Cars & Transportation Sweden

In Sweden, public transport is highly developed, offering a wide range of options that ensure convenient travel both within major cities and between regions.

Railways. Trains are one of the main types of transport for moving both within cities and between regions. The state company SJ manages long-distance and regional routes. High-speed trains and regional trains cover most of the country, connecting cities such as Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö. There are also private companies like MTRX and Flixtrain offering alternative and often more affordable travel options.

Metro and trams. Stockholm has the country's only metro system — "Tunnelbana" (T-bana), which connects key areas of the city and its suburbs. Additionally, cities like Gothenburg and Norrköping have well-developed tram systems, which are a popular mode of public transport for locals.

Buses. Each region has its own bus companies, such as SL in Stockholm, Västtrafik in Gothenburg, and Skånetrafiken in Skåne. Buses run both in cities and rural areas, offering comfortable travel conditions.

Ferries. Water transport also plays an important role, especially for those living on islands or wishing to visit popular destinations like Gotland. Ferries regularly depart from cities such as Stockholm and Gothenburg.

Intercity buses. For travel between cities, intercity buses from companies like Flixbus, VY, and Ybuss are widely used, offering affordable travel options across the country.

Air Transportation

Air transportation in Sweden is highly developed, providing efficient connections both domestically and to international destinations. The country has more than 200 airports, including the three largest:

Stockholm Arlanda (the main international airport of Sweden),

Gothenburg Landvetter,

Malmö Airport.

These airports serve not only regular international flights but also domestic ones, connecting key cities like Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö with remote regions.

Domestic flights are an important means of transport for residents of northern regions, such as Luleå or Kiruna, where other transport types can be less convenient due to remoteness and climatic conditions. Airlines such as Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and Norwegian offer regular domestic flights.

Air transportation also includes regional and charter flights. Additionally, almost all major hospitals and military bases have helipads for medical and urgent purposes.

In Sweden, purchasing public transport tickets is organized to be as convenient and flexible as possible, with the option to use various platforms and payment methods. Here are the main features:

 

Mobile apps. Almost every region has its own apps for purchasing tickets. For example, Stockholm uses the SL app, Gothenburg uses Västtrafik To Go, and Skåne uses Skånetrafiken. Through these apps, you can purchase single tickets, multi-day passes, or monthly subscriptions. The app also allows you to track schedules and transport routes.

 

Cashless payment. In Sweden, public transport does not accept cash. Payment can be made via bank cards, mobile payments like Swish, and various mobile apps.

 

Automatic kiosks. Tickets can be purchased at machines located at metro stations, railway stations, and bus stops. These machines support multiple languages and accept bank cards for payment.

 

Different types of tickets. Various types of tickets are available: single, daily, 72-hour, weekly, and monthly passes. For example, in Stockholm, a 72-hour pass costs 350 SEK for adults, while children under 7 travel for free when accompanied by an adult with a valid ticket. For frequent travel, it is recommended to purchase longer-term passes.

 

Purchasing tickets online. Many transport companies, such as SJ (railways) and Öresundståg (trains between Sweden and Denmark), offer ticket purchases through their websites or apps. Tickets bought online are often cheaper than those purchased at kiosks or stations.

Taxis

Taxi Stockholm and Taxi Gothenburg are the largest companies in their cities, offering a wide range of transport services, from standard trips to business taxis and large vehicles for groups. To book a taxi, you can use their apps or call directly. These companies are committed to environmental sustainability, gradually transitioning to the use of renewable fuels and electric vehicles.

 

Uber and Bolt are also available in most major cities in Sweden. They offer several categories of cars, from budget to luxury options. These services operate through mobile apps, allowing you to conveniently book a car, track the trip, and pay for services online.

 

Car-sharing

In Sweden, car-sharing services such as Aimo, Kinto Share, and M are popular. These companies provide cars for short-term rental, often with hourly billing. For example, Aimo offers fully electric cars, promoting the reduction of harmful emissions. Registration and booking are done through mobile apps, and cars can be picked up and dropped off in various permitted areas of the city.

 

Car-sharing provides the flexibility of using a car without the need to purchase one. This is especially convenient for those who need a car only for short trips around the city or to the suburbs.

 

Scooters and bicycles

Electric scooters and bicycles have become a popular means of transportation in Swedish cities. Services like Voi and Tier offer scooter rentals through mobile apps, where you can quickly find the nearest transport, pay for the trip, and leave the scooter in a convenient place. In major cities, there is also a developed bike rental system, making trips around the city environmentally friendly and accessible.

Yes, living in Sweden without owning a car is quite possible and even convenient, especially if you live in large cities such as Stockholm, Gothenburg, or Malmö. Public transport in Sweden is well-developed and covers not only cities but also suburbs, which allows for efficient travel around the country without the need to own a car.

Owning a car in Sweden is associated with high expenses. Apart from the purchase, you need to consider the cost of fuel, insurance, taxes, and parking, especially in central areas of large cities where parking can be expensive and limited.

Thanks to the developed transport system and the availability of alternative modes of transportation, living in Sweden without a car is not only possible but also practical, especially in urban conditions.

To obtain a driver's license in Sweden (category B, for passenger cars), it is necessary to go through several mandatory stages. Having a permanent personal number is required.

 

1. Obtain a driving permit (Körkortstillstånd). This is the first step required to start practicing driving. To obtain it, you need to fill out an application on the Transport Authority's website, undergo a vision test at any optician or driving school, and submit a health declaration.

 

2. Theoretical preparation. The theoretical course includes learning traffic rules, road signs, safety basics, and eco-driving. You can study the theory independently, through online platforms, or attend lectures at a driving school. The theoretical exam includes 70 questions, of which you need to answer at least 52 correctly to pass.

 

3. Risk training. This is a mandatory program consisting of two parts. The first part is a theoretical course covering the risks associated with driving under the influence of fatigue, alcohol, and drugs. The second part is practical training on a slippery surface, where you need to demonstrate skills in handling a car in extreme conditions. This training costs around 3300 SEK and is valid for 5 years.

 

4. Practical preparation. You can practice with a private instructor (who must undergo special training) or at a driving school. It is important to alternate driving with theoretical preparation to confidently pass the exam.

 

5. Exam. After successfully passing the theoretical exam, you can take a practical test at the driving school, which lasts about 25 minutes. During the test, your ability to control the car, comply with traffic rules, and apply eco-friendly driving methods are evaluated. To pass successfully, you need to complete both tests within four months; otherwise, you will have to retake them.

 

6. Obtaining a driver's license. If both tests are passed successfully, the driver's license will be mailed to you within a few days. The cost of processing the license is 320 SEK.

 

The process of obtaining a driver's license in Sweden can take several months and costs approximately 15,000 SEK on average, including training, tests, and other mandatory steps.

 

 

Exchange of a driver's license

In Sweden, it is possible to exchange a foreign driver's license for a Swedish one, but the rules depend on the country where the license was issued.

 

If you have a driver's license from EU/EEA countries, you can use it in Sweden without exchange as long as it is valid. If you want to exchange it for a Swedish one, you can do so without the need to take exams, although it is not mandatory.

 

If you have a license from countries outside the EU/EEA, such as the USA, Canada, or other countries, you cannot simply exchange it for a Swedish one. In this case, you will need to go through all the stages of obtaining a Swedish driver's license, including passing theoretical and practical exams.

 

Special cases. There are several countries (such as Japan and Switzerland) for which a simplified exchange regulation is possible, allowing you to obtain a Swedish license without exams, but you need to submit an appropriate application to the Swedish Transport Agency (www.transportstyrelsen.se).

 

It is important to check the requirements on the Transportstyrelsen website (www.transportstyrelsen.se) depending on your country, as they may change periodically.

Owning and driving a personal car in Sweden has several features that are important to consider, from purchasing a car to complying with local traffic rules.

 

Purchase and registration of a car:

When purchasing a car in Sweden, you must register it with the Transport Agency. If you are buying a used car, the change of ownership process is also conducted through this service, and you need to arrange insurance (third-party liability is mandatory) from the moment the car is registered in your name.

 

If you are importing a car from another country, it must undergo a provenance check and then a registration inspection to be used in Sweden. Imports of vehicles from EU countries are exempt from customs duties but may require VAT payment.

 

Insurance:

All vehicles must have at least civil liability insurance. The cost of insurance depends on the type of car, its age and condition, as well as your driving history.

 

Taxes and fees:

Car owners are required to pay a vehicle tax. The tax amount depends on the type of fuel and emission levels. For example, electric cars are exempt from tax or have a minimal tax, while gasoline cars are subject to higher taxes. Additionally, in some cities like Stockholm, a congestion tax system is in place, which charges for entering and exiting certain zones of the city during peak hours.

 

Driving rules:

Sweden has strict traffic rules, including mandatory daytime running lights, speed limits (50 km/h in cities and 110 km/h on highways), and mandatory use of winter tires in cold seasons (from December 1 to March 31). Moreover, the permissible blood alcohol level is only 0.2 g/l, making Sweden one of the countries with the strictest drunk driving regulations.

 

Additional expenses:

Owning a car also includes expenses for parking, which in major cities like Stockholm can be expensive and limited. It is important to adhere to parking regulations to avoid fines.

 

There are no toll highways in Sweden; however, there are different types of road charges, including congestion tax and fees for using bridges.

 

Overload Tax:

This tax is levied in major cities — Stockholm and Gothenburg. It is aimed at improving traffic flow and reducing harmful emissions. The tax is charged only on weekdays during specific hours and ranges from 9 to 35 SEK per passage, depending on the time of day. The maximum daily charge for Stockholm is 135 SEK, and for Gothenburg is 60 SEK. This tax applies to both Swedish and foreign vehicles.

 

Toll Bridges:

Sweden also has several toll bridges, including the Motala and Sundsvall bridges, where the fee ranges from 5 to 20 SEK depending on the type of vehicle. Additionally, the famous Öresund Bridge, connecting Sweden and Denmark, is tolled, and the fee for passenger cars is about 705 SEK.

 

How to Pay:

Payment is made automatically through license plate recognition systems. The bill for the passage is sent to the registered address of the vehicle owner. For foreign vehicles, bills are sent through the Epass24 system, where automatic payment can also be set up.

 

Owning a car in Sweden requires not only following road rules but also considering significant financial expenses related to taxes, insurance, and maintenance.

In Sweden, fines for traffic violations are quite strict and may include not only monetary penalties but also the revocation of a driver's license, especially for serious offenses such as speeding or driving under the influence of alcohol.

 

Speeding:

Fines for speeding vary depending on the zone and the amount of over-speed:

- In zones with a limit up to 50 km/h, fines start at 2000 SEK for exceeding by up to 10 km/h and can reach 4000 SEK for exceeding by 30 km/h or more.

- On roads with a limit over 50 km/h, fines are slightly lower: from 1500 SEK for exceeding by up to 10 km/h to 4000 SEK for exceeding by 35 km/h or more.

 

Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol:

The blood alcohol threshold is 0.2‰, one of the strictest limits in the world. Offenders may be fined or even imprisoned for up to six months. If the alcohol level exceeds 1.0‰, revocation of the driver's license and imprisonment for up to two years is envisaged.

 

Seat Belt Violations:

The fine for not wearing a seat belt is 1500 SEK, and if the driver does not ensure the safety of a passenger under 15 years old, the fine is 2500 SEK.

 

Running a Red Light:

Running a red light in a car may cost 3000 SEK.

 

The fine for not having a child car seat or booster — 600 SEK.

 

Other Violations:

- Not using winter tires during the mandatory period from December 1 to March 31 — 1200 SEK.

- Driving without payment in restricted traffic zones (e.g., in central Stockholm) — 500 SEK.

 

All these fines may vary depending on circumstances, and in the case of serious violations, a court case may be initiated with more severe consequences, such as temporary or permanent revocation of driving rights.

 

Paying the Fine

Fines for traffic violations in Sweden are usually paid through bank transfer. After a fine is issued, you are provided with a receipt containing the necessary payment details. It is important to note that payment must be made within 8 days.

 

In case of serious violations or if the fine is contested, the matter may be taken to court, and fines will be settled through official channels. However, you must first pay the fine and then contest it, otherwise, there will be a penalty for non-payment.

 

Foreigners who receive a fine for a traffic violation in Sweden can pay it via bank transfer. The receipt you receive will list all the necessary information, including:

- The amount of the fine.

- The account number for the transfer (usually a Swedish bank account).

- A reference number that must be specified with the payment for the fine to be properly credited.

 

The payment process generally goes through your country's banking systems. It is essential to use an international bank transfer if you do not have an account in a Swedish bank. Payment must be made within 8 days. It is also important to keep all documents and payment confirmations in case you need to provide proof of compliance.

 

If a fine is issued by a private parking company and you do not pay it on time, the case may be transferred to an international debt collection agency.

   Vehicle inspections and registrations in Sweden are mandatory for all cars to ensure their safety and environmental compliance.

 

Vehicle Inspection

Vehicle inspection in Sweden is mandatory and is conducted on a regular basis:

- The first vehicle inspection must be carried out 3 years after its registration.

- The second inspection is conducted 2 years after the first one.

- After that, inspections are required annually, every 14 months.

 

During the inspection, key components of the vehicle are checked, such as the braking system, tire condition, suspension, steering system, and emissions level. If the vehicle fails the inspection, it may be prohibited from driving until issues are resolved and a reinspection is completed.

 

Vehicle Registration

Registering a vehicle in Sweden includes several steps:

- Verification of the vehicle's origin (if imported). This is necessary to check its compliance with Swedish safety and emissions standards.

- Technical inspection for registration. If the vehicle meets Swedish standards, it is assigned a registration number and officially registered for road use.

- When changing the owner, notification of change of ownership must be submitted within 10 days.

 

It should be noted that for temporary withdrawal of a vehicle from use, it can be declared "off the road" (SORN), which exempts it from the need to pay road tax and insurance for this period.

 

These processes help maintain road safety and adhere to environmental standards.

In Sweden, the use and registration of foreign cars depend on how long you plan to stay in the country and the country from which the car was brought.

 

Temporary use of a vehicle

Foreign cars with valid registration can be used in Sweden for up to six months without the need for registration in the country if they are registered in another EU/EEA country. However, it is important always to carry the registration documents confirming the validity of the registration in the country of origin.

 

Vehicle Registration in Sweden

If you plan to stay in Sweden for more than six months or reside permanently in the country, you need to register the vehicle in Sweden. The registration process includes:

- Verification of the vehicle's origin — the first step that confirms the car was legally imported and meets Swedish standards.

- Registration inspection — the car is checked for compliance with safety and environmental standards, after which it is assigned a registration number.

 

Taxes and Customs Duties

If the vehicle is imported from EU countries, customs duties are not charged, but VAT may need to be paid depending on the age and status of the vehicle. For vehicles imported from non-EU countries, such as Norway or Iceland, both customs duties and VAT must be paid.

 

Insurance

All vehicles registered in Sweden must have mandatory liability insurance, which covers damages caused to other road users.

In Sweden, the infrastructure for electric vehicles is rapidly developing, making the country one of the leading players in electromobility. Currently, the country offers more than 4,600 charging stations spread across different regions, with the highest concentration in major cities like Stockholm, Skåne, and Gothenburg.

Charging Stations:

Sweden has several major charging station operators, such as Mer, E.ON, and Vattenfall, which provide both standard and fast chargers. Fast charging stations are becoming increasingly popular, enabling drivers to charge their electric vehicles on highways and in major cities quickly.

Government support and goals:

Sweden aims to completely phase out internal combustion engine vehicles by 2035, and the government is actively supporting the expansion of the charging network through various subsidies and investment programs. Charging stations are being built along key transport corridors, making long-distance travel in electric vehicles easier. There is also a government program that subsidizes up to 70% of the costs for the installation of public charging stations, which contributes to their rapid increase in numbers.

Service centers:

The number of specialized service centers for electric vehicles in Sweden is also growing. Major manufacturers, such as Tesla and Polestar, are opening their centers throughout the region. Additionally, auto services are actively adapting to servicing electric vehicles, making owning an electric car more accessible and convenient.

Overall, Sweden is demonstrating a serious commitment to the development of electromobility, creating increasingly convenient conditions for electric vehicle owners.