Arlanda Airport to Stockholm: Cheapest and Fastest Options

June 26, 2024

Are you about to fly to Stockholm and wondering about the best ways to reach the city center? As a Stockholm local, I’ve tried nearly all the airport transportation options available. Whether you’re looking for the cheapest or the fastest way to get to Stockholm, this guide has you covered!

The cheapest option from Arlanda Airport is to take the public bus plus a commuter train, costing only 42 SEK for a regular SL ticket (SL = Stockholm Public Transportation). The quickest but most expensive option is the Arlanda Express, which takes around 18 minutes to reach Stockholm Central Station and costs approximately 340 SEK for a one-way ticket.

Keep reading to discover all the details about airport transportation in Stockholm.

Cheapest Options

1. Public Bus plus Commuter Train

If you’re on a budget, taking the public bus is the most economical way to travel from Arlanda Airport to Stockholm. I used this option frequently when I was a student, as money was tight and time was more flexible.

The SL buses (Stockholm’s public transport) operate several routes connecting the airport to different parts of the city. The most commonly used route is bus 583, which connects to Märsta train station, where you can then take a commuter train to Stockholm Central Station. The bus departs from Terminals 2-3 and Terminal 4 and 5 SkyCity. Signs guiding you to the bus station are visible as soon as you enter the arrivals hall. The commuter train typically leaves about 5 minutes after bus 583 arrives at Märsta Station.

Cost: Approximately 42 SEK for adults between 20-65 years old. Reduced price 26 SEK for anyone below 20 and above 65 years old.

Where to Buy Tickets: Purchasing tickets is easiest with a contactless debit or credit card when boarding the bus. You can also buy tickets through the SL app. Just download the app, pay for a one-way ticket, and you’re good to go! If you don’t have a smartphone or a contactless card, you can buy tickets using cash at Pressbyrån, located in Terminal 5 or Terminal 2.
Travel Time: Around 1 hour to Stockholm Central Station.
Frequency: Buses run frequently throughout the day. Roughly every 15 minutes, so no need to hurry to get your luggage in order to catch a bus. If you want to check leaves check out the SL planner.

2. Shuttle Bus

Taking the shuttle bus is another excellent option for getting to and from the airport quickly and affordably. It’s more convenient and faster than the public bus option, though slightly more expensive. Nowadays, I use the shuttle bus whenever I travel to Arlanda.

Currently, two companies offer shuttle bus services between Arlanda and various locations in Stockholm: Flygbussarna and the well-known Flixbus.

Flygbussarna

Flygbussarna departs from and arrives at slightly more locations than Flixbus, including Fridhemsplan, which is close to where I live. Therefore, it is my preferred option for transportation to Arlanda. However, it is more expensive than Flixbus.

Cost: One-way tickets cost roughly 130 SEK from Stockholm Central Station and 150 SEK from Fridhemsplan. Tickets are easiest booked through the flygbussarna app or on their website.
Travel Time: Usually around 45 minutes, depending on traffic and the number of stops.

Convenience: Convenient if you live near Fridhemsplan and have heavy luggage.

Flixbus

As mentioned, Flixbus offers slightly fewer locations for boarding and alighting. However, it still departs from and arrives at Stockholm Central Station and is the cheaper option of the two shuttle buses.

Cost: Only 79 SEK from Stockholm Central Station or St Eriksplan to Arlanda Airport
Booking: Tickets are easily booked through the Flixbus app.
Travel Time: Usually 45 minutes, depending on traffic and the number of stops.

3. Commuter Train (Pendeltåg)

Another way to reach Arlanda is by using the commuter train that goes directly to SkyCity at Arlanda Terminal 4-5. However, I have never used this mode of transportation as it is neither the cheapest nor the quickest option, stopping at every station between Stockholm Central Station and Arlanda Airport.

The main advantage of using the commuter train is if you live along the train line that goes directly to Arlanda and not near any shuttle bus stops.

Cost: To reach Arlanda Central by commuter train, you need to buy an additional passage ticket costing 135 SEK on top of your regular SL ticket. This makes it more expensive than other options. The total cost for an adult is 42 SEK for a regular ticket plus 135 SEK for the passage ticket, totaling 177 SEK.

Where to Buy Tickets: Tickets are easiest to buy through the SL app.
Travel Time: Approximately 50-60 minutes.
Schedule: Trains run every 30 minutes from Stockholm Central.

Fastest Options

Arlanda Express Train

If you are starting from Stockholm Central Station, the Arlanda Express is undoubtedly the quickest way to get from the airport to Stockholm’s city center. It offers non-stop service directly to Stockholm Central Station, ensuring you avoid any possibility of missing your flight due to traffic.

Cost: Tickets are pricey though at 340 SEK for a one-way adult ticket. Youth tickets (18-25 years) are cheaper and cost only 160 SEK for at one way ticket.
Where to Buy Tickets: Tickets are available at machines at the airport, online, or via the Arlanda Express app.

Travel Time: Just 18 minutes.
Frequency: Trains depart every 15-20 minutes during peak hours.

Taxi

Taking a taxi is a convenient and relatively fast option, especially if you have a lot of luggage or are traveling with a group or a large family. Plenty of taxis are available as you exit the arrivals hall. The main taxi companies are Taxi Stockholm and TaxiKurir, and prices are usually fixed for trips to and from the airport. The main downside to taking a taxi is the risk of encountering traffic jams on your way to or from the airport.

Estimated Cost: Expect to pay around 600 SEK.
Travel Time: Approximately 40-50 minutes.
Tips: Make sure to use a reputable taxi service. Look for fixed-price taxis to avoid unexpected charges.

Ride-Sharing Services (e.g., Uber, Bolt)

Ride-sharing services like Uber and Bolt operate in Sweden and can take you to Arlanda Airport (unlike in some countries where they are banned from the airport). They are usually slightly cheaper than regular taxis, making them, in my opinion, the better option between the two.

Cost: Generally around 550 SEK.
Travel Time: About 40-50 minutes.

Convenience: Book directly through the app.

Comparison Chart

Option	Cost (SEK)	Travel Time	Frequency
Public Bus + Train	42	60-75 mins	Frequent
Commuter Train (Pendeltåg)	177	50-60 mins	Every 30 mins
Shared Shuttle Services	79 – 150	45-60 mins	On-demand
Arlanda Express Train	340	18 mins	Every 15 mins
Taxi	~ 600	40-50 mins	On-demand
Ride-Sharing Services	~ 550	40-50 mins	On-demand

Tips for Travelers

Best Times to Travel: Avoid peak hours (8-10 AM and 4-6 PM) to minimize travel time.
Advance Ticket Purchase: Buy tickets in advance online or via apps to save time and potentially money.

Conclusion

So there you have it, folks! I’ve broken down all the transportation options to and from Arlanda.

To conclude, if you are a budget traveler and not short on time, go for the public bus plus commuter train option for only 42 SEK. For a bit more comfort, I recommend the Flixbus for only 79 SEK; it’s the best value for the money. If you are short on time, don’t mind spending a bit more, and want to avoid any risk of being late, then use the Arlanda Express.

Additional Resources