Wondering how to get to Stockholm? Sweden’s capital is well connected to the rest of Europe and the wider world by air, rail, ferry, coach and road. The best option depends on where you are travelling from, your budget and how quickly you want to reach the city centre. This guide explains the main transport to Stockholm, including airport transfers, trains to Stockholm, international ferries and practical advice for arriving smoothly.
How to get to Stockholm by air
Flying is usually the fastest way to reach Stockholm from outside Scandinavia. Most international visitors arrive at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, Sweden’s largest airport and the main gateway to the capital. Arlanda has direct connections with cities across Europe, as well as selected destinations in North America, Asia and the Middle East.
Stockholm is served by several airports, so check your arrival airport carefully before booking. The airport listed as Stockholm may not be close to the city itself.
Stockholm Arlanda Airport
Stockholm Arlanda Airport is approximately 40 kilometres north of central Stockholm. It has four terminals and a wide choice of airlines, including full-service carriers and low-cost airlines. From Arlanda, you can continue to Stockholm by express train, commuter train, airport coach, taxi or hire car.
- Arlanda Express: The fastest option, with trains reaching Stockholm Central Station in about 18 minutes. Trains run frequently throughout the day.
- Commuter train: The SL commuter train takes around 38 minutes to Stockholm City. An airport passage fee is added to journeys starting or ending at Arlanda, so check the current fare before travelling.
- Airport coach: Flygbussarna operates regular buses between Arlanda and Stockholm Cityterminalen. The journey normally takes around 40 to 50 minutes, depending on traffic.
- Taxi: A taxi is convenient for families or travellers with heavy luggage, but prices can vary. Use an authorised taxi company and agree on the fare before departure.
Arlanda Express is convenient if you are staying near Stockholm Central Station or need a reliable journey during busy traffic periods. The airport coach can be better value, especially when tickets are purchased online in advance. The commuter train is useful if your accommodation is close to a station on the Stockholm public transport network.
Bromma Stockholm Airport
Bromma Stockholm Airport is much closer to the city centre, around 8 kilometres west of central Stockholm. It mainly handles domestic flights and a smaller number of regional routes. From Bromma, you can travel by local bus, airport coach, taxi or car. The journey to central Stockholm can take approximately 20 to 30 minutes, although traffic affects travel times.
Bromma is convenient when flights are available, but it has fewer international connections than Arlanda. Always check the airport code and transfer details when comparing flights.
Stockholm Skavsta Airport
Stockholm Skavsta Airport is near Nyköping, approximately 100 kilometres southwest of Stockholm. It is used by some low-cost airlines and is considerably farther from the capital than its name may suggest. Flygbussarna operates services to Stockholm Cityterminalen, and the trip usually takes around 80 minutes.
Skavsta can offer cheap airfares, but include the cost and time of the onward transfer when comparing tickets. If your flight arrives late at night, check the coach timetable in advance and consider booking accommodation near the airport if necessary.
Stockholm Västerås Airport
Stockholm Västerås Airport is located west of Stockholm, near the city of Västerås. It has a limited route network and is sometimes used by budget airlines. Airport coaches connect with Stockholm, with travel times commonly around 80 minutes. As with Skavsta, the lower flight price may be offset by the longer journey into the capital.
How to get to Stockholm by train
Trains to Stockholm are a comfortable and scenic choice if you are travelling from another Swedish city or from nearby countries. Stockholm Central Station is the main rail hub and is connected to Stockholm City Station, the metro, commuter trains, local buses and airport services.
Domestic trains to Stockholm
Sweden’s national railway, SJ, operates high-speed and long-distance trains to Stockholm from cities such as Gothenburg, Malmö, Uppsala, Sundsvall, Örebro and Kiruna. Travel times vary considerably. Gothenburg is usually around three hours away by fast train, while Malmö takes approximately four and a half to five hours. Uppsala is a short journey of around 40 minutes.
High-speed SJ trains are generally the quickest option between major Swedish cities. They usually offer comfortable seats, power outlets, Wi-Fi and a café or trolley service. Some routes also have quiet carriages. Booking early is often worthwhile because the cheapest fares can sell out, particularly on Fridays, Sundays and during Swedish school holidays.
- Book through the SJ website or app and check whether seat reservations are included.
- Compare flexible and non-refundable fares before paying.
- Arrive at the station a little early, especially if you need to find a platform or store luggage.
- Check whether your train departs from Stockholm Central Station or Stockholm City Station.
Travelling to Stockholm from Copenhagen
The train from Copenhagen to Stockholm crosses the Öresund Bridge and continues through southern Sweden. Direct services are available at selected times, while other journeys require a change, often in Malmö. The trip normally takes around five hours, making it a practical alternative to flying.
Rail travel from Copenhagen lets you arrive in the centre of Stockholm without airport transfers. It is also a useful option if you are creating a Scandinavian itinerary that includes Denmark and Sweden. Remember to bring a valid passport or national identity card, as border checks can take place.
Travelling to Stockholm from Oslo
There are train connections between Oslo and Stockholm, with journey times commonly around five to six hours depending on the service. Some trips require a change. The route passes through attractive Scandinavian countryside and can be more relaxing than flying once airport check-in and transfers are included.
Check the timetable close to your travel date because cross-border services may change seasonally. Carry the travel documents required for crossing from Norway into Sweden.
Travelling to Stockholm from other European cities
Stockholm can be reached by rail from cities including Hamburg, Berlin and several destinations in Denmark, but international train routes may involve changes. Night trains can be available on some routes or during certain seasons. They may save the cost of one night’s accommodation, although journey times and sleeping arrangements vary.
For international rail trips, compare the complete journey rather than looking only at the first train. Allow enough time for connections, especially when changing countries or stations. Booking through the railway companies involved or a reputable European rail booking platform can help you understand reservations and ticket restrictions.
How to get to Stockholm by ferry
Ferries are an important part of the transport to Stockholm network. They are particularly useful for travellers coming from Finland, Estonia, Latvia and the Åland Islands. Several overnight services carry both passengers and vehicles, making them suitable for longer Scandinavian road trips.
Ferries from Finland
Ferries from Helsinki and Turku arrive in the Stockholm region. Services from Helsinki are often overnight crossings, while Turku is closer and may have more frequent departures. Ferry companies commonly offer private cabins, restaurants, shops and entertainment on board.
Many Finland ferries arrive at Värtahamnen in northeastern Stockholm. The port is connected to the city by metro and local bus services. Some ships arrive at Stadsgården near Slussen, which is closer to central attractions and the Old Town.
Ferries from Estonia and Latvia
Ferries from Tallinn and Riga can also provide transport to Stockholm, although schedules vary and some routes operate only on selected days or seasons. These crossings are often overnight. Check the arrival port when booking and confirm how to reach your accommodation from the terminal.
Arriving by ferry from the Stockholm archipelago
If you are already visiting the Stockholm archipelago, local boats connect many islands with central Stockholm. Waxholmsbolaget operates public archipelago services, while other companies run sightseeing and scheduled routes. Journey times vary from short city harbour trips to several hours from more distant islands.
For local boat travel, check departure points carefully. Stockholm has several quays, and a ticket for one operator may not be valid on another. In summer, popular services can become busy, so arrive early if you need a particular departure.
How to get to Stockholm by bus or coach
Long-distance buses can be one of the cheapest ways to reach Stockholm, particularly from nearby Swedish and European cities. Operators such as FlixBus and other regional companies serve Stockholm Cityterminalen, which is located next to Stockholm Central Station.
Bus travel usually takes longer than rail, but it can be useful when train tickets are expensive or sold out. Some coaches operate overnight, allowing you to save on accommodation. Compare the total journey time, luggage allowance and arrival location before booking.
Airport coaches are also a major part of Stockholm’s airport transport. Flygbussarna connects Arlanda, Bromma, Skavsta and Västerås with central Stockholm or other nearby destinations. Tickets can generally be purchased online, through an app or at airport ticket machines. Buying online may be cheaper and helps you avoid queues after landing.
Driving to Stockholm
Driving is a good option if you plan to explore Sweden beyond Stockholm or are travelling with sports equipment, camping gear or a large amount of luggage. Major roads connect Stockholm with Gothenburg, Malmö, Uppsala, Oslo and northern Sweden.
Road conditions are usually good, but winter driving requires extra care. Snow, ice and limited daylight can affect travel times from November through March. Swedish vehicles must use winter tyres during the relevant winter period when conditions require them, and visitors should check the rules for rental cars and foreign vehicles.
Stockholm has congestion taxes on certain roads at specified times. The charge is normally registered automatically, including for many foreign-registered vehicles. Central parking can also be expensive and limited. If your accommodation does not provide parking, consider leaving the car at a suburban hotel or a park and ride facility and continuing by public transport.
Getting from Stockholm Central Station to your accommodation
Stockholm Central Station and Stockholm City Station are in the heart of the city. The area is connected to the metro, commuter trains, trams and buses, so many hotels are easy to reach without a taxi.
- Gamla Stan: Take the metro from T-Centralen to Gamla Stan or walk for approximately 15 to 20 minutes.
- Södermalm: Use the red or green metro line from T-Centralen, depending on your destination.
- Östermalm: The red metro line and local buses serve much of the district.
- Djurgården: Use a tram, bus or ferry from the city centre, depending on the attraction and season.
- Kungsholmen and Vasastan: Metro and bus services provide convenient connections from the central station area.
Stockholm’s public transport authority is SL. A contactless bank card can often be used for single metro, bus, tram and commuter train journeys, although rules and ticket options can change. The SL app is useful for route planning and checking disruptions. A travel card may be better value if you expect to use public transport frequently over several days.
Which option is best for reaching Stockholm?
The best way to reach Stockholm depends on your starting point and priorities.
- Choose flying for long-distance travel or when a direct flight is significantly faster.
- Choose trains to Stockholm for travel from Swedish cities, Copenhagen or Oslo, particularly if you want to arrive directly in the centre.
- Choose a ferry from Finland, Estonia, Latvia or the Åland Islands, especially if you want to bring a car or prefer overnight travel.
- Choose a coach when price is the main consideration and you are comfortable with a longer journey.
- Choose driving if Stockholm is part of a wider Swedish road trip or you need flexibility outside the city.
Practical tips for planning your journey
Book flights, long-distance trains and ferries as early as possible if you are travelling during summer, Christmas, Easter or a major event. Prices and availability can change quickly. When comparing routes, include airport transfers, baggage charges, seat reservations and travel to your hotel.
Keep your booking details accessible offline in case you have limited internet access after arrival. Check the latest timetable on the official operator’s website before leaving, since engineering works, weather and seasonal schedules can affect services. If you arrive late, confirm that your accommodation accepts late check-in and that public transport is still running.
Stockholm is generally easy to navigate once you arrive. The city centre is compact, signs are clear and English is widely spoken. With the right route planned in advance, reaching the capital can be a straightforward part of your Swedish trip rather than a stressful one.