Wondering how to get to Norrköping? The city is one of Sweden’s easiest regional destinations to reach, with frequent trains, practical bus connections and convenient access from several airports. Whether you are travelling from Stockholm, Gothenburg, Copenhagen or elsewhere in Sweden, this guide explains the best transport to Norrköping and how to continue into the city centre.
Where is Norrköping?
Norrköping is in Östergötland, in eastern Sweden, between Stockholm and Linköping. It lies close to the Baltic Sea and is well connected to the country’s main railway routes. The city is approximately 160 kilometres south of Stockholm, around 40 kilometres east of Linköping and about 480 kilometres southwest of Stockholm by road.
Its central location makes Norrköping a convenient stop for visitors exploring Sweden. Stockholm is close enough for a day trip, while Linköping, Kolmården Wildlife Park and the archipelago around Arkösund are all within easy reach. Most visitors arriving by public transport use Norrköping Central Station, which is within walking distance of the city centre and many hotels.
How to get to Norrköping by train
For most travellers, trains to Norrköping are the fastest and simplest option. Norrköping Central Station is served by several regional and long-distance services, including trains operated by SJ and Mälartåg. The station is centrally located, and local trams and buses stop nearby.
Trains from Stockholm to Norrköping
Travelling by train from Stockholm is usually the most convenient way to reach Norrköping. Direct services generally take between one hour and one hour and 40 minutes, depending on the train type and number of stops. Faster SJ services can be quicker, while regional trains may take longer but often offer more flexible ticket options.
Departures normally leave from Stockholm Central Station. Trains may be busy during weekday mornings, late afternoons and weekends, especially around public holidays. If you have a fixed schedule, booking an advance ticket can help you find a lower fare. For more flexibility, look for a ticket that permits changes or travel on a wider range of departures.
Stockholm Central Station is easy to reach by metro, commuter train, bus and airport services. Allow extra time if you are transferring from Stockholm Arlanda Airport, since the airport and central station are not the same location.
Trains from Stockholm Arlanda Airport
There are several ways to travel from Stockholm Arlanda Airport to Norrköping. One option is to take a train from the airport to Stockholm Central Station and change there for a train to Norrköping. Depending on the connection, this journey commonly takes around two hours or more.
Some journeys may be available with a direct or partly direct service, depending on the timetable and operator. Search for the complete journey before buying a ticket, rather than assuming that every train departing from Arlanda continues to Norrköping. Airport station fees may also apply to certain train services, so check the total price when comparing options.
Another possibility is to take an airport coach or local bus towards Stockholm and continue by train. This can be cheaper in some cases, but it is usually slower and involves more planning. If you arrive late at night, check the final connection carefully because regional services run less frequently outside normal daytime hours.
Trains from Linköping to Norrköping
Linköping and Norrköping are connected by frequent regional trains. The journey is short, often taking approximately 25 to 40 minutes. This makes rail travel useful for visitors staying in either city or flying into Linköping City Airport.
Regional trains between Linköping and Norrköping may be operated by Mälartåg or other regional services, depending on the departure. Tickets and travel conditions vary, so check the operator shown in the journey planner. Both cities also have local bus networks, but the train is normally quicker for travel between their central stations.
Trains from Gothenburg, Malmö and Copenhagen
Travellers from Gothenburg can usually reach Norrköping by changing trains in Stockholm, Katrineholm or another major station, depending on the timetable. The total journey often takes several hours. Compare the available routes because the fastest connection is not always the cheapest.
From Malmö, trains normally travel north through southern and central Sweden before reaching Norrköping. Some journeys require a change, often in Linköping or another major railway town. From Copenhagen, travel first across the Öresund Bridge to Malmö and continue by Swedish train. The complete trip can take several hours, and international journeys may involve separate tickets or different booking systems.
If you are travelling across Sweden, use a national journey planner such as Resrobot to compare train and bus combinations. It can be especially useful when a direct train is unavailable or when you need to coordinate several operators.
How to get to Norrköping by bus
Long-distance buses can be an affordable alternative to trains, particularly when rail fares are high or tickets are sold out. Depending on the route and travel date, services may be available from Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö and other Swedish cities. Operators and schedules change, so check current departures before making plans.
Bus journeys from Stockholm usually take longer than trains, but they may offer competitive prices and direct travel. Some services depart from Stockholm Cityterminalen, the main coach terminal next to Stockholm Central Station. Confirm the departure point on your ticket because some buses use a different stop near the station or at a motorway location outside the centre.
Long-distance buses generally arrive at or near Norrköping Central Station. From there, the city centre is easy to reach on foot. If your accommodation is outside the centre, you can continue by local tram, city bus or taxi.
When the bus is the better choice
- Choose a bus if you want the lowest available fare and have plenty of travel time.
- Compare bus and train prices before booking, as advance train tickets can sometimes be similarly priced.
- Check baggage rules, since long-distance coach operators may have different limits and fees.
- Allow extra time for traffic, particularly when travelling from Stockholm during weekday rush hours.
- Keep your ticket and identification available, as some operators require the name on the booking to match your travel document.
How to get to Norrköping from the airports
Norrköping is served by Norrköping Airport, but it has limited scheduled passenger traffic compared with Sweden’s major airports. Most international visitors arrive through Stockholm Arlanda Airport, Stockholm Skavsta Airport, Linköping City Airport or, for some routes, Copenhagen Airport.
From Stockholm Skavsta Airport
Stockholm Skavsta Airport is located near Nyköping, south of Stockholm, and is often used by low-cost airlines. Despite its name, the airport is not in Stockholm and is closer to Norrköping than Arlanda is.
To reach Norrköping from Skavsta, take a local or airport bus to Nyköping and continue by train, or use a direct coach if one is operating on your travel date. The train from Nyköping to Norrköping is usually a short regional journey, but you must allow time for the transfer from the airport to Nyköping station. A taxi can reduce transfer time but costs considerably more.
Always check the timetable after confirming your flight. Evening arrivals can be difficult if the last bus or train has already departed. If public transport is not available, compare the cost of a pre-booked transfer with a taxi or rental car.
From Stockholm Arlanda Airport
Arlanda is Sweden’s largest international airport and offers the widest choice of flights. To continue to Norrköping, most travellers travel first to Stockholm Central Station and then take a train south. Depending on the route, you may also find a connection that avoids a long wait in central Stockholm.
The airport has several transport options, including airport trains, commuter trains, airport coaches and taxis. The fastest airport train is not always the cheapest, so compare the complete journey price with a regional train or coach. If you are carrying heavy luggage, allow enough time to change stations and find the correct platform at Stockholm Central.
From Linköping City Airport
Linköping City Airport has a smaller selection of flights but can be a useful arrival point for the region. From the airport, take a local bus or taxi into Linköping and continue to Norrköping by regional train or bus. The public transport journey is generally straightforward, although the best connection depends on your arrival time.
From Copenhagen Airport
Copenhagen Airport can be a practical alternative for international visitors, especially when flight prices or schedules are better than those available to Swedish airports. Trains from the airport cross the Öresund Bridge to Malmö. From Malmö, continue north by train and change if necessary for Norrköping.
Because this is an international journey, check passport and identification requirements before departure. Timetables may also be affected by maintenance work, engineering projects or temporary border checks. Leave a reasonable margin if you have a hotel booking, event or onward connection in Norrköping.
Driving to Norrköping
Driving can be convenient if you want to explore the countryside, visit Kolmården Wildlife Park or combine Norrköping with smaller towns and coastal destinations. The E4 motorway passes close to the city and connects Norrköping with Stockholm to the north and Linköping, Jönköping and southern Sweden to the south.
From Stockholm, the drive usually takes around two hours in normal conditions, although traffic can make the journey longer. From Linköping, driving often takes less than an hour. From Gothenburg or Malmö, expect a considerably longer trip and plan breaks along the way.
Check your accommodation’s parking arrangements before arriving. Central hotels may have limited spaces or charge separately for parking. Street parking is controlled by local signs and payment systems, so do not assume that an apparently empty space is free. During winter, allow extra time for snow, ice and reduced visibility.
Car rental and road planning
- Compare pickup locations at the airport and in city centres, since prices and opening hours can differ.
- Confirm whether winter tyres are included or required during the winter season.
- Use a navigation app with live traffic information, but keep the official road signs as your main guide.
- Plan fuel and rest stops on longer routes, particularly outside the main urban areas.
- Check whether your accommodation offers free, paid or nearby public parking.
Local transport after arriving in Norrköping
Norrköping Central Station is close to the historic centre, the industrial landscape along the Motala ström and many popular attractions. Depending on your accommodation, you may be able to walk from the station in 10 to 20 minutes.
The city has an extensive tram network, which is one of its most distinctive forms of public transport. Trams connect the central area with residential districts and several attractions. City buses cover routes not served by trams. Tickets are commonly purchased through the regional transport authority’s app or approved sales channels, and it is usually best to buy before boarding.
Ticket rules, fares and payment methods can change, so check the current information from Östgötatrafiken. Some services accept contactless payment, while others may require a mobile ticket or a travel card. Keep your ticket available until the end of the journey in case of inspection.
Walking, cycling and taxis
Walking is practical for exploring central Norrköping. The former industrial district, museums, shopping streets and many restaurants are close together. Cycling can also be useful, especially for reaching neighbourhoods and green spaces beyond the centre. Follow local cycle signs and use designated parking areas where available.
Taxis are useful for late arrivals, heavy luggage or journeys to locations outside the central area. Use a licensed company and check the estimated price before starting the trip. Swedish taxis do not all use identical fares, so comparing prices is sensible.
How to choose the best transport to Norrköping
For most visitors, the best transport to Norrköping depends on where the journey starts and how much flexibility you need. Trains are normally the fastest choice from Stockholm, Linköping and other cities along the main rail routes. Buses can be cheaper, particularly for last-minute travel. Driving gives you the most freedom for regional sightseeing, while airport connections require extra attention to transfer times.
- From Stockholm city: take a direct train from Stockholm Central Station when possible.
- From Arlanda: compare a complete train journey through Stockholm with coach and regional alternatives.
- From Skavsta: allow time to transfer from the airport to Nyköping or use a direct coach if available.
- From Linköping: use a regional train for a quick connection between the two cities.
- From Copenhagen: travel through Malmö and check international journey requirements.
- For regional sightseeing: rent a car if you plan to visit places beyond the main public transport network.
Booking tips for your journey
Search for your journey a few days before travelling, even if you expect to buy a ticket on the day. Advance fares can be cheaper, and popular departures may sell out during summer, weekends and major events. Use the operator’s website or app for the most accurate timetable, then check whether the ticket covers every part of your route.
Swedish transport schedules can change because of track maintenance, weather or public holidays. Check your departure again on the day of travel and arrive early at the station, especially if you need to collect a ticket or change trains. At Norrköping Central Station, follow platform information carefully because regional and long-distance services may leave close together.
With a little planning, getting to Norrköping is straightforward. For most travellers, a train to Norrköping offers the best combination of speed, comfort and central arrival, while buses, cars and airport connections provide useful alternatives for different budgets and itineraries.