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Arlanda (ARN) — Airport Guide

Complete guide to Arlanda (ARN) in Stockholm, Sweden. Find lounges, restaurants, sleep options, transport links, and jetlag recovery facilities.

Top Lounges

  • Gateau— Terminal Stockholm - Arlanda (ARN), Terminal 5 (Non-Schengen), near gate F59
  • SAS Domestic Lounge— Terminal Stockholm - Arlanda (ARN), Terminal 4 (Domestic), between gates 37-39
  • Upstairs & Bar— Terminal Stockholm - Arlanda (ARN), Terminal 2, near gate 66, upper floor

Arlanda Airport Guide

Lounges, food, WiFi, sleep, hotels, and transport at ARN

Official website

Terminal Transfers

How to navigate between terminals

FromToWalkRecommendedSecurityTransport
T4T56 min25 min-
Bus
T2T515 min60 min
Recheck
Bus
T2T412 min50 min
Recheck
Bus

Lounges at Arlanda

12 lounges · 12 terminals

12 lounges found

Food & Drink

9 dining options

Cafes

Arlanda Airport Coffee

Arlanda Airside Cafe

Arlanda Costa Airport

Arlanda Starbucks Airport

Arlanda Terminal Cafe

Cornelius Coffee

cafe

Espresso House Terminal 2

cafe

Sky Cafe

cafe

Starbucks Arlanda Terminal 5

cafe

Sleep & Rest

Rest and recovery options

Quiet Zones

Designated quiet areas for resting.

Lounge Beds

Some lounges offer lie-flat beds for rest.

Showers

Shower facilities in the terminal

Shower Facilities

Showers available in the terminal.

Layover Tips

Making the most of your time at Arlanda

4h: With 4 hours around Stockholm (STO collectively refers to Arlanda ARN, Bromma BMA, and Skavsta NYO), you’re realistically limited to Arlanda or Bromma. From Arlanda, take the Arlanda Express (18 min) or commuter train (about 38 min) to Stockholm Central if you have at least 3 hours net. Focus on Gamla Stan: stroll the cobbled streets, see Stortorget square and the exterior of the Royal Palace, and walk along the waterfront towards Skeppsbron for city views. Grab a quick fika (coffee and pastry) at a café like Chokladkoppen or Kaffekoppen. Return to the airport at least 1.5–2 hours before departure (more for non‑Schengen or checked baggage). From Bromma, a taxi or Flygbussarna bus gets you into the city in about 20–30 minutes; you can do a short walk around City Hall’s waterfront courtyard and nearby Kungsholmen before heading back.
8h: With 8 hours, you can see several central highlights. From Arlanda, take the Arlanda Express to Stockholm Central. Start in Gamla Stan: explore the Royal Palace courtyard, the narrow alley Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, and the waterfront. Walk or ferry to Djurgården to visit the Vasa Museum (17th‑century warship) and, time permitting, Skansen open‑air museum for traditional Swedish houses and Nordic animals. Alternatively, visit Fotografiska in Södermalm for contemporary photography and city views from the café. Have lunch at a classic Swedish spot like Tradition (Gamla Stan) or Pelikan (Södermalm) for meatballs and husmanskost. Leave the city 2–2.5 hours before your next flight. From Bromma, similar plans are possible with slightly more flexibility; from Skavsta (NYO), the 80–90 minute bus each way to Stockholm makes a full city visit only worthwhile if your layover is truly 8+ hours gate‑to‑gate and you’re comfortable cutting it close.
24h: With 24 hours, you can experience both historic and modern Stockholm and even stay overnight in the city. After arriving (most likely at Arlanda), take the Arlanda Express or commuter train to Stockholm Central and check into a hotel near the station, Norrmalm, or Gamla Stan. Day 1: Explore Gamla Stan (Royal Palace, Storkyrkan, Stortorget), then walk to City Hall (Stadshuset) for a tower visit in season and views over Lake Mälaren. In the afternoon, head to Djurgården for the Vasa Museum and either Skansen or ABBA The Museum. Evening: dine in Södermalm at a traditional restaurant like Pelikan or a modern Nordic spot, then enjoy a drink around Mariatorget or Nytorget. Morning of Day 2: stroll Strandvägen and Östermalm, visit the Östermalms Saluhall food hall, or take a short archipelago boat tour if schedules allow. Plan to be back at the airport 2–3 hours before departure (longer for intercontinental flights), using either Arlanda Express, Flygbussarna, or commuter trains depending on your budget and timing.

By Layover Duration

4-Hour Layover

With 4 hours around Stockholm (STO collectively refers to Arlanda ARN, Bromma BMA, and Skavsta NYO), you’re realistically limited to Arlanda or Bromma. From Arlanda, take the Arlanda Express (18 min) or commuter train (about 38 min) to Stockholm Central if you have at least 3 hours net. Focus on Gamla Stan: stroll the cobbled streets, see Stortorget square and the exterior of the Royal Palace, and walk along the waterfront towards Skeppsbron for city views. Grab a quick fika (coffee and pastry) at a café like Chokladkoppen or Kaffekoppen. Return to the airport at least 1.5–2 hours before departure (more for non‑Schengen or checked baggage). From Bromma, a taxi or Flygbussarna bus gets you into the city in about 20–30 minutes; you can do a short walk around City Hall’s waterfront courtyard and nearby Kungsholmen before heading back.

8-Hour Layover

With 8 hours, you can see several central highlights. From Arlanda, take the Arlanda Express to Stockholm Central. Start in Gamla Stan: explore the Royal Palace courtyard, the narrow alley Mårten Trotzigs Gränd, and the waterfront. Walk or ferry to Djurgården to visit the Vasa Museum (17th‑century warship) and, time permitting, Skansen open‑air museum for traditional Swedish houses and Nordic animals. Alternatively, visit Fotografiska in Södermalm for contemporary photography and city views from the café. Have lunch at a classic Swedish spot like Tradition (Gamla Stan) or Pelikan (Södermalm) for meatballs and husmanskost. Leave the city 2–2.5 hours before your next flight. From Bromma, similar plans are possible with slightly more flexibility; from Skavsta (NYO), the 80–90 minute bus each way to Stockholm makes a full city visit only worthwhile if your layover is truly 8+ hours gate‑to‑gate and you’re comfortable cutting it close.

Overnight Layover

With 24 hours, you can experience both historic and modern Stockholm and even stay overnight in the city. After arriving (most likely at Arlanda), take the Arlanda Express or commuter train to Stockholm Central and check into a hotel near the station, Norrmalm, or Gamla Stan. Day 1: Explore Gamla Stan (Royal Palace, Storkyrkan, Stortorget), then walk to City Hall (Stadshuset) for a tower visit in season and views over Lake Mälaren. In the afternoon, head to Djurgården for the Vasa Museum and either Skansen or ABBA The Museum. Evening: dine in Södermalm at a traditional restaurant like Pelikan or a modern Nordic spot, then enjoy a drink around Mariatorget or Nytorget. Morning of Day 2: stroll Strandvägen and Östermalm, visit the Östermalms Saluhall food hall, or take a short archipelago boat tour if schedules allow. Plan to be back at the airport 2–3 hours before departure (longer for intercontinental flights), using either Arlanda Express, Flygbussarna, or commuter trains depending on your budget and timing.

Getting There & Away

Transport options to/from the airport

tips: Plan extra time when traveling to and from the airport, especially from Skavsta or Västerås due to longer bus rides. For short stays, staying near Stockholm Central Station or in Gamla Stan minimizes transit time. Use contactless payment on SL services to avoid ticket machines. In winter, allow for potential weather‑related delays and dress warmly, as you may wait outdoors for buses or ferries. Many attractions and shops are cash‑free, so carry a card or mobile payment method. Taxis are not heavily regulated on pricing; choose well‑known companies and confirm a fixed fare before starting your trip.
from_airport: Stockholm’s airport code STO covers several airports. Arlanda (ARN) is the main international hub, about 40 km north of the city. The Arlanda Express train runs to Stockholm Central in about 18 minutes and is the fastest but priciest option. SL commuter trains and regional trains also connect Arlanda to the city in roughly 38 minutes; a station access fee applies. Flygbussarna airport coaches run to various central stops and take about 45 minutes depending on traffic. Taxis are available outside arrivals; use reputable companies and ask for a fixed price to central Stockholm. Bromma (BMA) is closer to town; Flygbussarna and local buses connect to the city in about 20–30 minutes, or you can take a taxi. Skavsta (NYO) and Västerås (VST) are much farther; dedicated airport buses link them to Stockholm but travel times are around 80–90 minutes or more each way.
public_transit: Stockholm’s public transport, run by SL, includes the Tunnelbana (metro), commuter trains, trams, buses, and some ferries. The metro is the backbone, with three main lines and many stations decorated with art. SL tickets are time‑based and valid across modes; you can pay with contactless bank cards, the SL app, or travel cards. Commuter trains connect central Stockholm with suburbs and Arlanda, while trams serve areas like Djurgården and Hammarby Sjöstad. Waxholmsbolaget and other operators run additional ferries to the archipelago. Stockholm Central Station (T‑Centralen) is the main hub, linking metro, commuter trains, long‑distance trains, and the Arlanda Express.
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Local Dining

Food areas and local cuisine near the airport

Food Areas

Gamla Stan

Historic district

Touristy but charming area with many restaurants and cafés offering Swedish classics, cozy cellars, and quick fika stops.

Södermalm

Trendy neighborhood

Bohemian district south of the center with a wide range of bars, craft beer spots, casual eateries, and traditional Swedish restaurants.

Östermalm

Upscale district

Elegant area with fine‑dining restaurants, wine bars, and the famous Östermalms Saluhall food hall.

Norrmalm / City

Central business district

Central area around Stockholm Central Station with many lunch spots, cafés, and international chains convenient for quick meals.

Hammarby Sjöstad

Waterfront neighborhood

Modern eco‑district with waterfront restaurants and cafés, reachable by tram or ferry from Södermalm.

Local Cuisine Recommendations

Pelikan

Traditional Swedish

Classic beer hall in Södermalm serving hearty Swedish husmanskost like meatballs, herring, and potato dishes.

Tradition

Traditional Swedish

Restaurant in Gamla Stan focusing on updated versions of Swedish classics such as meatballs, gravlax, and herring.

Fem Små Hus

Swedish / Scandinavian

Atmospheric cellar restaurant in Gamla Stan offering refined Swedish and Scandinavian dishes in historic vaults.

Den Gyldene Freden

Swedish fine dining

Historic restaurant in Gamla Stan, dating from the 18th century, known for upscale takes on Swedish cuisine.

Bakfickan Djuret

Nordic / meat‑focused

Small bistro in Gamla Stan emphasizing nose‑to‑tail cooking and seasonal Nordic ingredients.

Services

Airport amenities and facilities

Spa

5 locations

Medical

Medical services available

Currency & ATM

Currency exchange

Luggage Storage

Storage available

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about this airport

Yes, Arlanda offers shower facilities for travelers. These are typically available in airport lounges and some terminals. A refreshing shower can help reset your body clock after a long flight.

Flying through ARN?

Search routes and compare jetlag recovery scores

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Stockholm City Guide

Explore flights, hotels, attractions, and layover tips for Stockholm.

ARN Airport (ARN) Guide — Lounges, Food, Sleep… | Aerobase