 18 minutes non-stop.What is the Arlanda Express?
The Arlanda Express is a dedicated high-speed airport train connecting Arlanda Airport directly to Stockholm Central station (T-Centralen) in 18 minutes. It costs 340 SEK one-way (adult, 2026 prices). It does not require any transfer or change. Trains run every 10–15 minutes during daytime hours. It is the fastest option; also the most expensive.Can I use an SL card at Arlanda?
The SL transit card does not cover the Arlanda Express (a separate company). For the commuter train (Pendeltåg), an SL card covers the fare to/from Märsta, but Arlanda itself is outside the SL zone — you pay a separate Arlanda supplement of approximately 120 SEK. Total with SL card: approximately 120 SEK (supplement) + 40 SEK (Märsta to T-Centralen) = 160 SEK. Without SL card, buying the direct ticket: approximately 130 SEK.What are the options for travelling late at night from Arlanda?
The commuter train runs until around 01:00 (last service check schedules, as late-night frequency is reduced). The Arlanda Express runs until approximately 23:30. After that, night buses run between Arlanda and Stockholm but take 60–90 minutes. A pre-booked private transfer is the most reliable option for very late arrivals (after 00:00). Bolt and Uber operate 24 hours from Arlanda.What is the cheapest way to get from Arlanda to Stockholm?
The commuter train (Pendeltåg) via Märsta with an SL card: 43 SEK for the SL-zone portion plus the Arlanda supplement (approximately 120 SEK), total approximately 160 SEK. Alternatively, if you are buying a new SL card anyway for the rest of your trip, the commuter train total cost is similar to buying a direct ticket (~130 SEK). Compare with: Arlanda Express (340 SEK), taxi (500–700 SEK), private transfer (500–700 SEK booked in advance).What is Skavsta Airport and how far is it from Stockholm?
Skavsta Airport (NYO) is approximately 100 km southwest of Stockholm, near the city of Nyköping. It is used primarily by Ryanair for budget flights. The journey to central Stockholm takes 80–90 minutes by Flygbussarna coach (approximately 200 SEK) or 40 minutes by train from Nyköping station (buy a separate ticket). Skavsta has no direct rail link; travellers need the coach or a taxi to Nyköping station. Factor the additional travel time and cost into budget airline price comparisons.Is there a left-luggage facility at Arlanda Airport?
Yes — Arlanda has left-luggage facilities (bagageförvaring) in Terminals 2, 4, and 5 Sky City. Prices vary by size; a standard suitcase costs approximately 80–150 SEK per 24 hours. The facility is staffed and secure. For visitors whose hotel room is not ready on early-morning arrivals, this is a useful option.
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