Getting from Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) to the city centre is very straightforward. Since Arlanda is around 40 km from Stockholm, choosing the right transport option can save you both time and money. In this guide, I’ll focus on the two best shared transfer options: the Arlanda Express train and the Vy Flygbussarna airport bus. Of course, taxis and car rentals are available, but I wouldn’t recommend driving unless you plan to explore beyond the city.
1. Arlanda Express – The Fastest Way to Reach Stockholm
The Arlanda Express is by far the fastest and most convenient way to get from Arlanda to Stockholm Central Station. The journey takes just 18 minutes, making it the best choice if you value speed or are arriving late and want a quick, hassle-free connection.
Why choose the Arlanda Express?
- Only 18 minutes to Stockholm Central
- Departures every 12 minutes (15 minutes later in the day)
- Modern, clean, spacious trains
- Directly located beneath the terminals
- Easy to navigate with clear yellow signs
The trains depart from:
- Arlanda South (Terminals 2, 3, 4)
- Arlanda North (Terminal 5)
(Ryanair flights land in Terminal 5.)
Both stations are directly below the terminal buildings, and you can reach them easily via escalators and lifts.
Schedule
- Earliest train: 04:20
- Last train: 00:35
There are no trains between 00:35 and 04:20.
Price
- SEK 340 one way (~€30)
- SEK 640 return (~€56)
The main downside is the cost — Sweden is expensive, and the Arlanda Express reflects that.
But!
If you’re travelling with others, the group discounts are excellent:
- 2 people: ~€21 each
- 3 people: even cheaper
- 4+ people: the price-per-person drops significantly
For groups, this makes the train extremely good value.
A great perk: tickets are valid for 90 days, so you can buy them well in advance.
Best for:
Travellers who want the fastest and most convenient option, or those arriving late or with limited time in Stockholm.
2. Flygbussarna – The Cheapest Way to the City Centre
If you’re travelling solo or on a budget, the Vy Flygbussarna airport bus is honestly the best option. It’s comfortable, reliable, and cheaper than the Arlanda Express.
Why choose Flygbussarna?
- SEK 129 one way (~€11.50)
— more than 50% cheaper than the train - Group discounts available
- Easy to find thanks to clear airport signage
- Modern, comfortable coaches with luggage space
If you’re travelling as two, you still save money:
- 2 people: ~€10.50 each
Journey Time
The bus takes 42 minutes to reach Stockholm Cityterminalen, which is the main bus station located right next to Stockholm Central Station. It’s longer than the train, but still very manageable, especially considering the price.
Schedule
- Buses depart every 15–20 minutes during the day
- Every 30 minutes after 22:00
- Earliest bus: 04:10
- Last bus: 01:40
Where it Stops
The bus route ends at Cityterminalen, which connects directly to:
- Stockholm Central Station (trains)
- Metro lines
- Long-distance buses
You’re right in the heart of the city.
Best for:
Solo travellers, budget travellers, or anyone who doesn’t mind a slightly longer journey for a much cheaper fare.
Which option should you choose?
- Fastest: Arlanda Express
- Cheapest: Flygbussarna
- Best for groups: Arlanda Express (group discounts)
- Best for solo travellers: Flygbussarna
- Best late at night: Flygbussarna (runs later)
My Experience Using Both Options
Our flight arrived in Stockholm at 11:00 AM, and with only two days to explore, we chose the Arlanda Express to maximise our daylight hours. I booked my tickets through GetYourGuide and received them instantly. There’s no need to validate anything at the station, a conductor onboard simply scans the QR code to confirm your ticket. The 18-minute journey was fast, comfortable, and completely stress-free, delivering us right into the heart of the city.
After ticking off everything we wanted to see in Stockholm, we took the Flygbussarna back to the airport. We didn’t mind the extra 25 minutes at all— it suited our schedule perfectly and was a great way to save money. I booked our tickets online using the links above, and the driver simply scanned the QR code as we boarded. One thing I noticed: buying tickets from the machines at the airport costs more than purchasing them online. Since the tickets are valid for 90 days, it’s worth booking them in advance to save both time and money.
Getting from Stockholm Arlanda to the city center is genuinely quick and stress-free, whether you choose the speed of the Arlanda Express or the budget-friendly Flygbussarna. Both options are easy to navigate, comfortable, and reliable, so just pick what suits your schedule and budget. Either way, you’ll be exploring beautiful Stockholm in no time.
Happy Travels! x
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