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42.4 km • ~42 mins

How to Get from Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) to Gamla Stan

Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) lies about 42 km north of Gamla Stan. The trip takes from around 35 minutes by train and metro to 45–60 minutes by road or coach.

✓ Verified Oct 30, 2026 • 42.4 km road distance

Official Airport Taxi

Official Rank
45 mins •On Demand
€59 - €75 (Per Vehicle)
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs to the official Swedavia taxi rank outside Terminal 5 or Terminal 2 arrivals.
  2. Choose a contracted taxi from the queue; ignore touts inside the terminal.
  3. Ask for the fixed price to central Stockholm or ensure the meter is on; the airport cap is 825 kr for 1–4 passengers.
  4. Pay by card or mobile; the journey takes about 45 minutes to Gamla Stan.

Arlanda Express + Metro

Fastest
35 mins •Every 15 Mins Peak
€35 / Person
Luggage: No Extra Fee
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Follow signs to the Arlanda Express station: Arlanda Södra for T2/T3/T4 or Arlanda Norra for T5, not Arlanda Central.
  2. Buy a 349 kr adult ticket online, in the app, or at Arlanda Express ticket machines.
  3. Take the non-stop train to Stockholm Central, about 18 minutes.
  4. At Stockholm C, follow signs to T-Centralen and take the red or green metro line one stop to Gamla Stan, or walk 10–15 minutes.
  5. Exit Gamla Stan metro and walk to your address in the old town.

Flygbussarna Airport Coach + Metro

Direct Coach
60 mins •See Timetable
€15.50 / Person
Luggage: 2 Pieces Free
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. Exit arrivals at any terminal and follow signs for Flygbussarna airport coaches outside the terminal entrance.
  2. Buy a 129 kr one-way ticket online or pay by card on board; cash is not accepted.
  3. Take the coach to Stockholm Cityterminalen, next to Stockholm Central, about 45 minutes, longer in rush hour.
  4. Walk 10–15 minutes to Gamla Stan across the old town, or take the metro from T-Centralen one stop to Gamla Stan.
  5. Exit Gamla Stan metro and walk to your hotel or apartment.

SL Bus 583 + Commuter Train (Budget)

Cheapest
75 mins •Regular Bus; Check sl.se
€3.90 / Person
Luggage: No Restrictions
How to take it step-by-step:
  1. From arrivals, follow signs for local buses to the SL bus 583 stop at Arlanda.
  2. Buy a 43 kr SL single ticket in the SL app or at an SL machine before boarding.
  3. Take SL bus 583 to Märsta station, then board the SL commuter train toward Stockholm City.
  4. This route avoids Arlanda Central so no 157 kr station fee is charged; the same commuter line also serves Arlanda Central if you prefer, but the station fee applies.
  5. Get off at Stockholm City, change to the red or green metro one stop to Gamla Stan, or walk from Stockholm Central.

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⚠️ Important Local Taxi & Arrival Tips

  • Use only the official Swedavia taxi ranks outside Terminal 5 or Terminal 2; unaffiliated cabs outside SkyCity/T4 can charge far more.
  • Check the yellow comparison-price label in every taxi before getting in; some drivers may run the meter well beyond the 825 kr airport cap.
  • Flygbussarna and SL do not accept cash; ignore anyone offering cash tickets or currency exchange at the bus stop.
  • Buy Arlanda Express and Flygbussarna tickets from official machines, apps, or websites, not from random sellers outside arrivals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest way from Arlanda Airport to Gamla Stan?

Take SL bus 583 to Märsta station, then the SL commuter train toward Stockholm City and change to the metro one stop to Gamla Stan. A 43 kr SL single ticket (about €3.90) covers the trip and avoids the 157 kr Arlanda station fee.

How long does it take from Arlanda to Gamla Stan?

The fastest route is the Arlanda Express plus the metro from Stockholm C, taking around 35 minutes. Road transfers take 42–50 minutes; the Flygbussarna coach plus a short metro or walk takes about 60 minutes.

Is the Arlanda Express direct to Gamla Stan?

No, the Arlanda Express runs non-stop to Stockholm Central only. From there walk 10–15 minutes or take the metro one stop on the red or green line to Gamla Stan.

Can I pay by card everywhere?

Yes, cards and mobile payments are accepted on trains, Flygbussarna and in taxis. Flygbussarna does not take cash, and SL does not sell cash tickets on board.

What should I know about taxis at Arlanda?

Use the Swedavia-contracted taxi ranks outside Terminal 5 and Terminal 2; the airport cap is 825 kr (about €75) for 1–4 passengers to central Stockholm. Check the yellow comparison-price label before getting in and avoid unaffiliated cars outside other exits.

Which is best for a family with luggage?

A pre-booked private transfer or fixed-price taxi is easiest because it goes door-to-door without platform changes. The Arlanda Express is faster but you must manage luggage through Stockholm Central and the metro.

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