Stockholm airport to city centre: trains, buses, taxis and costs

Arlanda sits about 40 km north of central Stockholm, and four modes cover it: the dedicated Arlanda Express, the SL commuter/regional train, the airport coach, and taxi. All end within a short walk of Stockholm Central or the Cityterminalen bus terminal next door.

The express train is the fastest and the most expensive; the commuter train is slower but far cheaper and stops at Stockholm Central and Odenplan. Coaches run to Cityterminalen and a few city hotels. Taxis are the only door-to-door option and the only one whose price you should settle before departure.

The Arlanda Express is a private shuttle running non-stop between Arlanda and Stockholm Central. It is the quickest way in and out, with departures every 10–15 minutes through most of the day. Tickets are cheapest bought in advance online or in the app; walk-up fares at the station are higher. It is the default choice if you are alone, landing at a reasonable hour, and value time over money.

The SL commuter and regional trains also serve Arlanda, stopping at Stockholm Central and Odenplan. They take roughly twice as long and cost a fraction of the express, but you need a valid SL ticket plus the airport passage fee, which is charged separately at the station. This is the option locals use and the one to pick if you are staying near Odenplan or want to keep costs down.

Both trains put you at Stockholm Central, where the Tunnelbana, buses and long-distance trains connect. From there, most central hotels are a 5–20 minute walk or one metro stop.

The airport coach (Flygbussarna) runs between Arlanda and Cityterminalen, next to Stockholm Central, in 45–60 minutes depending on traffic. Some services continue to a handful of city hotels. Coaches are cheaper than the express train, have space for luggage, and run frequently, including early and late.

The coach is the sensible pick if you are travelling with a family, arriving after the trains thin out, or staying near Cityterminalen. Journey times stretch in the morning and evening rush, so allow extra time if you have a connection to catch.

Taxis wait outside the terminals and charge a fixed price to central Stockholm, commonly in the SEK 500–700 range (2026 estimate) for the standard journey. Prices vary by company, so ask the driver or the rank attendant for the fixed price before you get in, and confirm it covers your address and any luggage.

Use the major companies and the official rank rather than anyone approaching you inside the terminal. Ride-hailing apps work at Arlanda but pick-up points are designated; follow the app's instructions rather than the taxi rank. A taxi makes sense for three or four people with bags, a late-night arrival, or a hotel well away from Central.

For one person, the commuter train or coach is the cheapest way in; the express train costs several times more for a saving of about 20 minutes. For a group of three or four, a fixed-price taxi can be competitive with four train tickets, and it removes the walk at the far end.

Stockholm is largely cashless: cards and contactless phones work on trains, coaches, the metro and taxis. You rarely need cash, and some buses and machines do not take it.

Check which airport you are actually flying into before planning the transfer. Arlanda is the main one, but some low-cost flights use airports far from Stockholm, and Bromma's flight programme has been reduced or closed — verify your arrival airport on the booking.

Allow slack for the return. Arlanda Express and the commuter train are reliable, but coaches sit in traffic and the express can sell out at peak times. For an early flight, book the night before and aim to be at the terminal two hours ahead for international departures.

If you are staying outside the centre, work out your onward leg from Stockholm Central first: the metro, a local train or a short taxi. Buying a multi-day SL travel card usually pays off if you plan to use public transport around the city.