Arlanda to Stockholm City: Train, Bus, Taxi or Private Chauffeur?
Arlanda is about 40 km from central Stockholm, and there are four sensible ways to get into the city. Here is how each one works and who it suits best.
Stockholm Arlanda Airport is roughly 40 km north of the city centre, so the way you travel into town makes a real difference to your first hour in Sweden. There are four sensible options: the Arlanda Express train, an airport bus, a taxi, or a private chauffeur. Each one suits a different traveller.
The quick answer
- Travelling light, and your destination is near Stockholm Central: the Arlanda Express is hard to beat for speed.
- Watching your budget and not in a hurry: the airport bus or regional trains cost less.
- Arriving with luggage, a group, a late flight or a business schedule: a private chauffeur is the simplest door-to-door option.
- Need a car right now with no booking: a taxi works, but agree the price first.
Option 1: Arlanda Express
The Arlanda Express runs between the airport and Stockholm Central Station in about 18 minutes, with frequent departures through the day. It is fast and predictable because it avoids road traffic.
The catch is the last mile. The train only takes you to Central Station. From there you still need to reach your hotel or meeting, which may mean the metro, a taxi or a walk with your luggage. Fares change, so check the current price on the operator's website before you travel.
Option 2: Airport bus and regional trains
Airport coaches and regional trains are the cheapest way into the city. A coach journey typically takes around 45 minutes to the city terminal, and the commuter train network offers another low-cost route. The trade-off is time and effort: you wait for departures, carry your own luggage, and still need onward travel to your final address.
Option 3: Taxi
Taxis are available at the airport without a booking, which is convenient after a long flight. Journey times are usually somewhere between 30 and 60 minutes depending on traffic and your destination. In Sweden each taxi company sets its own prices, so the same trip can cost very different amounts. Always ask for a fixed price before you get in, and avoid unmarked vehicles offering rides in the arrivals hall.
Option 4: Private chauffeur
A pre-booked chauffeur is the most direct option. Your driver tracks your flight, so a delay or an early landing does not affect your pickup, and you are met inside the terminal rather than searching for a taxi rank. The price is agreed before you travel, and you are taken straight to your address in a comfortable vehicle.
A chauffeur costs more than public transport, but it often makes sense when:
- you have heavy luggage, children or elderly travellers
- you are travelling as a group, where one vehicle replaces several tickets
- your flight lands late at night or very early in the morning
- you are going straight to a meeting and need to arrive composed
- it is your first time in Stockholm and you want no navigation or ticket machines
You can see how this works on our Arlanda and Stockholm airport transfer page, and read what actually changes the price of an Arlanda transfer before you request a quote.
How to choose
Ask yourself three questions. How much luggage do you have? How many people are travelling? And how important is it that you arrive at a specific place at a specific time? If the answers are "a lot", "several" and "very", a chauffeur saves time and stress. If you are alone with a carry-on bag and going to the city centre, the train is excellent value.
Flying into Bromma or Skavsta instead? Our guide to Arlanda, Bromma and Skavsta explains the differences.
Book your Arlanda transfer
Send us your flight number, date and destination and we will confirm a fixed price and the right vehicle, from the Mercedes-Benz E-Class for one or two passengers to the V-Class for groups and luggage. Request a quote or call us any time, day or night.