Open Travel Guide
Transportation in Sweden

Getting Around Sweden 2026

Getting around Sweden: transport options, costs, and practical tips.

Discover Sweden, a Scandinavian gem blending stunning natural beauty with modern design and rich Viking heritage. From the cosmopolitan streets of Stockholm to the Northern Lights in Lapland, Sweden offers diverse experiences year-round.

Public
Sweden has world-class public transport. Stockholm's Tunnelbana metro runs until 3AM on weekends, Gothenburg has an iconic tram network, and intercity trains (SJ) are fast, comfortable, and reliable. Buy a Reskassa card for seamless travel.
Taxi
Licensed taxis and app-based services (Uber, Bolt) are widely available and reliable. More expensive than UK or US equivalents but safe and regulated. Apps recommended over street hails for transparency.
Rental
Car rental useful for exploring countryside, Lapland, and areas beyond city transport networks. Good road quality nationwide. Winter tires mandatory December-March in snow conditions. Fuel expensive ($7-8/gallon).
Walking
Sweden's major cities are highly walkable. Stockholm's center is compact with excellent pedestrian infrastructure. Cycling infrastructure is exceptional — free city bike schemes in Stockholm and Gothenburg.

Transport at a glance

Public 5/5
Taxi 4/5
Rental 4/5
Walking 4/5

Airport transfers

Getting from the airport to your accommodation.

Taxi
Arlanda Express train from Arlanda to Stockholm Central — 20 min, $32
Taxi Info
Fastest and most comfortable option to city center
Shuttle
Flygbussarna airport coaches to Stockholm Central — 45 min, $15
Shuttle Info
Departs every 10-15 min, comfortable coaches with luggage space
Bus
Commuter train (pendeltåg) — 38 min, $12, cheaper option
Bus Info
Requires SL travel card or separate ticket, stops at more stations en route
Private
Private chauffeur transfer from $80 pre-booked online
Private Info
Best for groups of 3+ or late arrivals with heavy luggage

Local transport

Getting around the city.

Bus

Bus

Availability
Extensive networks in all cities, essential in smaller towns
Stockholm
Integrated with metro, same tickets valid. Night buses on weekends.
Gothenburg
Comprehensive tram and bus network. Trams iconic part of city.
Malmo
Buses only, efficient network. Easy access to Lund.
Cost
Similar pricing to metro where applicable, $3-4 per trip
Alternatives

Alternatives

metro, tram, taxi, rideshare, bike, ferry

Taxis & rideshare

What to expect from taxis and apps.

Regular
$6-8
Apps
Uber and Bolt available in major cities
App Names
Uber and Bolt available in major cities

Intercity travel

Getting between cities and regions.

Bus

Bus

Cheaper than trains, longer journey times but comfortable

Routes: Connect all major cities and many smaller towns

Cost: Stockholm-Gothenburg from $20, Stockholm-Malmö from $25

Operators
FlixBus, Nettbuss, Swebus
Tips
Book online for best prices, WiFi and power outlets on board
Flights

Flights

Routes: Stockholm-Kiruna 1.5 hours ($80-200), Stockholm-Gothenburg 1 hour ($60-150)

Operators
SAS, Norwegian, BRA
When
Useful for long distances, especially to Lapland
Tips
Compare with train prices; flight may save time but not always money

Transportation details

Full breakdown of how to get around.

Airports

ARN

Stockholm Arlanda Airport

From centre: 42 km north of Stockholm

Options: Arlanda Express train to Central Station - 20 min, $32; Airport coaches (Flygbussarna) - 45 min, $15; Commuter train (pendeltåg) - 38 min, $12; Taxi - 35-45 min, $55-70; Uber/Bolt - $45-60

GOT

Gothenburg Landvetter Airport

From centre: 25 km east of Gothenburg

Options: Airport bus (Flygbussarna) - 30 min, $12; Taxi - 25 min, $45-55; Uber/Bolt - $40-50

BMA

Stockholm Bromma Airport

From centre: 8 km west of Stockholm

Options: Airport bus - 20 min, $8; Taxi - 15-20 min, $30-40; Public bus #110, #152 - 30 min, $4

MMX

Malmö Airport

From centre: 28 km southeast of Malmö

Options: Airport bus - 40 min, $12; Taxi - 30 min, $50-60

KRN

Kiruna Airport

From centre: 6 km from Kiruna

Options: Airport bus - 15 min, $8; Taxi - 10 min, $25-30

Useful apps

Download before you arrive.

App

SL Reseplanerare

Official Stockholm public transport app for routes, real-time departures, and ticket purchase for Tunnelbana, bus, tram, and ferry

App

SJ (Statens Järnvägar)

National rail app for booking intercity trains across Sweden — essential for Stockholm-Gothenburg, Stockholm-Malmö, and northern routes

App

Uber

Available in Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö — often slightly cheaper than licensed taxis and with transparent upfront pricing

App

Bolt

Swedish-popular ride-hailing app competing with Uber — good value, widely used in Swedish cities

App

Västtrafik

Gothenburg and West Sweden regional transport app for trams, buses, and archipelago ferries — essential for Gothenburg visitors

Transport tips

Travel smarter, not harder.

Tip

Buy an SL Access card or use contactless payment for Stockholm metro and buses — single paper tickets cost more and are inconvenient

Tip

Book SJ train tickets at least 3 weeks in advance for Tidig (early bird) prices — often 50-70% cheaper than walk-up fares

Tip

The Arlanda Express (SJ train from airport) is expensive at $32 but saves 25+ minutes vs. the bus — worth it when time matters

Tip

Gothenburg's blue trams are iconic and practical — a single Västtrafik ticket covers trams, buses, and boats in the city

Tip

Between Stockholm and Gothenburg, train beats flying when you factor in airport time — 3 hours city center to city center

Tip

In Lapland, rent a car for flexibility — public transport exists but is very limited between small Arctic towns