Why I Can't Recommend Sweden's Super Fast Airport Express Train

One thing that you missed: You can take the SJ train from Arlanda Central for fares much cheaper than Arlanda Express ~200kr and it still takes 20 minutes. (The station cost is included) And if you are 18 or under, you don't have to pay the station cost and you can take the SL pendeltåg (commuter train) to get into the city using only 26kr, it takes around 45 minutes because of the stops. Otherwise I recommend using Flygbussarna which is a bus service that cost 139kr for Adults.

The reason the price is absurd is because the idiotic Bildt government guaranteed a monopoly on this line to private owners.

For someone visiting for the first time, the Arlanda Express is worth every penny. It's fast, directions are clear and there is no confusion. After an overnight flight from Canada the last thing I want to do is take a bus to another station and then board a train, which will take me to the same destination, to save a few Euros. It's an excellent , safe and clear introduction to Sweden.

A good alternative is the Vy Airport coaches that run very frequently, stops at the central station and also at all terminals at Arlanda. Takes about 40 minutes and cost €10. Great luggage storage and comfy seats. I drove these busses Sundays for 6 years before and they are really good.

In Vienna Airport they have a similar system- the CAT, which is advertised by a substantial number of green plates pointing to it. Price is over 20€ for a single ride and the travel time is 16 minutes, compared to the 23 minutes with the suburban train (S-Bahn), which takes you to the city centre for 4,40€.

The connection is meant especially for business travellers who make up a large share of the domestic air passengers. They don't worry so much about the price as long as their company approves the cost. They want a fast, frequent, comfortable and reliable connection. Private travellers who want to avoid paying so much have other options. The cheapest for just 42 SEK/3.7€ is the local bus stopping just outside the main terminal 5, going to Märsta station and then local train. Using this bus bypasses the special fees of Arlanda rail stations.

In my opinion, as someone who lives in stockholm, its very much worth it on the way to the airport, due to you can never count on the commutertrain to work or be on time, or you might end up stuck between stations. From the airport I would rather take bus to märsta and from there the commuter train (pendeltåg). Even if I live half way on the commuter trainstops from the central station to arlanda, i chose my last trip to take a taxi to the airport. Just because I couldnt trust the trains with its delays. If you have plenty of time before your flight goes, then you might want to gamble on the cheaper trains though. For me, not worth the stress.

I've been waiting on this video! :)

It's really only worth it if you're running late for your flight or train connection IMO. Otherwise, if I dont mind the additional transfer and travel time, I'd take the pendeltåg via Märsta for €3.5. Or, if I still want to arrive decently fast, the new Flixbus transfers for €7 /45 min.

Simon at an airport m I never thought I get to see that

The shiny platforms are awesome.

For me the Arlanda Express train it's worth it despite the price. When there's a Delay or the track is closed. Arlanda Express Express will communicat it clearly and book and pay for a taxi for you. Unlike SL and SJ who in my experience will fight you every step of the way.

The Arlanda express service is also mostly directed towards bussiness travelers. We have plenty of flights of people from other parts of Sweden that also is more than 90% day commuters to work/meetings in sthlm. I my self did that for years working in IT. When you get up at 4:30 in the morning and going back home at 21:00 in the evening, that 20 min of hassle free traveling is a gift.

When I came to Stockholm last year I also used the Arlanda express. It was the same situation for me, as i could buy a youth fare, I felt that the price was a bit more justifiable for the convenience, however at the full fare I doubt I would pay for it. Also, given that I was buying a return fare which wasn't too much more it felt like a better deal

The reason why its so horribly expensive is that the whole railway system including the station and the track are fully funded by the tickets.

LOL - Your comment at the start "So before this turns into an aviation channel...." Made me snort my desert. :)

The Swedish railways are a shadow of what they were 20 years ago. Rough riding trains and unreliable service. They are unable to cope with disruption.

Those oddly placed seat numbers are for maintenance purposes. Reporting a faulty seat is more accurate when they are all numbered.

I wonder how running mostly empty expensive trains is more profitable, than lowering the price and filling the train

I made the mistake taking that one once. However, I must say that it's way more comfortable if you have much luggage since at times, the SL train can get really crowded. Obviously not a problem when only traveling with carry-on.