Getting around Sweden
Domestic flights are useful for covering Sweden's considerable north–south distances, particularly when travelling from Stockholm to destinations in Norrland and Swedish Lapland. Stockholm Arlanda Airport is the principal domestic hub, with services to cities such as Gothenburg, Malmö, Umeå, Luleå, Skellefteå and Kiruna. Flights can save considerable time compared with travelling by road or rail, especially to the far north.
SAS, Norwegian and regional airlines operate domestic routes, although frequencies vary by destination and season. Some smaller airports have limited services, and travellers should check connections carefully when planning journeys involving remote northern communities.
Sweden has an extensive road network connecting its major cities, towns and rural communities. Motorways and principal roads are concentrated in the more populated south and centre, while northern Sweden has long stretches of road passing through forests, lakes and sparsely populated countryside. Driving is particularly useful for exploring rural regions, national parks, the High Coast and Swedish Lapland, where public transport may not reach smaller destinations.
The E4 is the principal north–south route along Sweden's eastern side, linking the Stockholm region with cities such as Uppsala, Gävle, Sundsvall, Umeå and Luleå. The E6 runs along the west coast through Malmö, Helsingborg and Gothenburg towards Norway, while the E18 and E20 provide important east–west connections. Distances can be considerable, particularly in the north, and travellers should allow sufficient time for journeys.
Most Swedish roads are toll-free, but congestion taxes apply to certain journeys in Stockholm and Gothenburg, while infrastructure charges apply to some bridges. Petrol stations and electric vehicle charging facilities are widely available in populated areas, although services can be farther apart in remote northern regions. Winter driving requires particular care because of snow, ice, reduced daylight and the possibility of encountering elk or reindeer on roads.
Sweden's motorways and principal roads are well-maintained, with clear signage and good infrastructure. Secondary roads are usually in good condition, although smaller rural routes may be narrow, winding or unpaved. In remote northern areas, distances between settlements and roadside services can be substantial.
Snow and ice affect roads across much of Sweden during winter, particularly in the north and in mountain regions. Major routes are regularly cleared and gritted, but conditions can deteriorate during heavy snowfall or freezing weather. Wildlife, especially elk and reindeer, presents an additional hazard on rural roads, particularly around dawn and dusk.
Sweden's major roads include European routes, identified by the letter E followed by a number, such as the E4, E6, E18 and E20. These routes form the backbone of the national road network and may include motorways, dual carriageways and conventional roads.
Other national roads are designated riksvägar and identified by numbers, while regional roads, known as länsvägar, connect smaller towns and rural communities. Motorways are marked by the standard green motorway symbol, and road signs indicate the applicable speed limits.
Car hire is available at major airports, railway stations and city centres, with international and Swedish rental companies operating throughout the country.
Rental cars are generally prepared for seasonal conditions, but drivers unfamiliar with snow and ice should exercise particular caution. An SUV or four-wheel-drive vehicle may be helpful for some remote or mountainous routes, although it is not normally necessary on maintained main roads.
Drivers planning to cross into Norway, Finland or Denmark should check the rental company's conditions beforehand. Additional charges or restrictions may apply, particularly when taking a vehicle on international ferries.
Taxis are widely available in Swedish cities, towns and airports, although fares can be relatively expensive. Licensed taxis have yellow registration plates and display fare information on the vehicle. Unlike in many European countries, taxi fares are not regulated, so prices can vary considerably between operators. Passengers should check the displayed fare information or agree on a price before starting their journey.
Major operators include Taxi Stockholm, Taxi Göteborg and Sverigetaxi. Taxis can be booked by telephone, through company apps or at designated ranks. Tipping is not expected, although passengers may round up the fare for good service.
Ride-hailing services such as Uber and Bolt are available in several cities, including Stockholm, Gothenburg and Malmö.
Cycling is popular in Sweden, particularly in southern cities and coastal regions. Malmö, Gothenburg and Stockholm have extensive cycle paths, while numerous rural routes pass through forests, farmland and along lakeshores. The Kattegattleden, a long-distance coastal cycling route between Helsingborg and Gothenburg, is particularly scenic.
Bicycles can be hired in many cities and tourist destinations, and some municipalities operate bicycle-sharing schemes. Cycling is generally most comfortable from late spring to early autumn, although conditions vary considerably between southern and northern Sweden. Bicycles are permitted on some regional trains, subject to operator rules, but are generally not accepted on SJ's conventional long-distance services.
Long-distance coaches connect Sweden's major cities and provide an alternative to rail travel, particularly on routes serving smaller towns and destinations without direct train connections. FlixBus and Vy bus4you operate intercity services, while regional transport authorities provide local and rural bus networks. Services are generally comfortable, although journey times can be long because of Sweden's considerable distances.
Stockholm's Cityterminalen, beside the central railway station, is the capital's principal long-distance coach terminal. Gothenburg's Nils Ericson Terminal and Malmö's central transport hub also serve intercity and regional buses. Tickets are usually available online or through operators' apps, while regional services commonly use local transport cards or mobile ticketing.
Traffic drives on the right. Speed limits are indicated by road signs and commonly range from 30km/h (19mph) to 50km/h (31mph) in built-up areas, 70km/h (43mph) to 90km/h (56mph) on rural roads, and 100km/h (62mph) to 120km/h (75mph) on major highways and motorways.
Seat belts are compulsory, and children shorter than 135cm must use an appropriate child restraint. Headlights or daytime running lights must be used at all times, including during daylight hours. Using a handheld mobile phone while driving is prohibited, and Sweden enforces a strict drink-driving limit of 0.02% blood alcohol concentration.
Winter tyres or equivalent equipment are compulsory for passenger cars from 1 December to 31 March when winter road conditions prevail. Studded tyres are generally permitted from 1 October to 15 April, with exceptions during wintry conditions outside these dates. Drivers should also watch for wildlife, particularly elk and reindeer, on rural roads.
For emergencies, call 112. Roadside assistance is available through motoring organisations, insurers and recovery companies, including Assistancekåren and Viking Assistance. For non-emergency police matters, call 114 14. Travellers driving a hire car should contact the rental company using the emergency assistance number supplied with the vehicle.
Drivers must carry a valid driving licence, vehicle registration documents and proof of insurance. Driving licences issued by EU and EEA countries are recognised in Sweden. Visitors holding licences from other countries should check whether an International Driving Permit or an authorised translation is required, particularly if their licence is not issued in English or another recognised language.
Drivers bringing their own vehicles should ensure that their insurance covers travel in Sweden and that they have the necessary documentation. Additional requirements may apply to vehicles registered outside the European Union.
Stockholm has an extensive public transport network operated by SL, including the Tunnelbana (metro), commuter trains, buses, trams and passenger ferries. The metro is particularly useful for travelling between the city's main districts, while commuter trains serve surrounding towns and suburbs. Ferries provide convenient connections between several islands, including Djurgården and the historic city centre.
Gothenburg has a well-developed tram network supported by buses, commuter trains and ferries, with services coordinated by Västtrafik. Malmö relies mainly on buses and regional trains operated by Skånetrafiken, which also provides connections throughout southern Sweden and across the Öresund Bridge to Copenhagen.
Public transport tickets are generally purchased through regional transport apps, ticket machines or contactless payment systems, depending on the city. Cash payments are uncommon on board. Smaller towns usually have local bus services, although service frequencies may be reduced in the evenings and on weekends.
Sweden has an extensive railway network connecting its principal cities and many regional centres. Fast trains link Stockholm with Gothenburg and Malmö, while conventional services connect destinations throughout southern and central Sweden. Long-distance trains also travel north towards Sundsvall, Umeå, Luleå and Kiruna, providing an alternative to domestic flights.
SJ is a major passenger rail operator, alongside companies such as Snälltåget, VR and Vy. Regional networks include Mälartåg in central Sweden, Öresundståg in the south and Norrtåg in northern Sweden. Overnight trains operate on selected long-distance routes, particularly between Stockholm and northern destinations, with sleeping accommodation available.
Tickets can be purchased through railway operators' websites and apps, and reservations are required on many long-distance services. Regional trains generally offer more flexible ticketing arrangements. Travellers should check schedules carefully when planning journeys in northern Sweden, where services are less frequent and distances are considerable.
Sweden is covered by Interrail and Eurail passes, which can be used on participating rail services. Seat reservations and supplements may be required on high-speed and overnight trains. Passholders should check individual operators' conditions, as not all services accept these passes.
Ferries are an important part of domestic transport in Sweden, particularly for reaching islands along the Baltic and west coasts. Destination Gotland operates passenger and vehicle ferries between Visby on Gotland and the mainland ports of Nynäshamn and Oskarshamn. Crossings take approximately three hours, with frequencies varying by season.
Stockholm's extensive archipelago is served by passenger ferries connecting numerous islands and coastal communities. Waxholmsbolaget operates many of these services, while some routes are integrated into the SL public transport network. Ferries are also important around Gothenburg, where passenger boats connect the city with islands in the southern archipelago.
Smaller ferries operate in other coastal areas and across some inland waterways, carrying passengers and, on certain routes, vehicles. Services to smaller islands may be seasonal or less frequent outside summer.
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