Flights to Stockholm — What to Expect
Stockholm is served primarily by Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN), the main international hub located about 40km north of the city centre. Most flights from major European cities land here — SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) and Norwegian are the dominant carriers on short-haul routes, while Ryanair and Wizz Air operate cheaper flights into Stockholm Skavsta (NYO) and Stockholm Västerås (VST), both of which are genuinely far from the city (90–110km out), so factor in bus transfer time and cost before you assume the cheap ticket is actually cheaper. From London, you're looking at around 2.5 hours in the air. From Amsterdam, Frankfurt or Copenhagen, it's closer to 1.5–2 hours. British Airways, Lufthansa, and KLM all fly into Arlanda on regular schedules if you prefer the majors.
For flights to Stockholm from within Europe, prices fluctuate a lot depending on how far out you book and which airport you choose. A reasonable benchmark for a return economy ticket from London is €80–€160 outside of peak season, rising to €200–€350 or more in July when everyone wants to be there. Stockholm flight deals do appear if you set fare alerts on Google Flights or Skyscanner — positioning your travel in May or September can save you meaningfully versus July travel. Booking 6–10 weeks out tends to hit the sweet spot on pricing for most European origins.
Best Time to Visit Stockholm
Stockholm genuinely earns its reputation as a summer destination. June through August is when the city comes alive — daylight stretches past 10pm in midsummer, outdoor bars (uteserveringar) fill every square, and Stockholmers collectively remember why they live somewhere that gets dark at 3pm in December. July averages around 22°C and is the warmest month, though it's also when prices peak and accommodation books up fast. If you want summer weather without the crowds and cost premium, late May or early September are the insider picks — you get 15–20°C days, far fewer tourists, and cheaper flights from most European cities.
Spring (March to May) is underrated. The city shakes off winter around April, cherry blossoms appear in Kungsträdgården in late April, and café culture starts spilling outdoors. Expect 8–14°C and pack layers. Autumn in Stockholm — particularly September and early October — brings golden foliage around Djurgården and the archipelago, and the cultural calendar fills up with film festivals and design events. Winter (December–February) is cold (often below 0°C), dark, and quiet, but Stockholm does Christmas markets genuinely well, and if you hit a snowy week, the old town looks spectacular. Just don't expect budget flights — January and February are typically the cheapest months to fly in, when demand craters.
Getting Around Stockholm
From Arlanda, the Arlanda Express train is the fastest option into the city — roughly 20 minutes to Stockholm Central, running every 15 minutes, costing around 300 SEK (€26) one way. It's pricey but genuinely convenient. The cheaper alternative is the Flygbussarna airport coach (around 119 SEK, about €10) which takes 45 minutes to an hour depending on traffic. If you're arriving late at night, taxis from Arlanda to the centre run €50–€70 — agree on a fixed price before you get in. Within the city itself, Stockholm's SL transit network is excellent. The tunnelbana (metro), trams, and buses cover the city thoroughly. A 24-hour travel card costs around 165 SEK (€14) and is worth it if you're moving around a lot. The city is also very walkable between neighbourhoods like Gamla Stan, Södermalm, and Östermalm.
Where to Stay in Stockholm
Gamla Stan (Old Town) is atmospheric and central — cobbled streets, medieval architecture, easy access to the Royal Palace — but hotel prices reflect that. Expect €150–€250/night for a decent mid-range option. Södermalm is where the locals actually hang out: indie cafés, vintage shops, great restaurants, and generally better value accommodation (€100–€180 for a solid mid-range hotel). It's well-connected by metro and walkable to Gamla Stan. Östermalm is the upscale residential and shopping district — if you're going for design hotels or luxury, this is the neighbourhood. Budget travellers do best looking at hostels in Vasastan or Kungsholmen, where you can find dorm beds from €30–€45/night or private rooms from €80.
Top Things to Do in Stockholm
- Vasa Museum (Vasamuseet): A 17th-century warship that sank on its maiden voyage and was raised almost intact — genuinely one of the most remarkable museums in Europe. Allow 2 hours minimum.
- Gamla Stan: Wander the medieval old town, see the Royal Palace changing of the guard, and eat a cinnamon bun (kanelbulle) at a proper konditori. Skip the tourist trap restaurants on the main drag.
- Stockholm Archipelago day trip: The city sits among 30,000 islands. Take a Waxholmsbolaget ferry to Vaxholm or further out to Grinda or Sandhamn — half-day or full-day trips, and an entirely different side of Sweden.
- ABBA The Museum: Surprisingly well done, even if you're not a superfan. Interactive, high-production, and genuinely fun. Book tickets in advance in summer.
- Djurgården: A green island you can walk or cycle to from the centre — home to Skansen open-air museum, the Vasa Museum, and a quiet escape from the city buzz.
- Södermalm food scene: Walk Götgatan and the side streets for some of Stockholm's best independent restaurants, coffee shops, and the Fotografiska photography museum with its excellent rooftop café.
Practical Travel Tips
Visa: EU citizens need no visa. UK passport holders can visit for up to 90 days visa-free under the Schengen agreement — no changes expected post-Brexit for short stays. Currency: Sweden uses the Swedish Krona (SEK), not the Euro. Cards are accepted almost everywhere — Sweden is one of the most cashless societies in the world, and many places don't accept cash at all, so don't bother withdrawing much. Tipping: Not obligatory but appreciated — rounding up or adding 10% at restaurants is the norm when service has been good. Safety: Stockholm is a very safe city by any standard. Normal city precautions apply in busy tourist areas (watch your phone in crowds around Gamla Stan and the Central Station), but it's not a place where you need to be particularly on guard. Cost of living: It's an expensive city — a sit-down lunch typically runs 130–180 SEK (€11–€15), a beer around 80–100 SEK (€7–€9). Budget accordingly.
FAQ — Flights to Stockholm
How much do flights to Stockholm cost?
Return flights to Stockholm from major European cities typically range from €80–€160 in shoulder season (May, September, October) and €180–€350+ in peak summer (July–August). Booking 6–8 weeks out and being flexible on departure airport — Arlanda versus Skavsta — can make a meaningful difference. Set alerts on Google Flights for Stockholm flight deals if your travel dates are flexible.
Which airlines fly to Stockholm?
SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) is the flag carrier with the widest network into Arlanda. Norwegian operates competitive routes from several European cities. Budget options include Ryanair (usually into Skavsta) and Wizz Air. Full-service carriers like British Airways, Lufthansa, KLM, and Finnair all serve Arlanda on regular schedules from their respective hubs.
What is the cheapest month to fly to Stockholm?
January and February are consistently the cheapest months for flights to Stockholm — demand is low, the city is quiet, and airlines discount heavily. If you want cheaper flights but still reasonable weather, early November and late March also offer lower fares than the summer peak. Avoid July if price is your priority — that's when flights from London and other European hubs hit their highest points of the year.
How long is the flight to Stockholm from London?
Direct flights from London Heathrow or Gatwick to Stockholm Arlanda take approximately 2 hours 30 minutes. From Amsterdam it's around 1 hour 50 minutes, from Frankfurt about 2 hours, and from Copenhagen just over 1 hour. All major Western European hubs have direct daily service — you won't need a connection from anywhere obvious in Europe.