How to get from Stockholm Arlanda Airport to Gamla Stan
Cities & Metropolitan Areas · Sweden · Urban & Cultural · Gamla Stan · Stockholm · Stockholm Arlanda Airport
Getting from Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) to Gamla Stan is easy once you decide between the fast Arlanda Express, cheaper commuter trains and airport buses, or a door-to-door taxi/private transfer; this guide compares each option with timings, rough costs and step-by-step directions so you can roll your suitcase straight onto the Old Town’s cobblestones.
At A Glance (Stockholm Arlanda Airport to Gamla Stan)
| Mode | Duration | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| 🚆 Arlanda Express (Airport → Stockholm Central → Gamla Stan) | ~18 min train + 5–15 min metro/walk | Fastest, least hassle with luggage |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~SEK 320–340 adult one-way (discounts online/returns) » Klook Arlanda Express | airport transfers & passes | ||
| 🚉 SL Commuter Train (Pendeltåg) + Metro/Walk | ~38 min train + 5–15 min metro/walk | Cheaper rail option, travel cards |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~SEK 150–170 incl. Arlanda station fee (cheaper with SL passes) » compare trains & buses | Sweden train tickets | ||
| 🚌 Airport Bus (Flygbussarna / FlixBus) + Metro/Walk | ~45–60 min to Cityterminalen + 5–15 min | Mid-priced, frequent, simple route |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~SEK 129–179 one-way online » coach & shuttle options | bundle with activities | ||
| 🚕 Taxi / Ride-hailing / Private Transfer | ~35–60 min (traffic-dependent) | Door-to-door comfort, late arrivals |
| 🏷️ Cost: ~SEK 550–750 typical taxi fixed fare; prebooked from ~SEK 600+ » Welcome Pickups | GetTransfer quotes | ||
| 🚗 Car Rental / Self-drive | ~40–70 min drive | Road trips beyond Stockholm |
| 🏷️ Cost: From ~SEK 500–800 per day plus parking & fuel » compare Arlanda rentals | ||
Which Option or Route Should You Choose?
- Fastest / Most Convenient: Arlanda Express gets you to Stockholm Central in 18 minutes and is the easiest with big luggage or tight connections.
- Cheapest Rail Option: SL commuter trains are slower but significantly cheaper if you already plan to use public transport passes.
- Good Balance of Cost & Simplicity: Airport buses are straightforward, with frequent departures to the central bus terminal next to Stockholm Central Station.
- Most Comfortable / Late-night Arrivals: Taxi or private transfer is ideal if you arrive late, travel as a family, or want door-to-door service directly to your hotel in Gamla Stan.
- For Wider Road Trips: Car rental makes sense if Stockholm is just your first stop and you plan to explore the archipelago or countryside by road.
How to Book and Practical Tips
- Book express and bus tickets in advance: For busy periods (summer, weekends, holidays), reserve Arlanda Express or airport bus seats online via providers like Klook or GetYourGuide to lock in better prices.
- Public transport tickets & passes: If you plan to use buses, metro and commuter trains during your stay, consider SL travel cards or day tickets and check options against one-off fares; you can still compare long-distance rail on 12Go or Trip.com.
- Taxis and ride-hailing: At Arlanda, use official taxi ranks and always ask for the fixed fare to central Stockholm. For prebooked, English-friendly drivers, consider Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer. Local apps like Uber and Bolt also operate in Stockholm.
- Car rentals: If renting, compare offers from major brands at Arlanda on Booking.com Car Rental, and check your hotel’s parking options in Gamla Stan or nearby Norrmalm.
- Storing luggage: If your room isn’t ready or you’re just transiting, use station or city storage via Radical Storage in Stockholm or specifically near Gamla Stan.
- Bikes & micromobility: To explore central Stockholm after arriving, you can rent bikes or scooters via local services; for motorbikes and bicycles compare deals on BikesBooking Stockholm.
- Where to stay: If you haven’t booked yet, compare hotels and apartments around Gamla Stan and Norrmalm on Booking.com Stockholm so you’re within easy walking distance of the Old Town.
🚆 Option #1 — Arlanda Express (Fastest, Easiest)
Fastest Step-free Premium price
- Overview: Non-stop express train from Arlanda Airport to Stockholm Central Station in about 18 minutes. From there, it’s one metro stop to Gamla stan or a 15–20 minute walk.
- How to book (with price): Standard adult fares are usually around SEK 320–340 one-way, with discounts for return tickets, youths and advance purchase. You can book directly on the official Arlanda Express website, via machines at the airport, or through resellers like Klook and GetYourGuide.
- Pros: Fastest option; dedicated luggage racks; frequent departures; easy to follow signs in English. Cons: More expensive than other rail/bus options; separate ticket from SL system.
Step-by-step: Arlanda Express
- After landing at Stockholm Arlanda, follow signs for Arlanda Express in your terminal (mainly Terminals 2, 3, 4, 5).
- Buy your ticket online in advance or at the yellow ticket machines/desk near the platform entrance.
- Scan your ticket at the gates and proceed to the platform; trains usually run every 15 minutes at peak times.
- Board the train, store larger suitcases in the luggage racks, and keep valuables with you at your seat.
- Arrive at Stockholm Central Station (~18 minutes). Follow signs to the metro (Tunnelbana) for the red or green lines, one stop to Gamla stan, or walk via Klarabergsgatan/Strömgatan into the Old Town.
- If you prefer a taxi for the final leg, follow the taxi signs outside the station or prebook through Welcome Pickups Stockholm.
Getting to the main embarking points (Arlanda Express platforms / Stockholm Central / Gamla Stan)
- At Arlanda: Platforms are inside the terminals with lifts and escalators; just follow the yellow Arlanda Express signs from arrivals.
- At Stockholm Central: The Arlanda Express platforms are beneath the main concourse; from there, elevators/escalators lead up to the metro and street level.
- To Gamla Stan: Take the metro one stop to Gamla stan or walk 15–20 minutes following signs towards the Old Town and Royal Palace.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚉 Option #2 — SL Commuter Train (Pendeltåg) + Metro/Walk
Cheaper Integrated with SL A bit slower
- Overview: SL commuter trains from Arlanda C station go to Stockholm City (next to Central Station) in about 38 minutes. From there, transfer to the metro or walk to Gamla Stan.
- How to book (with price): You can use SL single tickets or travel cards plus an additional Arlanda station fee; expect around SEK 150–170 total for a one-way trip. Buy tickets via SL ticket machines, kiosks, or the SL app. For longer Sweden train trips, compare on Trip.com Sweden trains or 12Go.
- Pros: Integrated with Stockholm’s public transport; good value if you already use SL tickets; reliable and comfortable. Cons: Slightly slower than Arlanda Express; requires a short walk through the terminal to Arlanda C station.
Step-by-step: SL Commuter Train
- From arrivals, follow signs for “Trains” / “Railway Station” to Arlanda C, the central railway station between Terminals 4 and 5.
- At the ticket machines or SL counter, purchase a single ticket or activate your SL travel card, ensuring the Arlanda station fee is included.
- Enter the platform area, check the displays for commuter trains towards Stockholm City (Pendeltåg lines 40/41/42), and board the next departure.
- Ride to Stockholm City Station (~38 minutes). Follow signs to the Tunnelbana (metro) and either take the red/green line one stop to Gamla stan or exit and walk via the city streets.
- At Gamla stan, choose the metro exit closest to your accommodation or to the Old Town Market Square (Stortorget).
Getting to the main embarking points (Arlanda C / Stockholm City / Gamla Stan)
- Arlanda C access: Reachable on foot via signposted corridors from Terminals 4 and 5; allow 5–10 minutes with luggage.
- Stockholm City: This underground station is integrated with Stockholm Central; follow signs carefully as it is large but well-marked.
- Gamla Stan exits: The metro station sits at the southern edge of the Old Town; use exits signed Gamla Stan or Stortorget to walk towards the main square.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚌 Option #3 — Airport Bus (Flygbussarna / FlixBus) + Metro/Walk
Good value Frequent Traffic-dependent
- Overview: Airport coaches such as Flygbussarna and FlixBus run between Arlanda and Cityterminalen next to Stockholm Central Station, taking around 45–60 minutes depending on traffic. From there, you walk or take one metro stop to Gamla Stan.
- How to book (with price): Online fares typically start around SEK 129–179 one-way with discounts for returns. Book directly at the official Flygbussarna Arlanda–City page, on FlixBus, or via resellers like GetYourGuide and Trip.com.
- Pros: Direct to central bus terminal; frequent departures; cheaper than Arlanda Express; easy with luggage. Cons: Journey can be slow in rush-hour traffic; still need a short walk or metro ride to Gamla Stan.
Step-by-step: Airport Bus
- From arrivals, follow signs for “Bus” / “Flygbussarna” to the airport coach stops outside each terminal.
- Buy your ticket online in advance (mobile QR) or at the Flygbussarna machines/counters near the stops.
- Board the correct bus for Stockholm Cityterminalen, stow large luggage in the underfloor compartment, and keep valuables with you.
- Ride to Cityterminalen (~45–60 minutes). On arrival, follow signs into the terminal and then to Stockholm Central Station and the Tunnelbana (metro).
- Either take the red/green metro line one stop to Gamla stan or walk ~15–20 minutes through Norrmalm towards the Old Town.
Getting to the main embarking points (Arlanda Bus Stops / Cityterminalen / Gamla Stan)
- Arlanda bus stops: Clearly marked Flygbussarna/airport bus bays outside each terminal; allow a few extra minutes to find your stand.
- Cityterminalen: The central bus terminal is connected indoors to Stockholm Central; follow signs for T-Centralen (metro) or street exits.
- Walk to Gamla Stan: From Cityterminalen/Central Station, walk south via Vasagatan and across the bridge to reach Gamla Stan and Stortorget.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚕 Option #4 — Taxi, Ride-hailing & Private Transfers
Door-to-door 24/7 Higher cost
- Overview: Licensed taxis, ride-hailing apps and private transfers connect Arlanda directly to accommodation in Gamla Stan, taking around 35–60 minutes depending on traffic.
- How to book (with price): Official taxis usually offer fixed fares around SEK 550–750 to central Stockholm; always confirm the price before departure. For prebooked service with meet-and-greet, check Welcome Pickups Stockholm Airport Transfer or get instant quotes on GetTransfer. Uber and Bolt also operate to/from Arlanda.
- Pros: Easiest with lots of luggage or kids; no transfers; ideal for late-night arrivals or mobility issues. Cons: Most expensive option; journey time varies with traffic.
Step-by-step: Taxi / Private Transfer
- On arrival, follow the signs to the taxi ranks outside your terminal. Ignore unofficial touts inside the terminal.
- Choose a reputable company (Taxi Stockholm, Taxi Kurir, Sverigetaxi, etc.) and confirm the fixed fare to central Stockholm before you get in.
- If you prebooked via Welcome Pickups or GetTransfer, meet your driver at the designated meeting point with your name sign.
- Share your exact destination in Gamla Stan (hotel name or Old Town Market Square). The driver will usually take the E4 motorway then cross into the city centre.
- Pay by card or via the app at the end of the ride and ensure you collect all luggage before leaving.
Getting to the main embarking points (Arlanda Taxi Ranks / Gamla Stan)
- Taxi ranks at Arlanda: Located just outside each terminal’s arrivals hall; look for the official taxi zone markings and queues.
- Drop-off in Gamla Stan: Many streets are narrow and cobbled, but taxis can usually drop you close to your accommodation or at nearby main streets like Västerlånggatan or Skeppsbron.
- Ride-hailing pickup: If using Uber/Bolt, follow the in-app map to the designated pickup point at your terminal.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
🚗 Option #5 — Car Rental / Self-drive
Flexible Good for road trips Parking challenges
- Overview: Renting a car at Arlanda is convenient if you plan to explore beyond Stockholm, but driving and parking in the city centre, especially around Gamla Stan, can be tricky and expensive.
- How to book (with price): Daily rates typically start from around SEK 500–800 depending on season and car type. Compare major brands at the airport on Booking.com Car Rental at Arlanda and check if your hotel offers parking.
- Pros: Total flexibility for day trips and countryside; ideal for families or groups sharing costs. Cons: Not needed for central Stockholm; parking near Gamla Stan is limited and can be pricey; watch for congestion charges and one-way systems.
Step-by-step: Car Rental
- Reserve your vehicle online in advance with a provider via Booking.com, then follow signs in the terminal to the car rental desks or shuttle buses.
- Pick up your car, inspect it carefully for existing damage, and set your GPS for Gamla Stan or your hotel address.
- Drive towards Stockholm on the E4 motorway, then follow signs into the city centre and towards the Old Town.
- Use public garages near Gamla Stan or park in nearby districts like Norrmalm/Södermalm and walk over; streets inside the Old Town can be restricted.
- When returning to Arlanda, allow extra time for potential traffic and for refuelling near the airport.
Getting to the main embarking points (Arlanda Car Rental Area / Gamla Stan)
- Car rental area: Most rental companies are located near the terminals or in nearby facilities connected by shuttle; follow airport signs for Car Rental.
- Driving into central Stockholm: The E4 motorway leads you straight towards the city; use GPS and pay attention to speed limits and local signage.
- Parking near Gamla Stan: Look for public garages around Slussen, Riddarholmen or Norrmalm; from there, it is usually a short walk to the Old Town.
- Locations/Trip Planner: 🔗 Google Map / 🔗 OpenStreetMap
FAQ (Stockholm Arlanda Airport to Gamla Stan)
How long does it take to get from Arlanda Airport to Gamla Stan?
Most journeys take between 30 and 70 minutes, depending on your chosen mode and traffic. Arlanda Express is fastest at ~18 minutes to Stockholm Central plus 5–15 minutes to reach Gamla Stan. Commuter trains and buses are slower but cheaper, while taxis and private transfers take ~35–60 minutes door-to-door.
What is the cheapest way to travel from Arlanda to Gamla Stan?
The SL commuter train combined with SL tickets or travel cards is usually the cheapest rail option when you factor in the Arlanda station fee, especially if you are also using Stockholm public transport the same day. Airport buses can also be good value if you find promo fares online.
Is Arlanda Express worth the price?
Arlanda Express is worth it if you value speed and convenience, travel with larger luggage, or have limited time in Stockholm. It gets you into the city centre in under 20 minutes with minimal hassle. If you are on a tighter budget and don’t mind a longer ride, the commuter trains or airport buses offer better value.
Can I use public transport tickets from Arlanda all the way to Gamla Stan?
Yes, if you take the SL commuter train and metro, you can use SL tickets or travel cards together with the Arlanda station supplement. The same ticketing system covers commuter train, metro, trams and buses within Stockholm’s zones, making it easy to continue to Gamla Stan without separate tickets.
Where can I store my luggage near Gamla Stan?
If you want to explore the Old Town before hotel check-in, use luggage storage services around Stockholm Central or in Gamla Stan itself. Check options via Radical Storage Stockholm or specific spots in Gamla Stan to drop your bags securely for a few hours or a full day.