How to Use Arlanda Express Between Stockholm and Arlanda

For many visitors, the first decision after landing at Stockholm Arlanda Airport is how to reach the city center quickly and with minimal stress. The Arlanda Express, a dedicated airport rail link between Arlanda and Stockholm Central Station, is often the fastest and most comfortable option. This guide explains, in practical detail, how to use Arlanda Express for airport transfers in both directions, what it costs, where to board, and how it compares to other choices.

What Arlanda Express Is and When It Makes Sense

Arlanda Express is a non-stop airport train connecting Stockholm Arlanda Airport with Stockholm Central Station. The journey takes about 18 minutes end to end, which is significantly faster than airport buses or commuter trains that usually take around 35 to 45 minutes depending on traffic and intermediate stops. Trains are modern, with reserved space for luggage, clear flight information screens and good onboard announcements in Swedish and English.

The service is designed for travelers who value speed and predictability. For example, if you land at Arlanda at 08:00 and have a 10:00 business meeting in downtown Stockholm near the central station, Arlanda Express makes it realistic to clear the airport, ride into the city, check into your hotel or drop a bag, and still arrive on time. In contrast, a bus transfer in morning rush-hour traffic could easily take an extra 20 to 30 minutes.

Frequency is also a major advantage. At peak times, trains typically depart every 15 minutes, with somewhat reduced frequency early in the morning and late at night. If your flight is slightly delayed, you usually just board the next train rather than worrying about having missed a sparse departure.

Arlanda Express is not always the cheapest option, especially for solo travelers on tight budgets or for people staying far outside central Stockholm. In those cases, airport buses or regional/commuter trains can be more economical, even if they add some extra travel time. The train is best thought of as a premium city link rather than the only way in and out.

Understanding the Route and Stations

Arlanda Express runs on the Arlanda Line between Stockholm Central Station and two airport stations: Arlanda South and Arlanda North. Arlanda South serves Terminals 2, 3 and 4, and Arlanda North serves Terminal 5. Between the two airport stations the ride is just a couple of minutes, and from either station to Stockholm Central is roughly 18 minutes in total.

Within the airport, both Arlanda South and Arlanda North are located beneath or directly adjacent to the terminal buildings, connected by escalators and elevators. At Terminal 5, for instance, you can follow signs for the express train and descend to the Arlanda North station level via escalator. Travelers arriving at Terminal 2 often reach the platform simply by taking an elevator down from the arrivals hall level. The airport’s internal wayfinding is heavily branded with the train’s yellow and black colors, so it is difficult to miss.

In Stockholm, the train terminates at Stockholm Central Station on dedicated platforms 1 and 2. These platforms sit in the northern section of the main station complex, with their own Arlanda Express lounge and a taxi rank directly outside. From here it is a short indoor walk to the main concourse, regional and long-distance train platforms, and the connected Cityterminalen bus station. The Stockholm metro and commuter rail platforms labeled “T-Centralen” and “Stockholm City” are one level below the main hall, reachable by escalator or elevator.

Because Arlanda Express goes directly into the core of the national rail hub, it is often the most straightforward option if you need to connect to intercity trains towards Gothenburg, Malmö, Uppsala or other Swedish cities. Many travelers schedule a 20 to 30 minute buffer at Stockholm Central between the airport train and a long-distance departure, which is usually sufficient in normal conditions.

Fares, Discounts and Realistic Budgeting

Ticket prices on Arlanda Express change from time to time, but as of mid 2026 a standard adult one-way fare from Arlanda to Stockholm Central or vice versa is typically a few hundred Swedish kronor. Public discussions in Swedish media in late 2025 referenced adult single fares around 340 SEK, and while the new owner of the operating company has signaled an intention to introduce lower-priced ticket categories, travelers should expect prices to remain at the premium end compared with commuter rail or bus alternatives.

There are several important discounts and categories that can make the train more affordable, especially for families and groups. Children up to 7 years generally travel free when accompanied by a paying adult, and there are family or “adult plus children” tickets that can significantly reduce the total cost if you are traveling with one or more kids. For instance, a couple arriving with two small children can often ride together for little more than the price of two adult tickets, effectively giving the kids a free or heavily discounted ride.

Group discounts are also common. Arlanda Express regularly promotes offers where two, three or four adults traveling together pay a reduced per-person price compared with buying individual tickets. This can make the train competitive with airport buses if you are a small group. As an example, four friends splitting a group fare may find their effective one-way cost per person close to what they would pay for a dedicated airport coach, while still benefiting from the 18 minute transfer time.

When budgeting, it helps to compare the whole door-to-door cost and time rather than just the airport leg. If your hotel is adjacent to Stockholm Central Station, such as the Radisson Blu Waterfront or the Sheraton Stockholm which both sit within a short walk of the platforms, you might save a taxi or inner-city public transport fare by taking Arlanda Express directly to the station and walking the final few hundred meters.

Buying Tickets: Online, Machines and Onboard

Arlanda Express tickets can be bought in several ways: via the official website or app, from ticket machines at Arlanda Airport and Stockholm Central, at staffed service points, and in many cases directly from onboard staff. The pricing is usually identical across channels, although some occasional campaign fares may appear first online or in the app.

Many travelers prefer to purchase tickets online before flying, particularly when they know their arrival time and want to save a few minutes after landing. A common pattern is to buy a flexible ticket that is valid for a period, such as up to 90 days from purchase, rather than for a specific departure. That way, if your flight is delayed, you simply board the next available train without needing to change the booking. Mobile tickets typically come as QR codes that are scanned at the platform gate or by the conductor on board.

If you decide to wait until you arrive, ticket machines are located near the entrances to Arlanda South and Arlanda North stations and around the Arlanda Express platforms at Stockholm Central. These machines accept major credit and debit cards and usually offer language options including English and several other European languages. The process is straightforward: select your destination (Stockholm or Arlanda), choose adult, youth, senior or group/family options, then pay and collect a printed ticket with a barcode.

Onboard purchase is primarily a fallback for travelers who reach the platform in a rush. Staff can usually sell you a ticket after you board, using a handheld terminal. In practice, many locals and frequent visitors rely on digital tickets stored in their phone wallet, while first-time visitors often find it easiest to stop at a machine, especially if their roaming data is limited on arrival.

Step-by-Step: From Arlanda Airport to Stockholm City

Using Arlanda Express from the airport into town is relatively simple, but having a clear sequence can reduce stress after a long flight. After disembarking the aircraft, follow the normal route through passport control and baggage claim. Once you are in the public arrivals hall, look for yellow and black signs with the Arlanda Express logo and arrows pointing towards “Express Train” or “To Stockholm.” In Terminal 5, these signs lead you along a corridor and down a set of escalators to Arlanda North station; in Terminals 2, 3 or 4 the route is similar but takes you to Arlanda South station.

At station level, you will find ticket machines, information screens with departure times and platform numbers, and at least one staffed service point during core hours. If you already hold a mobile ticket, you can proceed directly towards the platform gate. Depending on the exact station layout, you either scan your QR code at a barrier to open it or show your code to a staff member at the platform entrance. Trains are clearly marked in Arlanda Express yellow and usually pull in a few minutes before departure.

Once on board, store your luggage in the racks near the doors or between seat backs. Overhead shelves are suitable for smaller bags and backpacks, but larger suitcases are more secure in the dedicated racks. Seats are unreserved within the class you have purchased, and there is no complicated carriage numbering. As the train departs, information screens typically show the remaining journey time and sometimes live arrival estimates into Stockholm Central.

On arrival at Stockholm Central, exit the train and follow the crowd along the platform towards the Arlanda Express lounge area. From here, escalators and elevators lead up to street level on the Kungsbron and Vasaplan sides of the station. If you are continuing onward by metro, follow signs to “T-Centralen,” which will take you down to the blue, green and red metro lines. If you are connecting to another intercity train, continue into the main concourse and check the departure boards for your platform. Many visitors are surprised at how compact the transfer is: you can usually move from the Arlanda Express platform to most other platforms in under 10 minutes on foot.

Step-by-Step: From Stockholm Central to Arlanda Airport

For the return journey to the airport, it pays to start from the right part of the station. Arlanda Express departs from platforms 1 and 2 at Stockholm Central, which are at the northern end of the station building. If you are approaching from the main hall, walk towards the far end, passing food outlets and kiosks, then follow signs bearing the Arlanda Express logo pointing up towards platforms 1 and 2. Alternatively, if you arrive by taxi or on foot from the Kungsbron side, you can enter almost directly into the Arlanda Express area.

Most travelers aim to be on a train that delivers them to the airport around two hours before a European flight and slightly earlier for long-haul departures, adjusting for whether they need to check bags. As an example, if your flight from Terminal 5 leaves at 15:00, catching an Arlanda Express train departing Stockholm Central at around 12:45 typically gets you into the terminal a bit after 13:00, giving you close to two hours for check-in and security. Travelers flying hand luggage only, particularly from Terminal 5 with its upgraded security control, often depart the city closer to 90 minutes before scheduled takeoff.

Before boarding, check the departure screens placed along the route to the platform. They display train departure times, destinations and whether the train first stops at Arlanda South or Arlanda North. Because all Arlanda Express services stop at both airport stations, you can simply board the next departure and then get off at the station closest to your terminal: Arlanda South for Terminals 2, 3 and 4, Arlanda North for Terminal 5.

When the train arrives at Arlanda, onboard announcements in Swedish and English typically state which terminal areas are served by each station. After stepping off, follow the clearly marked routes up to the departure halls. If you realize you got off one station too early, you can usually move between terminals and stations within the airport via signposted indoor walkways, although it may add 10 to 15 minutes of walking time.

Accessibility, Luggage and Special Situations

Arlanda Express is generally accessible and well suited for travelers with large or heavy luggage. Train floors align closely with platform height, enabling easy boarding with rolling suitcases or travel strollers. At both the airport and Stockholm Central, there are elevators alongside escalators, so travelers using wheelchairs or those with mobility limitations do not need to navigate stairs. The dedicated luggage racks allow larger bags to be stored near the doors where they are visible throughout the journey.

Families with children benefit from the combination of fast travel time and simple wayfinding. Children up to 7 years can usually ride free with a paying adult, which makes the train more appealing for parents compared with buying separate tickets for each child. Some families choose to break up the transfer by letting kids watch the scenery from window seats or by turning the short ride into a “train adventure” after a long flight, which can help ease the transition into the city.

For pets, Arlanda Express typically allows domestic animals on board, but rules can vary on whether animals must be in carriers, on leashes or restricted to certain carriages. Because these conditions can change, it is sensible to check current pet policies on the operator’s information channels before you travel, especially if you are bringing a larger dog or multiple animals. Similarly, there are guidelines for children traveling alone; for example, younger children under about eight years of age are generally not permitted to ride on their own for safety reasons.

In the rare event of disruption on the Arlanda Line due to technical issues, weather or incidents elsewhere on the rail network, trains may be delayed or temporarily suspended. When this happens, staff usually make announcements in Swedish and English, and departure boards at both Stockholm Central and Arlanda are updated. Alternative arrangements might include replacement buses or the suggestion to use regular regional or commuter trains where possible. This is another reason to allow a reasonable buffer between your airport transfer and flight time or onward rail journeys.

Comparing Arlanda Express With Buses and Commuter Trains

Although this guide focuses on Arlanda Express, most travelers choose between several options when planning their airport transfer: the express train, airport coaches operated by companies such as Vy Flygbussarna or Flixbus, and regular regional or commuter trains serving Arlanda Central Station. Each has different trade-offs in cost, travel time and convenience.

Arlanda Express is clearly the fastest option, linking the airport and Stockholm Central in about 18 minutes and offering high frequency. Airport coaches depart from platforms outside the terminals and usually take around 40 to 50 minutes depending on traffic. They can be more convenient if your hotel is near one of the city bus stops, for example along Sankt Eriksplan or Fridhemsplan, and typical one-way fares are lower than the standard Arlanda Express adult fare.

Commuter and regional trains are another alternative. They use Arlanda Central Station, located under the SkyCity area between Terminals 4 and 5, and continue to Stockholm City station and beyond. Travel times are longer, around 35 to 40 minutes from Arlanda to central Stockholm, and passengers pay both a regular fare and an additional station access fee included in the ticket. For travelers who already hold a public transport pass for Stockholm County and do not mind a slower ride with a change or two, this can be economical, but it is less straightforward than walking directly to the dedicated express platforms.

In practical terms, solo budget travelers often gravitate towards airport buses or commuter trains, while business travelers, tight connections and families who want the simplest and quickest route favor Arlanda Express. If you are staying right next to Stockholm Central, such as at hotels clustered around Vasagatan and Klarabergsgatan, the extra speed and direct access of the express train is often worth the price difference.

The Takeaway

For many visitors and locals alike, Arlanda Express is the most efficient way to move between Stockholm Arlanda Airport and the city center. Its strengths are speed, frequency and simplicity: a predictable 18 minute ride linking the main airport terminals with Stockholm’s central rail hub. The route is easy to navigate even for first-time visitors, with clear signage, step-free access and a straightforward platform layout at Stockholm Central.

At the same time, it is worth approaching your choice with a clear understanding of costs and alternatives. Standard adult fares are higher than bus or commuter train options, but discounts for children and groups, together with the potential to save on taxis or other local connections, mean that Arlanda Express can still be good value, especially if you are staying near the central station or traveling on business.

By thinking through your arrival and departure times, where you are staying in Stockholm, and who you are traveling with, you can decide whether the express train is the right fit. When it is, the experience tends to be stress-free: step onto a clean, modern train at the airport, watch the archipelago forest slide by, and step off in the very heart of the Swedish capital less than twenty minutes later.

FAQ

Q1. How long does the Arlanda Express take between Arlanda and Stockholm Central?
The journey time is typically around 18 minutes from either Arlanda South or Arlanda North station to Stockholm Central Station.

Q2. Which airport terminals does Arlanda Express serve?
Arlanda Express serves Arlanda South station for Terminals 2, 3 and 4, and Arlanda North station for Terminal 5 at Stockholm Arlanda Airport.

Q3. How often do Arlanda Express trains run?
During most of the day trains run roughly every 15 minutes, with slightly reduced frequency early in the morning and late at night.

Q4. How much does a ticket cost on Arlanda Express?
Standard adult one-way fares are generally in the higher hundreds of Swedish kronor, with occasional discounts and campaigns affecting the exact price.

Q5. Do children travel free on Arlanda Express?
Yes, children up to 7 years usually travel free when accompanied by a paying adult, and there are family ticket options that reduce the total cost for parents.

Q6. Can I use public transport cards like SL travel cards on Arlanda Express?
No, Arlanda Express is a separate premium service and requires its own ticket; Stockholm public transport cards are not valid on this train.

Q7. Is Arlanda Express accessible for wheelchairs and strollers?
Yes, platforms and trains are designed with step-free access, elevators are available, and there is space for wheelchairs and strollers on board.

Q8. Where does Arlanda Express arrive in Stockholm?
All trains arrive at Stockholm Central Station on platforms 1 and 2, which are directly connected to the main concourse, metro and long-distance trains.

Q9. What happens if my flight is delayed and I miss the train I planned to take?
If you hold a flexible ticket valid over a period rather than for a specific departure, you can usually board the next available train without changes.

Q10. Is Arlanda Express the cheapest way to travel between Arlanda and central Stockholm?
No, airport buses and commuter or regional trains are usually cheaper, but Arlanda Express is faster and more convenient for many travelers.