Stockholm Arlanda Airport to Central Station: Arlanda Express vs Flygbussarna
Compare Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) to Central Station routes: Arlanda Express (18 min), Flygbussarna bus (45 min), SL train fee, and taxi fares.
- ✓The Arlanda Express connects Arlanda Airport to Stockholm Central Station in 18 minutes non-stop for 340 SEK, with discounted group rates for 2 to 4 adults.
- ✓Flygbussarna coaches run directly to Stockholm Cityterminalen in 45 to 50 minutes for 129 SEK booked online, offering free Wi-Fi and luggage storage.
- ✓The underground Arlanda Central rail station charges a mandatory 135 SEK passage supplement fee for passengers using regular SL commuter trains.
Arriving at Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) places you 42 kilometers (26 miles) north of downtown Stockholm. Reaching the cobblestone alleys of Gamla Stan or the central hub of Stockholm Central Station (Stockholm C / T-Centralen) is fast, clean, and well-organized.
Choosing between the high-speed Arlanda Express, the budget-friendly Flygbussarna coach, the regional commuter train, and licensed taxis depends on your party size, budget, and arrival schedule.
Quick Route Comparison: ARN to Stockholm Central
| Transport Option | Travel Time | One-Way Fare (SEK / USD) | Frequency | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Arlanda Express Train | 18 mins | 340 SEK (~$32.50 USD) (Group 2: 460 SEK) | Every 10–15 mins | #1 Fastest: Business travelers, couples, and time-sensitive arrivals |
| Flygbussarna Coach | 45–50 mins | 129 SEK (~$12.50 USD) (Youth: 109 SEK) | Every 10–15 mins | #1 Budget Direct: Solo travelers, backpackers, Vasastan stops |
| SL Commuter Train (Line 40) | 39 mins | 177 SEK (42 SEK fare + 135 SEK fee) | Every 30 mins | Travelers continuing onto south Stockholm suburbs without changing |
| SL Bus 583 + Train Hack | 60–65 mins | 42 SEK (~$4.00 USD) (Included in SL Pass) | Every 15 mins | Ultra-budget backpackers & SL 24h/72h Travelcard holders |
| Taxi / Uber / Bolt | 40–50 mins | 750–890 SEK (~$72–$85 USD) | On Demand | Families of 3–4 with heavy luggage & late-night arrivals |
Arlanda Express High-Speed Train: Fastest Non-Stop Link
The Arlanda Express is Sweden’s purpose-built high-speed airport link, operating at up to 200 km/h (125 mph) directly into Stockholm Central Station (Platforms 1 & 2):
- Arlanda South (Arlanda Södra) serves Terminals 2, 3, and 4.
- Arlanda North (Arlanda Norra) serves Terminal 5, where most international carriers land.
- Travel time is 18 minutes non-stop, with departures every 10 to 15 minutes.
- Standard adult one-way tickets are 340 SEK, and round-trips are 640 SEK.
- The “Travel Together” group discount reduces costs considerably: two adults pay 460 SEK total (230 SEK each), three adults pay 590 SEK total, and four adults pay 720 SEK total (180 SEK each). Children up to age 17 ride free when accompanied by a paying adult.
Flygbussarna Airport Coach: Budget Direct Transfer
For solo travelers and budget-conscious visitors, Flygbussarna coaches provide comfortable point-to-point service to Stockholm Cityterminalen, connected indoors to the central rail concourse:
- Coaches pick up outside Terminal 4 (Stop 7) and Terminal 2/3 (Stop 6).
- Departures run every 10 to 15 minutes during daylight hours, with 24-hour service maintained on reduced nighttime frequency.
- The route takes 45 to 50 minutes along the E4 highway, stopping en route at Järva Krog, Haga Norra, Karolinska Sjukhuset, and S:t Eriksplan in Vasastan.
- Fares purchased in the app or online are 129 SEK for adults and 109 SEK for travelers under 18.
- Coaches include free Wi-Fi, USB charging outlets, and luggage storage bays.
SL Commuter Train and the Bus 583 Alternative
Stockholm’s public transit agency (SL) operates Pendeltåg commuter rail services (Line 40) linking Uppsala, Arlanda, and Stockholm City:
- Arlanda Central station is located in SkyCity between Terminals 4 and 5.
- Because the underground tunnel was constructed via private financing, every traveler aged 18 and older must pay a mandatory 135 SEK station passage supplement (Passageavgift) on top of the standard 42 SEK transit fare (177 SEK total).
- Travelers looking to avoid the passage fee can take local SL Bus 583 from outside the terminal to Märsta station (15 mins), then board SL Commuter Train Line 41 or 42X to Stockholm City (37 mins). This journey costs only the standard 42 SEK single fare and is entirely covered by an SL 24-hour or 72-hour pass.
Official Taxis and Ride-Hailing Guidelines
Taxi fares in Sweden are deregulated, so selecting an authorized operator is essential:
- Stick to well-established fleets such as Taxi Stockholm, Taxi Kurir, or Sverigetaxi.
- These reputable companies offer fixed flat rates into central Stockholm between 750 SEK and 890 SEK.
- By Swedish law, every taxi displays a yellow comparative price sticker on the rear passenger window showing the maximum standard 10 km rate.
- App-based options like Uber and Bolt operate regularly, quoting between 650 SEK and 850 SEK depending on traffic demand.
Step-by-Step Route: Arlanda Express into Downtown Stockholm
Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) to Stockholm Central via Arlanda Express
Follow Yellow 'Arlanda Express' Signs in Terminal
After clearing customs in Terminal 5 or Terminals 2-4, follow the prominent yellow Arlanda Express ceiling signs directly to the dedicated express elevators and escalators.
Board Arlanda Express at Arlanda North or South
Arlanda Express (A-Train)Step aboard the high-speed yellow train. There are no platform turnstiles; conductor staff inspect your digital mobile QR code ticket smoothly during transit.
Arrive at Stockholm Central Station (Stockholm C)
T-Centralen Interchange HubDisembark at Platforms 1 & 2. Walk through the glass doors into the main station hall to connect instantly to the T-Centralen metro (Green, Red, and Blue subway lines).
Recommended Central Accommodations Near Stockholm Transit Hubs
Radisson Blu Royal Viking Hotel (Stockholm Central)
📍 Directly adjacent to Stockholm Central Station and Arlanda Express platforms
Prices and availability update in real time. We may earn an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you.
Selecting the Best Option for Your Stockholm Arrival
The Arlanda Express (340 SEK, 18 minutes non-stop) is the premier option for business travelers or anyone short on time, especially when traveling in a party of two to four who can take advantage of substantial group discounts. For solo budget travelers, the Flygbussarna coach (129 SEK, 45 to 50 minutes) offers reliable, direct curbside transit to Cityterminalen with onboard Wi-Fi and power outlets. Travelers carrying an active SL 24-hour or 72-hour pass can skip the 135 SEK station passage fee by taking SL Bus 583 to Märsta and connecting to the commuter train for a total fare of 42 SEK. Fixed-rate taxis or app rides (750–890 SEK) provide convenient door-to-door transit for families landing late at night with heavy bags.