Wondering how to get to Falun? The city is well connected to Stockholm, Arlanda Airport, Borlänge and other parts of central Sweden by train, bus and road. Falun is a convenient destination for visiting the Falu Mine, Dalarna Museum and the surrounding countryside, whether you are travelling from another Swedish city or arriving from abroad.
Where is Falun?
Falun is the capital of Dalarna County in central Sweden. It lies approximately 220 kilometres northwest of Stockholm and about 15 kilometres from Borlänge. The city is part of the Dalecarlia region, known for its red-painted wooden houses, lakes, forests and traditional Swedish culture.
Falun is also an important transport hub for Dalarna. The railway station is close to the city centre, and local buses connect Falun with Borlänge, nearby towns and attractions outside the centre. For most visitors, the easiest way to arrive is by train. Driving is also straightforward, especially if you are planning to explore the wider region.
How to get to Falun by train
Taking the train is usually the most comfortable option for reaching Falun. Trains to Falun operate from Stockholm and connect with other cities through Borlänge and other railway hubs. The station, called Falun Centralstation, is within walking distance of the centre and provides easy access to hotels, restaurants and local transport.
Train services in this part of Sweden may be operated by SJ, Tåg i Bergslagen or other regional partners, depending on the route and departure. Timetables can change according to the day, season and engineering work, so check the current journey before booking.
Trains from Stockholm to Falun
Stockholm is the most common starting point for visitors travelling to Falun. Some services run directly, while others require a change, often in Borlänge. The journey generally takes around two hours and 45 minutes to three hours and 30 minutes, depending on the connection and type of train.
Stockholm Centralstation is the main departure point. It is located in the centre of the capital and is easy to reach by metro, commuter train, bus and airport connections. When searching for trains to Falun, enter Stockholm Centralstation as the departure station and Falun Centralstation as the destination.
There are usually several departures during the day, but the frequency can be lower in the evening and at weekends. Booking in advance may give you a better choice of departure times and fares, particularly during summer, school holidays and major events in Dalarna.
Travelling from Arlanda Airport to Falun
If you are flying into Stockholm Arlanda Airport, there are several ways to continue to Falun. The simplest public transport option is normally to travel from Arlanda to Stockholm Centralstation and then take a train to Falun.
The Arlanda Express is the fastest connection between the airport and Stockholm Centralstation. It takes about 18 minutes, although it can be more expensive than other options. Airport commuter trains operated by SL and other rail services take longer but may be cheaper, depending on the ticket and time of travel. Some long-distance trains may also serve Arlanda or require a change at another station.
Another option is to travel by train from Arlanda towards Borlänge and continue to Falun, when a suitable service is available. This can avoid travelling into central Stockholm, but the best route depends on the current timetable. Compare both options before you book, especially if you are travelling with luggage or arriving late in the day.
Allow extra time if you are making a connection at Stockholm Centralstation. The station can be busy, and airport tickets are not always included in ordinary Stockholm public transport fares. Check the conditions of your ticket carefully.
Travelling from Borlänge to Falun
Borlänge is the closest major transport centre to Falun. The two cities are approximately 15 kilometres apart and have frequent regional connections. Trains between Borlänge and Falun are quick, while buses offer another practical option.
A train journey normally takes around 15 to 20 minutes. Local and regional buses may take approximately 25 to 40 minutes, depending on the route and number of stops. This makes Borlänge a useful arrival point if you cannot find a convenient direct service to Falun.
Borlänge also has Dala Airport, sometimes referred to as Borlänge Airport. Flight availability is limited and can vary, so check current routes before planning your trip around the airport. For many international visitors, Arlanda is the more practical airport.
Trains from Gothenburg, Malmö and other Swedish cities
Falun is accessible from western and southern Sweden, although journeys normally involve at least one change. From Gothenburg, a typical route travels via Hallsberg or another railway hub before continuing towards Borlänge and Falun. The total journey commonly takes around four and a half to six hours.
From Malmö, Lund or other parts of Skåne, the journey is longer and may involve changes in Gothenburg, Stockholm, Hallsberg or another central station. Travel time can vary considerably, so compare the full journey rather than choosing a route based only on the first departure.
Visitors coming from Uppsala, Gävle, Örebro or Västerås may also find rail connections to Falun, sometimes with a change in Borlänge. Search for the exact departure and arrival stations because some journeys combine national trains with regional services.
How to buy train tickets to Falun
You can usually buy tickets through the SJ website or app, regional transport websites and station ticket machines. Some journeys use a combination of operators, so check whether one ticket covers the entire route or whether separate tickets are required.
- Book earlier if you want the lowest available fare or a specific departure.
- Check whether your ticket is fixed to one train or allows travel on another departure.
- Allow enough time for connections, especially if you have luggage or are travelling with children.
- Look at the arrival station carefully. Falun Centralstation is the most convenient station for the city centre.
- Check disruption information before leaving, particularly during winter or planned railway maintenance.
Swedish trains are generally comfortable, and many long-distance services offer toilets, power outlets and space for luggage. Wi-Fi and food services depend on the operator and train type. Large items such as bicycles may require advance arrangements or an additional booking.
How to get to Falun by bus
Buses are useful for short journeys around Dalarna and can be a good alternative when train times do not suit you. Dalatrafik operates local and regional public transport in the county. Services link Falun with Borlänge, Grycksbo, Sundborn, Bjursås and other destinations.
Long-distance bus options from Stockholm and other major cities may be available on selected routes, but they are often less frequent than trains. The journey can also take longer because of traffic and intermediate stops. Check the current route with the bus operator before travelling, since services and seasonal timetables can change.
Falun bus station is close to the railway station and the central shopping area. This makes it easy to change between a regional bus and a train. Local buses also reach residential districts and several attractions outside the immediate centre.
Using local buses in Falun
Local buses are useful if your accommodation is outside the centre or if you want to visit attractions that are not within an easy walk. The Falu Mine, for example, is a few kilometres from the centre. Depending on your starting point, you can use a local bus, taxi or walk along designated routes.
Dalatrafik tickets are normally available through the operator’s app, ticket machines or selected sales points. Payment methods and ticket rules can vary, so buying a ticket before boarding is a sensible choice. On some services, tickets may be available from the driver, but this should not be assumed.
Driving to Falun
Driving is a convenient way to get to Falun if you want to explore Dalarna beyond the city. Roads are generally well maintained, and the journey from Stockholm is easy to plan. The exact route depends on traffic and your starting point, but most visitors from Stockholm travel north through the wider Uppsala and Gävle region before continuing towards Dalarna.
The drive from Stockholm to Falun is approximately 220 kilometres and usually takes around two hours and 45 minutes to three hours and 30 minutes without long stops. Traffic leaving Stockholm can make the first part of the journey slower, especially on weekday mornings and afternoons.
From Gothenburg, the drive is roughly 430 kilometres and often takes five to six hours. From Malmö, allow approximately eight to nine hours, depending on the route and traffic. These times are estimates rather than guarantees, particularly during winter.
If you are driving from Borlänge, the trip to central Falun is short and normally takes around 20 to 30 minutes. This is a practical option for travellers who rent a car at Dala Airport or stay in Borlänge.
Driving in winter
Winter conditions are an important consideration when driving to Falun. Snow, ice and reduced daylight can affect travel times from November through March. Swedish cars are fitted with appropriate winter tyres during the winter tyre season, and rental cars should be equipped for the conditions.
- Check the weather forecast and road conditions before setting off.
- Allow more time than a standard map estimate suggests.
- Keep the fuel tank reasonably full on longer rural journeys.
- Do not rely only on daylight when planning a trip in December or January.
- Confirm that your rental car has suitable tyres and winter equipment.
Parking is available in and around central Falun, although some spaces have time limits or require payment. Hotels may offer private parking, so ask when booking. At popular attractions, spaces can fill quickly during summer weekends and school holidays.
Getting from Falun station to the city centre
Falun Centralstation is close to the centre. Many hotels, cafés and shops can be reached on foot in approximately 10 to 20 minutes. The station area has local bus stops and taxi services, making it straightforward to continue your journey if you have heavy luggage.
A taxi is useful for accommodation outside the centre or for travelling directly to the Falu Mine. Sweden uses licensed taxi companies, but fares can differ between operators. Check the estimated price before entering the vehicle, particularly when picking up a taxi outside the station.
Walking is a pleasant option in good weather, but remember that Falun has hills and some attractions are spread out. A map app can help you choose the best route, especially if you are travelling with luggage or visiting during icy conditions.
How to get to the Falu Mine
The Falu Mine is one of Falun’s most important attractions and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is located outside the central shopping streets but remains easy to reach by local transport, taxi, bicycle or car.
Local buses travel from central Falun towards the mine area. Check the current Dalatrafik route and timetable because services can vary by day and season. A taxi usually takes only a short time from the centre. Walking is possible for visitors who enjoy longer urban walks, although the route may take around 30 to 45 minutes depending on your starting point.
If you are driving, follow local signs for Falu Gruva. The site has visitor parking, but arriving earlier is sensible during the main tourist season. The mine area includes museums, guided tours, cafés and walking paths, so plan several hours for your visit.
Which way of getting to Falun is best?
For most travellers, trains to Falun are the best choice because they are comfortable, relatively quick and arrive close to the centre. A train is particularly convenient when travelling from Stockholm or Borlänge, and it avoids the need to find parking.
Choose a bus if you are travelling from a nearby town or if the regional timetable is more convenient than the train. A car is the better choice if you want to visit rural villages, lakes, hiking areas and several Dalarna attractions in one trip.
- From Stockholm: Take a train from Stockholm Centralstation, usually with a direct service or a connection in Borlänge.
- From Arlanda Airport: Travel by rail via Stockholm Centralstation or choose a suitable connection towards Borlänge when available.
- From Borlänge: Use a regional train or bus. The journey is short and frequent connections are normally available.
- From Gothenburg or Malmö: Compare rail routes with one or more changes, or consider driving if you are planning a wider road trip.
- For local attractions: Use Dalatrafik buses, walk, cycle or take a taxi depending on the distance and weather.
Practical travel tips for Falun
Check your route shortly before departure rather than relying on an old timetable. Public transport schedules in Sweden can change during holidays, weekends and periods of railway maintenance. This is especially important if you have a flight, event or tour reservation later the same day.
Keep your ticket available on your phone and carry a portable charger for longer journeys. Many Swedish stations are unstaffed or have limited opening hours, so a digital ticket can be more convenient than waiting for assistance.
Falun is a year-round destination, but summer offers the longest daylight and the easiest conditions for exploring on foot or by bicycle. Winter can be beautiful, although snow and ice may affect local buses, trains and driving times. Pack suitable footwear and allow extra time for every connection when the weather is difficult.
With regular rail links, useful regional buses and good road connections, learning how to get to Falun is relatively simple. Choose the option that matches your itinerary, book the main part of your journey in advance and check local transport before visiting attractions outside the centre.