Transport and Driving in Sweden

Public transport in Sweden is safe, clean, and efficient, but it may be quite expensive, especially in Stockholm. That said, it’s extremely punctual, making travelling around the country easy, even if you don’t have a car.

If you do own a car, you'll be delighted to find that Sweden boasts an excellent road network and safe driving conditions. EU and EEA nationals can also drive on their national driving licences as long as they are valid. 

Public transport in Sweden

Although it can still be expensive compared to some other countries, public transport in Sweden is well organised and subsidised by the government. The Swedish capital, Stockholm, is home to a metro with underground trains (T-bana) while there are vintage trams that operate from the city centre to the island of Djurgården during the summer.

Public transportation in Sweden is nearly always on time, and you can use online journey planners to help you plan your trip. Journey planners advise users about the best and fastest combination of modes of transport to reach their destination, as well as calculate changeovers and waiting times. 

Trains

Sweden's national railway company is Statens Järnvägar (SJ), serving the major cities of Malmö, Gothenburg, Helsingborg, and Stockholm with hourly trains. 

Regional trains in Sweden have first- and second-class carriages available, and certain trains have a family car with entertainment facilities for children. We recommend carrying a valid identity document in case there is an inspection. 

The Swedish railway network is extensive and trains are a quick and comfortable way to travel long distances. If you're travelling to the country’s northern parts, you might need to use a combination of trains and buses to reach your destination. 

Trains in Sweden make commuting from the suburbs to work in the city quick and easy. They are also some of the most environmentally friendly in the world, running on various renewable energy sources. 

The X2000 trains are Sweden’s fastest, but are also the priciest. Tickets for these trains cost a good deal more than bus tickets for the same journey, but the trains travel at 124mph (200km/h) and are much faster than buses.

Buses

Sweden has several county bus networks as well as national long-distance routes. Major carriers include FlixBus, Ybuss, VY Buss, and Svenska Buss.

You are advised to purchase your bus tickets online as this is the cheapest method, but you can also buy them over the phone, at an agent or at various convenience stores. Tickets cannot usually be bought on board a bus, and if they are available, they are pricier than advance tickets.

Ferries

Sweden has an extensive boat network, especially in the Stockholm archipelago. Regular ferries also run in Gotland and near the fishing villages of the country’s west coast. 

Useful links

• Statens Järnvägar (SJ)
• FlixBus
• Ybuss
• VY Buss

Taxis in Sweden

Taxis are readily available in most parts of Sweden. You can reserve them via telephone, engage one at a taxi rank, or hail one off the street. 

Taxis in Sweden are deregulated, meaning that fares vary from company to company. You are advised to agree on a fare with the driver before setting off, but it is the law that taxis must display their rates on the inside and outside the car. Most taxis accept credit cards as well as cash as payment.

There are also several convenient ride-hailing apps in Sweden, including the likes of Uber and Bolt. These apps allow for more convenient navigation and payment, and help to avoid any language barriers. You simply download the app, link your credit card, and start riding.

Useful links

• Uber
• Taxi Stockholm
• Bolt

Driving in Sweden

Driving in Sweden is a pleasure, as the country has excellent roads and its highways are usually congestion-free. That said, you should note that all cars in Sweden are required by law to have winter tyres between December and March. All cars must also have their headlights on at all times of the day and night. Most modern Swedish cars automatically have their lights on at all times.

Road hazards

As a new arrival to Sweden, you should be aware of animals when driving in the country. Deer and moose often wander out of the woods and into the road. A collision with a moose can be fatal. If a driver hits and injures an animal, and it runs off into the woods, they are legally required to mark the spot where it ran into the woods. They must then report the incident to the police so that tracking dogs can find the injured animal. 

Driving licences

You can use your valid national driving licence in Sweden for up to one year. Nationals of EU and EEA countries and the UK and Faroe Islands can simply use their driving licences while living in Sweden for as long as it remains valid. Following a year of living in Sweden, most expats will have to apply for a Swedish driving licence. 

To get a Swedish driving licence, you must pass a series of tests, including an ice-driving test. Nationals of certain countries are allowed to exchange their licence for a Swedish one without taking any driving tests, but they must meet the medical requirements and undergo an eye test. 

Useful links

• Swedish Transport Agency – Driving Licence Renewals