Overview of Stockholm Airports
Stockholm has four main airports serving the city, each with its own unique airport code. These codes are essential for booking flights, checking baggage tags, and navigating travel plans to and from Sweden’s capital. The city itself has the code STO, which covers all Stockholm airports collectively, while each airport maintains its own individual IATA and ICAO codes.
Main Airports
Stockholm is served by four primary airports, each with different specialties and locations around the city:
- Arlanda Airport (ARN) – The main international airport and largest in Sweden
- Bromma Airport (BMA) – The city’s closest airport, primarily serving domestic routes
- Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO) – Located further from the city, serving budget airlines
- Stockholm Västerås Airport (VST) – Regional airport northwest of Stockholm
Understanding which airport you’re flying to or from is crucial when planning a trip to Stockholm, as they are located at varying distances from the city center with different transportation options available.
City Code STO
The metropolitan code STO represents the entire Stockholm area and can be used when searching for flights to any Stockholm airport. This city code is particularly useful when you’re flexible about which airport you arrive at. According to Airport Code DB, STO is not the code for a specific airport but rather encompasses all airports serving the Stockholm region.
Comparison Table
| Airport Name | IATA Code | ICAO Code | Distance to City | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Stockholm Arlanda | ARN | ESSA | 40 km (25 mi) north | International & domestic |
| Stockholm Bromma | BMA | ESSB | 8 km (5 mi) west | Domestic & Nordic |
| Stockholm Skavsta | NYO | ESKN | 100 km (62 mi) southwest | Low-cost carriers |
| Stockholm Västerås | VST | ESOW | 100 km (62 mi) northwest | Regional & cargo |
Arlanda Airport (ARN)
Arlanda is by far the busiest and most significant airport serving Stockholm and the entire country of Sweden. Its three-letter IATA code ARN appears on flight tickets, baggage tags, and airport signage.
IATA/ICAO Codes
Stockholm Arlanda Airport uses the following codes:
- IATA Code: ARN (three-letter code used on luggage tags and tickets)
- ICAO Code: ESSA (four-letter code used by air traffic control and flight operations)
According to World Airport Codes, Arlanda has maintained these designations since its opening, with the ARN code being recognized internationally for flight bookings.
Location and Access
Located approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) north of Stockholm city center, Arlanda offers multiple transportation options:
- Arlanda Express – Direct train service taking 20 minutes to Stockholm Central Station
- Commuter Trains – Regular service with more stops, taking approximately 38 minutes
- Airport Coaches – Bus services to the city center
- Taxis – Fixed price options available to central Stockholm
If you’re planning what to see in Stockholm during your visit, consider how your airport choice affects your travel time to the city.
Key Facts
Arlanda Airport features:
- Four terminals (Terminals 2, 3, 4, and 5)
- Sweden’s busiest international airport
- Main hub for Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)
- Over 170 destinations worldwide
- 26.6 million passengers annually (pre-pandemic figures)
Other Stockholm Airports
While Arlanda handles the majority of Stockholm’s air traffic, three other airports serve the region, each with their own airport codes and specialties.
Bromma (BMA)
Bromma Airport is Stockholm’s city airport, significantly closer to the city center than Arlanda.
- IATA Code: BMA
- ICAO Code: ESSB
- Distance: Only 8 km (5 miles) from central Stockholm
- Specialties: Domestic flights, business travelers, Nordic connections
- Transportation: Airport coaches, local buses, taxis (15 minutes to city)
According to World Airport Codes, Bromma was Stockholm’s original main airport before Arlanda was built, and now primarily serves domestic and short-haul traffic.
Skavsta (NYO)
Stockholm Skavsta Airport is located further from the city but serves as an important base for low-cost carriers.
- IATA Code: NYO
- ICAO Code: ESKN
- Distance: 100 km (62 miles) southwest of Stockholm
- Specialties: Budget airlines, Ryanair hub, charter flights
- Transportation: Airport coaches (80-90 minutes to city), rental cars
Despite being further from Stockholm, Skavsta remains popular due to its competitive fares and range of European destinations offered by budget carriers.
Västerås (VST)
Stockholm Västerås Airport is the fourth airport serving the greater Stockholm area.
- IATA Code: VST
- ICAO Code: ESOW
- Distance: 100 km (62 miles) northwest of Stockholm
- Specialties: Regional flights, cargo operations, occasionally budget carriers
- Transportation: Airport coaches, trains from Västerås to Stockholm
Västerås handles fewer passenger flights than the other Stockholm airports but remains an important part of the region’s aviation infrastructure.
Airports in Sweden
Stockholm’s airports are part of Sweden’s broader aviation network, which includes international and regional airports throughout the country.
Major Hubs
Sweden’s primary international airports include:
- Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) – The largest and busiest in Sweden
- Gothenburg Landvetter (GOT) – Second-largest, serving western Sweden
- Malmö Airport (MMX) – Third-largest, serving southern Sweden
- Stockholm Bromma (BMA) – Important for domestic connections
These major airports handle the vast majority of Sweden’s international passenger traffic and serve as gateways to different regions of the country.
International vs Domestic
Sweden maintains a network of approximately 40 airports with scheduled traffic, divided between international and domestic service:
- International airports: 7 airports handle significant international traffic
- Domestic network: Approximately 30+ airports serve domestic routes
- Regional importance: Smaller airports are vital for connecting remote regions, especially in northern Sweden
If you’re planning to explore beyond the capital and visit the Stockholm archipelago or other parts of Sweden, these domestic connections can be valuable.
Practical Info and Travel Tips
When planning travel to or from Stockholm’s airports, consider these practical aspects to ensure smooth journeys.
Transportation Options
Each Stockholm airport offers different transportation connections to the city:
- Arlanda (ARN): Arlanda Express (fastest), commuter trains, airport coaches, taxis
- Bromma (BMA): Airport coaches, local buses, taxis (shortest journey time)
- Skavsta (NYO): Airport coaches, rental cars (longest journey time)
- Västerås (VST): Airport coaches, train connections from Västerås city
Transportation costs and journey times vary significantly between airports, which is an important consideration when booking flights.
Booking Flights
When searching for flights to Stockholm, remember:
- Use ”STO” to search all Stockholm airports simultaneously
- Specific airport codes (ARN, BMA, NYO, VST) yield more precise results
- Budget airlines typically use Skavsta (NYO) or occasionally Västerås (VST)
- Most international carriers serve Arlanda (ARN)
- Domestic connections are available at both Arlanda and Bromma
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the IATA code for Stockholm Arlanda?
The IATA code for Stockholm Arlanda Airport is ARN. This three-letter code appears on flight tickets, baggage tags, and airport information systems worldwide. Arlanda’s corresponding four-letter ICAO code is ESSA, which is used primarily by air traffic control and aviation operations.
How many airports are in Stockholm?
Stockholm is served by four main airports: Arlanda (ARN), Bromma (BMA), Skavsta (NYO), and Västerås (VST). Arlanda is the largest and handles most international traffic, Bromma is closest to the city center, while Skavsta and Västerås are located approximately 100 km from Stockholm and primarily serve budget airlines and regional traffic.
What is the difference between ARN and BMA?
ARN (Arlanda) and BMA (Bromma) differ in several key ways: Arlanda is Stockholm’s main international airport located 40 km north of the city with four terminals handling most major airlines. Bromma is Stockholm’s city airport just 8 km from the center, primarily serving domestic and Nordic routes with a single terminal. Arlanda is larger with more facilities, while Bromma offers quicker access to central Stockholm.
How to get from Skavsta to Stockholm city?
The primary way to get from Stockholm Skavsta Airport (NYO) to Stockholm city center is by airport coach (Flygbussarna). The journey takes approximately 80-90 minutes and coaches are typically scheduled to meet arriving and departing flights. Tickets can be purchased online or at the airport. Alternatively, rental cars are available at the airport, though the drive is about 100 km (62 miles) to central Stockholm.
