Stockholm Airports Guide: Terminals, Transport, and Essential Information

Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, is served by four main airports. Unlike many cities with a single primary hub, Stockholm’s air traffic is distributed across several airports of varying sizes and distances from the city center. Each serves different airline alliances, routes, and traveler needs.

Understanding which airport you are flying into or out of is critical for planning transport, accommodation, and connection times. This guide explains every major airport serving Stockholm, including their IATA codes, terminal layouts, and clear instructions on how to get to and from each one.

Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN)

Overview: Arlanda is Stockholm’s primary international airport and the busiest in Sweden. Located approximately 40 km (25 miles) north of central Stockholm, it is the main hub for long-haul flights, full-service airlines, and Scandinavian Airlines (SAS).

Terminals:

• Terminal 2: Serves some domestic and intra-Schengen flights.
• Terminal 5: The main international terminal, handling most long-haul and non-Schengen flights, as well as many Schengen routes. It is the hub for SAS and also serves SkyTeam and other global airlines.

Terminals 2 and 5 are connected airside via a shuttle bus (Sky City). The journey between them takes about 5-10 minutes. The pre-security area (Sky City) also connects the terminals and contains shops, restaurants, and the train station.

Getting to and from Arlanda:

• Arlanda Express (non-stop airport train):
  A premium, high-speed train running directly between Arlanda Airport and Stockholm Central Station. Journey time is 18-20 minutes. It is the fastest but most expensive rail option.
• Commuter Train (Pendeltåg):
  A regular regional train (operated by SL) connecting Arlanda to Stockholm Central Station and other suburban stations. The journey takes about 38-40 minutes and is significantly cheaper than the Arlanda Express. You need a valid SL transit ticket plus an Arlanda Access fee (unless you have an SL travel card).
• Flygbussarna (Airport Coach):
  A frequent coach service to Stockholm City Terminal (next to Central Station). Journey time is 35-45 minutes, depending on traffic. Often cheaper than the train and offers free Wi-Fi.
• Taxi / Ride-Hailing (Bolt/Uber):
  Fixed-price taxis to central Stockholm are available from official taxi stands. Ensure you use a reputable company (like Taxi Stockholm, Taxi Kurir) or book via an app. The journey takes 35-45 minutes and is the most expensive option.

Best for: Long-haul flights, full-service airlines, international connections, and business travel.

Stockholm Bromma Airport (BMA)

Overview: Bromma Airport is a smaller, historic airport located just 8 km (5 miles) west of central Stockholm. It primarily handles domestic flights within Sweden and a few select short-haul international routes to nearby countries.

Terminals:

• Single Passenger Terminal: A compact, efficient terminal. Check-in, security, and gates are all within a short walking distance.

Getting to and from Bromma:

• Public Bus:
  SL bus lines 110, 152, and 559 connect the airport to key transport hubs like Alvik (metro station on the green line) and Sundbyberg station (pendeltåg). The journey to the city center takes 20-30 minutes.
• Taxi / Ride-Hailing:
  A very quick and convenient option due to the short distance. A taxi to the city center takes 15-20 minutes and is reasonably priced.

Best for: Quick domestic travel within Sweden and business travelers seeking proximity to the city center. Note: Its future is uncertain, with discussions about potential closure.

Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO)

Overview: Skavsta Airport is located about 100 km (62 miles) southwest of Stockholm, near the city of Nyköping. It is a base for low-cost carriers, primarily Ryanair, serving European leisure destinations.

Terminals:

• Single Passenger Terminal.

Getting to and from Skavsta:

• Flygbussarna (Airport Coach):
  The only practical public transport. Coaches synchronize with flight schedules and run to/from Stockholm City Terminal. The journey takes approximately 80 minutes. You must pre-book or allow ample time to buy a ticket, as buses can fill up.
• Car Rental:
  Major companies are available at the airport. A good option if you are exploring the surrounding Sörmland region.
• Taxi:
  Extremely expensive for the long distance to Stockholm; not recommended.

Best for: Budget travelers flying Ryanair to European destinations who don’t mind a long bus transfer.

Stockholm Västerås Airport (VST)

Overview: Västerås Airport is situated about 110 km (68 miles) west of Stockholm, near the city of Västerås. Like Skavsta, it serves as a base for low-cost carriers, including Ryanair and Wizz Air, focusing on European routes.

Terminals:

• Single Passenger Terminal.

Getting to and from Västerås:

• Flygbussarna (Airport Coach):
  Coaches run to/from Stockholm City Terminal. The journey takes about 80-90 minutes. Booking in advance is highly recommended.
• Train + Local Bus:
  A more complex option involving a local bus to Västerås Central Station and then a regional train to Stockholm. The total journey is around 1 hour 45 minutes and requires separate tickets.

Best for: Budget travelers using Wizz Air or Ryanair, particularly those based in western parts of the Stockholm region.

Which Stockholm Airport Should You Choose?

Your choice depends heavily on your airline, budget, and destination:

• Choose Arlanda (ARN): For most international travel, long-haul flights, premium travel, or convenient connections.
• Choose Bromma (BMA): For fast domestic trips if you value proximity to the city center above all else.
• Choose Skavsta (NYO) or Västerås (VST): For the lowest possible fares on European low-cost carriers, but only if you are prepared for the additional 80-90 minute bus transfer and cost.

Critical Check: Always double-check which airport your flight uses. “Stockholm” in a flight search can include all four. Mistaking Skavsta for Arlanda could mean missing your flight entirely.

Airport Transfers Between Stockholm Airports

Stockholm’s airports are far apart and operate as completely separate facilities. There are no direct airside transfers. Changing airports requires exiting one airport, traveling across the region (often through Stockholm city), and re-entering the other.

Is it safe to book connecting flights between different Stockholm airports?
Generally, no. This is highly discouraged unless you have a very long layover (e.g., an overnight stay). The ground travel time is significant and subject to traffic and bus schedule delays. You must also collect baggage and check in again.

Estimated Minimum Transfer Times (including buffer):

• ARN ↔ BMA: 2 – 2.5 hours (via taxi or train+bus)
• ARN ↔ NYO (Skavsta): 3.5 – 4.5 hours (via bus through Stockholm)
• ARN ↔ VST (Västerås): 3.5 – 4.5 hours (via bus through Stockholm)
• NYO ↔ VST: 4+ hours (very difficult, likely via Stockholm)

Transport for Airport Transfers:

• ARN ↔ BMA: Taxi (fastest) or a combination of Arlanda Express/Commuter Train + local bus/metro.
• ARN ↔ NYO/VST: You would typically take a Flygbussarna coach from the first airport to Stockholm City Terminal, then another Flygbussarna coach to the second airport. This is time-consuming and expensive.

Bottom line: Never book separate tickets on tight schedules that involve a Stockholm airport change. If an airport transfer is unavoidable (e.g., due to a missed flight or rebooking), allow a bare minimum of 5-6 hours between flights and be prepared for stress and extra cost.

Final Advice: For simplicity and peace of mind, most visitors should aim to arrive at and depart from Stockholm Arlanda (ARN). It offers the best connectivity to the city and the widest range of services.