Wondering how to get to Rättvik? This scenic town on the shore of Lake Siljan is easy to reach by train, car and regional bus, although the best route depends on where your journey starts. Rättvik is in Dalarna, around 270 kilometres northwest of Stockholm, and works well as a base for exploring central Sweden. This guide explains the main transport to Rättvik, including trains to Rättvik, airport connections, driving routes and practical local travel advice.
Where is Rättvik?
Rättvik is located in Dalarna in central Sweden, on the eastern shore of Lake Siljan. It lies between the larger towns of Falun and Mora, with Leksand to the south and Furudal to the north. The town is best known for its lake views, long wooden pier, traditional Dalarna culture and access to outdoor activities.
Its location means that Rättvik is not served by Sweden’s high-speed railway network in the same way as Stockholm, Gothenburg or Malmö. Most longer rail journeys involve a change at Borlänge, although some services and ticket combinations may provide a through journey depending on the date. Checking the complete route before travelling is important, especially outside the summer season.
How to get to Rättvik by train
For many visitors, the train is the most comfortable form of transport to Rättvik. The railway station is centrally located, within walking distance of the town centre, Lake Siljan, several hotels and the bus station. You can normally buy a single ticket for the whole journey, even when the route includes a change.
Travelling from Stockholm
The usual train route from Stockholm to Rättvik starts with a train towards Borlänge. Depending on the timetable, you may travel with SJ on the first part of the route. At Borlänge, change to a regional train operated by Tåg i Bergslagen for Rättvik and Mora.
The total journey usually takes approximately three and a half to four and a half hours, depending on the connection. Some departures may require a longer wait at Borlänge. Trains generally leave Stockholm Central Station, and the route passes through parts of central Sweden before reaching Dalarna.
When searching for trains to Rättvik, enter Rättvik station as the final destination rather than searching only for Borlänge or Mora. The booking system will show whether a change is needed. If you are travelling with luggage, allow enough time to change platforms at Borlänge. The station is straightforward, but winter conditions can sometimes affect services.
Travelling from Gothenburg or Malmö
Travellers from Gothenburg or Malmö will usually need to change trains in Stockholm, Örebro, Borlänge or another major Swedish railway town. The most efficient connection varies by day and departure time. A journey from Gothenburg often takes around six to seven hours, while travelling from Malmö can take much longer and may involve several changes.
For these longer journeys, compare the full journey in the SJ booking system and the regional transport planner before purchasing. A train ticket that covers only the mainline part of the route may not include the regional train from Borlänge to Rättvik.
Travelling from Falun, Borlänge and Mora
Rättvik is particularly easy to reach from nearby Dalarna towns. From Borlänge, the regional train journey normally takes about 45 minutes to one hour. From Mora, the train generally takes around 40 to 50 minutes. From Falun, you can usually travel by train via Borlänge, while a regional bus may be more convenient for some departures.
The railway between Borlänge, Rättvik and Mora is scenic, especially in summer and autumn. It follows the landscape around Lake Siljan, with forests, small communities and views of the surrounding hills. Even when the train is not the fastest option, it is often a pleasant way to arrive.
Which companies operate trains to Rättvik?
Several operators may be involved in a journey to Rättvik. SJ operates many long-distance services to and from Stockholm and other major cities. Tåg i Bergslagen operates regional services in Dalarna and neighbouring counties, including the line serving Rättvik. Regional buses are mainly operated under the DalaTrafik network.
Rather than focusing only on the operator, search for the complete journey from your departure station to Rättvik. Swedish rail services use integrated journey planners, but tickets, luggage rules and flexibility conditions can differ between operators. If you book separate tickets, leave extra time between connections because a delay on the first train may not be covered by the second ticket.
Train tickets and reservations
Buy tickets through the operator’s website or app, or use a reputable Swedish journey-planning service. Advance tickets can be cheaper, particularly for long-distance travel from Stockholm. Flexible tickets may cost more but can be useful if your travel plans are uncertain.
Regional trains often do not require seat reservations. Long-distance SJ trains may offer reserved seating as part of the booking. A valid ticket is normally checked on board, so keep the booking confirmation available on your phone. In rural parts of Dalarna, mobile coverage can vary, which makes downloading the ticket before departure a sensible precaution.
How to get to Rättvik from Stockholm Arlanda Airport
Stockholm Arlanda Airport is the main international gateway for visitors arriving from outside Sweden. Arlanda is north of Stockholm and approximately 250 to 275 kilometres from Rättvik by road, depending on the route. There is no direct high-speed train from Arlanda to Rättvik, so most travellers combine an airport train or bus with a train from Stockholm or Borlänge.
Option 1: Airport train to Stockholm and onward train
The simplest public transport route is to travel from Arlanda to Stockholm Central Station, then continue by train towards Borlänge and Rättvik. The Arlanda Express is the fastest airport connection, but it is usually more expensive than other options. SL commuter trains and airport coaches are generally slower and may be cheaper, depending on the ticket and time of day.
After reaching Stockholm Central, follow the signs for the mainline platforms and take a train towards Borlänge. Change at Borlänge for Rättvik. Allow time to transfer between the airport arrival and your Rättvik train, especially if you have checked baggage or arrive during a busy period.
Option 2: Travel from Arlanda to Borlänge
Some journey planners show routes from Arlanda towards Borlänge without requiring a separate trip into central Stockholm. This can be convenient, but the available connections change by date. Search from your actual airport terminal or Arlanda Central to Rättvik and compare the journey times.
There may also be coach connections from the Stockholm area to Dalarna, but these are less frequent than trains and may not run at suitable times. Check the latest timetable before relying on a coach for an international arrival.
Option 3: Hire a car at Arlanda
Hiring a car at Arlanda is practical if you plan to visit several places around Lake Siljan. The drive to Rättvik usually takes around three to three and a half hours in normal traffic. The route commonly follows the E4 or other major roads north from the airport before continuing west towards Dalarna. Your navigation app will choose the route based on traffic and road conditions.
Remember that Sweden has long distances between towns and service areas. Fill the tank before leaving the main motorway route, and download an offline map if you expect to drive through areas with weak mobile coverage.
Getting to Rättvik by car
Driving is one of the most flexible ways to reach Rättvik, particularly for families, groups and visitors planning a road trip through Dalarna. The town is connected to the regional road network by Route 70, which links the Stockholm area, Avesta, Borlänge, Rättvik and Mora. Route 70 is the main approach for many travellers arriving from the south and east.
Driving from Stockholm
The drive from Stockholm to Rättvik usually takes about three and a half to four hours without extended stops. The precise journey time depends on traffic leaving Stockholm, roadworks and winter conditions. A common route travels north and west via roads connecting the Stockholm region with Borlänge, then continues north towards Rättvik.
Road trips from Stockholm can easily become a full-day experience if you stop along the way. Uppsala, Sala, Avesta and Borlänge are possible rest points, although the best choice depends on your route and interests.
Driving from Gothenburg or southern Sweden
From Gothenburg, expect roughly five to six hours of driving, while the journey from Malmö may take seven to eight hours or more. Routes normally pass through central Swedish towns and connect with the roads leading to Borlänge and Lake Siljan. Use a live navigation service on the day of travel, since road conditions and traffic can change.
If you are driving in summer, allow additional time around popular attractions and lakeside destinations. During winter, daylight hours are short and roads can be icy. Swedish vehicles use winter tyres during the legally defined winter period when conditions require them, and visitors should make sure their rental car is properly equipped.
Driving in Rättvik and parking
Rättvik is compact enough to explore on foot once you arrive. Hotels, restaurants, shops and the lakeside area are close to the centre. However, a car is useful for visiting places outside town, including Dalhalla, local villages, viewpoints and hiking areas around Lake Siljan.
Parking is generally easier to find outside the busiest summer weekends. Check signs carefully because some areas have time limits, seasonal restrictions or payment requirements. Accommodation providers may have private parking, but this is not always included in the room price. Ask in advance if you are travelling during a festival, concert or major local event.
How to get to Rättvik by bus
Regional buses are an important part of transport to Rättvik, especially for short journeys within Dalarna. DalaTrafik operates local and regional bus services connecting Rättvik with places such as Falun, Leksand, Mora and smaller communities. Bus routes can be useful when train departures are limited or when your accommodation is outside walking distance of the railway station.
Bus travel times vary considerably because some services stop in many villages. A journey from Leksand may take around 30 to 45 minutes, while trips from Falun or Mora can take longer depending on the route. Check the timetable for the exact date, since evening, weekend and holiday services may be less frequent.
Buying bus tickets
Ticket options depend on the route and current DalaTrafik rules. You may be able to buy a mobile ticket through the operator’s app or pay using a contactless bank card on eligible services. It is best not to assume that every rural bus accepts cash or card in the same way. Check the current payment information before boarding.
If you plan to make several journeys in Dalarna, compare the cost of single tickets with any regional or period pass. A pass may be worthwhile for visitors travelling between Rättvik, Mora, Leksand and Falun over several days.
Travelling to Rättvik from nearby airports
Dala Airport in Borlänge is the closest airport with a useful location for reaching Rättvik, at roughly 50 to 60 kilometres away by road. Scheduled services can be limited, and routes change over time, so check current flight availability before planning around this airport. From Borlänge Airport, a hire car or taxi is usually the most direct option. You may also be able to connect with local public transport via Borlänge.
Mora-Siljan Airport is another regional option, located north of Rättvik. It is close to the Siljan area but has limited scheduled services. If a suitable flight is available, the onward journey to Rättvik can be made by car, taxi or a combination of local transport.
For most international visitors, Stockholm Arlanda offers the widest choice of flights. Choosing Arlanda usually gives you more flexibility, even though the onward journey to Rättvik is longer.
Taxi and private transfers
A taxi can be useful for the final part of a journey, particularly if you arrive late, have bulky luggage or are staying in a rural area outside Rättvik. Taxis are more expensive than trains and buses, and availability can be limited outside the centre. Booking ahead is recommended for airport transfers, early morning departures and groups.
Ask for an estimated fare when booking and confirm the pickup location. Swedish taxis may use metered prices, but companies can also offer fixed fares for longer journeys. If you are travelling from Borlänge, Mora or a local railway station, a pre-booked transfer can be more reliable than trying to find a taxi on arrival.
Getting around after you arrive
Rättvik centre, the railway station and the lakeside are close enough to connect on foot for most visitors. Walking is often the easiest option for restaurants, shops and the famous pier. Bikes are also a good choice in the warmer months, and some accommodation providers offer rentals or can recommend a local hire service.
Public transport is more useful for reaching attractions beyond the centre. Check the route to Dalhalla carefully, as event transport may operate differently from the ordinary bus timetable. Concerts and festivals can create extra services, but these should be confirmed when you book your event ticket.
If you are staying in a village around Lake Siljan, check the distance from the nearest bus stop and the final departure of the day. Rural services may stop early, particularly at weekends. A car or taxi can make a significant difference for accommodation outside Rättvik itself.
Best way to get to Rättvik for different travellers
- For international visitors: Fly to Stockholm Arlanda, then take public transport via Stockholm or Borlänge, or hire a car for a wider Dalarna trip.
- For travellers from Stockholm: Take the train via Borlänge for a comfortable journey, or drive if you want flexibility and plan to visit several attractions.
- For budget travellers: Compare advance train tickets with regional buses, and avoid last-minute taxi journeys between towns.
- For families: A car may be easiest when travelling with children, luggage and plans to visit lakeside attractions outside the town centre.
- For visitors without a car: Stay near Rättvik station and use trains, DalaTrafik buses, walking and pre-booked taxis.
- For concert visitors: Check transport arrangements for Dalhalla before travelling, since event nights can sell out local taxis and change normal bus patterns.
Travel tips for reaching Rättvik
- Book long-distance trains early: Prices and availability can be better when you book ahead, especially during summer and around major events.
- Check the whole journey: Confirm whether your ticket includes the regional connection from Borlänge to Rättvik.
- Allow time for changes: A short connection may be possible, but a longer transfer is safer if you have luggage or are unfamiliar with Borlänge station.
- Plan for the season: Summer brings more visitors, while winter may bring snow, icy roads and fewer evening transport options.
- Reserve accommodation parking: Ask your hotel or cabin host whether parking is available and whether a fee applies.
- Download tickets and maps: Mobile coverage is not equally strong everywhere in Dalarna, so prepare before leaving the larger towns.
- Check disruptions: Look at the latest SJ, Tåg i Bergslagen and DalaTrafik updates before departure.
How far in advance should you plan?
For an ordinary weekday outside the main holiday periods, planning a few days ahead is often enough. During summer, Christmas, school holidays and large events, it is better to book accommodation and long-distance trains several weeks ahead. The same applies if you need a rental car or a transfer from an airport.
Always check the timetable shortly before leaving. Railway engineering works, seasonal schedules and public holidays can change the route to Rättvik. If you are travelling late in the day, confirm that a connection is available all the way to Rättvik rather than ending in Borlänge or another nearby town.
Why public transport can be a good choice
Public transport lets you enjoy the scenery without concentrating on the road, and the railway station puts you close to central Rättvik. Trains are especially convenient for travellers coming from Stockholm, Borlänge or Mora. They also avoid parking concerns during busy summer weekends.
A car offers more freedom around Lake Siljan, but it is not essential for a short stay in Rättvik. If your plans focus on the town, the lakeside and local events, trains and buses can be enough. For a longer Dalarna itinerary that includes remote nature areas and several small villages, driving is likely to be more efficient.
Planning your route to Rättvik
The best answer to how to get to Rättvik depends on your starting point and travel plans. From Stockholm, the train via Borlänge is usually the most straightforward public transport option. From nearby Dalarna towns, regional trains and DalaTrafik buses provide practical connections. Driving is the most flexible choice for exploring the wider Lake Siljan region, while Stockholm Arlanda is the most convenient international arrival airport.
Before you leave, check the latest train and bus times, allow time for any change at Borlänge, and confirm local transport if you are staying outside the town centre. With a little planning, reaching Rättvik is simple and gives you a comfortable start to a trip through Dalarna.