Stockholm-Arlanda Airport

Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) is Sweden's largest airport and the primary international gateway to the Swedish capital, located approximately 40 km north of Stockholm city center. The airport serves as the main hub for SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) and handles over 26 million passengers annually.

The airport has four terminals spread across two distinct areas connected by a central SkyCity complex:

• Terminal 2: Charter flights and some low-cost carriers
• Terminal 3: Domestic flights (SAS domestic operations)
• Terminal 4: Additional domestic and Nordic flights
• Terminal 5: Main international terminal, SAS hub for long-haul and European flights

Terminals 2, 3, and 4 are located in the North Terminal area, while Terminal 5 is in the South Terminal area. SkyCity, located between them, houses the Arlanda Express station, parking facilities, hotels, and additional services.

Important note for Stockholm travelers: Stockholm is served by multiple airports. Budget carriers Ryanair and Wizz Air primarily use Stockholm Skavsta (NYO), located 100 km south of Stockholm, and Stockholm Vasteras (VST), located 100 km west. Despite marketing names, these airports require 60-90 minutes to reach central Stockholm. Bromma Airport (BMA), much closer to the city, handles some domestic and regional flights but has limited service.

Stockholm Arlanda is located 40 km north of Stockholm city center. Transport options range from the premium Arlanda Express train to budget-friendly buses and commuter trains.

Typical travel times:

• Stockholm Central Station: 20 min by Arlanda Express, 40-45 min by bus/commuter train
• Stockholm city center by taxi: 35-50 min (traffic dependent)
• Uppsala: 20 min by train
• Gothenburg: 3 hours by train (change at Stockholm C)

The airport has dedicated train stations at both SkyCity (between terminals) and Terminal 5 (south).

Uber

Uber operates at Stockholm Arlanda with pickup at designated areas.

• Pickup location: Follow signs to rideshare pickup outside arrivals (each terminal has designated zones)
• Services available: UberX, Uber Comfort, Uber XL
• Fares to Stockholm city center: SEK 450-650 (EUR 40-60 / USD 43-65) depending on destination and demand

Bolt

Bolt is also available as an alternative to Uber with similar pricing.

Taxi

Licensed taxis queue outside all terminal arrivals. Swedish taxis are deregulated, meaning prices vary significantly between companies.

Destination	Fixed Price (major companies)	Time
Stockholm Central Station	SEK 520-620 (EUR 45-55)	35-45 min
Stockholm city center	SEK 520-680 (EUR 45-60)	35-50 min
Uppsala	SEK 400-500 (EUR 35-45)	20-30 min
Sodermalm	SEK 550-700 (EUR 48-62)	40-55 min

Important: Always ask for the fixed price ("fast pris") to your destination before getting in. Major reputable companies include Taxi Stockholm, Taxi Kurir, and Taxi 020. Avoid unmarked taxis with high meter rates.

Arlanda Express

The Arlanda Express is a high-speed train connecting the airport directly to Stockholm Central Station in just 20 minutes.

To Stockholm Central Station:

1. Follow signs to "Arlanda Express" at SkyCity or Terminal 5
2. Purchase tickets at machines, online, or via the app (advance booking saves money)
3. Board the yellow Arlanda Express train
4. Exit at Stockholm C (only stop)

Ticket Type	Price
Single adult (full price)	SEK 320 (EUR 28 / USD 30)
Single adult (advance online)	From SEK 149
Youth (under 26)	SEK 160
Return adult	SEK 610
Group (2 adults traveling together)	SEK 240 per person

Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes Operating hours: 04:50-00:50 daily

Tip: Book online in advance at arlandaexpress.se for significant discounts. Same-day tickets are substantially more expensive.

Flygbussarna (Airport Coaches)

Flygbussarna offers a comfortable and economical bus connection to Stockholm.

To Stockholm City Terminal (adjacent to Central Station):

1. Follow signs to "Flygbussarna" outside arrivals
2. Purchase tickets online, via app, or from the driver (more expensive)
3. Journey time: 40-50 minutes (traffic dependent)

Ticket Type	Price
Single adult (online)	SEK 119 (EUR 10.50 / USD 11)
Single adult (on bus)	SEK 139
Return adult	SEK 219
Youth/Student	SEK 99

Frequency: Every 10-15 minutes during peak hours Operating hours: 24 hours (reduced frequency overnight)

Commuter Train (Pendeltag)

The SL Pendeltag commuter train offers the cheapest rail option but requires an additional station access fee.

To Stockholm Central Station:

1. Take Pendeltag line 41 or 42 from Arlanda C station (SkyCity)
2. Journey time: 38-43 minutes
3. Total cost: SL ticket + Arlanda passage fee

Ticket Component	Price
SL single ticket (75 min)	SEK 42 (EUR 3.70 / USD 4)
Arlanda passage supplement	SEK 130
Total	SEK 172 (EUR 15 / USD 16)

Note: The Arlanda passage fee applies to all SL public transit entering/leaving the airport. For solo travelers, Flygbussarna is often cheaper. The commuter train makes sense if you already have an SL travel card.

Other Bus Services

• Flixbus: Long-distance connections to other Swedish cities
• SL bus 583: Local connection to Marsta station (connect to Pendeltag without passage fee)

Arlanda offers extensive parking options with significant online booking discounts.

Terminal Parking

Facility	Location	Rate
P2/P3 (Short-term)	SkyCity	SEK 70/hour, max SEK 450/day
Alfa Long-term	Terminal 5	From SEK 195/day (online)
Beta Long-term	SkyCity	From SEK 165/day (online)
Gamma Long-term	SkyCity	From SEK 145/day (online)
Express Park	Drop-off only	First 10 min free

Tips:

• Book online at swedavia.se/arlanda for up to 50% discount
• Electric vehicle charging available in several facilities
• Heated parking garages available (important in Swedish winters)
• Free shuttle buses connect remote lots to terminals

Arlanda offers a solid selection of Swedish and international dining across its terminals.

Terminal 5 (International)

• O'Learys: Sports bar, American-style food
• The Flying Elk: Swedish gastropub by acclaimed chef Bjorn Franzen
• Pontus in the Air: Upscale Swedish cuisine, excellent seafood
• Asian Street Food: Pan-Asian quick service
• Wayne's Coffee: Swedish coffee chain
• McDonald's: Fast food, extended hours
• Espresso House: Coffee and pastries

North Terminals (T2-T4)

• Cafe Arlanda: Light meals and Swedish fika
• Subway: Sandwiches
• 7-Eleven: Quick snacks and coffee
• Johan & Nystrom: Premium Swedish coffee roaster

SkyCity (Landside)

• Sky Kitchen: Food court with multiple options
• Burger King: Fast food
• Sushi Yama: Japanese cuisine
• Pressbyrn: Swedish convenience store with sandwiches

Budget tip: 7-Eleven and Pressbyrn stores offer affordable sandwiches and snacks. For proper Swedish "fika" (coffee and pastry), look for cinnamon buns (kanelbullar) at any cafe.

Free WiFi is available throughout Stockholm Arlanda Airport.

Detail	Information
Network name	Arlanda Free WiFi
Registration	Accept terms (no email required)
Time limit	Unlimited
Speed	Good for browsing, streaming, and video calls

Premium WiFi with faster speeds is available in airline lounges.

SIM cards are available at the airport, though city shops typically offer better prices.

Airport Locations

• Telia Store (SkyCity): Sweden's largest carrier, prepaid SIMs
• 3 Store (Terminal 5): Prepaid options
• Pressbyrn/7-Eleven: Basic prepaid SIM cards

Pricing

Provider	Price	Data
Telia	From SEK 199	10 GB
3 (Tre)	From SEK 149	10 GB
Comviq	From SEK 99	6 GB
Lycamobile	From SEK 49	Budget option

Note: EU roaming is included on all Swedish SIM cards. For better prices, visit Telia, 3, or Telenor stores in central Stockholm.

ATMs are located throughout all terminals in both landside and airside areas. Major Swedish banks (SEB, Nordea, Swedbank, Handelsbanken) have machines available.

Currency

• Sweden: Swedish Krona (SEK)
• Exchange rate: Approximately 1 EUR = 11.3 SEK, 1 USD = 10.5 SEK

Currency Exchange

Forex Bank and X-change counters are located in arrivals and departures. Airport exchange rates include significant markups.

Better alternatives:

• Withdraw SEK from ATMs using a no-fee debit card (look for "Bankomat" branded ATMs for lower fees)
• Sweden is highly cashless; contactless cards accepted almost everywhere
• Wise or Revolut for better exchange rates

Tip: Sweden is one of the world's most cashless societies. Credit and debit cards are accepted virtually everywhere, including small purchases and market stalls. Many businesses actually prefer card payments. Cash is rarely necessary.

Stockholm Arlanda offers extensive tax-free shopping with a focus on Scandinavian design and brands.

Duty-Free

• Heinemann Tax Free (Terminal 5): Main duty-free operator with spirits, perfumes, cosmetics, and confectionery
• Scandinavian specialties: Swedish vodka (Absolut), aquavit, Swedish candy
• Tax-free savings: Up to 30-50% on alcohol and tobacco for non-EU travelers

Scandinavian Design

• Design House Stockholm: Contemporary Swedish design
• Designtorget: Curated Scandinavian homeware and gifts
• LEGO Store: Danish toy company
• Filippa K: Swedish minimalist fashion
• Acne Studios: Stockholm-based fashion brand

Swedish Specialties

• Swedish candy ("godis"): Pick-and-mix Swedish sweets
• Dalahast: Traditional Dala horse souvenirs
• Swedish food products: Lingonberry jam, crispbread, meatball spice mix

Tips

• Non-EU residents can claim VAT refunds (25% Swedish VAT) on purchases over SEK 200
• Pre-order online at arlanda.se for collection at the airport
• Best shopping selection is in Terminal 5 airside

Stockholm Arlanda has several lounge options, with SAS operating the primary lounges as their main Scandinavian hub.

SAS Lounges

SAS Lounge (Terminal 5, Schengen):

• Location: Near gate F26
• Access: SAS Plus/Business, EuroBonus Gold/Diamond, Star Alliance Gold, paid entry (SEK 395)
• Hours: 05:00-22:00
• Amenities: Hot and cold buffet, full bar, Scandinavian design, showers, quiet areas
• Quality: Flagship lounge, spacious with good food selection

SAS Lounge (Terminal 5, Non-Schengen):

• Location: Near gate F50
• Access: SAS Plus/Business, EuroBonus Gold/Diamond, Star Alliance Gold
• Hours: Based on flight schedules
• Amenities: Similar to Schengen lounge

SAS Lounge Domestic (Terminal 4):

• Access: SAS Plus, EuroBonus Gold/Diamond
• Hours: 05:30-21:00
• Amenities: Light refreshments, coffee, newspapers

Priority Pass Lounges

Menzies Aviation Lounge (Terminal 5, Schengen):

• Location: Near gate F26
• Hours: 05:30-21:30
• Amenities: Hot food, drinks, WiFi
• Notes: Can get crowded during peak hours

Menzies Aviation Lounge (Terminal 5, Non-Schengen):

• Location: Near international gates
• Hours: Based on flight schedules
• Amenities: Similar to Schengen location

Pay-Per-Entry

Most lounges offer day passes for SEK 350-450 (EUR 30-40). Book online through lounge websites or Priority Pass for discounts.

Several hotels are located at or very near Stockholm Arlanda.

At the Airport

Radisson Blu SkyCity Hotel

• Located in SkyCity between terminals, direct covered access
• 4-star, 230 rooms
• Restaurant, bar, fitness center, sauna
• From SEK 1,200/night (EUR 105)

Clarion Hotel Arlanda Airport

• Connected to SkyCity via covered walkway (3-minute walk)
• 4-star, 414 rooms, Sweden's largest airport hotel
• Restaurant, fitness center, pool
• From SEK 1,000/night (EUR 88)

Jumbo Stay

• Unique converted Boeing 747 aircraft
• Budget hostel-style accommodation
• Dorm beds from SEK 550/night, private cockpit suite from SEK 1,800/night
• 5-minute shuttle from terminals

Near the Airport

• Scandic Arlanda: Free shuttle, from SEK 900/night
• Connect Hotel Arlanda: Budget-friendly, free shuttle, from SEK 700/night
• Best Western Arlanda Hotellby: 10 minutes by shuttle, from SEK 800/night

Transit/Nap Options

• Rest areas: Designated quiet zones in Terminal 5 with seating
• SkyCity: 24-hour common areas with seating
• Sleeper cabins: Available in some lounges

Stockholm is a beautiful Nordic capital spread across 14 islands, known for its stunning waterways, world-class museums, innovative design, and vibrant food scene. The city center is just 20 minutes from the airport by express train.

Getting to Key Attractions

Destination	Travel Time	Route
Gamla Stan (Old Town)	25-30 min	Arlanda Express + T-bana 2 stops
Vasa Museum	35 min	Arlanda Express + bus 67 or tram 7
ABBA The Museum	35 min	Arlanda Express + tram 7
Royal Palace	25 min	Arlanda Express + walk
Skansen Open-Air Museum	35 min	Arlanda Express + tram 7
Sodermalm	30 min	Arlanda Express + T-bana
Stockholm City Hall	25 min	Walk from Stockholm C

Travel Tips

• Purchase an SL Access card for unlimited public transit (24/72-hour options available)
• The Stockholm Pass includes many museums and hop-on-hop-off transport
• Stockholm is very walkable; Gamla Stan, Norrmalm, and Ostermalm are easily explored on foot
• Tipping is not expected in Sweden; service is included
• Many museums are free, including Moderna Museet and Historiska Museet
• Summer days are extremely long (near 24-hour daylight in June)
• Winter days are very short (6 hours of daylight in December)

Layover Recommendations

• 4-hour layover: Walk through Gamla Stan's cobblestone streets, see the Royal Palace exterior
• 6-hour layover: Add the Vasa Museum (17th-century warship) or Stockholm City Hall
• 8+ hour layover: Explore Djurgarden island (Vasa Museum, Skansen, ABBA Museum), fika at a traditional cafe

Day Trips from Stockholm

• Uppsala: 40 min by train, historic university city, impressive cathedral
• Sigtuna: 1 hour by bus, Sweden's oldest town, charming cafes
• Drottningholm Palace: 45 min by boat, royal residence, UNESCO World Heritage
• Stockholm Archipelago: 1-2 hours by boat, over 30,000 islands to explore
• Vaxholm: 1 hour by boat, fortress island, seafood restaurants

Swedish Specialties

• Swedish meatballs (kottbullar): Served with lingonberries and cream sauce
• Gravlax: Cured salmon with dill and mustard sauce
• Toast Skagen: Shrimp toast, a Stockholm classic
• Kanelbullar: Cinnamon buns (fika essential)
• Semla: Cardamom bun with almond paste and cream (February specialty)
• Sill (Pickled herring): Multiple varieties, especially at Midsummer
• Swedish craft beer: Growing scene with local breweries
• Snaps/Aquavit: Traditional caraway-spiced spirit