Stockholm airport transfers from Arlanda, Skavsta and Västerås
Check the airport code on your booking before choosing transport into Stockholm. Arlanda has direct rail links, while Skavsta and Västerås involve longer road journeys. Compare the complete journey to your hotel rather than only the fastest advertised section. Airport coaches usually bring you to Cityterminalen, next to Central Station, where you can continue by public transport or taxi.
The airports
- Stockholm Arlanda (ARN)
- about 40 km north, roughly 20 to 60 minutes depending on transport
- Stockholm Skavsta (NYO)
- about 100 km south-west, roughly 80 to 100 minutes by road
- Stockholm Västerås (VST)
- about 100 km west, roughly 80 to 100 minutes by road
Every way from the airport to Stockholm
| How | Airport | Time | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| TrainArlanda Express | ARN | about 18 minutes to Stockholm Central | The quickest direct journey to Central Station |
| TrainSL commuter train | ARN | about 40 minutes to Stockholm City | Connections to the commuter rail network |
| CoachAirport coach to Cityterminalen | ARN | about 45 to 60 minutes, depending on traffic | A cheaper direct alternative to the express train |
| TaxiTaxi from the official rank | ARN | about 40 to 60 minutes to central Stockholm | Groups, heavy luggage and direct hotel access |
| CoachAirport coach to Cityterminalen | NYO | about 80 to 100 minutes | A direct connection without changing trains |
| TaxiPrebooked taxi to Stockholm | NYO | about 80 to 100 minutes, depending on traffic | Groups arriving outside useful coach departures |
| CoachAirport coach to Cityterminalen | VST | about 80 to 100 minutes | A straightforward direct journey into Stockholm |
| TaxiPrebooked taxi to Stockholm | VST | about 80 to 100 minutes, depending on traffic | Direct travel when a coach does not suit |
How each one works
Train: Arlanda Express
Follow the Arlanda Express signs from arrivals to the airport stations. Buy a ticket through the operator's official channels before boarding. The train runs directly to Stockholm Central, where signs lead toward the metro and main station concourse.
Train: SL commuter train
Use Arlanda Central station beneath SkyCity and take a Stockholm-bound commuter train. Check the airport station supplement as well as the travel ticket before entering. Stockholm City station connects with Central Station and T-Centralen.
Coach: Airport coach to Cityterminalen
Follow signs to the airport coach stops and check the departure point for your terminal. Buy through the operator's official site or app. Choose a service to Cityterminalen for Central Station and onward metro connections.
Taxi: Taxi from the official rank
Use the signed taxi rank outside arrivals or a confirmed booking with a recognized operator. Ask for a fixed fare to your exact address before traveling. Card payment arrangements should be confirmed when you book or before departure.
Coach: Airport coach to Cityterminalen
Check the airport's official transport page for the coach serving your flight and buy from the linked operator. Follow signs outside the terminal to the departure stop. Confirm the return service separately before choosing this airport for an early flight.
Taxi: Prebooked taxi to Stockholm
Arrange a collection with a recognized taxi operator and provide your flight number and Stockholm address. Confirm the fixed fare and waiting policy in advance. The long road journey makes a shared vehicle more practical than traveling alone.
Coach: Airport coach to Cityterminalen
Check the airport's transport information for a coach matching your flight. Buy through the stated operator and confirm the terminal departure point. At Cityterminalen, follow signs for Central Station if you need the metro or an onward train.
Taxi: Prebooked taxi to Stockholm
Book a recognized operator before arrival and confirm the collection point, fixed fare and flight delay policy. Give the full destination address because Stockholm covers a large area. Confirm how to pay when arranging the booking.
Arriving late or leaving early
Check the last usable departure for your actual arrival day before flying. Allow time for passport checks and luggage collection. At Skavsta and Västerås, confirm how a delayed flight affects its coach connection. For an early departure, a prebooked taxi or airport hotel may be more practical.
Before you land
- Check the airport code before booking a transfer, since the airports marketed for Stockholm are far apart.
- Compare the complete journey to your hotel, including the walk or metro ride from Central Station.
- For taxis, confirm a fixed fare and payment method before departure rather than assuming every vehicle uses the same terms.
Questions people ask
Which airport is easiest for central Stockholm?
Arlanda offers the widest choice of direct transport, including the express train, commuter trains, coaches and taxis. Your hotel location determines the best final connection.
Does an SL ticket cover the Arlanda Express?
No. Arlanda Express uses its own tickets. The SL commuter train is a separate service, and travel through Arlanda Central requires checking the airport supplement.
Where do airport coaches arrive in Stockholm?
Services described here run to Cityterminalen, beside Central Station. Check your chosen departure because operators may also offer other routes or intermediate stops.
Can I rely on transport after a late flight?
Check the operator's timetable for your arrival day and its delay policy. Do not assume rail or coach services run throughout the night.