Sweden Transportation Guide: All About SJ Trains, SL Transport Cards, and Airport Transfers
Sweden has an efficient public transport system with clear English signage. Understanding the two main systems — SJ and SL — allows smooth connections between airport express trains, intercity rail, and metro lines without getting lost.
Arrival and Getting into Town
| Airport | How to Get into Town | Time/Price |
|---|
| Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) | Arlanda Express | Approximately 20 minutes, around 300 SEK |
| Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) | Flygbussarna airport bus | Approximately 45 minutes, around 130 SEK |
| Gothenburg Landvetter (GOT) | Airport bus to city center | Approximately 30 minutes, around 120 SEK |
| Kiruna (KRN) | Airport bus or taxi | Approximately 20 minutes |
Intercity Trains
- Sweden’s national railway is operated by SJ, connecting Stockholm, Gothenburg, Malmö, and northern cities. Early bird tickets are significantly cheaper.
- The journey from Stockholm to Gothenburg takes about 3 hours, and Stockholm to Malmö about 4.5 hours. Night trains go all the way to Lapland in the north.
- Tickets can be purchased on the SJ website or app. They are name-based, and the earlier you book, the lower the price.
- Öresundståg trains cross the Øresund Bridge and go directly to Copenhagen, Denmark.
Urban Transport
- Public transport in Stockholm is operated by SL. The metro, buses, trams, and ferries all use the same transport card.
- You can buy single tickets or opt for 24-hour, 72-hour, or 7-day passes. Each entry counts as one trip.
- Contactless bank cards and mobile payments are accepted on most lines, and metro gates support card taps.
- Gothenburg and Malmö have their own local transport cards. Major attractions can often be reached on foot or by tram.
- In Stockholm, you can also take ferries to Djurgården Island and the Old Town, which are included in the SL ticket.
Taxis and Driving
Taxis in Sweden have high flagfall rates, with short trips costing around 150–300 SEK. Public transport is generally recommended. When taking a taxi, check for rooftop lights and window price displays, as prices vary significantly between companies. Cars are usually not needed within cities, but they offer flexibility for exploring the archipelago in summer or chasing the Northern Lights in winter. In northern Sweden during winter, make sure the vehicle has winter tires and stay alert to icy roads and limited daylight.
Tips
- Use the SJ app to check intercity train schedules and real-time fares, and the SL app or Google Maps for urban transit options.
- Sweden is largely cashless. It’s best to buy transport tickets via apps or bank cards rather than using cash.
- Road conditions in northern Sweden can be challenging in winter. For intercity travel, trains or flights are preferable. If driving, winter tires are mandatory.
- Long-distance buses operated by FlixBus, Vy, and others are often cheaper than trains and are a good option for budget-conscious travelers.