Stockholm

There are several ways to reach Stockholm, depending on where you’re coming from.

Getting There by Plane

Flying is the fastest option. Most major airlines fly into Stockholm Arlanda Airport.

Note: Some budget airlines fly into Stockholm Skavsta Airport instead — but Skavsta is 100 km outside the city, and the transfer takes 90 minutes and costs noticeably more.

From Arlanda, the quickest way into the city center is the Arlanda Express — just 20 minutes. The most affordable option is the Flygbussarna bus, which takes about 50 minutes and costs around 119 SEK (roughly 11 euros). You can also book a private transfer if you prefer door-to-door comfort.

Getting There by Train

Train travel to Stockholm is totally doable if you’re coming from northern Europe. The journey from Hamburg takes about ten hours with one transfer in Copenhagen — not the fastest, but a scenic option if you enjoy the ride.

Getting There by Ferry

Ferries are a big deal in Scandinavia, with regular services connecting many major cities. There are no direct ferry routes to Stockholm from further afield, but if you’re planning a broader Scandinavia trip, the ferry is a seriously convenient way to hop between destinations once you’re there.

Getting around Stockholm by public transit is super easy. The city has three subway lines, plus plenty of tram and bus lines and passenger ferries.

The subway is called the Tunnelbana — look for entrances marked with a blue T. It’s reliable, fast, and covers all the areas you’ll want to visit.

Tickets are electronic only — loaded onto the SL Access Card or your phone. The card itself costs 20 SEK (just under 2 euros), but you can reuse it on every future trip to Stockholm. Note that cash isn’t accepted at the machines, so bring a credit card.

You could easily spend a week in Stockholm and still not see everything. If you want to hit several museums and explore beyond the city center, give yourself plenty of time.

That said, three days is the absolute minimum to get a real feel for the city — anything shorter and you’ll feel rushed.

Summer is peak season for a reason. Stockholm is especially great as a destination in August — temperatures are at their warmest (around 60°F, even warmer in the sun), and the days are incredibly long. In midsummer it’s still bright even at midnight, which is a really special experience.

But don’t overlook Stockholm as a winter destination in December either. The city is beautifully decorated for Christmas, the waterways freeze over, snow often blankets the streets, and the sky turns that brilliant Nordic blue.

Sweden uses the Swedish krona (SEK). The rough exchange rate is about 10 SEK per euro.

Cardless cash is almost irrelevant here — Sweden is one of the most cashless countries in the world. It’s completely normal to pay by card for even small purchases, and some museums and restaurants in Stockholm don’t accept cash at all. Make sure you have a card that works internationally.

Stockholm is generally a very safe city-break destination in Europe. The usual common sense applies — keep an eye on your belongings at busy attractions and in crowded areas.

Some of Stockholm’s outer neighborhoods have gang-related issues, but these areas are well away from the city’s attractions and downtown. You’re very unlikely to encounter them as a visitor.

You don’t need any special gear for Stockholm.

Standard European plugs fit Swedish outlets, and anything you forget is easy to pick up locally.

One thing worth noting: even in summer, evenings can get quite cool. Pack a jacket or light sweatshirt — you’ll thank yourself later.

For a full rundown, check out our city trip packing list.