Travel to Sweden
Flying to Sweden
Sweden is well connected to the rest of Europe by air, with Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) serving as the country's principal international gateway. Located north of the capital, Arlanda handles flights to major European cities and selected long-haul destinations in North America, Asia and the Middle East. Gothenburg Landvetter Airport (GOT) is the main gateway to western Sweden, while Malmö Airport (MMX) serves southern Sweden.
Other airports handling international services include Stockholm Skavsta (NYO) and regional airports such as Luleå (LLA), Umeå (UME) and Kiruna (KRN), although international connections at these airports are more limited or seasonal. Copenhagen Airport (CPH), in neighbouring Denmark, is also a convenient gateway to southern Sweden, with direct trains crossing the Öresund Bridge to Malmö and other destinations.
SAS, Norwegian and several European low-cost and full-service airlines operate flights to Sweden. Domestic connections from Stockholm make it relatively straightforward to reach northern destinations such as Kiruna, Luleå and Umeå.
Flight times:
From London to Stockholm: 2 hours 30 minutes (direct).
From London to Gothenburg: 2 hours (direct).
Airport guides
Airport Code: GOT. Location: Gothenburg-Landvetter Airport is located 25km (15.5 miles) east of Gothenburg, in southern Sweden. Money: ATMs and full service banks are located both pre- and post-security at the airport. There are also... Read more
Airport Code: ARN. Location: Stockholm Arlanda Airport is located 43km (27 miles) north of Stockholm. Money: Stockholm Arlanda Airport has two banks (in SkyCity), ATMs in each terminal and bureaux de change... Read more
Travel by rail
Sweden has international rail connections with Denmark and Norway, while connections with Finland are available via the northern border. The principal route from continental Europe crosses the Öresund Bridge between Copenhagen and Malmö. Frequent Öresundståg services connect Copenhagen Airport and central Copenhagen with Malmö, Lund, Helsingborg and Gothenburg, with onward trains to Stockholm and other Swedish cities.
Direct trains connect Stockholm with Oslo, while other cross-border services link Gothenburg with Oslo and northern Sweden with Narvik in Norway. Travellers from Germany can reach Sweden by rail through Denmark, including daytime and overnight services operated by Snälltåget and other operators. Rail services between Sweden and Finland are less extensive, with connections via Haparanda and Tornio requiring a change of transport.
Sweden's principal railway operator is SJ, while Snälltåget and regional companies also operate services. International tickets can be purchased through the relevant operators, and reservations are generally required on high-speed and overnight trains.
Rail passes:
Interrail passes are available for European residents, while Eurail passes are available for residents of countries outside Europe. Both can be used on participating rail services in Sweden and for international journeys to other participating countries. Seat reservations and supplements may be required on high-speed, long-distance and overnight trains.
Driving to Sweden
Sweden shares land borders with Norway and Finland, with numerous road crossings connecting the three countries. The main routes from Norway enter western Sweden, including the E6 between Oslo and Gothenburg and the E18 towards Karlstad and Stockholm. In the northeast, roads connect Sweden with Finland at Haparanda and other crossings along the Torne River.
Travellers arriving from Denmark can drive across the Öresund Bridge, which connects Copenhagen with Malmö and forms part of the E20 route. The crossing is subject to a toll. Sweden is part of the Schengen Area, as are Denmark, Norway and Finland, although temporary border controls may be introduced and travellers should carry valid identification.
International coach services connect Sweden with Denmark, Norway and other European countries. Operators include FlixBus and Vy bus4you, with services linking Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö to destinations such as Copenhagen and Oslo.
Getting to Sweden by boat
Sweden has extensive international ferry connections across the Baltic Sea and neighbouring waters. Regular passenger ferries link Stockholm with Helsinki and Turku in Finland, often travelling through the Åland Islands. Services also connect Stockholm with Tallinn in Estonia, while ferries operate between Umeå and Vaasa, and between Kapellskär and Naantali.
Southern and western Sweden have ferry connections with Denmark, Germany and Poland. Major routes include Gothenburg to Frederikshavn and Kiel, Trelleborg to Rostock and Travemünde, and Karlskrona to Gdynia. Ferries also connect Helsingborg with Helsingør in Denmark, while other services link Swedish ports with Latvia and Poland.
Operators include Stena Line, Viking Line, Tallink Silja, Finnlines, TT-Line and Wasaline. Many services carry passengers, cars and other vehicles, with cabins available on longer overnight crossings. Timetables and frequencies vary by route and season.
Cruise ships:
Sweden is a popular destination for Baltic Sea cruises, with Stockholm, Gothenburg and Visby on the island of Gotland among the principal ports of call. Some itineraries also visit smaller coastal destinations and the High Coast region.
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