Looking for a quick and cheap way to go to Stockholm Central Station?
It is easier than we actually thought. After all, we have been to the scariest and hardest parts of the world. This would definitely be a walk in the park for beginners from our advice.
First, determine how long are you staying in Stockholm?
Second, which area would you like to visit?
Third, are you trying to save money for Fika?
hahaha …of course you are. Kannelbullar (cinnamon rolls) are waiting for you!
In a nutshell, there are 4 different modes of transport you could choose from.
Taxi
Yes, there are taxis running from Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) to the city centre.
It takes about 30-40 minutes travel time between the airport and the city centre. Yes, seen a traffic jam on the highway (when we were on our train ride) which probably the regular route of the taxis.
However, this would be best for a group of 4 travellers which is in a hurry and don’t want to haul luggage via public transportation.
As we have seen a few taxis around Stockholm with Arlanda-Stockholm City stickers, they were anywhere between €60 to €120/trip. Most of the taxis were either a Mercedes, a Tesla, or even a Polestar, yes very posh I know, haha.
The taxis are obligated to display their rates on the window of their vehicle.
As a word of caution, DO NOT engage any taxi-drivers inside the arrival halls, only engage the ones in the official taxi stands that has stickers with prices displayed clearly.
The airport did issue warnings of getting scammed by illegal taxis targeting tourists.
If you wish to get a taxi, just follow the Taxi signs in Arlanda Airport, they are difficult to miss.
FlixBus
As a second option, you could just get a FlixBus ticket at the Stockholm Arlanda Airport kiosk or from their website. Travel time varies depending on traffic between 35-40 minutes.
They are also one of the inexpensive options available.
A single journey ticket from Arlanda (ARN) to Stockholm City starts at €6/pax. So, a return trip would cost about €12-14/pax.
Prices may vary if you search for tickets on the website depending on the day and time of the trip.
If you’re going with this FlixBus option, click HERE for the Bus Stop at T2 & T3 in Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN).
Arlanda Express Train
The Arlanda Express would be one of the most famous and second most expensive in the range of options for an airport transfer from Arlanda Airport (ARN) to the Stockholm City center.
The travel time on this train was published to be around 18 minutes when the train rolls off the platform. Yes, very fast, the train runs directly to the city center, great if you are in a rush!
Yes, it is easy to find the train as when you step off the airplane, there are dozens of posters, banners and signages of Arlanda Express leading you to the ticket counter and their train platform.
A single trip would set you back by €31 per way, so the return ticket would be €62/pax.
A quick calculation of this shows that it costs you about 13 x Kannelbullar (Cinnamon Rolls) from Vete Katten café if you’ve picked this option, haha!
By the way, Vete Katten (Kungsgatan) had our vote for the best cinnamon-roll in Stockholm!
SL Bus (Buss) + SL Commuter Train (Pendeltåg)
SL or Storstockholms Lokaltrafik is the local transportation company that operates in Stockholm for everything from Commuter Trains, Metro Trains, Trams and Ferries.
Now, this was what we chose for our visit. It was easy and more than sufficient as a mode of transportation from Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) to the Stockholm City Centre.
It was so easy as long as you have this guide saved on your mobile device or print it out if you like to go old-school.
Step 1 : Download the SL app & Buy your SL Travel Pass
If you’re planning to visit Stockholm for a few days, it is worth to get yourself a SL Travel Pass because if you see a public transportation with an SL logo on it, you can use this pass, like a boss!
They do NOT work on the Arlanda Express, which tickets are sold separately.
Install the app on your mobile phone, buy the ticket, ACTIVATE the ticket (upon arrival at ARN) and you’re good to go!
Why? Because a single journey ticket costs €4 for any Metro, Tram or Ferry ride.
Why? Because…
72 Hour Ticket costs €33 (8 single trips)
7 Day Ticket costs €43 (11 single trips)
30 Day Ticket costs €48 (12 single trips)
Having said that, this SL Travel Pass also allows you to use public transportation from Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) to get to the city centre.
If you wish to save some money to spend on Fika & coffee, just do this and thank us later!
Step 2 : Go to Bus Stop 1 at Sky City for Bus 583 or 579
When you step off your airplane at Arlanda Airport, go through Passport Control (if you arrive from outside Schengen area), head to the baggage carousel (if you have any hold-luggage) and proceed to Sky City.
Use GoogleMaps to find your way to https://maps.app.goo.gl/h9dxbJNzei6fjKX69 or GPS : 59.648949391688795, 17.930068199830657
Wait at Bus Stop 1 for Bus 583 or 579 to Märsta town bus stop. You should expect to arrive at Märsta Station. The bus ride takes 20 minutes.
Get your QR code on your SL app ready to scan/show to the SL Bus Driver.
Step 3 : Go to Märsta Train Station for Train to Stockholm C
At Märsta Station, check the digital information board for the latest train to Stockholm C. The train ride takes about 40 minutes.
Stockholm C is Stockholm Central Station.
You are arriving at the same station as the Arlanda Express Train.
From this central station, you are near to the SL Bus and the SL Tram that also connects to the SL Ferries.
Travelling from Stockholm Central to Arlanda (ARN) Airport?
To return to the ARN airport, just trace the steps in reverse, but use trains towards Märsta as it’s the last stop.
The bus would be Arlanda 583 or 579.
Since the SL transport network uses a mobile app & data/WiFi, it’s best to have your mobile phone charged or bring a power-bank to charge your phone as you go.
Yes, they do have 240V Power Sockets to use your mobile phone charger in the SL Pendeltåg. The power sockets are standard EU Schuko, 2 pin, type-F.
AVOID plugging your mobile phone to any USB ports on any public transportation as there are risks of getting your mobile phone hacked. See our post about this by clicking HERE:
There is an option of getting a physical SL transit card, but we have not explored that method. You could ask for it at the SL customer service desk at the train stations.
