Renting a Car at Stockholm Arlanda Airport
Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) is the main gateway to Sweden's sophisticated capital — a city built on 14 islands where Lake Mälaren meets the Baltic archipelago. A rental car opens up the Swedish countryside: Uppsala, the Viking heritage sites at Gamla Uppsala, and the stunning Stockholm Archipelago ferry routes.
Prices from €32/day. Swedish roads are excellent. The BAC limit is very low: 0.02% — effectively zero. Congestion charges apply in Stockholm city centre. Fuel is more expensive than in the rest of Europe.
Which Car Rental Companies Operate at ARN?
- Europcar
- Sixt
- Hertz
- Avis
- Budget
Additional options are available through DiscoverCars and RentalCars.com, which aggregate independent local operators alongside the major brands — often at the lowest rates.
How to Pick Up Your Car at Stockholm Arlanda Airport
Follow signs to baggage reclaim in the arrivals hall.
Rental desks are in the arrivals hall — follow 'Car Rental / Auto a Noleggio / Autonoleggio' signs after customs.
You need: booking confirmation, valid driving licence (≥1 year), passport or ID card, and the credit card used to book.
Walk around the car with the agent before signing. Photograph any existing damage.
Follow airport exit signs toward the city. Your sat-nav or phone maps will guide you from there.
What Documents Do You Need?
- Valid driving licence — held for at least 1 year. EU licences accepted without translation throughout the EU/EEA.
- Passport or national identity card.
- Credit card in the primary driver's name for the security deposit (debit cards rarely accepted).
- Non-EU licence holders may need an International Driving Permit (IDP) if the licence is not in Latin script.
Young Driver Rules at Stockholm Arlanda Airport
Drivers aged 18–24 can rent from most providers but typically pay a Young Driver Surcharge of €10–€25/day. The minimum rental age is usually 18, though some providers require 21 or 25 for premium vehicle categories.
Tips for Renting at ARN
- Stockholm Congestion Charge applies on weekdays — confirm your rental plate is registered, or avoid the central ring road zones.
- BAC limit is 0.02% — effectively zero. Do not drink any alcohol if driving in Sweden.
- The E4 between Arlanda and Stockholm is well-maintained and clearly signed.
- Arlanda Express train to Stockholm Central is 18 min (SEK 299) — an alternative if you don't need the car for the city itself.
Ready to Book Your Stockholm Arlanda Airport Car Hire?
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Compare Prices at ARNGetting from Stockholm Arlanda Airport to Stockholm City Centre
With a rental car, driving from Stockholm Arlanda Airport to Stockholm city centre takes approximately 45 min (45 km). Follow the airport exit signs toward the city — sat-nav or Google Maps will route you from there. Parking in the centre varies; check our tips above for the best options.
Driving in Sweden
Sweden uses right-hand traffic. Speed limits: 50 km/h in urban areas, 70 km/h on rural roads, 110 km/h on motorways. Blood alcohol limit: 0.02%. Very low BAC limit. Congestion charges in Stockholm and Gothenburg. Currency: Swedish Krona (SEK).
Nearby Destinations Worth Driving To
- Uppsala — 70 km, 50 min. Sweden's oldest university city — a Gothic cathedral, Gustavianum museum, and the royal burial mounds at Gamla Uppsala.
- Sigtuna — 45 km, 40 min. Sweden's oldest town — a charming lakeside village with medieval church ruins and craft shops.
- Västerås — 100 km, 1 hr. Mälaren's largest lakeside city — Viking ship grave and pleasant waterfront.
- Mariefred & Gripsholm Castle — 65 km, 1 hr. A perfectly preserved Renaissance castle on Lake Mälaren — worth the drive for the setting alone.
For more planning help, read our car rental tips guide and find out which fees to watch for when you collect your vehicle.