Planning a ski trip to northern Sweden? Knowing Åre skiing how to get there is one of the most useful parts of organising your holiday. Åre is Sweden’s best-known mountain resort, with extensive pistes, reliable winter conditions and a lively village atmosphere. It is also easier to reach than many visitors expect, with direct trains, nearby airports, regional buses and well-maintained roads connecting the resort with the rest of Sweden and central Norway.
Where is Åre ski resort?
Åre ski resort is in Jämtland County in western Sweden, close to the Norwegian border. The resort sits beside Lake Åresjön and stretches around Åreskutan mountain. The main village, Åre by, is the centre of the destination, with hotels, apartments, restaurants, equipment shops and the largest concentration of lifts.
The ski area also includes several linked or nearby areas. The central slopes above Åre village are convenient for visitors who want to stay close to restaurants and nightlife. Duved and Tegefjäll, just west of the main village, offer quieter accommodation and skiing. Björnen, to the east, is popular with families and beginners. Local buses connect the different parts of the resort, and many accommodation providers offer practical access to the lifts.
Åre is approximately 90 kilometres from Åre Östersund Airport, around 100 kilometres from Östersund and roughly 130 kilometres from Trondheim in Norway, although the exact distance depends on your route and destination within the resort. This location gives you several options when deciding how to get there.
Åre skiing how to get there: the main options
The best way to reach Åre depends on where you start, how much luggage you have and whether you want to travel overnight. Most international visitors choose one of four options:
- Train from Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö or other Swedish cities
- Flight to Åre Östersund Airport followed by a transfer
- Flight to Trondheim Airport in Norway followed by a road transfer
- Driving by car from Sweden, Norway or Finland
There is no single best route for every traveller. The train is often the most convenient choice from Stockholm, especially if you are happy to travel overnight. Flying can save time for visitors arriving from other European countries. A car is useful for families, groups with ski equipment and anyone planning to explore more of Jämtland.
Travelling to Åre by train
For many visitors, the train is the simplest answer to the question of Åre skiing how to get there. Åre has a railway station in the centre of the main village, close to hotels, restaurants, shops and the lift system. You can arrive without arranging a long road transfer, and the station is within easy walking distance of many places to stay.
Long-distance trains connect Åre with Stockholm and other major Swedish cities. Depending on the timetable and season, services may run during the day or overnight. The overnight journey from Stockholm is particularly popular because it allows you to leave in the evening and arrive in Åre the following morning, potentially saving a hotel night.
From Stockholm to Åre
The journey from Stockholm to Åre usually takes around eight to nine hours by direct or connecting train, depending on the service. Night trains can take longer but are convenient for a ski holiday. They often include standard seats, private sleeping compartments or couchettes, although availability varies.
Stockholm Central Station is easy to reach from Stockholm Arlanda Airport by express train or commuter train. If you are flying into Stockholm, allow enough time between your flight and the train, particularly if you need to collect luggage and travel into the city centre. An alternative is to look for a connecting service from Arlanda, but schedules can change by season.
From Gothenburg and Malmö
Travellers from Gothenburg, Malmö and southern Sweden normally change trains in Stockholm or another major city. The total journey is longer than from Stockholm, but an overnight train can make the route more comfortable. Check the complete journey before booking, since some connections require a change between operators or stations.
What to know before taking the train
- Book early for weekends, school holidays and the Christmas and New Year period.
- Reserve a sleeping compartment or couchette if you want to travel overnight in comfort.
- Check luggage rules before bringing skis, snowboards or large bags.
- Confirm whether your ticket includes a ski bag or whether sports equipment needs a separate reservation.
- Keep warm clothing accessible because platforms and station areas can be cold.
Train timetables can change between winter seasons, so use the current SJ or other official rail timetable when planning your trip. A journey planner is more reliable than assuming that a service shown in an older travel guide still operates.
Flying to Åre Östersund Airport
Åre Östersund Airport is the closest commercial airport to the resort. It is located outside Östersund and is about 90 kilometres from Åre. Domestic flights from Stockholm are usually the main option, while international routes may operate during selected periods or winter seasons. The flight from Stockholm is short, but the airport transfer is an important part of your travel plan.
Airport transfers from Åre Östersund Airport
From Åre Östersund Airport, you can continue by pre-booked transfer, taxi, rental car or, in some cases, a combination of public transport services. Shared ski transfers may operate on popular arrival days, while private taxis are more flexible for families and groups. The road journey commonly takes about one hour and 15 minutes to one hour and 45 minutes, depending on weather, traffic and your final accommodation.
Ask your hotel or accommodation provider which transfer companies serve its location. This is especially useful if you are staying in Duved, Tegefjäll or Björnen rather than in central Åre. A transfer that stops in the main village may not take you directly to a more distant apartment.
Is flying to Östersund the best option?
Flying to Åre Östersund can be practical if you are connecting from another Swedish city or if you find a convenient international flight. It is less straightforward if you must first travel to Stockholm and then wait for a domestic flight, because the full trip includes airport transfers, baggage collection and the drive to the resort.
Compare the complete journey rather than looking only at flight time. A train from Stockholm may take longer on paper but can deliver you directly to the centre of Åre while you sleep.
Flying via Trondheim Airport in Norway
Trondheim Airport, Værnes, is another useful gateway for Åre, particularly for travellers coming from Norway, the United Kingdom or other destinations with good connections to Trondheim. The airport is in Norway, but Åre is relatively close by road. The journey crosses the Norwegian-Swedish border and usually takes approximately two to three hours, depending on the transfer service, road conditions and where you are staying.
Pre-booked airport transfers are the most convenient option from Trondheim. Shared minibuses can be economical when travelling on popular ski days, while a private transfer gives you more flexibility with flight times and luggage. Rental cars are also available at Trondheim Airport, but check that the rental company allows the vehicle to be taken across the border into Sweden.
What to check when travelling through Norway
- Confirm that your transfer company operates on your arrival date and at your flight time.
- Ask whether ski and snowboard equipment is included in the price.
- Check the currency and payment arrangements, especially for a private transfer.
- Make sure a rental car has suitable winter tyres and permission for cross-border travel.
- Allow extra time in case of snow, wind or temporary road restrictions.
The Trondheim route can be an excellent choice, but do not assume it is always faster than travelling through Stockholm. Compare flight schedules, transfer time and luggage costs before deciding.
Driving to Åre
Driving gives you flexibility and can be cost-effective for a family or group. It also makes it easier to carry skis, food and bulky winter clothing. The main road through Åre is the E14, which links Östersund with Trondheim and passes through the resort. The road is generally well maintained, but winter driving conditions can change quickly.
Driving from Stockholm
The drive from Stockholm to Åre is roughly 600 kilometres and normally takes around seven to eight hours in good conditions, without long stops. In winter, plan for a longer journey. Snow, ice, reduced visibility and limited daylight can all affect driving speed.
A sensible route usually passes through central Sweden towards Östersund before continuing west on the E14. Consider stopping overnight if you are not accustomed to winter driving or if you are travelling with young children.
Driving from Östersund
Östersund is about 100 kilometres east of Åre by road. The journey along the E14 commonly takes around one hour and 15 minutes to one hour and 30 minutes, but allow additional time during heavy snowfall or busy holiday periods.
Driving from Trondheim
Trondheim is around 130 kilometres from Åre, and the drive generally takes approximately two hours and 30 minutes to three hours. The route is scenic, but it crosses mountainous terrain and conditions can be demanding in winter. Check road information before setting off and avoid rushing to meet a lift opening time.
Winter driving advice
- Use proper winter tyres suitable for snow and ice.
- Check the weather and road conditions before every long journey.
- Keep an ice scraper, warm clothing, water and a charged phone in the car.
- Fill the fuel tank before driving through quieter stretches of road.
- Do not leave luggage or ski equipment visible in the car overnight.
- Book accommodation with parking if you plan to drive throughout your stay.
Parking arrangements vary across Åre. Some hotels include parking, while apartments may use shared or paid car parks. Ask about snow clearing, charging points for electric cars and whether a parking space can be guaranteed.
Getting around Åre once you arrive
One of the advantages of Åre ski resort is that you do not necessarily need a car once you arrive. The main village is compact, and the railway station, shops, restaurants and several lift areas are close together. Local buses serve Åre, Björnen, Tegefjäll and Duved, although routes and frequencies vary during the season.
Accommodation near the lifts can reduce daily travel time, but the best location depends on your priorities. Central Åre is convenient for nightlife, dining and shopping. Björnen is often attractive to families and beginners. Duved and Tegefjäll can offer a quieter setting and good access to skiing by bus or car.
Local buses and ski buses
Use the current regional transport information to check tickets, routes and operating hours. Some ski areas or accommodation providers may offer seasonal ski buses, but these services are not always included in every lift pass or hotel booking. Ask locally if you are unsure where to board or whether a reservation is required.
During peak periods, buses can be busy at the beginning and end of the ski day. Leave extra time if you have a lesson, restaurant booking or train to catch.
Taxis and transfers
Taxis are useful for airport journeys, late arrivals and groups carrying ski equipment. Pre-booking is recommended, particularly during weekends and school holidays. When requesting a taxi, provide the exact accommodation address and state how many ski bags or large items you have.
Choosing the best route for your trip
When comparing ways to reach Åre, look at the whole journey rather than one part of it. The cheapest flight may require an expensive transfer, while a train ticket may include an overnight journey and arrive in the centre of the resort.
- Choose the train if you are travelling from Stockholm or another Swedish city and want a direct arrival in Åre.
- Choose Åre Östersund Airport if you find a convenient domestic connection and can arrange a suitable transfer.
- Choose Trondheim Airport if your international or Norwegian flight connections are significantly better.
- Choose a car if you are travelling with a group, carrying substantial equipment or planning to explore outside the resort.
For most short ski breaks, the train is attractive because it avoids airport queues and delivers you to the village. For a family holiday with several bags, a pre-booked private transfer can be worth the extra cost. If you are combining skiing with a wider trip around Sweden, driving may provide the greatest freedom.
When to book your journey to Åre
Book transport as soon as you know your dates, especially for travel during Swedish school holidays, Christmas, New Year, February and Easter. Accommodation and train sleeping compartments can sell out well ahead of time. Airport transfers also have limited capacity on busy arrival days.
Before paying, check the cancellation conditions, baggage allowance and what happens if a delayed flight causes you to miss a transfer. Weather can affect roads, trains and flights, so flexible tickets or travel insurance may be valuable for a winter holiday.
Practical arrival tips for a skiing holiday in Sweden
- Keep your booking confirmation, transfer details and accommodation address available offline.
- Pack essential medication, gloves and a change of clothes in your hand luggage.
- Check equipment rental opening hours if you arrive late in the evening.
- Reserve ski hire and lessons in advance during busy weeks.
- Ask whether your accommodation provides linen, towels, kitchen supplies and ski storage.
- Allow time to collect lift passes before heading to the slopes.
Once you have planned the transport, Åre is a straightforward destination for skiing Sweden. The resort combines a central railway station, useful road links and two nearby international gateways, so you can select the route that best suits your budget and schedule. Checking current timetables, transfer availability and winter road conditions will make the journey much smoother.