Planning a visit to Sweden’s oldest town? Learning how to get to Sigtuna is straightforward once you understand the connection between Stockholm, Arlanda Airport and nearby Märsta. Sigtuna does not have its own railway station, but regular buses, trains and taxis make the town easy to reach from the capital and the airport.
Where is Sigtuna?
Sigtuna is a small historic town on the shores of Lake Mälaren, approximately 45 kilometres north of central Stockholm. It is located in Sigtuna Municipality, close to Stockholm Arlanda Airport and the town of Märsta.
The town is known for its medieval street plan, old wooden buildings, rune stones, Stora Gatan and attractive waterfront. Because Sigtuna is close to both Stockholm and Arlanda, it is a convenient destination for a day trip or a short stop before or after a flight.
There is no train station in Sigtuna itself. The most common public transport journey is to take a train to Märsta and then continue by local bus. This is the key detail to remember when planning transport to Sigtuna.
How to get to Sigtuna from Stockholm
The easiest public transport route from Stockholm is usually a commuter train from Stockholm Central Station to Märsta, followed by a local bus to Sigtuna. The entire journey normally takes around 45 to 60 minutes, depending on your connection.
Step 1: Take a commuter train to Märsta
Stockholm commuter trains run from Stockholm Central Station to Märsta regularly throughout the day. The journey generally takes about 20 to 25 minutes. Check the departure board or the SL app before travelling, as trains may leave from different platforms and service patterns can change.
Märsta is the final station on many northbound commuter train services. When you arrive, follow the signs towards the bus terminal, which is located close to the railway station.
Step 2: Change to a bus for Sigtuna
From Märsta station, continue by local bus to Sigtuna. Bus route 575 is commonly used for the journey between Märsta and Sigtuna, although routes and timetables may change. Depending on the final stop and traffic, the bus ride usually takes approximately 20 minutes.
Useful stops in Sigtuna include Sigtuna busstation and stops near the town centre. If you want to explore Stora Gatan, Sigtuna’s main historic street, check the walking distance from the stop shown in the journey planner before boarding.
Tickets for the journey from Stockholm
Train and bus travel in the Stockholm region is normally managed by SL. You can buy a ticket in the SL app, at a ticket machine or through another authorised sales channel. A standard SL ticket is generally valid for a set period, allowing you to transfer between eligible services during that time.
Buy or activate your ticket before boarding. Ticket inspection is common on public transport, and buying a train ticket from Stockholm to Märsta does not automatically cover every onward bus journey unless the ticket is valid for the complete route.
How to get to Sigtuna from Arlanda Airport
Arlanda Airport is the closest major transport hub to Sigtuna. The distance is short, but public transport usually involves changing at Märsta. A taxi is faster and more convenient if you have heavy luggage or are travelling with several people.
Public transport from Arlanda
One practical option is to travel from Arlanda to Märsta and then change to a local bus for Sigtuna. SL bus services connect the airport area with Märsta, and the journey is often much less expensive than taking a taxi. From Märsta station, follow the signs to the bus terminal and board the next suitable service to Sigtuna.
Airport transport can be affected by terminal, time of day and route changes. Use the SL journey planner or another official public transport planner shortly before leaving. Enter your exact terminal or airport stop as the starting point and your destination in Sigtuna as the end point.
Taking a taxi from Arlanda
A taxi from Arlanda to central Sigtuna usually takes around 20 to 25 minutes, although journey times depend on traffic and your exact destination. Taxis are convenient for families, groups and travellers arriving late at night when public transport services are less frequent.
Swedish taxi prices can vary considerably between companies. Use an authorised taxi rank at the airport and check the displayed price information before starting the trip. If you prebook a transfer, confirm whether the price is fixed and whether it includes airport fees, luggage and waiting time.
Hiring a car at Arlanda
Rental cars are available at Arlanda Airport and can be useful if you plan to visit other destinations around Lake Mälaren. Driving from the airport to Sigtuna is simple, and the trip normally takes about 20 minutes.
However, a car is not essential for visiting Sigtuna itself. The central historic area is compact and easy to explore on foot. Parking availability can be more limited during busy summer weekends, so check your accommodation’s parking arrangements before booking a vehicle.
Are there trains to Sigtuna?
There are no direct trains to Sigtuna because the town does not have a railway station. The nearest practical station is Märsta. This means that travellers searching for trains to Sigtuna should plan a train and bus connection rather than looking for a direct railway service.
The usual rail route is:
- Take a commuter train from Stockholm Central Station to Märsta.
- Walk from Märsta railway station to the nearby bus terminal.
- Take a local bus to Sigtuna.
Travellers coming from other parts of Sweden can usually take a long distance train to Stockholm or Uppsala, then continue by commuter train or bus. Some regional trains stop at Märsta, but the services available depend on your starting point and ticket type. Always check whether your ticket includes the local connection to Sigtuna.
How to get to Sigtuna from Uppsala
Sigtuna is also within easy reach of Uppsala. The most suitable route depends on the time of day, but many journeys use a bus connection or travel via Märsta. Since Sigtuna and Uppsala are in different transport areas for some ticket products, check the complete fare before travelling.
Use an official journey planner and search from Uppsala Centralstation to Sigtuna busstation. The planner will show whether a direct regional bus is available or whether you need to change in Märsta or another nearby town. The journey commonly takes between 45 minutes and one hour, depending on the route.
Driving to Sigtuna
Driving is a convenient choice if you want flexibility or plan to combine Sigtuna with other attractions. From Stockholm, the drive generally takes around 45 minutes to one hour, depending on traffic. From Arlanda Airport, the journey is usually about 20 minutes.
Road signs in the area direct drivers towards Sigtuna. Use a navigation app for the most accurate route, particularly if you are travelling during rush hour or on a busy summer day. The final approach to the town includes local roads, so allow extra time if you are unfamiliar with the area.
Parking in Sigtuna
There are parking areas near the town centre and waterfront, but rules vary by location. Some spaces may be time limited or require payment during certain hours. Look carefully at local signs and avoid parking in spaces reserved for residents or businesses.
If your accommodation is in the historic centre, ask whether it offers private parking. Staying outside the centre and walking in can be a practical option during peak periods. The main attractions are close together, so once parked you can normally leave your car for the rest of the visit.
Travelling to Sigtuna by bus
Local buses are an important part of transport to Sigtuna because they connect the town with Märsta, Arlanda and surrounding communities. Bus travel is affordable and offers a simple way to reach the historic centre without driving.
Bus frequency can be lower in the evenings, on weekends and during public holidays. If you are planning a day trip, check both the outbound and return schedules before leaving Stockholm. This is especially important if you want to stay for dinner or watch the sunset by Lake Mälaren.
Allow a little extra time when changing from a train to a bus. Although Märsta station and the bus terminal are close together, you may need to find the correct bay, validate a ticket or wait for the next departure.
How long should you allow for the journey?
For a trip from central Stockholm, allow at least one hour from your departure to your arrival in central Sigtuna. The actual travel time may be shorter, but a buffer helps if you miss a connection or encounter traffic.
From Arlanda, allow roughly 30 minutes by taxi and around 45 minutes or more by public transport, depending on the connection at Märsta. If you are travelling to the airport for a flight, remember to allow time for check-in and security. Do not rely on the shortest possible journey time when planning an international departure.
A day trip gives you enough time to walk along Stora Gatan, see the medieval churches and rune stones, visit the waterfront and stop at a café. If you want to visit museums or take a longer walk, check opening hours in advance, particularly outside the main summer season.
What is the best way to reach Sigtuna?
For most visitors from Stockholm, the best balance of price and convenience is the commuter train to Märsta followed by a local bus. It avoids the cost of a taxi and is usually faster and simpler than driving into the town centre.
For visitors arriving at Arlanda with luggage, a taxi may be the easiest option. Public transport is better suited to travellers who are comfortable changing services and want to keep costs down. A rental car makes more sense if Sigtuna is one stop on a wider road trip rather than your only destination.
- Lowest cost: commuter train and local bus using the appropriate SL ticket.
- Most convenient from Arlanda: taxi directly to your accommodation.
- Most flexible: rental car, especially for visiting nearby attractions.
- Best for a day trip from Stockholm: train to Märsta followed by bus to Sigtuna.
Practical tips for getting to Sigtuna
- Check the SL app or official journey planner on the day of travel.
- Search for Märsta when planning the train part of the journey, since Sigtuna has no railway station.
- Confirm that your ticket covers both the train and the connecting bus.
- Keep some extra time for the change between Märsta station and the bus terminal.
- Check return buses before beginning your visit, especially on evenings and weekends.
- Use an authorised taxi rank at Arlanda and review the price information before travelling.
- Wear comfortable shoes because Sigtuna’s main attractions are best visited on foot.
- Check opening hours for museums, churches and cafés if you are visiting outside summer.
Planning your visit
Once you know how to get to Sigtuna, the town is easy to include in a Stockholm itinerary. Public transport offers a reliable connection through Märsta, while taxis and cars provide more direct travel from Arlanda. Since Sigtuna is compact, you can spend most of your visit walking between the historic street, old churches, waterfront and cafés.
For the smoothest journey, plan the route in two parts: first to Märsta or Sigtuna’s nearest airport connection, and then to the town centre. Check the latest departure times before you leave, allow time for transfers and keep your return journey in mind. With these simple preparations, Sigtuna makes an enjoyable and accessible excursion from both Stockholm and Arlanda Airport.