Explore by Train: Where Can You Go from Stockholm?

If you’re in Stockholm and thinking about exploring more of Sweden, trains are a great way to do it. Stockholm is a main spot for train trips in Sweden and even to neighboring countries. Sweden has an extensive train network which can basically take you anywhere, from all the way to the far north or to the southern tip of Sweden.

By train from Stockholm, you can go to other major cities such as Gothenburg (3-4 hours), Malmö (4 hours) or Uppsala (40 minutes). If you are interested in a day trip to one of the smaller neighboring towns, Sigtuna, Mariefred and Trosa can easily be reached from Stockholm by train plus a short bus ride.

This guide will show you where you can go, both for a quick day out and longer trips.

Major cities from Stockholm by Train.

Gothenburg (Göteborg): Just about 3 to 4 hours away, Gothenburg, Sweden’s second-largest city, presents a captivating blend of historic and modern attractions. Trains depart frequently from the city terminal in Stockholm, once you arrive you can explore Gothenburg’s famous archipelago, its bustling food scene, or the renowned Liseberg amusement park with ease. In order to fully enjoy Gothenburg I recommend that you spend at least one night there, before heading back to Stockholm.

Malmö: In roughly 4 hours, you find yourself at the southern tip of Sweden in Malmö. The city boasts the iconic Turning Torso skyscraper, lovely parks, and close proximity to Copenhagen via the Öresund Bridge. I recommend that you visit Malmö in combination with Copenhagen as an extended weekend trip from Stockholm.

Uppsala: A mere 40 minutes north of Stockholm, lies Uppsala, with its majestic cathedral and rich academic history, Uppsala is a must-visit. Uppsala is easily done as a day trip option from Stockholm and is also a city that is good to visit all year round.

Smaller Neighboring Towns from Stockholm by Train

Sigtuna: Located roughly 1 hour from Stockholm by the commuter train plus a short bus ride lies Sigtuna. As Sweden’s oldest town, Sigtuna has a rich history. Wander its charming streets, view ancient runestones, visit the medieval churches, and stroll along the picturesque lakefront.

Nyköping: With a travel time of 1 hour and 15 minutes by train, Nyköping is a great option for a day trip from Stockholm. Home to the Nyköping Castle, quaint houses and a beautiful riverfront with many restaurants and cafés. Also the nearby town of Trosa is also worth a visit during the summer months – it’s a picturesque coastal town known for its idyllic canals and old wooden houses.

Mariefred and Gripsholm Castle: Mariefred is a charming town that is home to Gripsholm Castle, one of Sweden’s royal palaces. The castle houses the National Portrait Gallery, and the surrounding park is ideal for leisurely walks. The old town of Mariefred is also very picturesque with old wooden houses in Gustavian-style architecture. The travel time is approximately 1 hour including a short bus ride from Läggesta station.

Popular Regions and Tourist Spots by Train.

Dalarna: Often dubbed as the heart of Swedish tradition, Dalarna is reachable from Stockholm in 3-4 hours by train. With its famous red houses, rich folklore, and the historic Vasaloppet ski race, Dalarna is a dive deep into Swedish culture. There are several towns here that are worth a visit, but the one recommend the most is Tällberg. Tällberg is situated on top of a hill and has spectacular views of lake Siljan, this is the heart of Sweden and Swedish culture. Here there are many hotels where you can stay, with the most famous being Åkerblads. If you are looking for a place to celebrate midsummer, believe me, Dalarna is the place to be. In that case I would recommend that you also visit the neighboring town of Rättvik and Rättvik Gammelgård for the most authentic midsummer experience.

Lapland: For those enchanted by the allure of the Northern Lights or the midnight sun, a train journey to Kiruna in Lapland is an unforgettable experience. Kiruna is almost as far north as you can go in Sweden and a train ride here will takes at least 14-16 hours. Here I recommend that you book a sleeper compartment on the train for the most comfort. From Kiruna, I recommend that you travel onwards to Abisko and stay at the STF Abisko Tourist Station, during summer it’s a perfect place to enjoy hiking and the Swedish nature at its best. In winter the Aurora sky station is open and its the best spot to view the famous Northern Lights.

International Destinations from Stockholm by Train

Oslo, Norway: Approximately 6 hours away, lies Oslo the Capital (expensive Capital) of Norway. Personally, I am not a big fan of Oslo, however, if you are wondering whether to spend time in Oslo or Stockholm, I wrote an article about it that I encourage you to check out.

Copenhagen, Denmark: In about 5 hours, find yourself immersed in the charming city of Copenhagen, home to the Little Mermaid, Tivoli Gardens, and the hippie hotspot of Christiania. This is a popular journey and one that I myself have done many times. Copenhagen is easily done as a weekend trip from Stockholm.

Travel Tips

Booking in Advance or Last Minute: To get the best prices on longer trips such as Copenhagen or Oslo, I recommend that you book your train tickets well in advance. If you book your ticket a month or two in advance you can get tickets for as low as 300-350 SEK one way. However, if you are planning only a day trip to one of the neighboring towns to Stockholm such as Uppsala and Nyköping, I recommend that you book your ticket last minute, meaning the same day or the night before. Tickets to cities like Nyköping and Uppsala will cost you between 75-150 SEK one way.

Where to book your ticket: Tickets can be booked with Official Swedish Rail (SJ) website.

Conclusion From the cozy towns of southern Sweden to the expansive landscapes of Lapland, and even to the bustling capitals of neighboring countries, Stockholm’s central railway station is truly a portal to myriad adventures. So, the next time you’re in Stockholm, why not let the rails be your guide?