Why I Can't Recommend Sweden's Super Fast Airport Express Train

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  • Опубліковано 26 вер 2024
  • Come with me as I take you on a trip with Arlanda Express, Sweden's super fast airport train. With a very steep price tag, is this train actually worth it, or should you seek one of the alternatives?
    Follow me on Twitter / intercitysimon
    Train type: Alstom X3
    Route: Arlanda Norra (Stockholm Arlanda Airport) to Stockholm Centralstation
    Train: 11:20 from Arlanda Norra
    Distance: 39km
    Journey time: 20m
    Average speed: 117 km/h
    Price: 29€!!

КОМЕНТАРІ • 308

  • @thebackdiamond5495
    @thebackdiamond5495 3 місяці тому +161

    One thing that you missed: You can take the SJ train from Arlanda Central for fares much cheaper than Arlanda Express ~200kr and it still takes 20 minutes. (The station cost is included)
    And if you are 18 or under, you don't have to pay the station cost and you can take the SL pendeltåg (commuter train) to get into the city using only 26kr, it takes around 45 minutes because of the stops.
    Otherwise I recommend using Flygbussarna which is a bus service that cost 139kr for Adults.

    • @Jonsson474
      @Jonsson474 3 місяці тому +11

      SJ is 185kr, Mälartåg 235kr and SL Pendeltåg 190kr.

    • @JoshCorne
      @JoshCorne 3 місяці тому

      Use flixbus for 79kr

    • @Swedey
      @Swedey 3 місяці тому +10

      Alternatively, take the local bus into Märsta, then the Commuter to Stockholm C, takes about an hour but it's doable for 39 kr (Adult) / 26 kr (Reduced Price).
      You have to pay the 120 kr fee if you're over 18 as well.

    • @viken3368
      @viken3368 3 місяці тому +2

      @@Jonsson474 SJ has flexible prices so not all departures will be 185kr. Mälartåg is only 218kr if you use their website/app, because SL takes a fee to book hence the 235kr. Finally SL is only 177kr for adults.

    • @Jonsson474
      @Jonsson474 3 місяці тому

      @@viken3368 You don’t book SL in advance. It’s bought at the station.

  • @gerryward9627
    @gerryward9627 3 місяці тому +42

    For someone visiting for the first time, the Arlanda Express is worth every penny. It's fast, directions are clear and there is no confusion. After an overnight flight from Canada the last thing I want to do is take a bus to another station and then board a train, which will take me to the same destination, to save a few Euros. It's an excellent , safe and clear introduction to Sweden.

    • @JH-lo9ut
      @JH-lo9ut 3 місяці тому +9

      Yeah, it is great. But it is also a bit of a scam.
      And it is shameful that we let a company with such a business privilege scam visitors who make their first purchase on Swedish soil.

    • @Simon-Andersen
      @Simon-Andersen  3 місяці тому +13

      Its just a shame that most other places have their airport transit a bit more integrated with normal public transport and don't actively punish people who are happy to take a slower cheaper public option.

    • @murdock490
      @murdock490 11 днів тому

      95% of europeans does not think its cheap to pay europes most expensive airport train just because the politcians are bribed and gave it out to foreign companies who did not pay any tax in sweden.

  • @y-comboomer
    @y-comboomer 3 місяці тому +301

    The reason the price is absurd is because the idiotic Bildt government guaranteed a monopoly on this line to private owners.

    • @jaxvoice718
      @jaxvoice718 3 місяці тому +33

      I am no fan of public-private partnerships. Either the government, the private investors or the public gets screwed, usually two out of three.
      However, it is very likely that without this partnership this airport branch would never have been built.

    • @Gert-DK
      @Gert-DK 3 місяці тому +9

      That is idiotic. What were they thinking? Did they have some friends in the transport busyness? That's how such things usually works.

    • @maxjohkna
      @maxjohkna 3 місяці тому +7

      It was 1994, it was the style at the time.

    • @Gert-DK
      @Gert-DK 3 місяці тому +9

      @@maxjohkna Even though I am Danish, I do know a tiny bit about Sweden. Doing things like that, ain't Swedish.

    • @thebackdiamond5495
      @thebackdiamond5495 3 місяці тому +11

      This fee is to cover the build cost of the railroad. The government would have never built it if a private owner did not invest.

  • @Jule_bule
    @Jule_bule 3 місяці тому +4

    When they build the new train line between Gothenburg, Landvetter airport and Borås (earliest 2038), you will be able to get to Gothenburg from the airport for only 3€ (36 sek), and that ticket includes all transport around Gothenburg.

  • @hulivilipoika
    @hulivilipoika 3 місяці тому +15

    In my opinion, as someone who lives in stockholm, its very much worth it on the way to the airport, due to you can never count on the commutertrain to work or be on time, or you might end up stuck between stations. From the airport I would rather take bus to märsta and from there the commuter train (pendeltåg). Even if I live half way on the commuter trainstops from the central station to arlanda, i chose my last trip to take a taxi to the airport. Just because I couldnt trust the trains with its delays.
    If you have plenty of time before your flight goes, then you might want to gamble on the cheaper trains though. For me, not worth the stress.

  • @driver288
    @driver288 3 місяці тому +14

    A good alternative is the Vy Airport coaches that run very frequently, stops at the central station and also at all terminals at Arlanda. Takes about 40 minutes and cost €10. Great luggage storage and comfy seats. I drove these busses Sundays for 6 years before and they are really good.

    • @ellzy7713
      @ellzy7713 Місяць тому +1

      This is what I take all the time and it’s often the most reliable and that journey goes FAST. I would only pay for the AE if I am on a timer to get a connection

  • @Zwei-Rosen
    @Zwei-Rosen 3 місяці тому +13

    In Vienna Airport they have a similar system- the CAT, which is advertised by a substantial number of green plates pointing to it. Price is over 20€ for a single ride and the travel time is 16 minutes, compared to the 23 minutes with the suburban train (S-Bahn), which takes you to the city centre for 4,40€.

    • @Simon-Andersen
      @Simon-Andersen  3 місяці тому +1

      Just flew out of Vienna actually! We took the s-bahn ;)

    • @Zwei-Rosen
      @Zwei-Rosen 3 місяці тому

      @@Simon-Andersen always happy to be helpful

    • @meatytraveller
      @meatytraveller День тому

      Same price as S-Bahn, you can also take the RailJet if you're headed to Wien Hbf

  • @bil0725
    @bil0725 3 місяці тому +32

    The connection is meant especially for business travellers who make up a large share of the domestic air passengers. They don't worry so much about the price as long as their company approves the cost. They want a fast, frequent, comfortable and reliable connection. Private travellers who want to avoid paying so much have other options. The cheapest for just 42 SEK/3.7€ is the local bus stopping just outside the main terminal 5, going to Märsta station and then local train. Using this bus bypasses the special fees of Arlanda rail stations.

    • @57thorns
      @57thorns 3 місяці тому +4

      On top of that 30 minutes pay for travel time is often more than the train ticket anyway, especially including all other costs.

    • @michasreisefieber
      @michasreisefieber 3 місяці тому +1

      If the business travellers don't care about the price, they could make the local train directly from the airport without the additional fee, so you are slower but for cheap and the business people will still use the express.
      I think the Bus to Märsta and train combo is unreasonable for people with handicaps for example.
      I did it years ago and due to my visual handicap I had big problems to read the signs at the train station in the glowing afternoon sun. The staff at the station was very unfriendly and unhelpful. So my first impression of Sweden as a person was handicap was as bad as it could be.

    • @ChristerGöransson
      @ChristerGöransson 3 місяці тому

      @@michasreisefieber There is one other aspect. If the Arlanda Express train is delayed and you miss your flight, Arlanda Express will pay for a new air ticket.

  •  3 місяці тому +18

    It's really only worth it if you're running late for your flight or train connection IMO. Otherwise, if I dont mind the additional transfer and travel time, I'd take the pendeltåg via Märsta for €3.5. Or, if I still want to arrive decently fast, the new Flixbus transfers for €7 /45 min.

  • @Obeythebeard
    @Obeythebeard 3 місяці тому +10

    Those oddly placed seat numbers are for maintenance purposes. Reporting a faulty seat is more accurate when they are all numbered.

  • @lylaistrue
    @lylaistrue 3 місяці тому +28

    Simon at an airport m I never thought I get to see that

    • @Simon-Andersen
      @Simon-Andersen  3 місяці тому +2

      It happens, but it's not often i share it on here (Wizzair basic economy middle seat is not very intresting xd)

  • @EdwardMason9000
    @EdwardMason9000 3 місяці тому +9

    When I came to Stockholm last year I also used the Arlanda express.
    It was the same situation for me, as i could buy a youth fare, I felt that the price was a bit more justifiable for the convenience, however at the full fare I doubt I would pay for it.
    Also, given that I was buying a return fare which wasn't too much more it felt like a better deal

  • @XeroVMK
    @XeroVMK 3 місяці тому +1

    The Arlanda express service is also mostly directed towards bussiness travelers. We have plenty of flights of people from other parts of Sweden that also is more than 90% day commuters to work/meetings in sthlm. I my self did that for years working in IT. When you get up at 4:30 in the morning and going back home at 21:00 in the evening, that 20 min of hassle free traveling is a gift.

    • @Simon-Andersen
      @Simon-Andersen  3 місяці тому

      Sure! I just don't see why they need to punish other travelers with a hefty fee to use the slower train then :P

  • @Furudal
    @Furudal 3 місяці тому +13

    I wonder how running mostly empty expensive trains is more profitable, than lowering the price and filling the train

    • @afcgeo882
      @afcgeo882 3 місяці тому +1

      I’m afraid that Stockholm simply doesn’t have the passenger volume to fill the train.

    • @Oznej
      @Oznej 3 місяці тому

      @afcgeo882: Then how come the local bus between Arlanda and Märsta is always overcrowded?

    • @Simon-Andersen
      @Simon-Andersen  3 місяці тому

      Yet Flixbus just decided to also compete in the shuttle bus market. I think there is a lot of people avoding the 340 sek tax.

    • @afcgeo882
      @afcgeo882 3 місяці тому +1

      @@Oznej Ok, let me simplify my comment for the simple folks. It doesn’t have the volume of passengers to fill the train at a profitable rate. Obviously it would be full if it was free, but the operating expenses of a high-speed train are FAR higher than those of running a bus.

  • @nhaugustus8253
    @nhaugustus8253 3 місяці тому +5

    For me the Arlanda Express train it's worth it despite the price. When there's a Delay or the track is closed. Arlanda Express Express will communicat it clearly and book and pay for a taxi for you.
    Unlike SL and SJ who in my experience will fight you every step of the way.

    • @murdock490
      @murdock490 11 днів тому

      yeah i understand you work with the company who makes money on suckers paying europes highest airport train price.

  • @adamevans1989
    @adamevans1989 3 місяці тому +14

    Price hasn't gone up too much since 2018 when I trained some airport store staff. I wouldn't have forked out 50ish euros if I couldn't expense it though. It makes Heathrow Express look very, very cheap.

    • @alexmagnus3339
      @alexmagnus3339 3 місяці тому

      I just checked and Heathrhrow Express is 25 pounds? Can you explain how does this train make it look cheap?

  • @samtrak1204
    @samtrak1204 3 місяці тому +4

    The shiny platforms are awesome.

  • @Squig8
    @Squig8 3 місяці тому +5

    Pricing is terrible for solo travelers (better of using the bus shuttle, flygbussarna). Arlanda express offer heavy group discounts though, if you're 3-4 people pricing is much more competitive. I assume they are competing with taxis.

    • @rolfviehmann6240
      @rolfviehmann6240 3 місяці тому +2

      I think that's the point, you can get the group discount, and also, if you are a business traveler, the company you work for may even pay for the Arlanda Express, so you don't have to pay out of your own pocket. The HQ of the company I work for is located in the heart of Stockholm, and when we were traveling to the HQ, we always used the Arlanda Express (splitting up into groups of the maximum size for the cheaper group tickets), and it did always turn out to be OK, we always got the money back from our company. And it's a really smoooth, safe and pleasant ride, very much recommended.

    • @Squig8
      @Squig8 3 місяці тому

      @@rolfviehmann6240 yes, pricing aside its excellent. Fast, comfortable and convenient

  •  3 місяці тому +4

    I made the mistake taking that one once. However, I must say that it's way more comfortable if you have much luggage since at times, the SL train can get really crowded. Obviously not a problem when only traveling with carry-on.

  • @matsv201
    @matsv201 3 місяці тому +35

    The reason why its so horribly expensive is that the whole railway system including the station and the track are fully funded by the tickets.

    • @zerocool6452
      @zerocool6452 3 місяці тому +7

      Which means none subsidized. The km/SEK is horrible atleast if you compare that you can get the Göteborg to Stockholm for the same price with X2000 but I guess it could be worth it if you value time.

    • @matsv201
      @matsv201 3 місяці тому +1

      @@zerocool6452 Its not only the lack of Subsidization,. Its a very expensive part to build With very short distance rural area. A fairly long tunnel. 3 under ground stations that are horribly expensive, and then track in north of Stockholm that is very expensive to build.
      On top of that the passenger number, while not that low, is fairly low. The only saving grace is that a part of the distance is accessed by other train companies and they pay rail fee for that.
      Granted the company that owns the track have made a fairly decent profit.
      While i do think that PPP is the future. The way they done it here is not the right way.
      The issue is that its the same company that own the track that run the traffic. in effect gaining them a monopoly so there is nothing to make them push the price down.
      I think the right way would be to have the rail go in to public ownership while the maintenance and traffic remain private.
      To get the contractor a cut of the profit it would be based on the value of the track contra the construction cost and they would simply get a percentage. This is common in other project and it often helps to push the price down

    • @domin727
      @domin727 3 місяці тому +2

      ​@@zerocool6452 Which means its not competitive in comparison to the road where there are huge subsidies directly and especially indirectly. Trains cant compete if other means of transportation are not paying their bills either.

    • @Iss3n
      @Iss3n 3 місяці тому +5

      Not true, they got houndreads of millions in state subsidized funds. And now they don''t pay taxes in Sweden due to ownership and tax planning. It wouldn't have to be that expensive if it was a corrupted deal to begin with.

    • @dzonikg
      @dzonikg 3 місяці тому +3

      @@matsv201 Could it be that passenger number are low because its expensive?If it would be 10 euro then probably would no one bother to take much slower route so you would have 5 times more people riding

  • @dsdonovan
    @dsdonovan 3 місяці тому +4

    In 2006 I remember being impressed with the smooth ride and high speed...at least as compared to Amtrak!

    • @Simon-Andersen
      @Simon-Andersen  3 місяці тому +3

      Nothing wrong with the trains and service, its just the price

  • @elishabee2
    @elishabee2 3 місяці тому +1

    Travelled to Stockholm many times, on business and for pleasure, I think I used the Arlanda Express about twice - during the summer when it was cheap (have used taxis when there's been three of us, and the company was paying). Otherwise it was Flygbussarna, especially when not travelling to friends in Frösunda (shorter walk at the airport, before they started rebuilding stuff, and a flat 4 minute walk from the bus, uphill 6min+ walk from the pendeltåg at the other end.). Never bothered with bus+pendeltåg via Märsta (too much like hard work).

  • @trainenthusiast7695
    @trainenthusiast7695 3 місяці тому +4

    I always used the bus+train combo. Even the youth ticket on AX is too expensive if you aren't in a rush...

  • @Byftpup
    @Byftpup 3 місяці тому +1

    LOL - Your comment at the start "So before this turns into an aviation channel...." Made me snort my desert. :)

  • @danielsellers8707
    @danielsellers8707 3 місяці тому +1

    Surprising to find out the trains were built here in England; they look like the old Alstom Gatwick Express 460 trains built around the same time.

  • @johanrebel
    @johanrebel 3 місяці тому +2

    Arlanda Express is not really that fast at an average speed of 117 km/h, but it is faster than the competition. Whether it is more convenient really depends. If you are catching a connecting train from Stockholm Central or your destination is somewhere in the vicinity, then it's just as convenient as the other rail options, but much more expensive. If not, then a taxi might well be a lot more convenient and even cheaper if you are 3 or 4 people traveling together. A cab to Stockholm should set you back ± €70 and will take you straight to wherever you are going.

  • @FazerBlue29
    @FazerBlue29 3 місяці тому +3

    It should be noted that the price per Arlanda Express ticket gets cheapier the more tickets you buy at once. For example, buying four or more adult full-price one-way tickets becomes cheapier than the same amount of one-way SL tickets through Arlanda Centralstation (700 SEK compared to 708 SEK, in the case of four tickets). Additionally, while the journey through Märsta is the cheapiest, the trains don't departure from there as often (correct me if I'm wrong though).
    There have been talks about removing the fee for going through Arlanda C, especially from the Uppsala side as people travel there to work. While nothing has come out of this, I really hope there are some discussions about the fee in the future. Nice video!

    • @viken3368
      @viken3368 3 місяці тому

      So the current contract with A-train allowing them to utilize the track is only slated until 2040. What will hapen after that is a mystery though obviously people would be happy with the fees being gone, but then Trafikverket would need to start paying for the maintanance of the tracks and stations which they may not want to or have the budget to do so without cutting other stuff

    • @stoferb876
      @stoferb876 3 місяці тому +1

      If you go to Uppsala or Stockholm through Arlanda, you don' pay extra for the Airport (you'll have to pay that fee to get off the platform in Arlanda, but they have already stopped making it a feature for staying on the train for the last couple of years). It costs extra anyway since it's both SL and UL, but there's no extra airport cost unless you go to Arlanda.

  • @physiocrat7143
    @physiocrat7143 3 місяці тому +5

    The Swedish railways are a shadow of what they were 20 years ago. Rough riding trains and unreliable service. They are unable to cope with disruption.

  • @robtyman4281
    @robtyman4281 3 місяці тому +1

    I've never used this service before, but I have used the similar Norwegian 'Flytoget' airport express train; which runs from Oslo Gardermoen to Oslo S (Central). It's a very good and efficient service....but as with the Stockholm Arlanda Airport Express, it too is very expensive. Way more than is justifiable.
    Luckily I've discovered the cheaper VY trains, which run on the same route as the Flytoget - but at half the price.
    As with most 'airport express' services it is abit of a 'cash cow' - duping tourists into spending more than they need to, in order to travel from the main airport to the city centre. In the UK, it's the same story with the Gatwick Express, Heathrow Express, and Stansted Express services.

  • @archibaldhaddock7450
    @archibaldhaddock7450 3 місяці тому +2

    Unless your destination is close to Stockholm central station you still need to buy an SL ticket for local transportation. Something already included if you take the slow train from Arlanda or go through Märsta.

  • @SvanteTrackAndField
    @SvanteTrackAndField 3 місяці тому +3

    I've been waiting on this video! :)

  • @grgr3074
    @grgr3074 3 місяці тому +3

    Travelling from CDG Paris Airport costs 11.9€ including free ride in the metro with the same ticket....but certainly not the same level of quality and quietness.

  • @macjonte
    @macjonte 3 місяці тому +3

    I hope when they build the unique narrow gauge Roslagsbanan to arlanda they will do it with tax money and not private funding. :)

  • @JamesTrifolium
    @JamesTrifolium 3 місяці тому +2

    There's only 7 sets that are in service, yet they go by so often that it feels like there's hundreds of them.

  • @quarringtonz231
    @quarringtonz231 3 місяці тому +13

    “it measures how fast you poop” hahahhah

  • @danielroach5415
    @danielroach5415 2 місяці тому

    If you like a ridiculously priced airport to train station transfer, you can try the marconi express in bologna - it's actually a monorail and costs 13 euros for the 8 minute, 2ish mile journey, and has the advantage of being one of the roughest rides in history!

    • @Simon-Andersen
      @Simon-Andersen  2 місяці тому

      That is one I have unfortunately experienced before taking a 8 euro Wizz air flight to Catania 😂

  • @burhanbudak6041
    @burhanbudak6041 2 місяці тому

    Ma mom used to work for them, she got free tickets and we tried it. Yeah cool but it very expensive compared to SL, buses, Uber/Bolt. Cheapest option is SL via Märsta station, or if you want to go west line, Bålsta station. The issue with Arlanda C is that they take a fee, the ststion is private. Another solution would be to extend the Roslagsbana to Arlanda.

  • @kompaac
    @kompaac 3 місяці тому

    It's all about how much you value your own free time. For me, the 20 min option brings way more value than a 1h+ bus ride. Sometimes I use the SL train as a compromise between price and speed, but in the end, saving 40 minutes of my life is like 100-times better than saving ~15 eur.

    • @Simon-Andersen
      @Simon-Andersen  3 місяці тому

      Guess that depends how you value 15 euro then :p

    • @Simon-Andersen
      @Simon-Andersen  3 місяці тому

      Guess that depends how you value 15 euro then :p

  • @seprishere
    @seprishere 3 місяці тому +1

    This reminds me of the Heathrow Express!

  • @Kalston558
    @Kalston558 3 місяці тому +3

    Although Arlanda express is extremely expensive, but I do think it worth the money, as SL or other train companies to Arlanda C will only refund the ticket if delayed. Arlanda express will cover your taxi cost to or from the airport if you’re not board and if you stuck on a delayed train and missed your flight, they’ll cover the expense for getting you on the next flight. The compensation for the taxi cost doesn’t even require you have a ticket, you just need to be at the platform and you’re entitled to that. So if traveling to the airport to catch a flight, it’s safer to take the Arlanda express, especially the trains in Sweden often running late.

    • @Simon-Andersen
      @Simon-Andersen  3 місяці тому

      Ah that is a good policy, that i was not aware off!

  • @mdhazeldine
    @mdhazeldine 3 місяці тому +1

    The craziest thing I learned in this video is not that this train is expensive, but that SAS are flying A350s between Copenhagen and Stockholm! Looking at timings, it seems that the train is 5 1/2hrs between the 2 cities vs a 1hr 10 minute flight, which when you add in 2hrs at the airport means flying is 2hrs quicker than the train. Whereas if you look at something like Paris to Marseille, the train is only 3 1/2 hrs, so it's almost the same, and then obviously I haven't accounted for getting to and from the airport, which is going to mean the train beats the plane. So......basically Sweden could do with building a high speed rail link between Stockholm and Malmo to reduce emissions from all those flights. The current speed of 200 / 150 kph is pretty slow.

    • @twelvesypermen2558
      @twelvesypermen2558 3 місяці тому

      We need high speed rail across the whole Sweden. I mean the west coast is connected via train and east coast as well but thereins going to Interior are so slow and EXPENSIVE that in turn its cheaper to get cars and drive, and city travel within small cities the buses are expensive that its cheap to use cars instead all the time. MTR is just making money for them , it's not for People at all.

    • @H0Fidelity-rq4ry
      @H0Fidelity-rq4ry 3 місяці тому

      I fly a lot in my job. As long as the service on the trains don’t match the airports I won’t be taking the train. Airports have big parkings, safety and they take care of your luggage.

    • @mdhazeldine
      @mdhazeldine 3 місяці тому

      @@H0Fidelity-rq4ry except when they lose it. lol

    • @musomatt1
      @musomatt1 3 місяці тому +1

      SAS sometimes operate 1 A350 flight CPN ARN on Friday afternoon i believe.I was booked on it once but missed my connection :(

    • @Simon-Andersen
      @Simon-Andersen  3 місяці тому +1

      They only fly the A350 rarely, mostly its the ususal A320 and B738 mix from them and Norwegian. The train can be competetive on price, especially when booked in advance, but it does take close to 6 hours atm.

  • @drippy6686
    @drippy6686 2 місяці тому

    There was one time we were supposed to go to Arlanda but when we took the SJ train, we for some reason stepped out where Köping station was and we were there alone for about 1 or 2 hours. Then a train came and we hopped on. We missed our flight unfortunately but we took another ticket a month later.
    There was also this one time an SJ train that was 40 minutes late for some reason. We were headed to Örebro to watch a movie and we almost missed it. SJ regional tåg is quite shit for a big and old train company. Sometimes they can be fun to ride on but sometimes it's just pure dirty.
    I was on an SJ train one time from Örebro and when I climbed on-board, the seats were filthy, people left their paper stuff behind and the seats were very dirty. Some even had dog hair on it. The staff that work in that company should really clean their trains for a great experience.

  • @jnrfalcon
    @jnrfalcon 3 місяці тому +1

    Last year when I was there, pendeltågen wasn't running due to an accident earlier. So I had to take the bus to Märsta to catch pendeltågen.

  • @matssoderhall1780
    @matssoderhall1780 3 місяці тому

    As a business traveler you pay the 30€ for Arlanda express instead of the 100€+ for the taxi and your boss is happy. But as a turist i would recommend SL or the buss.

  • @Freddantrain
    @Freddantrain 3 місяці тому

    Agreed. My biggest problem with the Arlanda Express is the accessibility of it. Unless you travel to the central station, it's pretty much inaccessible to all the locals since it doesn't stop in any of the suburbs. Even if you live on the western side with good railway links to the airport, it's still expensive to travel there with all the fees. As for the eastern parts of the city with terrible communication options, the entire Arlanda Express/pendeltåg line is practically useless. It's just quicker and cheaper to take the car to the airport instead. Although some of the eastern parts are getting a railway extension via the Roslagsbanan to Arlanda, I doubt if it will even be efficient.

  • @Swedey
    @Swedey 3 місяці тому

    Some context should be added. The reason why the Arlanda Express is so expensive is because it's owned and operated by the private company A-Train, who funded the railroad in the first place. For anybody over the age of 18 who is not travelling with the Arlanda Express, you need to pay a 120 kr (roughly 12-14€) fee at the ticket gates at Arlanda Central for access to the platforms on top of your SL/SJ Ticket.

  • @jnksgb
    @jnksgb 3 місяці тому

    I took this last week and I thought it was great, quick and comfortable, but I agree that it is very expensive. £25 each way was quite expensive

    • @Simon-Andersen
      @Simon-Andersen  3 місяці тому

      You're definitely paying a premium, but at least the quaity is good

  • @boggeorge
    @boggeorge 3 місяці тому +4

    I thought the $20 AUD train ticket to the airport in my city was expensive, thats nuts.

    • @radicallyrethinkingrailwaysina
      @radicallyrethinkingrailwaysina 3 місяці тому

      It's a long way from the cbd. Think Beenleigh or Campbelltown distance. And the arlanda owner is the same menace we have - Macquarie Bank who built the Sydney airport rail link and had shares in Brisbane one

    • @boggeorge
      @boggeorge 3 місяці тому

      @@radicallyrethinkingrailwaysina Huh, that does explain a lot.

  • @persjofors2586
    @persjofors2586 3 місяці тому +1

    The last time I was on that train, in mid-February, we were late getting out of Stockholm Central, and to catch up, the driver got us up to 220 kph on the way to ARN. So the top speed is higher than advertised. The other reason for writing is that if you pre-book the trip on the company's website, the cost is at least 1/3rd lower. In the end, you pay for speed and convenience. The buses are terrible, cheap, and take forever.

    • @Simon-Andersen
      @Simon-Andersen  3 місяці тому

      Currently there is no discount for prebooking and these trains have no certification to run above 200 km/h so if you saw higher speeds its a false reading. The busses are cheap and a decent alternative to a rip-off private company.

    • @persjofors2586
      @persjofors2586 3 місяці тому

      @@Simon-Andersen I see they removed the pre-pay option from the website, but it was there a couple of months ago. In the bus vs train - I guess I'm not the target market for the bus companies and speed and comfort is more important for me than a few hundred kronor.

  • @dirface
    @dirface 3 місяці тому

    Seeing as a taxi ride is almost twice the price, the train ride suddenly seems like not such a bad idea. The best ride is the designated busses, half the price but only 15:ish minutes longer trip than the train.

  • @victorcapel2755
    @victorcapel2755 3 місяці тому

    The Arlanda Express is mostly used instead of getting a Taxi, that is even more expensive and slower. It's not really ment to replace the airport buses or the train+bus via Märsta.

    • @Simon-Andersen
      @Simon-Andersen  3 місяці тому

      I guess, but it just seems like a waste that is not more integrated into other public transport.

  • @maelmoor
    @maelmoor 3 місяці тому +1

    I think Arlanda Express is definitely worth it, cheaper and faster than a taxi and definitely more convenient than other options.

    • @Simon-Andersen
      @Simon-Andersen  3 місяці тому

      I guess i always view the train and bus as cheap options. In Copenhagen a train ticket is no where near the cost of a cab.

    •  3 місяці тому

      It really depends on the situation. I definitely wouldn't recommend it if you don't have loads of baggage with you, but if you do, depending on the time of day, it can get really annoying in the normal trains.

    • @Gfynbcyiokbg8710
      @Gfynbcyiokbg8710 3 місяці тому

      ​@@Simon-AndersenThis isn't either anywhere near the price of a taxi either

  • @martingodske3301
    @martingodske3301 3 місяці тому +4

    Haha, jeg var også ombord på den SAS A350 tur fra CPH til ARN. Og var grunden til at jeg besøgte Stockholm. Var også super overrasket over de priser, når man tænker på den korte distance. Anden gang jeg var i Stockholm, og ja, men en SAS A350, tog jeg bussen fra lufthavnen til centrum af Stockholm 😊

    • @rowaystarco
      @rowaystarco 3 місяці тому +1

      Oslo har samme ting. Flytoget er dyrere enn Vy og tar omtrent samme tid til Oslo. Men Flytoget er mer hyppig og mer komfortabelt. Og bedre rabatter for reiser med barn.

    • @Simon-Andersen
      @Simon-Andersen  3 місяці тому +3

      Vi har det virkelig godt i København med vores tog og metro til Lufthavnen, sammenlignet med Oslo og Stockholm.

    • @rowaystarco
      @rowaystarco 3 місяці тому +1

      @@Simon-Andersen Sant, men 124 NOK for tog + Ruter transfer i Oslo er en helt ok pris. Og toget er like raskt som flytoget :) Fin metro i København da!

  • @swinto4795
    @swinto4795 3 місяці тому

    The only time i Recommend it is if you land very late at night when taxi prices are high as f**k and nothing else is available, then you just take the train to the central and take a taxi from there, the total is much cheaper then. Otherwise during the day there are much better alternatives to get away and to the airport.

  • @Zwei-Rosen
    @Zwei-Rosen 3 місяці тому

    If you're smart, you buy a ticket from Knivsta to Stockholm Central Station for 85 kr instead of 218 from the airport. Nobody can force you to use the ticket starting from an earlier station rather than from the one in between.

  • @afcgeo882
    @afcgeo882 3 місяці тому +1

    Having arrived from an overnight 7-hour flight and with two suitcases into a country and city I’ve never been to, the Arlanda Express was perfect, and its steep price was lower than express trains from most European airports.
    However, on the way back I took an airport coach, which was much cheaper and took about an hour.

  • @TonyTheYouTuba
    @TonyTheYouTuba 3 місяці тому

    I’m always coming to Arlanda from the north so the express is never a viable option, but if due to timing I’m getting there many hours before my flight I’ll actually get a ticket to Stockholm Central which is further but cheaper since it doesn’t include the Arlanda tax, literally stay on the train as it stops on the airport and then do the Märsta bus combo to get back to the airport from Stockholm.
    Seems like a lot just to save about ten euros, but otherwise I’d just be sitting around at the airport for several hours anyway.

  • @danielnesbitt9565
    @danielnesbitt9565 2 місяці тому

    Could you tell me was embossed on the vestibule footplates? In Metro-Cammell tradition, when new they would have likely had the manufacturer's name (back then either "GEC ALSTHOM" or "GEC ALSTHOM Metro-Cammell", possibly the year of manufacture and England as the place of origin.

  • @Mellowestofmellow12
    @Mellowestofmellow12 3 місяці тому

    i remember i went on arlanda express not to long ago and i remember that i came really late at night so there was only one train left, so you need to watch out for that. but also i would reccomend the arlanda express if its late at night and you are very tired but other than that it was pretty good!
    Edit: yeah also i did not take the arlanda express back as i took a cruise so i have only been on there once.

  • @alfredsaalo1441
    @alfredsaalo1441 3 місяці тому

    Worth mentioning is that the passanger fee for Arlanda does not apply for people under 18

  • @OnkelJajusBahn
    @OnkelJajusBahn Місяць тому

    That is some of the weirdest train doors, I have ever seen.

  • @janseger1693
    @janseger1693 3 місяці тому

    Thanx for a honest review. yes. sadly it´s overpriced. and very shaky at times. but fast and has super friendly staff. and the entrance fee to the second Trainstation at Arlanda central in Skycity is overpriced to some other countries comparable airport train costs. just checked Danish and Finnish seems quite a bit less expensive. thanx for your video.

    • @Simon-Andersen
      @Simon-Andersen  3 місяці тому +1

      Thank you! Yes all the other nordic airports have considerably cheaper airport trains, even oslo who has a similar lenght express service

    • @futurecanadian
      @futurecanadian 2 місяці тому

      @@Simon-Andersen planning to visit Helsinki, Stockholm and Oslo and Stockholm has the quick but expensive way to the city center. I have been to Copenhagen and got that Copenhagen card for 72 so that was dirt cheap to get to the central train station. Luckily, I will only fly into ARN so I will pay for the convenience. Will head to Gothenburg on the train to on to Oslo (have not decide on train vs Flixbus). Very informative video for me. Thx.

  • @Sweden2023
    @Sweden2023 3 місяці тому

    If you think it's worth the money - go for it! We all have our economic priorities.

  • @aaronvancoillie1088
    @aaronvancoillie1088 3 місяці тому +1

    Oh sweet! You also flew the A350. Together with a few friends we flew CPH-ARN twice. Both times we had amazing crews and it was an awesome experience. How was your flight?

    • @Simon-Andersen
      @Simon-Andersen  3 місяці тому

      It was fine, always fun to fly the bigger planes

  • @VLADGOM
    @VLADGOM 3 місяці тому

    Time is Money 😎... I rather to take the Arlanda if I can

  • @redcinnamonr
    @redcinnamonr 3 місяці тому +3

    can you do Oslo's airport express? (flytoget)

  • @pr-098
    @pr-098 29 днів тому

    flix bus is 79kr and it is only 22 minutes slower. but i also i don't recommend comuter train because it is a 130Kr fee to exit there if you want to gov with commuter train go to märsta with bus and not pay any fee😅
    so i would say flix buss is best

  • @LexyDaShmexxy
    @LexyDaShmexxy 3 місяці тому

    the pendeltåg might be cheaper but i do know myself that there's always constant problems with them and they are very unreliable, i've had personal experience when i was going home from a flight and the train broke down at a station forcing us to just get off and wait for the next one (there wasn't one)

  • @TheKewlPerson
    @TheKewlPerson 3 місяці тому +1

    I'd say it's worth it if you're younger than 25

  • @gmosc
    @gmosc 3 місяці тому

    ....how fast you poop." Made me laugh!

  • @TangoCharlieRomeo
    @TangoCharlieRomeo 3 місяці тому +4

    Why was the SAS flight operated by an A350? Seems a bit overkill?

    • @Fluxwux
      @Fluxwux 3 місяці тому +5

      Many European carriers fly widebodies within Europe on select high demand routes between major airport hubs (Such as CPH-ARN) in order to save money on slot times and make 2-3 departures on small aircraft’s in to just 1 single departure instead.

    • @SirIdot
      @SirIdot 3 місяці тому +2

      Actually, they needed to train pilots on the A350 and did so by flying short haul in Scandinavia for about a month in the begining of the year.
      The reason Simon was on it was probably because it is an unusual thing.

    • @Simon-Andersen
      @Simon-Andersen  3 місяці тому +2

      Indeed, had planned to go to Sweden anyway and SAS runing the special flights with the A350 for training made it a bit more intresting option than getting the usual 737/a320 or X2000 train

    • @lzh4950
      @lzh4950 3 місяці тому +1

      SIA also flies A359s between SIN-KUL which are barely 300km apart

  • @wrestlcub
    @wrestlcub 3 місяці тому

    Wow... snow in June... incredible.

    • @pettahify
      @pettahify 3 місяці тому +1

      There is no snow in Sweden right now, at least not this far south. The video was posted now, but probably filmed some time ago.

    • @demopem
      @demopem 3 місяці тому

      It said "February 2023" in the beginning, but maybe that's a typo. Probably 2024, but February for sure. The display on the ticket machine said valid to some time in May, which matches that as well. (They are valid for 90 days.)

    • @Simon-Andersen
      @Simon-Andersen  3 місяці тому

      February 2024 indeed, little type at the start of the video :-)

  • @Gfynbcyiokbg8710
    @Gfynbcyiokbg8710 3 місяці тому

    It's an express train. You pay extra for comfort, convenience and speed. (Though for larger groups, people 18-25 or families you barely pay anything extra)

    • @Simon-Andersen
      @Simon-Andersen  3 місяці тому

      But you also pay a fee if you want to take the slower cheaper train and also it is A LOT more expensive that similar airport express trains. Even in Oslo its "only" 240 NOK for similar distance.

    • @Gfynbcyiokbg8710
      @Gfynbcyiokbg8710 3 місяці тому

      @@Simon-Andersen comparing to one other train doesn't prove anything.
      If you compare to Milan (slightly longer distance): the AX charges you 2.3x more for a 3.1x faster journey,
      or Heathrow (slightly shorter travel time): the AX charges you slightly more for a journey almost twice the length,
      or Toronto: the AX charges you 3.6x more for a journey almost twice as long in less than half the time,
      or Stansted: the AX charges you 1.1x more for a journey 2.6x faster but only 0.8x the distance.
      Compared to these cities, the Arlanda Express has a better value. Olso is the exception, not the rule.

  • @rogerpetersson9624
    @rogerpetersson9624 3 місяці тому +1

    Hej du kan ta ett vanligt sj tåg eller mälartåg som också går från Stockhom till Arlanda för ca 100 kr biligare. De tar 20 minuter. dvs ca 240 kr. Dina videos är super!

    • @Iss3n
      @Iss3n 3 місяці тому

      Och hade kostat ännu mindre om inte en stor del av dom 240kr går till ägarna av Arlanda Express ändå.

    • @rogerpetersson9624
      @rogerpetersson9624 3 місяці тому

      Tack Simon

  • @verttikoo2052
    @verttikoo2052 3 місяці тому

    What really not do is to take a taxi from the Arlanda! That will be expensive. Book a hotel shuttle or a limo before hand. Ask your concierge to do that.

  • @buresdv
    @buresdv 3 місяці тому +1

    Very interesting! It’s a bit expensive for sure.
    I always compare these airport connections to what I experience in Ljubljana: there’s no train, only a bus that goes every hour at best. If you don’t speak Slovene, the driver will rip you off (charge you 16€ for a 8€ ride), and even if you do speak Slovene, they’ll still try to rip you off this way unless you stand your ground and argue. The bus takes 50 minutes for 30 kilometers.
    I’d probably take this train just to get the trip over with ASAP

    • @meki___6881
      @meki___6881 3 місяці тому

      i would avoid taking a taxi from there at all cost and take on of the alternatives mention here (sl/sj/arlanda express)
      they can charge whatever they feel for and has long they list the price somewhere that's what you are charged the police wont help you even if they charged over 100 dollars per km and minute

  • @maestro69hz
    @maestro69hz 3 місяці тому +1

    The conclusion is completely wrong if you are traveling for a long flight with much luggage, then it is 100 times better than the bus to Märsta with the pendeltåg.
    It should be compared to getting a taxi.

    • @Simon-Andersen
      @Simon-Andersen  3 місяці тому

      I guess that is one case where it could be justified, but i don't think the conclusion is wrong. Majority of traffic at Arlanda is Shorthaul and Domestic flights where people dont carry a lot of luggage, its really hard to justify arlanda express then imo.

  • @georgesbv1
    @georgesbv1 3 місяці тому

    I recall a cab trip from Arlanda to Kista about 500 SEK 15 years ago....flat rate to/from the hotel door

    • @Simon-Andersen
      @Simon-Andersen  3 місяці тому

      Thats less that i would expect actually!

  • @Kristian-sj8bn
    @Kristian-sj8bn 3 місяці тому

    You say five terminals... there are only 4 terminals at Arlanda... Term 2, 3, 4 and 5. They where all renumbered to make room for terminal one.. that then never was built.

    • @Gfynbcyiokbg8710
      @Gfynbcyiokbg8710 3 місяці тому

      It's essentially just 2 now. Terminal 4 has now been connected to T5 and all arrivals from T4 now have to pass through customs in T5, and from what I can tell terminal 3 hasn't reopened since covid

  • @stockholmsubways4801
    @stockholmsubways4801 2 місяці тому

    Extremly overpriced. Better to take airport bus. It takes 45 min to go to Stcokholm and you will save at least 15 euro

  • @caramelldansen2204
    @caramelldansen2204 2 місяці тому

    2:17 Basic?! Spoiled Europeans, you should try to survive the Central station in Liverpool at rush hour!!! I'd kill for stations that good. 😭

  • @TWFydGlu
    @TWFydGlu 3 місяці тому

    When I did business travels the cost of Arlanda Express was completely insignificant with the other costs.

    • @Simon-Andersen
      @Simon-Andersen  3 місяці тому

      It seems like that's the main market this train caters too, which is a shame when they then also milk the cheper option with a station fee.

  • @verttikoo2052
    @verttikoo2052 3 місяці тому

    Swedish are so advanced 😮 They measure how fast you poop 😮 Greetings from Finland 🤭🎉

  • @Iam_MajackTV
    @Iam_MajackTV 17 днів тому

    can new traveler use euros at the airport to pay for train ticket ?

    • @Simon-Andersen
      @Simon-Andersen  11 днів тому

      I dont know, card payment is generally the way to go in sweden.

  • @Gary-vv5gt
    @Gary-vv5gt 3 місяці тому +1

    Hehe, didn’t know Swedes have a Westfield lol

  • @murdock490
    @murdock490 11 днів тому

    The best is to take flixbus exxpres bus for 79kr in 40min to city.

  • @Jormunguandr
    @Jormunguandr 3 місяці тому

    Now I feel dumb for taking the taxi

  • @Pellkot
    @Pellkot 3 місяці тому

    Buddy its got a poop timer how cool is that? Totally worth the price

  • @officialmcdeath
    @officialmcdeath 3 місяці тому

    The 'passable' comfort level seems deliberately designed to ensure rapid turnround at each end - sort of a cousin of hostile architecture \m/

  • @Mazhypic
    @Mazhypic 3 місяці тому +1

    SAS flys the A350 CPH-ARN? I thought the only flew the A320 that route

    • @SirIdot
      @SirIdot 3 місяці тому

      They did them as training flights on the A350 for about a month in the begining of the year.

    • @Mazhypic
      @Mazhypic 3 місяці тому

      @@SirIdot Aha yeah that makes sense

  • @kattskrallet4297
    @kattskrallet4297 3 місяці тому

    The bus costs 10 € or someting like that. But then you risk to get stucked in the traffic jam. That¨s a minor promblem if you travel from the airport but if you travel to the airport you might miss your flight.

    • @Simon-Andersen
      @Simon-Andersen  3 місяці тому +1

      For the price of Arlanda Express you can almost buy a new flight ticket 😂

  • @gloppa5860
    @gloppa5860 3 місяці тому

    Hello simon andersen
    I think it would be really cool if uou went back to israel and rode the abysmal modiin-nahariyya line in 6PM.
    thank you

    • @Simon-Andersen
      @Simon-Andersen  3 місяці тому

      No plans for a Israel trip currently, but maybe in the future!

  • @27Blur
    @27Blur 3 місяці тому

    how much is a taxi to the airport, and does the trip take only 18 minutes?

    • @Simon-Andersen
      @Simon-Andersen  3 місяці тому

      Probably more expensive, but most other places don't also punish people who want to take the slower public transport option, when there is a rip-off express too :-)

  • @samtrak1204
    @samtrak1204 3 місяці тому +1

    How is the ride qaulity at top speed?

    • @Simon-Andersen
      @Simon-Andersen  3 місяці тому +2

      Yes these trains have great ride quality, one of alstoms best products

    • @rolfviehmann6240
      @rolfviehmann6240 3 місяці тому +1

      When I took the Arlanda Express for the first time, I was completely amazed by the hyper smoooth ride, very nice experience. I have never before experienced such a smoooth ride in any road or rail vehicle in my whole life. Maybe there are even better trains in Japan or whatever, but not in Europe, I guess.

  • @bubba1984
    @bubba1984 3 місяці тому

    Great feedback on the express train - for comparison, what would Uber cost for the same ride? What about Waymo and such (robot non-human taxi)? I think both Waymo and Uber exist in Sweden?

    • @bountyjedi
      @bountyjedi 3 місяці тому +2

      I don't think we have Waymo yet in Sweden, the only self-driving vehicles I've seen are those small slow buses operating at barely faster than walk speed.
      Uber exists, but for these sorts of trips to/from airports though you are often better off with a traditional taxi company, as they often have set rates that might be cheaper than Uber.
      Seems like it'll be about ~700-800 SEK with Taxi or Uber after a quick google (regular taxi cheaper). Although with more searching I did found one place that said ~435 SEK which is not bad at all considering the distance, and another where it seems to start at 545 SEK with Taxi 08

  • @LEODECRISTO
    @LEODECRISTO 3 місяці тому

    I found the Arlanda Express terrible. When I used it one evening I waited 45 mins for rhe train to arrive then it stopped multiple times into Stockholm. In all the whole experience was over 2.5 hrs. Will definitely not use again. Trains tired and dirty....and yes very over priced.

  • @maxpower9708
    @maxpower9708 3 місяці тому

    Was this a very slow day? Looks like the train of such length is almost empty.

    • @Simon-Andersen
      @Simon-Andersen  3 місяці тому

      Maybe because its so expensive most people took a bus haha

    • @maxpower9708
      @maxpower9708 3 місяці тому

      @@Simon-Andersen Then the train company had to shorten the train to save power.

    • @Dezis45
      @Dezis45 3 місяці тому

      ​@@maxpower9708 i used to take this train daily to and from work at the airport. During that whole time, there was only one time it was packed with people, and it was because of some kind of international football match during summer. All other times I rode this train it was practically empty, maybe I shared the cabin with 1-2 other people. I still have no clue how they make enough money to keep it running 😂

  • @maxjohkna
    @maxjohkna 3 місяці тому

    I think it’s more accurate to say there’s no standard class…

  • @dalfgan817
    @dalfgan817 3 місяці тому

    Woah 30€ for fast service. Even a taxi could be cheaper.

  • @2012edunne
    @2012edunne 3 місяці тому +1

    Hej Simon, I think I have used this service about 3 times in the since it started,
    1. Used it with a InterrailTicket,
    2. Another passenger asked me to join her so we got it abit cheaper.
    3. With my Wife I used it.

    • @Simon-Andersen
      @Simon-Andersen  3 місяці тому +1

      Nothing wrong with catching it, i just dont think its the best option most of the time :-)

    • @2012edunne
      @2012edunne 3 місяці тому

      @@Simon-Andersen I do agree, unless you need to get to Stockholm C in a hurry its the best option.