Stockholm Airport Review

Not an airport to become excited about, but Stockholm Airport is functional and does work. The local name is Stockholm Arlanda and it is the largest airport in Sweden, serving 176 destinations operated by 81 airlines.

The main disappointment here is the cramped feeling, slow security with long queues and limited check-in desks. To be fair the limitations are known and investments are planned to create a more welcoming airport. Terminal 2 will be the first to be upgraded.

A further drawback is the distance from Stockholm and the expense of reaching the city. Taxis are out, unless you want to spend more than the air fare to get to and from the airport. The Arlanda Express train is fast, but not cheap. Add an extra 10 minutes to the transfer and take the airport buses, which compete with the train and are much cheaper and very comparable. Buy your ticket from the machines or from the information desk.

Buses terminate at Central Station, from where it is best to walk to your hotel. Again taxis are not cheap and they may try to charge a high fixed price to cover a very short distance. If you do take taxi, then the fare is normally fixed and you need not feel guilty using oil as most run on renewable fuels and are termed eco taxis.

Being a cramped airport, seating is limited. This is not good for guests, but is a way to force you to browse the 52 shops or pay the high prices to drink or eat in one of the 41 bars, cafés or restaurants.

Transfer between international and domestic terminals is free. The buses also operate to airport hotels, the car hire area and the airport parking areas. If you park, then the more environmentally clean cars park at the best locations. This is an excellent initiative to promote green ideas. Car rental companies are located at the long-term parking areas Arlanda Långtid Alfa and Arlanda Långtid Beta.

Airport hotels include the Connect Hotel, which is 75 metres from the terminal. Rather more famous and unique is the converted Boeing 747, which has been turned into the Jumbo Hostel. It can be seen at the end of the runway.

We were unable to find any showers or luggage storage facilities. Is that correct? If anyone has spotted these, please do tell us at eGuide and we will update this review.

Stockholm airport is one of those annoying airports where baggage trolleys are not free, which is a nuisance when you first arrive as international travellers are highly unlikely to have the necessary coins. Another black mark.

During normal operation, Stockholm Arlanda uses two runways; one for landings and the other for take-offs. Airport authorities are well used to operating in adverse weather conditions.

Stockholm Airport Images