Arlanda to City Center: Fastest, Cheapest, Easiest

Five ways from Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) to the city center, from 18 minutes to SEK 43.

Updated 30 September 2026. I checked all prices on the official websites of Arlanda Express, SL, Vy Flygbussarna and FlixBus.

Arlanda is about 40 km north of Stockholm. You can take a fast train, an airport bus, a local commuter train, a local bus, or a taxi. The best choice depends on your budget, your luggage and the time of day.

Arlanda Express: the fastest

The Arlanda Express train goes non-stop to Stockholm Central in 18 minutes. It stops at Arlanda South (Terminals 2, 3 and 4) and Arlanda North (Terminal 5). There are 3 to 6 trains every hour, from early morning until late at night.

• Adult (26–64): SEK 340 one-way, SEK 640 return.
• Youth (18–25): SEK 160 one-way.
• Senior (65+): SEK 210 one-way.
• Children under 18 travel free with a paying adult or senior.
• Groups: when you travel together, up to 7 extra travelers pay SEK 120 each.

For two or more people, the group price makes Arlanda Express much cheaper per person. SL tickets are not valid on this train. Arlanda Express tickets and prices (opens in a new tab)

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Airport buses: Flygbussarna and FlixBus

Vy Flygbussarna

The Flygbussarna bus takes about 40 minutes to Cityterminalen, next to Stockholm Central. Other routes go to Liljeholmen and Brommaplan (up to 55 minutes). The buses stop on the way, for example at S:t Eriksplan and Norra Stationsgatan.

An adult one-way ticket costs from SEK 129 when you buy it online. An online ticket is valid on any departure for 3 months. The buses have free Wi-Fi and power outlets. They run from early morning until late evening, with night departures for early and late flights. Vy Flygbussarna to and from Arlanda (opens in a new tab)

FlixBus

FlixBus is the budget choice, with tickets from SEK 59. At busy times, a bus leaves every 20 minutes. At other times, it can be up to 60 minutes between buses. The buses stop at Frösunda, Haga Norra, Norra Stationsgatan, S:t Eriksplan and Cityterminalen. Buy your ticket online or in the FlixBus app. FlixBus Arlanda Airport shuttle (opens in a new tab)

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SL commuter train from Arlanda C

The SL commuter train (pendeltåg) stops at Arlanda C, under Sky City. It takes about 40 minutes to Stockholm City. You pay the normal SL fare and a fee to pass the gates at Arlanda station.

• SL + Arlanda single ticket (120 minutes): SEK 200 for adults. SEK 183 if you are over 65, under 20, or a student with an SL-approved student card.
• Arlanda passage ticket: SEK 157, if you already have an SL ticket, for example a 72-hour ticket.
• Under 18: no passage fee. A normal SL single ticket is enough.

Buy the ticket in the SL app, at the service desk in Arlanda station, or at Pressbyrån. SL: travel to and from Arlanda Airport (opens in a new tab)

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The cheapest way: bus 583 and the commuter train

If you have time, this is the best deal. Take SL bus 583 from the airport to Märsta station. Then change to the commuter train to Stockholm City. You do not pass the gates at Arlanda station, so you do not pay the passage fee.

One SL single ticket covers the whole trip: SEK 43 for adults, SEK 26 at the reduced price. Tap your contactless bank card or phone on the bus. The ticket is valid for 75 minutes. Make your change at Märsta before the 75 minutes end.

Bus 583 stops at the terminals and takes about 13 minutes to Märsta. On weekdays it runs every 15 minutes at busy times, and its times match the trains. The full trip takes about 1 hour. Read more about SL tickets and contactless payment in my guide Stockholm public transport: SL tickets, contactless and day passes.

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Arriving late at night

After midnight, there are fewer choices. Check these before you land:

• SL night bus 592 runs between Arlanda, Märsta and Stockholm C at night.
• Night commuter trains: since 21 August 2026, SL tests extra commuter trains on weekend nights between Uppsala and Stockholm. This is a pilot, so check the times in the SL app.
• Flygbussarna has some night departures for late flights. FlixBus stops in the late evening.

If your flight is very late, a taxi can be your only real choice.

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Taxi: avoid nasty surprises

Taxi prices in Sweden are not fixed by law. Each company sets its own prices. Many companies offer a fixed price between Arlanda and central Stockholm, often around SEK 500–750. The price depends on the company, the time and your address.

• Use the official taxi queue outside the terminal, or book in the app of a known taxi company.
• Confirm the price before you get in.
• Look at the yellow price label on the rear side window. The big number is the comparison price for a 10 km trip of 15 minutes. A high number means an expensive taxi.
• Say no to people who offer you a ride inside the terminal.

A pre-booked pickup at the airport can cost extra. Check this when you book.

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All options side by side

My advice: travel light and have time? Take bus 583 and the commuter train. Heavy suitcase? Take the airport bus. In a hurry, or two or more adults? Arlanda Express.

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Arriving by ship instead? Read my guide Stockholm cruise ports explained: Frihamnen and Stadsgården.

Sources: Arlanda Express prices (opens in a new tab); Vy Flygbussarna (opens in a new tab); FlixBus (opens in a new tab); SL Arlanda tickets (opens in a new tab); SL single ticket 75 minutes (opens in a new tab); Swedavia: buses at Arlanda (opens in a new tab). Prices checked 30 September 2026.