We are a couple flying out to Stockholm Arlanda airport, and catching the train or bus in the early hours to Stockholm central to get to our hotel. We will spend a couple days before catching a train to Gothenburg, spending a couple of days there (hotel is booked) and catching a flight from there back to UK. We are going for a BJM gig and aiming to sightsee while we are there.

Does anyone have advise on the local transport in Stockholm and/or Gothenburg, website suggestions (recommendations) ?

All train/bus/tram tips appreciated.

Using the Express Train into the City from the airport will cost about $25 per person, but takes only 20 minutes or so - departures are every 15-20 minutes and they start early in the AM.

Using the bus, is about half the price, but takes twice as long, but they run more frequently...every 10-15 minutes.

And, to be honest, once you arrive downtown, depending on where you are staying, you may still need a cab/bus/subway to get you to your final destination. The good news is that the downtown arrival at either the Train Station or Bus Station will be within a block or two of each other, so whatever you need to do to make the final leg is very nearby.

Once in the city you'll find the subway/underground/T in Stockholm is extensive throughout the whole central city and metropolitan area.

City bus service is extensive, too - with unlimited transfers allowed on a "two hour" ticket.

I think there are also Trams (on above ground rails), but have not used them. The trains + subway shut down late at night, but the buses run 24 hours, as I remember. In any event, you will not have any trouble getting around the city and suburbs, at all, using either, as there are many stops and stations.

Here's a Stockholm transportation web address: http://europeforvisitors.com/europe/countries/sweden/stockholm-transportation.htm

quote:

Originally posted by Jeff H:
Once in the city you'll find the subway/underground/T in Stockholm is extensive throughout the whole central city and metropolitan area.

City bus service is extensive, too - with unlimited transfers allowed on a "two hour" ticket.

I think there are also Trams (on above ground rails), but have not used them. The trains + subway shut down late at night, but the buses run 24 hours, as I remember. In any event, you will not have any trouble getting around the city and suburbs, at all, using either, as there are many stops and stations.

How right you are! Regarding the trams they run frequently until the early hours, but they do stop, about midnight, can't remember exactly what time, but the next earliest was 4am where we were, Gothenburg by then, so depending on when one is needed it's just a case of ahem getting up early enough to freshen up and scoot out to them... after getting in at 2am, otherwise the taxis to the main bus station to get the bus to the airport are regular and reasonable.

I remember my childhood in Hannover with trams and how there is no comparison between trams and buses/trains in regard to reliability and budget. Oh happy days. Both Stockholm and Gothenburg are beautiful, vibrant, exhilerating, affordable, and cannot recommend enough.

On arrival timetables are easily located and readable at obvious points like the train/ bus stations, hotel lobbies/hotel receptionists (who access their online databases readily), and outside the main train station in Stockholm there is an info kiosk beside the main tram lines. Everyone is helpful if unsure of place names etc. Such a great place, Sweden. I particularly like the huge "T" signs located (usually on a street corner) by the entrance to the tubes. So well designed and laid out. And the underground itself is an experience, artistic, clean, and well lit.

I hope you enjoyed your time there Jeff, we certainly did too.

quote:

Originally posted by Mandric:

I hope you enjoyed your time there Jeff, we certainly did too.

I stayed at the Hilton in Slussen (the funky side of the river!) for about six months and thoroughly enjoyed my time there. You're right about the friendliness and helpfulness of the locals - I met a lot of very nice folks at the pub where I became a regular. I miss it and hope to return someday.

You do meet great people
You don't mention your favourite pub, but our evenings out were at Debaser in Stockholm and Sticky Fingers in Goteburg - both lively venues with lively people, and i highly recommend both venues for anyone either touring as a player or as the audience!

The Old Beefeater Inn on Gogatan Street in Slussen - just up the hill from the Hilton. Great selection of beers from all over Europe and a friendly crowd of regulars from about 4PM until closing.