Arlanda is about 42 km from Stockholm, which is a long way when you have tired children, car seats, and a pile of luggage. Here is what actually works for families.
The main challenge
The distance is the issue. The 18-minute Arlanda Express ride is fine with kids, but you still need to get from Stockholm Central to your hotel with all your bags. A taxi or transfer takes you door to door without that change.
Fixed-price private transfer
ARN Stockholm City Center
From€172for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €254 per vehicle, about €64 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Other destinations
Transport options for families
Arlanda Express works well for families with older children and light luggage. It is also cheaper for families than it first looks: the operator publishes SEK 340 for an adult single, children aged 0-7 always travel free, and children aged 8-17 travel free with an adult or pensioner ticket holder. The challenge comes at Stockholm Central, where you still need to find onward transport with all your bags.
Flygbussarna coaches stop at Terminals 4 and 5. Swedavia recommends buying tickets in advance on flygbussarna.se, as paying on board is not always possible. Check the operator for the current journey time and fare.
Taxi is the most practical option for many families. Door-to-door service means no transfers or navigating stations, and Swedavia caps what its contracted companies may charge within the marked zone, with a published maximum of SEK 800 for 1-4 passengers (another passage on the same page says SEK 825) and SEK 1,275 for 5-8, so there is a known ceiling. Ask for the price before you get in. Swedavia advises asking the taxi host in advance if you need a larger vehicle or special equipment such as a child seat.
Pre-booked transfer can suit families with young children. Ask whether a child seat can be provided and confirm it in writing when booking. Check what the booking includes (meeting point, luggage help). The price is fixed when you book; get a quote for a sedan and a minivan and compare them against the taxi cap.
Child seats in Sweden
Transportstyrelsen states that all children shorter than 135 cm must use a special child restraint in the car. The only exception is an occasional short taxi trip, and then the child must not sit in the front seat. If your children need car seats, either bring your own or book a transfer with seats included, and say so when you book.
Strollers and heavy luggage
Most airlines want strollers checked in as special baggage, and Swedavia lets you borrow a stroller after check-in in Terminals 2 and 5. For taxis and transfers, tell the company about your stroller and bags when booking and ask which vehicle size they recommend; with a double stroller, extra bags or bulky items, ask for a larger vehicle.
Practical tips for families at Arlanda
- Swedavia lists baby changing facilities both before and after security in all terminals.
- There are play areas in the Terminal 5 Marketplace (level 4, next to the baby changing room), near gates C31 and E6 in Terminal 5, and in smaller spaces in Terminal 2, Terminal 5, the baggage claim area and SkyCity.
- Eatery Garden is a family-friendly restaurant open 24 hours a day.
- If you need to feed or change a baby before heading to the city, take your time in the terminal. It is calmer than trying to manage it during transport.
The honest recommendation
For families with young children, a pre-booked transfer where a child seat is confirmed at booking is worth pricing up. Bringing your own seat is the other option. Get the quote and decide with the number in front of you. For families with older children who are comfortable carrying their own bags, the Arlanda Express is a quick option, and children travel free with an adult ticket.
Sources (checked 2026-10-17)
- Arlanda Express fares and children rule (0-7 free, 8-17 with adult): https://www.arlandaexpress.com/tickets/tickets-prices-old
- Arlanda Express adult single SEK 340: https://www.arlandaexpress.com/tickets/tickets-prices
- Arlanda Express 18 minutes: https://www.arlandaexpress.com/plan-your-journey
- Taxi price cap, child seat advice: https://www.swedavia.com/arlanda/taxi/
- Coaches at Terminals 4 and 5: https://www.swedavia.com/arlanda/buses/
- Distance to Stockholm: https://www.swedavia.com/arlanda/finding-the-airport/
- Baby changing, play areas, stroller loan: https://www.swedavia.com/arlanda/travelling-with-children/
- Eatery Garden open 24 hours: https://www.swedavia.com/arlanda/
- 135 cm child restraint rule and taxi exception: https://www.transportstyrelsen.se/sv/vagtrafik/trafikregler-och-vagmarken/trafikregler/i-fordonet/sa-skyddar-du-barnen---regler-och-tips/
When a private transfer from ARN is the right choice
- Travelling with small children: child seats are requested at booking for the exact ages, so you are not relying on a taxi that may have none.
- Strollers, cots and luggage: a minivan takes everything in one go, door to door, with no stairs or platform changes.
- Three or more people: a 4-seat car to Stockholm City Center is from €254, about €64 per person, usually level with or below separate public-transport tickets once you count the walk, the wait and the last mile with bags.
ARN → Stockholm City Center from €172Fixed price, flight tracked, free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup.
Fixed-price private transfer
ARN Stockholm City Center
From€172for 2 passengers
4 passengers: €254 per vehicle, about €64 per person
- Fixed price, no meter
- Flight tracked
- 60 min free waiting
- Driver meets you at arrivals
- Free cancellation up to 24 h before pickup
Other destinations
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I get a child seat in an Arlanda taxi?
Swedavia advises asking the taxi host in advance if you need a child seat or special equipment, so do not assume one will be available. You can also bring your own or ask a pre-booked transfer provider to confirm a seat when you book.
Is the Arlanda Express stroller-friendly?
Check the Arlanda Express website for its stroller and accessibility information. Expect some effort with heavy luggage plus a stroller.
Are child seats legally required in Swedish taxis?
Transportstyrelsen states that children shorter than 135 cm must use a child restraint in the car, with an exception for an occasional short taxi trip (and then the child must not sit in the front seat). For safety, bring your own seat or ask a transfer provider to confirm one when you book.
How long is the drive from Arlanda to Stockholm with kids?
Arlanda is about 42 km from Stockholm city centre (Swedavia); the time by road depends on traffic, so allow extra time with children.