Wondering how to get to Gothenburg? Sweden’s second-largest city is easy to reach from within Sweden and from destinations across Scandinavia and Europe. You can fly to Gothenburg Landvetter Airport, take one of the frequent trains to Gothenburg, travel by long-distance bus, arrive by ferry, or drive along well-connected motorways. The best option depends on your starting point, budget, and how much time you have.
How to get to Gothenburg by plane
For most international visitors, flying is the simplest form of transport to Gothenburg. Gothenburg Landvetter Airport is the city’s main airport and handles flights from several European destinations. It is located around 25 kilometres east of central Gothenburg, close to the town of Härryda.
Landvetter has regular connections with major European hubs, although routes change according to the season. Direct flights may be available from cities such as London, Amsterdam, Frankfurt, Paris, Helsinki, Copenhagen, Oslo, and several holiday destinations. If there is no convenient direct flight from your home city, connecting through one of these hubs is often practical.
Getting from Landvetter Airport to central Gothenburg
The airport is not connected to Gothenburg by a railway line, so most travellers continue by airport bus, taxi, rental car, or pre-booked transfer.
- Airport bus: Flygbussarna operates services between Landvetter and central Gothenburg. The journey normally takes around 30 minutes, depending on traffic. Buses usually stop at the Nils Ericson Terminal beside Gothenburg Central Station, with some services also stopping at Korsvägen near Liseberg and Svenska Mässan.
- Taxi: A taxi is convenient if you have heavy luggage or are travelling with several people. Use an established taxi company and confirm the approximate fare before departure, as Swedish taxis can set their own prices.
- Rental car: Renting a car makes sense if Gothenburg is part of a wider West Sweden road trip. It is less useful if you plan to stay in the city centre, where many attractions are within walking distance or reachable by tram.
- Private transfer: A pre-booked transfer can be useful for early flights, families, or visitors who want a driver waiting on arrival.
Buying airport bus tickets online or through the operator’s app can be convenient. Tickets are also often available at the airport, but check current departure times before travelling because services can vary during evenings, weekends, and holiday periods.
Using another Scandinavian airport
Gothenburg Landvetter is usually the most direct airport, but nearby airports can sometimes offer better fares or more flight choices. Copenhagen Airport is connected to Gothenburg by train, while Oslo Airport has onward rail and bus connections. Stockholm Arlanda is farther away, but it can be useful when travelling from a destination with a better connection to the Swedish capital.
When comparing flights, include the complete journey in your calculation. A cheap flight to a distant airport may require several hours of additional travel and extra tickets. If you fly to Copenhagen, for example, you will need to cross the Öresund region and continue through southern Sweden before reaching Gothenburg.
How to get to Gothenburg by train
For many travellers, trains to Gothenburg are the most comfortable and environmentally friendly choice. Gothenburg Central Station, known in Swedish as Göteborg Centralstation, is located directly beside the city centre and the Nils Ericson Terminal. From the station, you can walk to hotels, take a tram, or continue by local bus.
High-speed and long-distance trains connect Gothenburg with Stockholm, Malmö, Copenhagen, and other Swedish cities. Services are operated by different companies, including SJ and MTRX on selected routes. Regional trains are also useful for reaching Gothenburg from places such as Alingsås, Borås, Kungsbacka, Trollhättan, and Uddevalla.
Train travel from Stockholm
Direct trains from Stockholm to Gothenburg usually take approximately three to four hours, depending on the service. This is often a convenient alternative to flying because central stations are easier to reach than airports, and you avoid airport security and boarding procedures.
Booking early can help you find lower fares, particularly for departures on Fridays, Sundays, and around Swedish public holidays. Flexible travellers may save money by travelling outside the busiest morning and afternoon periods.
Train travel from Malmö and Copenhagen
Trains from Malmö to Gothenburg normally take several hours and travel through western and southern Sweden. The route offers a simple connection for visitors arriving from Denmark or southern Sweden.
From Copenhagen, you generally travel first to Malmö across the Öresund Bridge and then continue towards Gothenburg. Depending on the connection, the complete trip commonly takes around three and a half to four hours. Check whether your booking covers the entire journey or whether you need separate tickets for different parts of the route.
Train travel from Oslo
Gothenburg and Oslo are linked by rail, although direct services and journey times can vary. The train route follows the west coast and is a scenic way to travel between Norway and Sweden. Some departures may require a change, so compare the total journey time before booking.
International rail tickets should be booked through the relevant operator or a reputable ticketing platform. Bring identification when crossing the border, and allow extra time if your itinerary includes a tight connection.
Arriving at Gothenburg Central Station
Gothenburg Central Station is the main hub for national and international rail services. The Nils Ericson Terminal for coaches is adjacent, and the Brunnsparken tram and bus interchange is a short walk away. Many central hotels can be reached on foot, while destinations farther away are served by Västtrafik trams, buses, and commuter trains.
Gothenburg’s public transport uses a zone system. You can normally buy tickets through the Västtrafik To Go app, at ticket machines, or through other approved sales channels. Check the ticket rules before boarding, as tickets generally need to be purchased before entering a tram or bus.
How to get to Gothenburg by long-distance bus
Long-distance buses can be one of the cheapest ways to reach Gothenburg. They are particularly useful for budget travellers, students, and visitors travelling from nearby Scandinavian cities. Coaches normally arrive at the Nils Ericson Terminal, which is next to Gothenburg Central Station.
Bus companies and routes change over time, but operators such as FlixBus and Vy bus4you have served Gothenburg on domestic and international routes. Common connections include Stockholm, Malmö, Copenhagen, Oslo, and cities in western Sweden. Some services are direct, while others require a change in another city.
Bus travel from Stockholm, Oslo, and Copenhagen
A coach from Stockholm can take considerably longer than a train, often around six hours or more, but fares may be lower when booked in advance. Buses from Oslo are also a practical option and may take around three and a half to four and a half hours, depending on traffic and stops.
From Copenhagen, the bus journey usually includes a crossing of the Öresund region and can take roughly four to five hours. Travel time is affected by traffic, especially during summer weekends and busy holiday periods.
Compare the total price rather than only the advertised fare. Some bus tickets include luggage, while others have restrictions or extra charges. If you are travelling with a large suitcase, bicycle, or sports equipment, read the operator’s baggage rules before purchasing.
How to get to Gothenburg by ferry
Ferries are a good option if you enjoy slower travel, want to bring a car, or are arriving from northern Europe. Gothenburg is an important ferry port, with international services arriving close to the city.
Ferry from Germany
Stena Line operates a ferry route between Kiel in Germany and Gothenburg. The crossing is usually overnight and takes approximately 14 hours, although schedules and sailing times can change. Cabins are available and are recommended for overnight journeys.
This route is especially useful for travellers bringing a car, motorbike, or camping equipment. It also avoids a long drive through Denmark. When comparing the ferry with flying, remember to include the cost of getting to Kiel, the cabin, meals, and vehicle fees.
Ferry from Denmark
Stena Line also operates a route between Frederikshavn in northern Denmark and Gothenburg. The crossing is much shorter than the Kiel route and usually takes around three and a half hours. It is a convenient choice for visitors travelling by car through Jutland or northern Denmark.
Foot passengers can use the Frederikshavn service, but check how easily you can reach the ferry terminal by public transport and how you will continue after arriving in Gothenburg. The port is connected to the city by local buses and other public transport options, although the exact route depends on the terminal and sailing time.
How to get to Gothenburg by car
Driving gives you flexibility and makes it easier to explore the coast, islands, lakes, and countryside around Gothenburg. The city is connected to the rest of Sweden and Scandinavia by major roads, including the E6, E20, and E45.
- From Malmö: Follow the E6 north along Sweden’s west coast. The route passes near Halmstad and Varberg before reaching Gothenburg.
- From Stockholm: The E20 crosses central Sweden and passes through or near Örebro and Skara before continuing to Gothenburg.
- From Oslo: Follow the E6 south through Norway and across the Swedish border towards Gothenburg.
- From Copenhagen: Drive across the Öresund Bridge to Malmö, then continue north on the E6.
- From western Sweden: Roads such as the E45 and E6 connect Gothenburg with towns including Trollhättan, Uddevalla, and Strömstad.
Road conditions are generally good, but driving times can increase during summer traffic, winter weather, roadworks, and major events. In winter, snow and ice may affect routes outside the city. Make sure your vehicle has the legally required equipment and check current traffic information before leaving.
Parking in Gothenburg
Parking in central Gothenburg can be expensive and limited. Many hotels do not have free parking, so ask about availability and prices before arrival. Consider using a parking garage on the edge of the centre and continuing by tram or walking.
Gothenburg also has environmental and traffic restrictions in some areas, and parking rules are controlled carefully. Read signs even if you are only stopping briefly. A rental car is often more useful for day trips than for sightseeing within the central city.
How to get to Gothenburg from Gothenburg City Airport
Gothenburg City Airport, often called Säve Airport, is not currently the city’s main commercial passenger airport. Regular commercial flights have largely moved to Landvetter, so travellers should check their booking carefully and confirm which airport is listed. For most scheduled international flights, Gothenburg Landvetter is the airport you need.
Choosing the best transport to Gothenburg
The best way to travel depends on your starting point and priorities. Flying is usually fastest for long-distance international journeys, especially when a direct route to Landvetter is available. Trains are often the most comfortable option from Stockholm, Malmö, Copenhagen, and other cities in Sweden or Denmark. Buses can offer the lowest fare, while ferries are useful for overnight travel or bringing a vehicle.
- Choose a flight when time is more important than price and you can find a convenient connection to Landvetter.
- Choose a train when travelling from Stockholm, Malmö, Copenhagen, or nearby Swedish cities and you prefer a central arrival.
- Choose a bus when you want a budget-friendly journey and do not mind a longer travel time.
- Choose a ferry when coming from Germany or Denmark, especially if you are bringing a car.
- Choose a car when you plan to visit several places along the Swedish west coast or travel with outdoor equipment.
Practical tips for planning your journey
Book early if you are travelling during summer, Christmas, Easter, or a major event such as the Gothenburg Culture Festival. Tickets for trains, buses, ferries, and flights can become more expensive as the departure date approaches.
Check the arrival location as well as the departure time. Gothenburg Central Station and the Nils Ericson Terminal are in the centre, while Landvetter Airport is outside the city and requires an additional transfer. A flight with a low fare may not be the cheapest complete journey once airport transport and baggage are included.
Use official operator websites or apps to confirm current schedules. Swedish and Scandinavian services can change because of engineering work, seasonal timetables, weather, or public holidays. If you are connecting between separate tickets, leave enough time for delays and station transfers.
Travellers crossing an international border should carry a valid passport or national identity card accepted for the journey. Border checks are not always carried out, but transport operators and authorities may request identification.
Once you arrive, Gothenburg is relatively easy to navigate without a car. Trams are a defining part of the city, and the central districts are compact. Västtrafik serves Gothenburg and the surrounding region, making it possible to combine city sightseeing with trips to places such as the southern archipelago, Marstrand, or coastal towns north and south of the city.