Stockholm-Arlanda Airport
Airport guide 2026

Stockholm-Arlanda Airport ARN

Sweden

Stockholm-Arlanda Airport is Sweden's principal air hub, located approximately 40 km north of the capital.

The country's most heavily trafficked gateway, providing access to the Gamla Stan medieval old town and Stockholm's archipelago.

Content verified on 04/09/2026
Official source: www.swedavia.se/arlanda

How to get to Stockholm-Arlanda Airport

The center of Stockholm is approximately 40 km from the airport: the transfer takes approximately 18 minutes by Arlanda Express train, the fastest option.

By Car

Those arriving by car reach the center of Stockholm in approximately 35-45 minutes, traffic permitting.

By Train

Arlanda Express reaches the central station in just 18 minutes, with departures every 10-15 minutes; the SL commuter train with Arlanda supplement is a more economical alternative (approximately 186 SEK, 38 minutes).

By Bus

Flygbussarna buses connect the airport to the city centre in approximately 45 minutes, fare 119 SEK, with departures every 15-20 minutes during peak hours.
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Tips Booking Arlanda Express online in advance reduces the ticket price from 320 SEK to 149-199 SEK: always check for discounted fares before buying directly at the station.

Average travel time to ARN

Train18 minutes (Arlanda Express, from 149 SEK online)
Shuttle busAvailable service (Flygbussarna, 45 min, 119 SEK)
Taxi / Private hire35-50 minutes (545-745 SEK)

Parking near Stockholm-Arlanda Airport

Next to the terminal is a multi-level parking structure.

Rates are high, in line with Swedish cost of living.

How to get to Stockholm from ARN

By Train

The Arlanda Express reaches the central station in 18 minutes (149-320 SEK); the SL commuter train with Arlanda supplement takes 38 minutes (approximately 186 SEK).

By Bus

Flygbussarna buses connect the airport to the city center in approximately 45 minutes, fare 119 SEK.

By Taxi

Taxis do not have regulated fares: always check the price sticker on the rear window before getting in. Fixed fares to Stockholm are approximately 545-745 SEK depending on zone, 35-50 minutes.

Airport transfers you can book in advance

Shuttles and private transfers you can book online, picked from the best rated by travelers.

Car rental at Stockholm-Arlanda Airport

The most well-known rental companies have their own counter in the terminal arrivals area.

EU citizens do not need an International Driving Permit: a driver's license, passport, and credit card are sufficient.

 

Hotels near Stockholm-Arlanda Airport

The Arlanda Express connects the terminal to central Stockholm in 18 minutes with no stops, so anyone with more than one night planned almost always finds it easier to sleep in the city: the direct train makes staying near the runways unnecessary, unlike Bromma, already inside Stockholm, or Skavsta and Västerås, over 100 km from the capital. The calculation changes for one-night layovers and departures before 6, when every minute of transfer counts: in that case the Sky City cluster, between terminals 4 and 5, offers hotels such as the Clarion Hotel Arlanda Airport within walking distance of the gates. Those who instead want to combine the airport with a stop in the historic centre can head for Gamla Stan, two metro stops from T-Centralen.
City centre

Central Station and Norrmalm

Nonstop Arlanda Express in 18 minutes, departures every 15 minutes from 5 to 24; both Arlanda South (terminals 2, 3, 4) and Arlanda North (terminal 5) stations connect to the terminals. Adult ticket 320 SEK one way, about 28 euros.

Best for: Those who want the direct train to the airport a couple of steps from the room and the city within walking distance.

Pros
  • Direct train with no intermediate stops, handy even for the earliest morning flights
  • Scandic Grand Central and Radisson Blu Royal Viking both have their entrance under 150 metres from the platforms
Cons
  • An area of offices and department stores: genuine evening life is scarce outside Vasagatan
  • The Arlanda Express ticket is among the most expensive in Europe relative to the distance covered
See more hotels in this area
Neighbourhood

Gamla Stan

The metro (red or green line) takes you from Gamla Stan to T-Centralen in about 2 minutes, from where the Arlanda Express departs; on foot, Central Station is 15-20 minutes away.

Best for: Those who want the medieval alleys of the historic centre and accept a few minutes on the metro to reach the direct trains to the airport.

Pros
  • Royal Palace and Stockholm Cathedral within a few minutes' walk
  • A largely pedestrian neighbourhood, without the traffic of the streets around the station
Cons
  • For the airport you always need to pass through T-Centralen, by metro or on foot
  • Narrow alleys crowded with tourists during the day, with shops often aimed only at tourism
See more hotels in this area
 

Airport services

The airport is Sweden's leading hub, home to SAS, with connections worldwide.

Shopping & Duty Free

The duty-free area features Scandinavian design, Swedish chocolate, and local salted licorice.

Lounges & relaxation

At Arlanda, independent and airline lounges coexist in the same terminal, Terminal 5, alongside the two Pearl Lounges in Terminals 2 and 4. Those with Priority Pass or DragonPass find entry both at the Pearl lounges and at the two Luxe by Aspire lounges, split between the Schengen and non-Schengen areas; SAS travellers instead have two lounges of their own, one of which was born from the merger of the former Business and Gold lounges. Holders of an American Express Centurion or Platinum card can also access the dedicated lounge, the largest in the Nordic countries.
lounges
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Which lounge to choose: full comparison

Connectivity & Wi-Fi

No restrictions apply: free Wi-Fi covers the entire terminal.

Families & Children

Play areas for children are available along with dedicated family assistance.

Terminal guide

The terminals, modern and efficient, handle Sweden's most intense traffic.

Those flying international routes should plan for 2.5-3 hours of advance time.

Map of Stockholm-Arlanda Airport

Map of Stockholm-Arlanda Airport

Frequently asked questions

Q. What's the fastest way to get to Stockholm from Arlanda?

The Arlanda Express train, which reaches Central Station in just 18 minutes; booking online at least 5 days ahead brings the ticket price down from 320 to 199 SEK.

Q. Do Arlanda's taxis have fixed fares?

Not regulated by law: always check the comparative price sticker (jämförpris) displayed on the rear window before getting in.

Q. Is there a cheaper alternative to the Arlanda Express train?

Yes, the Flygbussarna buses (about 129 SEK online, 40-50 minutes) or the SL commuter train with an Arlanda surcharge (about 186 SEK, 38 minutes).

Q. Is Arlanda SAS's base?

Yes, it's the main hub of the Scandinavian flag carrier, with connections worldwide.

Flight board

Real-time status of arriving and departing flights

Nearby Airports

Things to do in Stockholm

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