TRAVEL TO AND FROM STOCKHOLM
By air
Stockholm is located at the heart of Scandinavia, with all of the region’s important cities within comfortable reach. Stockholm has four international airports, all easily accessible to Stockholm Central Station. From these, all the major cities of northern Europe can be reached in under two hours. Arlanda airport is the largest.
The Civil Aviation Authority’s website, www.lfv.se, allows you to check which airlines are represented in Stockholm.
Stockholm-Arlanda Airport, (serves both international and domestic flights). 42 km north of Stockholm.
Tel: +46-8-797 60 00, info.arlanda@lfv.se, www.lfv.se/arlanda
Stockholm-Bromma Airport, (mainly domestic flights). City airport.
Tel: +46-8-797 68 00, Fax: +46-8-98 35 43, info.bromma@lfv.se, www.lfv.se/bromma
Stockholm-Skavsta Airport, (international flights). 100 km south of Stockholm.
Tel: +46-155-28 04 00, Fax: +46-155-28 04 26, info@skavsta.se, www.skavsta-air.se
Stockholm-Västerås Airport, (international flights). 100 km west of Stockholm. Tel: +46-21-80 56 00/ +46-21-80 56 10, Fax: +46-21-80 11 20, vasteras.flygplats@vasteras.se, www.vasterasflygplats.se
To and from the airports
The Airport Coaches – Flygbussarna run between the airports and the City Terminal at Klarabergsviadukten, adjacent to the Central Station.
Tel: +46-8-600 10 00, Fax: +46-8-479 32 96, info@flygbussarna.se, www.flygbussarna.se
- Arlanda SEK 99, 40 minutes. Up to four children 0-17 yrs accompanied by a parent go for free.
- Bromma SEK 69, 20 minutes. Up to two children 0-15 yrs accompanied by a parent go for free.
- Skavsta SEK 150, 80 minutes Up to two children 0-12 yrs accompanied by a parent go for free.
- Västerås SEK 150, 75 minutes. Up to two children 0-12 yrs accompanied by a parent go for free.
Arlanda Express Train – The airport express train runs between Arlanda airport and the central station with departures every 15 minutes. The trip takes just 20 minutes and the fare is SEK 220 one way. Look out for special offers. Up to four children 0-17 years, accompanied by a person travelling on a full price ticket, go for free.
- Arlanda Express, Tel: +46-20-22 22 24, Fax: +46-8-588 890 01, info@atrain.se, www.arlandaexpress.com
Taxi and limousine – Taxi and limousine services are also available at the airport. Always ask for fixed taxi rates, which range from SEK 440 to 475 from Arlanda to the city centre. (For more information on limousine and taxi services, please see “Taxi and Limousine Service” under the heading “How to get around in Stockholm”.)
By sea
Stockholm can be easily reached from Finland and the Baltic countries by large, high standard passenger and car ferries that berth at their own terminals close to the city centre. The trip takes passengers through the spectacular Stockholm archipelago, with its 30,000 islands. The ships offer excellent passenger facilities such as good food, shopping and entertainment.
Finland and the Åland Islands to Stockholm
Short cruises and regular one-way services are available. The trip from Helsinki to Stockholm takes 14 hours overnight. It is also possible to book day or overnight cruises from Stockholm and spend a day in Helsinki, in Turku or on the Åland Islands before returning to Stockholm. The routes between Finland and Sweden are operated by:
- Tallink-Silja, Tel: +46-8-440 59 90, Fax: +46-8-611 91 62, info.sweden@tallinksilja.com www.silja.com
- Viking Line, Tel: +46-8-452 41 00, Fax: +46-8-452 41 10, resor@vikingline.se, www.vikingline.se
- Birka Cruises, Tel: +46-8-702 72 00, Fax: +46-8-643 92 46/ +46-923-160 66, info@birkacruises.se, www.birka.se
Baltic countries to Stockholm
Tallink operates a daily service from Tallinn and Riga to Stockholm. The journey takes around 15 hours.
- Tallink-Silja, Tel: +46-8-440 59 90, Fax: +46-8-611 91 62, info.sweden@tallinksilja.com , www.tallink.com
Poland to Stockholm
There is also a service from Gdansk to Stockholm operated by Polferries. The journey takes 18 hours and the ship docks at Nynäshamn, 55 km south of Stockholm, reachable by commuter train.
- Polferries, Tel: +46-8-520 686 60, info@polferries.se, www.polferries.se
By train
Rail travel from the Continent to Stockholm is quick and comfortable. Journey times have been shortened with the opening of the Öresund bridge between Denmark and Sweden, which carries both rail and road traffic. Air travel between Stockholm and Malmö or Stockholm and Gothenburg has faced strong competition from the
X 2000 high-speed train. The journey time by train from Malmö is about 4½ hours, or about 3 hours from Gothenburg.
Within Sweden, the state-owned railway company SJ operates most of the long-distance trains. Booking and buying train tickets within Sweden and to/from Oslo, Copenhagen and Berlin (for visitors living outside Sweden):
- SJ, Tel: +46-771-75 75 75, www.sj.se
- Sweden Booking, Tel: +46-498-20 33 80, Fax: +46-498-20 33 90, info@swedenbooking.com, www.swedenbooking.com
By private car/coach
Visitors driving from Denmark can use the Öresund toll bridge between Copenhagen and Malmö. Another option is the 20-minute car ferry from Helsingør in Denmark to Helsingborg in Sweden. The bridge and the car ferry connect with the E4, a 550 km (340 mile) motorway to Stockholm.
Car ferries to Gothenburg operate from Denmark (Frederikshavn), from the UK (Harwich) via Norway (Kristiansand), and from Germany (Kiel), with an onward journey of about 450 km (280 miles) on the E3 to Stockholm. The fastest route from Germany to Sweden by boat is the catamaran ferry from Rostock to Trelleborg in southern Sweden, then the E6 to Malmö and the E4 to Stockholm.
Speed limits
Speed limits on Swedish motorways are 110 km/h (68 mph), and 90 km/h (56 mph) on other main roads. The limit in populated areas is 50-70 km/h (31-43 mph). When driving in the countryside drivers should take care, especially at dawn and dusk, since elk and deer suddenly can appear on the road.
Entering Stockholm there are congestion charges on Swedish registered cars. For more information, see “How to get around in Stockholm”.
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HOW TO GET AROUND IN STOCKHOLM
For getting around town, the many public transport options are quick and reliable. The compact city means that most destinations are within walking distance. Ferries are also used for commuting, and provide the added bonus of seeing Stockholm from the water. The tram offers an atmospheric experience.
Public transport
SL, the Stockholm public transportation network company, takes visitors quickly and easily to all the sights in the capital city and throughout Stockholm County by metro, bus, commuter train and tram.
Metro
The Stockholm Metro is almost 110 km long and consists of three lines: green, red and blue. Metro stations are marked with a blue and white “T” sign (T stands for “Tunnelbana”, which is the Swedish word for Metro). The Stockholm Metro has been called the world’s longest art exhibition. In some 90 of the 100 metro stations, travellers can enjoy sculptures, mosaics, paintings, installations, engravings and relief work. The blue line is especially worth seeing.
Buses
Buses are a great way to discover Stockholm. Many buses use environmentally-friendly fuel such as ethanol and are easy to board and get off. Two lines popular with tourists are # 47 (to Djurgården, passing attractions such as the Vasa Museum and Skansen Open Air Museum) and # 69 (to the Kaknäs Tower).
Commuter trains
The commuter rail system serves the entire county, from Märsta, 40 km north of Stockholm, to Nynäshamn, 55 km south of the city. Märsta also connects to Arlanda Airport by public transport, providing an additional option for the budget traveller.
Tickets
Stockholm is divided into three ticket zones: A, B and C. The ticket price depends on the number of zones travelled in. Pre-paid and cash tickets are used in units. Two units are charged for travelling in one zone, three units for travelling in two zones and four units for travelling in all three zones. Tickets are valid for one hour after starting the trip. Tickets can be used for transfers when changing within the hour of validity. Reduced fares are available for children and young people under the age of 20 and for those over the age of 65.
Travel cards are valid for an unlimited number of trips within Stockholm County, on trams and ferries to Djurgården, and for admission to the Tram Museum. Travel cards are valid for either 24 hours or 72 hours from the time of purchase. There are also dated 1 day, 3 day or 7 day travel cards that may be bought 15 days in advance. All travel cards may be used by several people, but only by one person at a time. Travel cards and discount travel coupons may be bought in advance at SL Centres, “Pressbyrån” kiosks or tourist information offices. Tickets cannot be bought from bus drivers. Instead, there are cash and credit card machines at most bus stops and metro entrances. For inquiries, contact SL. Tel: +46-8-600 10 00, www.sl.se
| Prices |
adults |
reduced |
| Cash ticket, per unit |
SEK 20 |
SEK 12 |
| Discount coupons (16 units) |
SEK 180 |
SEK 110 |
| 24 hour/ 1 day travel card |
SEK 100 |
SEK 60 |
| 72 hour/ 3 day travel card |
SEK 200 |
SEK 120 |
| 7 day travel card |
SEK 260 |
SEK 160 |
NOTE: Another way to explore Stockholm is with the Stockholm Card. In addition to transportation on the SL network, it includes free entrance to 75 museums and attractions, free boat sightseeing from April to December on selected tours, a guide book with city maps and information in several languages and additional discounts.
| Prices 2008 |
adults |
children (7-17 years) |
| 24 hours |
SEK 330 |
SEK 160 |
| 48 hours |
SEK 460 |
SEK 190 |
| 72 hours |
SEK 580 |
SEK 220 |
For more information, please see the “Stockholm Card” section.
Tram
Travel on old tramcars from the 1920s, 1930s and 1940s. The “Djurgårdslinjen” Museum Tram runs from Norrmalmstorg in the city centre to Djurgården. Daily service during the summer months. Weekend service most of the year. - Stockholms Spårvägar AB, Tel: +46-8-660 77 00, Fax: +46-8-660 78 50, info@djurgardslinjen.se, www.ss.se
Harbour ferries
The Djurgården ferries serve Stockholm’s inner harbour and are part of the city’s public transport network. SL travel cards are valid on the harbour ferries between Slussen, Gamla Stan (the Old Town) and Djurgården, while the Stockholm Card is valid on the ferries between Nybroviken and Djurgården. Single tickets can also be purchased before boarding. For boats to the archipelago please see the “Archipelago, Excursions & Recreation” section.
NOTE: Access for the disabled. Sweden is generally regarded as a leading country for service and adapted facilities for the disabled. There are public and private means of transport which are specially adapted for the disabled. The Swedish Federation for Disabled Persons (DHR) can provide information on travel as a disabled tourist. More tourist information for disabled people can be found at www.equality.se
- DHR (Swedish Federation for Disabled Persons).
Tel: +46-8-685 80 00, Fax: +46-8-645 65 41 www.dhr.se, info@dhr.se
Taxi and limousine service
NOTE: Always check the fare before departure. Taxis from the main companies always display the name of the driver and the car identification in the front window. In addition to the main companies there are many small independent taxi companies. Visitors should be careful about using unauthorised taxis.
Taxi 020, Tel: +46-20-20 20 20, (from abroad) +46-8-85 04 00, Fax: +46-8-632 08 78, stockholm@taxi020.se, www.taxi020.se
Taxi Stockholm, Tel: +46-8-15 00 00, Fax: +46-8-612 03 90, info@taxistockholm.se, www.taxistockholm.se
Taxi Kurir, Tel: +46-8-30 00 00, Fax: +46-8-744 08 28, info@sto.taxikurir.se, www.taxikurir.se
TopCab, Tel: +46-8-33 33 33, Fax: +46-8-33 88 02, info@topcab.com, www.topcab.com
Flygtaxi, Please note that this company specializes in taxi journeys to and from airports and does not provide any other service. Tel: (from Sweden) 020-97 97 97, (from abroad) +46-8-441 81 37, Fax: +46-8-673 64 50, bokning@flygtaxi.se, www.flygtaxi.se NOTE: Please note that most taxi companies have fixed rates to and from Arlanda Airport. Travellers should check before entering a taxi. At present (2007) a taxi journey from Arlanda to central Stockholm should not cost more than SEK 440-445, and a trip from central Stockholm to Arlanda Airport SEK 440-475. There may be an additional charge for pre-ordered taxis.
Executive cars and limousine service
Bel-Air Limousineservice, Tel: +46-8-30 85 00, Fax: +46-8-34 80 21, info@belair.se, www.belair.se
Freys Hyrverk, Tel: +46-8-30 91 00, Fax: +46-8-30 48 30, info@freys.se, www.freys.se Hyrverk 1, Tel: +46-8-640 40 40, Fax: +46-8-640 40 12, info@hyrverk1.se, www.hyrverk1.seLimousine Service, Tel: +46-8-22 22 80, Fax: +46-8-31 03 33, info@limousineservice.se, www.limosineservice.se
AD Bud och kurir, Tel: +46-8-30 10 10, Fax: +46-8-30 85 35, jens@adbud.se, www.adbud.se
Car hire
Most international commercial firms and local operators have offices in Stockholm. The only documentation needed is a national driving licence and a valid passport, which must be shown when signing the rental contract.
Avis, Tel: (from Sweden) 0770-82 00 62/ (from abroad) +46-31-725 67 11, Fax: +46-31-725 67 67, reservation-office@avis.se, www.avis.com Europcar, Tel: (from Sweden) 020-78 11 80/ (from abroad) +46-8-462 48 00, Fax: +46-8-463 26 90, info@europcar.se, www.europcar.com
Hertz, Tel: (from Sweden) 08-657 30 00/ (from abroad): +46-771-211 212, Fax: +46-960-136 47, reservation@hertz.se, www.hertz.se
NOTE: Congestion charges for hire cars. Please note that the driver is responsible for paying the congestion charges for all Swedish-registered hire cars. Payment is due to the rental car company. Contact the rental firm for more information.
Congestion charge
The congestion charge will be levied on Swedish-registered vehicles that enter or exit the city centre Monday to Friday between 6.30 a.m. and 6.29 p.m. No charge will be levied on public holidays, the day before a public holiday or during July. Certain vehicles are exempted from the congestion charge, including all foreign registered vehicles.
During the times when the congestion charge is levied, vehicles will be automatically registered at check points. Each time a vehicle enters or leaves Stockholm will cost SEK 10, 15 or 20, depending on the time of day. The maximum charge per day and vehicle is SEK 60.
Payment is made retroactively and must reach the SRA congestion charge account within 14 days of entering or leaving the city. It is not possible to pay at the check points. The owner of the vehicle is responsible for ensuring that the charge is paid. A person using a Swedish-registered hire car pays the congestion charge to the rental firm.
Vägverket (Swedish Road Administration), www.vv.se |
