Stockholm Arlanda Airport Guide (ARN) – Stockholm

Airport Overview

Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) is Sweden's largest and busiest airport and the second largest airport in Scandinavia, handling approximately 26 million passengers per year. Located 40 km north of Stockholm city centre in Uppsala County, Arlanda is the primary hub for Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and a significant base for Norwegian and Wizz Air. Despite being the furthest major European capital airport from its city centre, Arlanda is well connected via the Arlanda Express non-stop rail link. The airport serves as Sweden's main gateway to intercontinental destinations and is important for both leisure and business traffic.

Terminals

Arlanda has four terminals — T2, T3, T4, and T5 (there is no T1). T2, T3, and T4 are adjacent and connected. T5 is a separate building about 800 metres away, connected by a free shuttle bus.

• Terminal 2: Charter and leisure flights, primarily used by TUI Nordic and various seasonal operators.
• Terminal 3: Domestic Swedish flights operated by SAS, BRA (Braathens Regional Airlines), and other domestic carriers.
• Terminal 4: SAS European Schengen routes and regional European flights.
• Terminal 5: The main international terminal. SAS intercontinental long-haul flights, Norwegian, Wizz Air, easyJet, Ryanair, and most non-SAS European and international carriers.

WiFi Availability

Free WiFi is available throughout all Arlanda terminals under the network "Arlanda Airport Free WiFi" or branded airport network. Connect by selecting the network and registering with your email address or social media account. The free service provides unlimited access with good speeds typical of Swedish infrastructure quality. Premium paid options are available for power users. Coverage extends throughout all public and airside areas.

Transport to City Center

Arlanda Express Train

The Arlanda Express is a high-speed non-stop train service between Arlanda Airport (stations at both T2–T4 and T5) and Stockholm Central Station, taking just 18–20 minutes. Trains run every 10–15 minutes throughout the day. Tickets cost 299–319 SEK (approximately €26–28) single — premium pricing but unbeatable speed. A return ticket or various discount options can reduce the cost. This is the fastest and most reliable way to central Stockholm.

Commuter Train (Pendeltåg)

The SL commuter train (Pendeltåg) also serves Arlanda via a connecting Arlanda C station within the airport grounds, running to Stockholm Central and other city stations in approximately 40–45 minutes. Tickets cost around 170 SEK (€15) for the airport zone journey. This is significantly cheaper than the Arlanda Express but slower and requires paying the access fee.

Bus Services (Flygbussarna)

The Flygbussarna airport coach service runs from Arlanda to Stockholm City Terminal (Cityterminalen) near Central Station in approximately 45–65 minutes. Tickets cost around 149 SEK (€13) one-way. Buses run regularly throughout the day and evening.

Taxi and Rideshare

Taxis from Arlanda to Stockholm city centre typically cost 450–600 SEK (€40–55) and take 35–50 minutes. Uber and Bolt also operate from the airport. Fixed-rate pre-booked taxis are available from around 450 SEK. Given the fare, the Arlanda Express or Flygbussarna are generally better value.

Airport Lounges

Arlanda has a reasonable lounge selection with SAS facilities being the most prominent, particularly in Terminal 5.

• SAS Business Lounge (T5, international): Premium SAS lounge for business class and EuroBonus Gold/Diamond members, featuring Swedish smörgåsbord, Nordic design, and excellent coffee.
• SAS Domestic Lounge (T4): Smaller SAS lounge for domestic Swedish business passengers and high-status EuroBonus members.
• No. 1 Lounge (T5): Independent Priority Pass-accessible lounge in the international terminal with hot food and drinks.
• Aspire Lounge (T5): Second Priority Pass lounge with a buffet selection and comfortable seating in T5.
• Star Alliance Lounge (T5): For Star Alliance Gold members and business class passengers on connecting long-haul flights.

Hotels Near the Airport

• Clarion Hotel Arlanda Airport: The airport's primary on-site hotel, directly connected to T5 via a covered walkway, with pool and extensive dining.
• Radisson Blu Sky City Hotel Arlanda: Centrally positioned within the airport complex, offering excellent access to all terminals and the Arlanda Express.
• Hilton Stockholm Arlanda Airport: Premium hotel adjacent to the airport with full amenities including pool and multiple restaurants.
• ibis Stockholm Arlanda Airport: Budget option near the airport with a free shuttle to terminals and comfortable basic rooms.
• Scandic Arlanda Airport: Well-regarded Scandinavian hotel brand with sustainable design and Nordic food near the terminal area.

Food and Restaurants

Stockholm Arlanda's food offering reflects Swedish culinary culture, with Nordic-inspired options alongside international chains, particularly strong in Terminal 5.

• Smaka På Sverige (T5, airside): Swedish cuisine showcase featuring meatballs (köttbullar), gravlax, herring, and crispbread with lingonberry jam.
• The Flying Elk (T5): Swedish pub and restaurant serving classic Swedish dishes and Scandinavian craft beers in a relaxed setting.
• Espresso House (multiple terminals): Sweden's leading coffee chain serving quality espresso, pastries, and light meals throughout the airport.
• McDonald's (T4, T5): Standard fast food options available in the main terminals.
• Starbucks (T5): International coffee chain with drinks and pastries in the main international terminal.
• Gordon's Bar & Grill (T5): Casual bar and grill serving burgers, salads, and Swedish craft beers airside.

Travel Tips

• The Arlanda Express is fast but expensive — the Flygbussarna coach at 149 SEK and the commuter train are significantly cheaper alternatives if time allows.
• T5 is the hub for international flights and has the best shopping, dining, and lounge facilities — if flying internationally, T5 is where you want to be.
• Check terminal assignments carefully — flights from T2–T4 vs T5 require different check-in halls and different Arlanda Express stops.
• Sweden is one of the most cashless societies in the world — almost all airport transactions are card-only; bringing cash is unnecessary.
• Swedish duty-free is excellent for aquavit spirits (Absolut Vodka, Renat Brännvin), IKEA products (yes, there's an airport IKEA store), and Swedish sweets.
• SAS lounges at Arlanda feature genuine Swedish smörgåsbord food — the herring, crispbread, and meatballs are highlights worth savouring.
• Arlanda Airport has a significant sustainability focus — Sweden's environmental priorities are reflected in the airport's carbon-neutral operations.