Arlanda Airport's Vast Scale: Stockholm's Aviation Hub

Stockholm Arlanda Airport is Sweden's largest airport, located 43km (27 miles) north of Stockholm. It is one of the largest airports in the Nordic Region, serving around 23 million passengers each year. The airport has four terminals, numbered 2, 3, 4 and 5, and offers about 157 non-stop routes, of which 135 are international and 22 are domestic. The airport provides a wide range of services and amenities, including shops, eateries, banks, ATMs, currency exchange bureaus, a chapel, a healthcare centre, and a pharmacy.

Terminals

Stockholm Arlanda Airport is Sweden's largest airport, serving around 23 million passengers annually. The airport has four terminals numbered 2, 3, 4 and 5. All terminals are operational and serve both domestic and international flights, with no strict separation between the two. However, gates are separated between Schengen and non-Schengen areas.

Terminal 2 was opened in 1990 and was initially known as Inrikes 2 ("Domestic 2"). From 1992 to 2019, it was used solely for international flights. In 2022, a new pedestrian tunnel was built between Terminals 4 and 5, bypassing the security check area and enabling the two terminals to operate as a single entity.

Terminal 3 was designed for regional flights within Sweden. However, due to a decline in passenger numbers for these smaller connections, Terminal 3 was closed in early 2020. It was later reopened in October 2024 for both domestic and international flights within the Schengen area. Arriving international passengers exit through Terminal 2 as Terminal 3 does not have customs facilities.

Terminal 4, also known as Gates C30-C44 or Terminal 5 - C Gates, was inaugurated in 1983. It was initially named Inrikes 1 ("Domestic 1") and was designed to handle domestic flights. Today, it is primarily used by low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and Wizzair.

Terminal 5, previously known as Arlanda International, was inaugurated in 1976 and has been serving both domestic and international flights since 2018. It serves as a hub for Scandinavian Airlines and Norwegian Air Shuttle, accommodating both Schengen and non-Schengen destinations. Some gates at Terminal 5 can support larger aircraft models, such as the Airbus A380.

In addition to the passenger terminals, the airport also has a cargo area with cargo terminals and cargo transit facilities in the southern part of the airport. The airport offers a wide range of services and amenities, including shops, eateries, and an aviation exhibition. It also provides cash machines, currency exchange bureaus, a chapel, a healthcare centre, and a pharmacy.

Transport links

Stockholm Arlanda Airport is Sweden's largest airport and is located in the municipality of Sigtuna. It is a major hub, serving around 23 million passengers each year.

The airport is easily accessible by road, rail, and bus. The E4 is the main road artery serving the airport, which can be accessed northbound from Stockholm or southbound from Uppsala.

The Arlanda Express train service connects the airport with Stockholm Central Station, with trains departing every 10 minutes during rush hour and every 15 minutes at other times. The journey time is approximately 18-20 minutes. The airport is also served by commuter trains operated by SL, departing twice an hour from Arlanda Central Station in Sky City, with a total travel time of around 43 minutes.

Several bus services connect the airport with Stockholm and other destinations. The Flygbussarna Airport Coaches depart every 10-15 minutes, with a journey time of 35-45 minutes. The FlixBus Airport Shuttle runs between the airport and Stockholm City every 30 minutes, with tickets costing 79 SEK (approximately 7€). This service also operates between Arlanda Airport and Västerås and Örebro, although these services are less frequent, running every 90 minutes.

Taxis and ride-hailing services like Uber are also available at the airport, although these can be expensive, with prices ranging from 500-1000 SEK for a trip to the city centre.

Sustainability

Stockholm Arlanda Airport is Sweden's largest airport and one of the largest airports in the Nordic Region. The airport is located 43 kilometres (27 miles) north of Stockholm and is a hub for Scandinavian Airlines. In 2021, the airport was awarded the "ECO-Innovation Airport of the Year" by the airport industry organisation ACI Europe. The airport has been described as a pioneer in sustainability development within the aviation industry and a leading example in becoming fossil-free.

Stockholm Arlanda Airport has implemented several initiatives to reduce its environmental impact and promote sustainability. One of their most notable achievements was reaching their goal of having 51% of all passengers take public transportation to the airport. The airport is well-connected to Stockholm Central Station, with the Arlanda Express high-speed train providing a quick and efficient transport option for travellers. The airport also offers a commuter train connection to Uppsala and bus services from various locations, making public transportation a convenient and attractive option for passengers and employees.

The airport has also invested in the transition to fossil-free aviation, with a focus on biofuel. They have published an Annual and Sustainability Report, showcasing their commitment to transparency and accountability in their sustainability journey. Additionally, the airport has taken steps towards the separation of Schengen and non-Schengen travellers, reconfiguring Terminals 2 and 5 to align with Sweden's entry into the Schengen area in 2001.

Future Goals

Stockholm Arlanda Airport has set its sights on becoming the leading airport in Scandinavia. To achieve this, the airport continues to expand and renovate its facilities while also prioritising sustainability. The airport has seen increased international travel and investments in new routes, all while working towards becoming fossil-free. With a strong focus on sustainability and passenger experience, the airport aims to enhance its position as a key aviation hub in the region.

Amenities

Stockholm Arlanda Airport is Sweden's largest airport, located in Märsta, 42 kilometres from the Swedish capital. The airport has four terminals (2, 3, 4 and 5) and three runways. It offers a wide range of amenities and services to passengers, making it a convenient and enjoyable travel hub.

Stockholm Arlanda Airport provides a variety of amenities to cater to the diverse needs of its passengers. The airport offers free internet access throughout the terminals, ensuring that travellers can stay connected during their journey. For those seeking relaxation, there are dedicated VIP lounges and relaxing VIP areas, including special treatment for people with disabilities. Passengers can also access a chapel, healthcare centre, hairdresser's, and massage parlour within the airport. Additionally, the airport houses a pharmacy, cash machines, currency exchange bureaus, and a range of shopping and dining options.

The airport's terminals feature an extensive selection of shops and eateries. Passengers can browse fashion boutiques, explore the latest gadgets and designs, or purchase books and magazines for their travels. The range of dining options includes various restaurants and fast-food outlets to suit different tastes and preferences.

For aviation enthusiasts, Stockholm Arlanda Airport hosts an aviation exhibition that showcases the last hundred years of aviation history. This exhibition, held in a hangar-like building, features homemade models, restored commercial equipment, aircraft engines, and historic flight simulators. Visitors even have the opportunity to step aboard an aircraft from the 1930s.

In addition to these amenities, Stockholm Arlanda Airport provides guided tours for those interested in exploring the inner workings of the airport. These tours take participants through the terminal building, including check-in, security, and the transit hall. The tour concludes with a visit to baggage collection and customs, offering a comprehensive insight into airport operations. Alternatively, bus tours are available for those who want to explore the areas outside the terminal, including the runways, hangars, and surrounding neighbourhoods.

Passenger numbers

Stockholm Arlanda Airport is the largest airport in Sweden and the third-largest airport in the Nordic countries. It is the main international airport serving Stockholm, the capital of Sweden. The airport is located in Sigtuna Municipality, 37 km (23 mi) north of Stockholm and nearly 40 km (25 mi) southeast of Uppsala. The facility covers an expanse of about 2,500 hectares (9.7 sq mi) of airport property.

From 2012 to 2019, the passenger number handled at Stockholm Arlanda Airport steadily increased from 19.6 million to over 25.6 million. In 2017, the airport was used by nearly 27 million passengers, with 21.2 million international passengers and 5.5 million domestic. However, due to the coronavirus pandemic, the number dropped to 6.5 million in 2020. In 2022, passenger figures rose again to more normal levels, causing capacity problems, especially in the security check. In 2023, the passenger traffic at Stockholm Arlanda Airport amounted to 21.8 million travellers. In August of the same year, the airport saw 2,836,000 passengers, with 2,163,000 international and 673,000 domestic passengers. This represented an increase of more than 100% for international travel and 60% for domestic travel compared to 2021.

The airport is a major hub for Scandinavian Airlines and Norwegian Air Shuttle. It has four terminals, with Terminal 3 handling regional flights within Sweden. However, due to a decline in passenger numbers for these smaller connections, Terminal 3 was closed in early 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. It reopened in October 2024 for both domestic and international flights within the Schengen area. Terminal 4, inaugurated in 1983, is primarily used by low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air.

The airport is easily accessible by train, with the Arlanda Express providing a direct connection between Stockholm Central Station and Arlanda Airport in just 18 minutes.

Frequently asked questions