Planning a trip to one of Sweden’s most famous mountain resorts? This guide explains how to get to Åre by train, plane, car and bus, with practical advice on travel times, airport transfers, winter conditions and choosing the best transport to Åre for your itinerary.
Where is Åre?
Åre is in Jämtland County in central Sweden, close to the Norwegian border. The resort sits beside Lake Åresjön and is surrounded by mountains, making it a popular destination for skiing in winter and hiking, cycling and outdoor activities during the warmer months.
The village is served by Åre railway station, which is located in the centre of Åre. This makes the destination unusually easy to reach without a car. The nearest major airport is Åre Östersund Airport, while Trondheim Airport in Norway can also be useful for some international travellers.
When deciding how to get to Åre, consider your starting point, the season, your luggage and whether you plan to explore areas outside the main resort. For many visitors, the train is the simplest option. Flying can be faster from some international destinations, while driving offers greater flexibility.
How to get to Åre by train
Taking the train is one of the most convenient and scenic ways to reach Åre. The railway runs through the village, and trains arrive close to hotels, restaurants, ski lifts and local buses. You do not need to arrange a long transfer from the station after arriving.
There are daytime and overnight services from several Swedish cities. Timetables vary according to the season, so check current departures before booking. During the ski season, demand for trains to Åre can be high, particularly around Christmas, New Year, school holidays and weekends.
Trains from Stockholm to Åre
Travelling from Stockholm to Åre by train usually takes around seven to eight hours, depending on the service and any changes. Direct overnight trains are often available, allowing you to leave Stockholm in the evening and arrive in Åre the following morning. This can save the cost of one night in a hotel and gives you a full day at the resort.
Daytime services may also run directly or with a change, commonly in cities such as Östersund or Sundsvall. A daytime journey takes longer than flying but provides comfortable views of the Swedish countryside and avoids airport transfers.
- Choose a sleeping compartment if you want to arrive early and well rested.
- Reserve seats or berths early for peak winter weekends.
- Check the luggage rules if you are carrying skis, a snowboard or large sports equipment.
- Compare the full journey time with flying, including airport check in and ground transport.
Trains from Gothenburg and southern Sweden
From Gothenburg, Malmö and other parts of southern Sweden, you will normally need to change trains in Stockholm, Sundsvall or Östersund. The exact route depends on the date and the operator’s timetable. Some travellers choose to travel to Stockholm first and continue north on an overnight service.
From Malmö, the total journey can take much of a day or longer if you use an overnight connection. Although this is not always the fastest route, it can be a practical alternative for travellers who prefer rail travel or want to avoid flying with winter sports equipment.
Arriving at Åre station
Åre station is centrally located and easy to use. Many accommodation providers are within walking distance, although the distance can be less convenient when carrying skis or heavy bags. Taxis, local buses and hotel transfers may be available, especially during the winter season.
There are also railway stations at Duved and Järpen. Duved is west of Åre and can be useful if your accommodation is in that area. Järpen is east of the main resort and may suit visitors staying in nearby villages. Always check the station name carefully when booking, as the most convenient stop depends on your accommodation.
How to get to Åre by plane
Flying can be a good choice when you are travelling from another country or have limited time. The most convenient airport is Åre Östersund Airport, approximately 90 kilometres from Åre. From the airport, you can continue by rental car, taxi or a pre booked transfer.
Flight schedules are often seasonal. Direct services may be more frequent during the winter ski season, while summer routes can be more limited. Check whether your preferred flight operates on the day you intend to travel, and allow time for the transfer from the airport to the resort.
From Åre Östersund Airport to Åre
The road journey from Åre Östersund Airport to Åre usually takes about one hour and 15 minutes to one hour and 30 minutes, depending on traffic and weather. In winter, snow and icy roads can make the journey slower.
- Airport transfer: A pre booked private or shared transfer is convenient for families and groups carrying ski equipment.
- Taxi: Taxis provide a direct journey, but the distance means the fare can be high. Book in advance where possible.
- Rental car: A car is useful if you want to visit other parts of Jämtland, although winter driving requires preparation.
- Public transport: Bus and train connections may be possible through Östersund, but they can require careful coordination and may take longer than a direct transfer.
Before booking a flight, check the onward transport. A cheap flight is not necessarily the best option if it arrives late at night when transfers are limited. If you are travelling during a busy ski period, arrange your transfer at the same time as your flight.
Flying via Stockholm
Some international visitors fly to Stockholm Arlanda Airport and continue to Åre by train or domestic flight. The train journey from Stockholm to Åre can be comfortable, especially if you use an overnight service. This option avoids an additional airport journey and can work well if your international arrival connects conveniently with the train schedule.
You can also fly from Stockholm to Åre Östersund Airport and then arrange a transfer to Åre. This may reduce travel time, but it involves a second flight, airport waiting time and another transfer. Compare the complete door to door journey rather than looking only at the flight time.
Using Trondheim Airport in Norway
Trondheim Airport Værnes can be an alternative for travellers who find better international connections to Norway. The airport is roughly 135 kilometres from Åre, although the border crossing and road conditions should be considered.
From Trondheim Airport, you can rent a car, book a private transfer or travel by public transport. The train route from the airport area towards Åre can be useful, but connections are less frequent than on the main Swedish routes and may involve a change. Check current cross border timetables carefully before relying on this option.
If you rent a car in Norway and drive into Sweden, confirm that the rental company permits cross border travel. Ask about insurance, winter tyres and any required notification before leaving Norway.
How to get to Åre by car
Driving to Åre gives you freedom to carry bulky equipment and stop along the way. It is particularly useful for families, groups and visitors planning to explore more than the central resort.
From Stockholm, the drive is approximately 620 kilometres and normally takes around eight to nine hours without long stops. The usual route goes north through Gävle and Sundsvall, then towards Östersund and Åre. From Gothenburg, the journey is approximately 850 kilometres and can take around ten to eleven hours, depending on the route and conditions.
From Östersund, Åre is around 100 kilometres west by road. The E14 connects Östersund with Åre and continues towards Norway. From Trondheim, the route is approximately 135 kilometres and crosses the Swedish border near Storlien.
Driving in winter
Winter driving in central Scandinavia can be safe, but it requires planning. Roads may be snowy, icy or affected by reduced visibility, particularly in the evening and during storms. Swedish winter regulations require suitable tyres during the winter period, and studded tyres may be useful in some conditions.
- Check the weather forecast and road information before departure.
- Allow extra time rather than planning a tight arrival schedule.
- Keep warm clothing, water and a charged phone in the car.
- Make sure your rental car has proper winter tyres and an ice scraper.
- Do not assume that a short distance will mean a short journey in heavy snow.
Parking in Åre can be limited or subject to fees during busy periods. Ask your accommodation about private parking before arriving. If you do not need the car during your stay, consider leaving it at your accommodation and using local transport around the resort.
Getting to Åre by bus
Long distance buses are less commonly used than trains for reaching Åre, but they can be useful for some routes and budgets. Services may connect Åre with Östersund, surrounding villages and other destinations in Jämtland. Availability changes by season, and winter services may be adjusted to match demand from skiers.
Regional buses are operated by local and regional transport providers. Use the latest official timetable when planning your trip, especially if you need to connect with a flight or a long distance train. A bus journey can take longer than the train, but it may serve accommodation areas that are not directly beside the railway.
During the ski season, Åre also has local ski buses linking different parts of the resort. Routes, fares and eligibility can vary. Some services may be included with certain lift passes, while others require a separate ticket. Check the current arrangements before travelling.
Transport within Åre
Once you arrive, the central village is compact enough to explore on foot. The railway station, shops, restaurants and many hotels are close together. However, Åre stretches along the lake and up the mountain, so the best option depends on where you are staying.
- Walking: Ideal for the village centre, particularly when roads are busy.
- Local buses: Useful for reaching Duved, Björnen, Tegefjäll and other areas.
- Taxis: Convenient for late arrivals, groups or accommodation away from the centre.
- Hotel transfers: Some hotels and apartments offer collection from the station or airport by arrangement.
- Rental car: Helpful for sightseeing outside Åre, but not essential for a central ski holiday.
Ask your accommodation about the nearest bus stop and the best way to reach the lifts. Distances that look short on a map can feel longer in deep snow or when carrying equipment.
Which transport to Åre is best?
The best way to travel depends on your priorities. Train travel is usually the easiest option from Stockholm and other Swedish cities because Åre station is in the centre and overnight services can reduce accommodation costs.
Flying is worth considering when you are travelling internationally or when a direct flight to Åre Östersund Airport is available from your departure point. Remember to add the airport transfer to the total travel time and cost.
Driving is most useful when you are travelling with a large group, carrying substantial equipment or planning a wider tour of northern Sweden and Norway. It offers flexibility but demands more preparation in winter.
- Best for a central ski holiday: Train to Åre station.
- Best for international travellers with a convenient connection: Flight to Åre Östersund Airport followed by a transfer.
- Best for families and groups with lots of luggage: Car or private transfer.
- Best for flexible sightseeing: Rental car.
- Best for reducing accommodation costs: Overnight train from Stockholm.
Tips for booking your journey to Åre
Book early if you are travelling during the ski season. Trains to Åre, airport transfers and central accommodation can sell out well ahead of weekends and school holidays.
- Compare the complete journey, including transfers, luggage and overnight accommodation.
- Check whether your train arrives in Åre, Duved or Järpen before booking accommodation.
- Leave a buffer between a flight arrival and a separate train or bus ticket.
- Reserve ski and snowboard transport in advance if the operator requires it.
- Check cancellation and delay policies, particularly when making separate bookings.
- Use official transport websites for the latest schedules, fares and service updates.
If you are still deciding how to get to Åre, start by checking the train timetable from your nearest Swedish city. For many travellers, the combination of a comfortable train, a central arrival station and simple local transport makes the journey straightforward from the moment you leave home.