Transportation
Traveling by plane
According to top-medical-schools, SAS Scandinavian Airlines (SK) flies to Stockholm Arlanda from almost every domestic airport in Sweden. Norwegian (DY) also flies to numerous domestic airports, such as Gothenburg, Malmö, Umea or Visby on Gotland.
Traveling by car/bus
The Swedish road network is one of the best in Europe. It offers the opportunity to travel from the southernmost part of Sweden to the polar sea. Sweden’s longest motorway, the E4, continuously connects Helsingborg on the Danish border via Stockholm and Uppsala with Gävle on the Finnish border. Tolls: There are no road tolls; in Stockholm and Gothenburg, however, a congestion charge (see below). The Motala and Sundsvall bridges are also toll. Gas stations are generally available everywhere. Only in the far north is the filling station network less dense. Refueling facilities should always be used there. The gas stations are usually open daily from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m. or 10 p.m.; continuous along the freeways. You can pay almost everywhere with major credit cards. At a number of gas stations you can only refuel at automatic pumps; however, around the clock. You pay by credit card. However, diesel is rarely available at these filling stations.
Right-hand traffic/left-hand traffic
Right
Road classification
The Swedish equivalent of our motorways, Motorväg, is identified by a white sign on a green background. Sweden does not have a separate numbering for its Motorvägar. They can also be part of Länsvägar (provincial roads) or Riksvägar (imperial roads).
Car rental
Rental cars are available in most cities. Drivers must be at least 19 years old (may vary by vehicle category) and have held a driver’s license for at least one year. An additional young driver fee may apply under the age of 25.
Taxi
Taxis are available at all airports and in the cities. There are no fixed tariffs. Therefore, you should ask or negotiate the price for the trip before you start your journey.
Coach
Samtrafiken and Swebus operate express and regional bus routes throughout the country. Post buses operate in the north. Inexpensive and reliable connections are available to all cities. At the weekends (Fri-Sun) many bus companies offer tickets at reduced rates, discounts for children are also granted.
Regulations
Traffic regulations: – Driving under the influence of alcohol carries severe fines or imprisonment. – The blood alcohol limit is 0.2 ‰. – Cars and motorcycles must also use dipped headlights during the day. – The use of a hand-held mobile or car phone while driving is prohibited; however, the use of hands-free devices is permitted; – Motorcycle helmets are mandatory for motorcyclists. – Children under the age of 7 may only be transported in a child seat or with child safety belts. – In general, seatbelts are compulsory. – A warning triangle should be carried. – Winter tires are compulsory from December 1st to March 1st. More information from the Swedish automobile clubs Motormännens Riksförbund (M) and Kungliga Automobilkluben (KAK); both in Stockholm. Speed limits: Within built-up areas: 50 km/h (observe signs); on rural roads: 70-90 km/h; on motorways and dual carriageways: 110 km/h (120 km/h on signposted routes).
Roadside Assistance
In the event of car breakdowns, contact the “Assistancekåren” service, tel. 020-912 912 (free number; valid only within Sweden) or +46 8 627 57 57 (normal telephone rates). The ADAC foreign emergency call offers ADAC members and holders of ADAC foreign health and accident insurance comprehensive assistance in the event of vehicle breakdowns, traffic accidents, loss of documents and money, and medical emergencies. The emergency number is available around the clock; in the event of vehicle damage: Tel. +49-89 22 22 22, in the event of illness: +49-89 76 76 76.
Documentation
National driver’s license and vehicle documents must be carried with you. The minimum age for drivers is 18 years. If the vehicle is not the property of the driver, he must be in possession of a power of attorney. For citizens of EU and EFTA countries, the license plate number is valid as proof of insurance. Nevertheless, EU and EFTA citizens are recommended to take their international motor insurance card with them in order to make it easier to record accidents in the event of damage and to enjoy full insurance cover. Otherwise, the statutory minimum liability insurance coverage applies.
Note on travel by road
In remote regions you should drive particularly attentively and carefully because of the deer crossing (especially moose).
Traveling in the city
Stockholm has a well-developed network of subways (T-bana), suburban trains, buses, trams and boats. Operators are the Stockholm public transport company, Storstockholms Lokaltrafik (SL). In addition to single tickets, there are also multi-trip tickets. These are cheaper online or at machines than at the counter. The Stockholm Pass offers free entry to more than 60 attractions and includes a variety of sightseeing cruises and unlimited travel on hop-on hop-off buses and boats. The Stockholm Pass is available for 1, 2, 3 and 5 days. With the additional Travel Card option, unlimited use of public transport such as buses, trains, trains and trams is possible. Children from 6 to 15 years pay about half. Stockholm Info offers the Stockholm Prepaid Card. You load the card with 500 or 1000 SEK and use it to pay for entry to around 30 attractions and sights; some at full price, some at a discount. With the 500 SEK variant you can use public transport for 24 hours, with the 1000 SEK variant for 72 hours. A congestion charge is due if you drive your car into the center of Stockholm or Gothenburg. The vehicles are automatically registered at control stations and an invoice is sent by post with a payment period of two weeks. A longer holiday may be overdue upon return and a penalty may apply. Tip: Before leaving, ask a family member or friend to check the mail and transfer the toll!
Locally on the way by train
The route network of the Swedish Railways (SJ) is well developed. SJ regional and intercity trains run throughout Sweden. The SJ high-speed train (Snabbtåg) offers fast connections on the following routes: Copenhagen-Malmö-Gothenburg, Copenhagen-Malmö-Stockholm and between Stockholm and Gothenburg, Stockholm and Falun, Karlstad, Sundsvall and Östersund. The Inlandsbanan scenic train runs 1,300 km through the Swedish interior from Vänern to Lapland, north of the Arctic Circle. The SJ night train (NT) serves domestic connections in Sweden, but also an international route to Narvik (Norway). The Snälltåget night train connects Malmö with the Åre ski resort. In southern and central Sweden, trains run between the larger cities every 30 to 60 minutes. Night trains run to the sparsely populated, wooded areas north of the Arctic Circle. Most night trains have seats, couchettes and sleepers. Seat reservation is recommended and mandatory on most high-speed and night trains. Further information and tickets from SJ, DB, ÖBB and SBB. Special tickets: The Swedish Railways (SJ) offers various fare discounts on their website. Their budget calendar lists discounted fares by date. Last minute tickets are available for young people under the age of 26, students and senior citizens. The prices for last-minute tickets appear in the regular booking process at the earliest 24 hours before departure and are marked in red.
rail passes
The Interrail One Country Pass is also valid in Sweden. The Eurail Scandinavian Pass entitles non-European residents to unlimited rail travel in Denmark, Sweden, Norway and Finland.
Traveling by ship
There are regular connections to Swedish islands from mainland Sweden: Gotlandlinjen connects eg Nynäshamn, Oskarshamn and Västervik with Visby on the island of Gotland. Ven Trafiken operates between Landskrona in southern Sweden and the island of Ven. The Göta Kanal shipping company offers various cruises on which you can explore the Göta Canal, which connects the great lakes in central Sweden. Cruises are offered from a few hours to almost a week. The Göta Canal is open to the public from May 3rd to September 29th. There is also the option of renting recreational boats for three overnight stays in marinas for various routes.
