Wondering how to get to Borlänge? The city is one of Dalarna’s main transport hubs and is easy to reach from Stockholm, Arlanda Airport, other Swedish cities and nearby destinations such as Falun. Most visitors arrive by train or car, while regional buses are useful for the final part of a journey. This guide explains the best transport to Borlänge, including trains to Borlänge, long-distance buses, airport connections and practical travel advice.
Where is Borlänge?
Borlänge is in central Sweden, in Dalarna County, approximately 200 kilometres northwest of Stockholm. It lies close to Lake Siljan, Falun, the Dalecarlian countryside and several popular ski resorts. The city is also an important railway and road junction, which makes it a convenient base for exploring the region.
Borlänge and Falun are only about 20 kilometres apart. Many travellers stay in one city and visit the other by local bus, train or car. Borlänge is also close to the E16 and national roads 50 and 70, so driving is straightforward from several directions.
How to get to Borlänge by train
For many visitors, the train is the simplest and most comfortable way to reach Borlänge. Borlänge Central Station is located near the city centre, with hotels, restaurants and local buses within easy walking distance. Train services connect Borlänge with Stockholm, Uppsala, Gävle, Falun, Mora and other towns in Dalarna.
Train timetables and operators can change depending on the season and day of the week. Check the current journey before travelling through the operator’s website or a national travel planner. In Sweden, tickets are often cheaper when booked in advance, particularly for longer journeys.
Trains from Stockholm to Borlänge
The train from Stockholm to Borlänge usually takes around two and a half to three and a half hours, depending on the service and whether you need to change trains. Some departures are direct, while others require a change at a station such as Uppsala, Sala or another connection point.
Stockholm Central Station is the main departure point. It is easy to reach from Stockholm Arlanda Airport, the city centre and other parts of the capital. When searching for tickets, enter “Stockholm Central” as the departure station and “Borlänge Central” as the destination.
Direct services are convenient because they remove the need to handle luggage during a change. However, a journey with one change can offer more departure times and sometimes a lower fare. Allow extra time if you have a tight connection, especially when travelling with children, skis or several bags.
Trains from Stockholm Arlanda Airport
There is not normally a simple direct airport train all the way from Stockholm Arlanda Airport to Borlänge. The usual option is to travel first from Arlanda to Stockholm or Uppsala and continue by train towards Borlänge.
- Travel from Arlanda to Stockholm Central and change to a northbound or northwestbound train.
- Travel from Arlanda to Uppsala and look for a connection towards Dalarna, depending on the timetable.
- Compare the complete journey before booking, since airport station charges and separate tickets can affect the total price.
Arlanda Express is the fastest connection between the airport and Stockholm Central, but it is usually more expensive than commuter rail. If you choose a commuter train, check whether an airport access fee is included in the ticket. This fee can make the difference between airport and city travel costs more significant than expected.
Trains from Falun to Borlänge
Falun and Borlänge have frequent connections, making the train a practical option for short trips between the two cities. The journey is usually less than 30 minutes, although the exact time depends on the service. Local and regional trains generally arrive at Borlänge Central, close to the city centre.
For visitors staying in Falun, travelling by train can be easier than driving, particularly during busy periods or winter weather. Check the final departure of the evening if you plan to return after dinner or an event.
Trains from Gothenburg, Malmö and southern Sweden
Travelling from Gothenburg, Malmö or another part of southern Sweden normally involves at least one change. Stockholm, Uppsala, Örebro, Gävle or another major station may be part of the route, depending on the timetable.
From Gothenburg, a typical journey takes several hours and may involve travelling east or northeast before continuing towards Dalarna. From Malmö, the journey is considerably longer, so compare train fares with flights to Stockholm followed by a train or rental car. Booking early is particularly important on long-distance routes during school holidays, summer weekends and the Christmas period.
Which train operators serve Borlänge?
Several operators may appear in a search for trains to Borlänge. SJ operates many long-distance services in Sweden, while regional operators can cover parts of the route within Dalarna and neighbouring counties. Local public transport is managed by regional authorities, including Dalatrafik in Dalarna.
Do not assume that a ticket from one operator is automatically valid on every train shown in your itinerary. Read the ticket conditions carefully, especially when combining a long-distance service with a regional train. A single booking is often easier if it is available, since the journey is then displayed as one itinerary.
- Check the departure and arrival station names carefully.
- Confirm whether seat reservations are included.
- Look for restrictions on refunds, changes and missed connections.
- Allow time to find the platform at Stockholm Central or another large station.
- Keep your ticket accessible during the journey, either digitally or in printed form.
How to get to Borlänge by bus
Long-distance and regional buses are another option for transport to Borlänge. Buses can be useful when there is no convenient train departure, when travelling from a smaller town or when a bus fare is lower than a rail ticket.
Long-distance bus services connect larger Swedish cities with central Sweden, although routes and schedules vary. Some services operate only on selected days or during particular seasons. Search the full route rather than relying on a general map, because a bus may arrive at a stop outside the central railway station.
Within Dalarna, Dalatrafik buses connect Borlänge with Falun, Ludvika, Mora, Säter, Tällberg and other communities. Regional buses are particularly useful for reaching accommodation, workplaces and attractions that are not close to a railway station.
Travelling by bus from Stockholm
A bus from Stockholm to Borlänge can be slower than a train, but it may be suitable for travellers who find a convenient departure or a good-value fare. Journey times vary with traffic and the number of stops. Check the boarding location in Stockholm, since long-distance buses may depart from the Cityterminalen area or another designated stop.
Arrive early enough to identify the correct platform and place your larger luggage in the luggage compartment. During winter, traffic conditions can affect the timetable, so avoid booking a very tight onward connection in Borlänge.
Local buses in Borlänge
Borlänge’s local bus network is useful for reaching residential areas, shopping centres, the university campus and attractions outside the immediate centre. If you arrive at Borlänge Central Station, check the nearest stop and the direction of travel before boarding.
Digital journey planners are helpful, but keep in mind that services may run less frequently in the evening, on Sundays and during public holidays. Contactless payment, mobile tickets and ticket machines may be available, but payment methods differ by service. Buying a ticket before boarding is often the safest approach.
How to get to Borlänge by car
Driving gives you the greatest flexibility, especially if you want to visit several parts of Dalarna or travel with sports equipment. Roads around Borlänge are generally easy to navigate, and the city is well connected to the national road network.
Driving from Stockholm
The drive from Stockholm to Borlänge usually takes about two and a half to three hours in normal conditions. A common route follows roads towards Enköping and Sala before continuing northwest. The exact route may vary according to traffic, roadworks and your final destination.
Traffic leaving Stockholm can be heavy during weekday mornings and afternoons. Add extra time if you are travelling on a Friday, before a public holiday or during winter. Use a navigation app for live traffic information, but download an offline map if you plan to drive through rural parts of Dalarna.
Driving from Arlanda Airport
From Stockholm Arlanda Airport, the drive to Borlänge generally takes around two and a half hours, depending on traffic and weather. Renting a car at the airport can be convenient if Borlänge is only the first stop on a wider Dalarna itinerary.
Before collecting the vehicle, check the rental company’s rules about winter tyres, additional drivers, mileage and one-way returns. Swedish winter conditions can include ice, snow and limited daylight, so choose a vehicle that feels comfortable for the season rather than focusing only on the lowest price.
Driving from Gothenburg
The journey from Gothenburg to Borlänge takes several hours and normally passes through central Sweden. Örebro or Karlstad may form part of the route, depending on road conditions and your chosen destination in Dalarna. Plan at least one proper break, particularly if travelling with children or in winter.
Parking in Borlänge
Parking is usually easier in Borlänge than in central Stockholm or Gothenburg. Hotels often provide parking, but spaces may be limited or charged separately. Shopping areas and larger attractions commonly have their own parking areas.
Always check signs for time limits, payment instructions and permit requirements. Some Swedish car parks use mobile payment applications, while others accept cards or have ticket machines. Do not assume that a free car park allows overnight parking.
Can you fly to Borlänge?
Borlänge has Dala Airport, also known as Borlänge Airport, but scheduled commercial passenger services are limited and may not be available for ordinary domestic or international travel. For most visitors, flying to Borlänge is not the most practical option.
Stockholm Arlanda is usually the most useful major airport for international travellers. From Arlanda, continue to Borlänge by train, bus or rental car. Stockholm Bromma Airport may be closer to central Stockholm, but its route network is limited and may not provide a suitable connection.
When comparing air travel with surface transport, include the time needed for airport transfers, check-in, security and baggage collection. For a journey from Stockholm, the train can be simpler from city centre to city centre.
How to reach Borlänge from nearby destinations
From Mora and Lake Siljan
Borlänge is connected with Mora and the Lake Siljan area by regional trains and buses. The best choice depends on your accommodation and the time of day. Trains are comfortable for the main corridor, while buses may serve smaller lakeside communities more directly.
If you are travelling in summer, book accommodation and check return services early. Some rural routes have limited evening departures, and a taxi may be expensive over longer distances.
From Ludvika
Ludvika is southwest of Borlänge and has rail and bus connections. The journey is often straightforward, but services may be less frequent than on the Stockholm route. Check whether your selected train is direct or requires a change.
From Säter and Avesta
Säter and Avesta are useful connection points for travellers approaching from the southeast. Regional trains and buses can link these towns with Borlänge. If you are travelling from Avesta, compare the rail and bus timetables because the fastest option may change during the day.
Getting around after you arrive
Borlänge Central Station is close to the centre, but your final destination may be several kilometres away. Local buses, taxis, bicycles and rental cars are the main options. Some hotels are walkable from the station, while accommodation on the edge of the city may require a bus or taxi.
- Use a local bus for regular journeys within the urban area.
- Take a taxi if you arrive late or have heavy luggage.
- Consider a rental car for skiing, hiking or visiting several rural locations.
- Ask your accommodation about the nearest bus stop and evening services.
- Check whether bicycles are available if your plans are mainly within Borlänge and Falun.
Best transport option for different travellers
The best way to travel depends on your starting point, budget and plans in Dalarna.
- From Stockholm city: The train is usually the most convenient combination of speed, comfort and central stations.
- From Arlanda Airport: Compare a train connection through Stockholm or Uppsala with a rental car if you plan to explore the region.
- From Falun: A regional train or bus is usually easier than driving and parking.
- For a rural Dalarna itinerary: A car gives you more freedom to reach lakes, villages and hiking areas.
- For a lower-cost trip: Compare advance train fares with long-distance and regional bus tickets.
- For winter sports: Check luggage policies before choosing trains or buses, particularly if carrying skis or bulky equipment.
Travel tips for reaching Borlänge
Swedish transport is generally reliable, but planning ahead makes the journey easier. Timetables can change around public holidays, school breaks and major events. Winter weather can also affect roads and rail services, even when the distance is not very long.
- Book long-distance trains early when travelling at weekends or during holidays.
- Check the final connection to your hotel before arriving in the evening.
- Leave a reasonable margin between an international flight and a separate train ticket.
- Pack food and water for longer regional journeys, especially when travelling outside peak hours.
- Keep your passport or valid identification available for travel and accommodation check-in.
- Verify luggage rules if you are carrying bicycles, skis or other large equipment.
- Use official operator websites for delays, cancellations and ticket changes on the day of travel.
A simple way to plan your journey
Start by checking the complete route from your actual departure point, not just the final train segment. If you are flying, include the transfer from the airport terminal. If you are staying outside central Borlänge, add the local bus or taxi connection from Borlänge Central Station.
Next, compare the total price and travel time for train, bus and car. A train ticket may look more expensive than a bus ticket, but it can save time and avoid parking costs. A rental car may cost more for a solo traveller, yet become good value for a family visiting several destinations.
Finally, confirm the timetable shortly before leaving. With the right connection, reaching Borlänge is uncomplicated, and the city provides a convenient starting point for discovering Dalarna by public transport or car.