How to Get From Arlanda Airport to Stockholm City Centre

Getting from Stockholm Arlanda Airport to Stockholm city centre is simple once you know your options. Arlanda Airport is located about 40 kilometres (25 miles) north of central Stockholm, and there are several ways to travel between Arlanda Airport and the city: by train, airport bus, taxi or private chauffeur transfer. This guide compares every way to get from Arlanda Airport to Stockholm city centre by travel time, ticket costs and comfort, so you can choose the best option to get into the city.

Overview of options from Arlanda Airport

Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) is Sweden's largest airport and the main gateway for travelling to Stockholm. Because the airport is located well north of the centre, knowing how to get from the airport to the city matters — especially after a long flight. Public transportation in Stockholm is excellent, and the links between Arlanda and Stockholm include a fast train, the SL commuter train, airport buses and private transfers. Here's how each way to reach the city compares.

Arlanda Express (the fastest way)

The Arlanda Express is a dedicated airport train and the fastest way to get from Arlanda Airport to Stockholm Central Station. This fast, direct train makes the non-stop run from Arlanda Airport to Stockholm Central in just 18 minutes.

- Travel time: the train takes 18 minutes from Arlanda Airport to reach Stockholm Central Station - Frequency: every 12–15 minutes for most of the day - Ticket costs: around 340 SEK for a single adult ticket

The Arlanda Express is the fastest option, with frequent departures and plenty of luggage space. You can purchase tickets at the station, through the Arlanda Express website, or via the app. The main drawback is the ticket cost — it's the most expensive way to travel between Arlanda Airport and Stockholm city.

Best for: business travellers and anyone who wants to reach Stockholm Central Station as fast as possible.

SL commuter train (often the cheapest way)

Stockholm's SL commuter train (pendeltåg) also connects Arlanda Airport and Stockholm Central Station. The commuter train to Stockholm takes around 38 minutes and runs on the regular SL public transport network, stopping at Arlanda Central station directly beneath the terminals. You can use a standard SL ticket, though a separate station passage fee applies at Arlanda Central station.

To find the cheapest way to travel from Arlanda, budget travellers often take bus 583 to Märsta first, then board the SL commuter train to Stockholm Central Station from the city station at Märsta. It's the cheapest way to get from Arlanda to Stockholm city, but it adds a transfer and takes longer.

Best for: budget travellers with light luggage who don't mind a slower trip on public transport.

Airport bus – Flygbussarna

The Flygbussarna airport bus is a comfortable, affordable shuttle bus between Arlanda Airport and Stockholm city centre. The Flygbussarna bus goes to Stockholm Cityterminalen, the central bus terminal next to Stockholm Central Station.

- Travel time: around 45 minutes, depending on traffic - Frequency: every 10–15 minutes - Ticket costs: cheaper than the Arlanda Express

The airport buses are a popular middle ground — a reliable shuttle bus with room for standard luggage. As with the train, you'll still need onward transport from the bus terminal to your final address. For many visitors this public bus is a good balance of cost and convenience.

Best for: travellers who want a simple, affordable shuttle bus and aren't in a hurry.

Taxi from Arlanda Airport

A taxi offers door-to-door service directly from Arlanda Airport to Stockholm city centre in about 35–45 minutes, depending on traffic and your destination in downtown Stockholm.

Most reputable taxi companies offer a fixed price for the Arlanda Airport to Stockholm City route — often around 500–700 SEK — but always confirm the fixed price before you start, as unfamiliar taxis at the airport can charge far more. Use only the established firms at the official rank.

Best for: travellers who want a direct ride and are happy to pay for convenience over public transport.

Private chauffeur transfer (the most comfortable way)

A pre-booked private chauffeur transfer is the most comfortable way to get from Arlanda Airport to Stockholm. It takes the door-to-door convenience of a taxi and removes the uncertainty — the price is agreed in advance and everything is arranged before you land.

The details that matter most for international travellers arriving at Stockholm Arlanda Airport:

- Meet and greet: your chauffeur waits in the arrivals hall, often with a name sign, and helps with your luggage — no searching for a rank or an app. - Flight monitoring: your flight is tracked, so a delayed or early arrival is never a problem and you won't be charged for the wait. - English-speaking drivers: a real help if it's your first time getting around Stockholm. - Space for groups and luggage: larger vehicles carry families or colleagues together, with room for everyone's bags.

The travel time is similar to a taxi at around 35–45 minutes, but the transfer from Arlanda Airport to the city centre is calmer, more private and completely stress-free.

Best for: business travellers, families and groups who want the most comfortable way to get from Arlanda Airport to Stockholm city centre.

Comparison: the best way to get from Arlanda to Stockholm

- Fastest way: the Arlanda Express is the fastest — a fast train from Arlanda Airport to Stockholm Central Station in 18 minutes - Cheapest way to travel: the SL commuter train via Märsta, or the Flygbussarna airport bus - Most convenient door-to-door: taxi or private chauffeur transfer - Most comfortable way: a pre-booked private chauffeur with meet-and-greet

Each option to get from Arlanda Airport to Stockholm city centre suits a different priority — balancing travel time, ticket costs and comfort.

Common questions

How long does it take to get from Arlanda Airport to Stockholm city centre? Travel time ranges from 18 minutes on the Arlanda Express to around 45–50 minutes by SL commuter train or airport bus. A taxi or private chauffeur usually takes 35–45 minutes door to door.

What is the cheapest way to get from Arlanda to Stockholm? The cheapest option is the SL commuter train — lowest of all if you take bus 583 to Märsta and change there — or the Flygbussarna airport bus for a simple, low-cost shuttle into the city centre.

What's the easiest way to get from Arlanda with luggage? A private chauffeur or a taxi. Both take you directly from Arlanda Airport to your accommodation, so you never lift heavy bags on and off public transport.

How far is Arlanda Airport from the city? Arlanda Airport is located about 40 kilometres (25 miles) north of central Stockholm.

How do I get back to the airport from the city? The same options run in reverse. The Arlanda Express departs Stockholm Central Station regularly, and a private transfer can collect you from your hotel. Allow extra time when heading back to the airport — generally 2–3 hours for international flights.

Where can I purchase tickets? You can purchase tickets online in advance (often cheaper), at machines and desks in the terminal, or through the relevant app or website. The Arlanda Express website and the SL app are the easiest places to buy.

Final recommendation

For speed, the Arlanda Express is the fastest way to travel between Stockholm and the airport, reaching Stockholm Central in 18 minutes. For the cheapest way to travel, take the SL commuter train or the Flygbussarna airport bus. But if you'd rather step off your flight and be driven straight to your hotel — greeted by name, luggage handled, no queues — a private chauffeur transfer is the most comfortable way to get from Arlanda Airport to Stockholm city centre.

We provide premium private transfers between Arlanda Airport and central Stockholm, with professional English-speaking drivers, meet-and-greet and flight monitoring included. [Request your tailored quote](/arlanda-airport-transfer) and start your trip the easy way.