Stockholm is the capital city of Sweden and the largest city in the country. It is situated on the shores of the Mälaren fresh water lake, just before it meets the Baltic Sea. The city was constructed across fourteen islands and due to this it is considered one of the most beautiful cities in Europe. Very popular amongst tourists, Stockholm has numerous museums, galleries and tourist attractions, all of which can be easily reached with a car rental in Stockholm. On the island of Djurgården, numerous cultural sites exist, including the Vasa Museum, containing a traditional 1628 Swedish ship.
With an impressive 60 plus years of car rental experience, Auto Europe is able to offer great quotations from all the major and local car rental suppliers. Having partnered with multiple suppliers also means that you’ll have a large fleet of vehicles to choose from, at numerous locations across Sweden. Along with car rental, we also hire out motorhomes, luxury cars and provide a transfer service. For more information contact one of our specially trained agents.
Congestion can occur in and around the city of Stockholm, as in other capitals cities. Rush hour and the city centre should be avoided if possible. Main roads in and out of Stockholm have heavy traffic, likewise for major intersections. In an effort to reduce congestion in the city centre, in 2006 a congestion charge was implemented. This in effect saw a 20% decrease in traffic entering the city. On average however, traffic is increasing at a rate around 3% per year. Avoiding congestion in Stockholm can be difficult, with route 222 in particular being one to avoided.
The congestion charge is in operation from 06:30 until 18:30 weekdays. Cameras located above lanes will monitor vehicles into and out of the charging zone. This charge also applies to the Essingeleden Highway, and is charged per journey. A monthly invoice will be sent to the registered keepers address.
You are able to park your vehicle in central Stockholm and there are a couple of options available, although, expect to pay for this privilege. Parking garages are safe and secure, and a great option, especially the one located at Norrmalm. These charge an hourly rate or a daily rate. On-street metered parking is available and is charged per hour. Cash and cards are accepted at these meters. Pay attention to the parking road signs as you enter into a neighbourhood, they dignify any parking restrictions for that zone.
Stockholm International Airport is located around 37 km north of Stockholm and 40 km southeast of Uppsala. It is within the Uppland province, the county of Stockholm and in the Sigtuna municipality. The airport consists of five terminals – terminal 3 and 4 deal with domestic flights, whilst terminal 2 and 5 focus on international routes. Terminal 1 is used by Star Alliance and SAS. Airlines using Stockholm Airport include; Alitalia, Air France, Air India, Air China, Belavia, Czech Airlines, EasyJet, KLM, LOT Polish Airlines, Jet Time, Iberia, TAP Air Portugal, British Airways and so forth.
Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN)
Address: 190 45 Stockholm-Arlanda, Sweden
Official website:
Phone number: +46 10 109 10 00
Discover Viking heritage firsthand, or enjoy the numerous waterways and splendid wildlife as you venture through modern Sweden. From museums to galleries and several other tourist attractions, Stockholm with its lush open green spaces has much to offer any visitor. Delve into Stockholm’s past as you wander through its neighbourhoods, experiencing Swedish life and customs. Round every corner you’ll also see how the city is carving out a bright future for itself. We would recommend doing the following during your visit.
After having experienced everything that Stockholm has on offer, consider taking your car rental in Stockholm further out to enjoy some of Sweden’s beautiful landscape and seaside towns. From lush green forests to pretty resorts and magical castles, Sweden has plenty to take in for those willing to leave the capital city. We advise visiting some of the following places during your visit to Stockholm.
Drottningholm Palace
Located on the Island of Lovö, Drottningholm Palace is a UNESCO World Heritage Site waiting to be enjoyed. Only 11 km from Stockholm, this 17th Century palace was built on the request of Queen Eleonora. It is currently the official royal residence to the Swedish royal family. Its grounds contain several sculptures depicting past victories, together with tree lined avenues and terraces. On the grounds you’ll also find a museum, with period costumes and machinery, the Chinese Pavilion and the palace’s theatre – which still hosts performances till this day.
Saltsjöbaden Seaside Resort
Located just 20 km from Stockholm you’ll come across Baggensfjärd, and with it a wonderful inlet that hosts the splendid seaside resort of Saltsjöbaden. Containing a grand hotel, a beautiful marina, tennis courts and a golf course, this resort it one not to be missed. Popular with the Swedes, the resort is perfect for eating by the coast, sailing in its bay, lazing around on the beach or simply taking a dip in its open-air pools.
Birka Viking Settlement
One of Sweden’s traditional towns, Birka on the island of Björkö is only 30 km from Stockholm. This 8th Century UNESCO World Heritage Site was once the main trading post for Vikings, in the Mälar Valley. Its importance attracted many from afar, which left numerous ancient wonders and much wealth in the area. If you plan to visit during the summer, then a guided boat tour is on offer and departs from the city hall.
Town of Sigtuna
In less than an hour from Stockholm you’ll reach the town of Sigtuna – noted as being Sweden’s first ever town. Established in 980 AD, Sigtuna hugs Lake Mälaren’s shoreline, in Uppland. With many tourist attractions, the town also boasts medieval churches and ancient ruins, together with craft stores and quaint boutiques to enjoy. After you have explored the charming streets of Sigtuna, take in some Viking heritage with a visit to the old parliament, causeway and the country’s largest runic stone.
Stockholm itself is constructed at sea level. It lies on the banks of Lake Mälaren and the Baltic Sea. Stockholm centre is made up of fourteen islands, all of which form the archipelago of Stockholm. Around 30% of the city is parks, with an additional 30% being waterways. The average temperature is 46 ºF with an average rainfall of 21 in per year.
It is thought that Stockholm was founded to protect Sweden from invasion, with its first ever mention dating back to 1252. Along with being Sweden’s largest city, during the union of Kalmar, it was a major trading port. Around 1497 the city swapped hands between the Swedish and Danes, but in 1520 King Christian II had over one hundred Swedish novels executed to reinforce his authority.
It is thought that Stockholm was founded to protect Sweden from invasion, with its first ever mention dating back to 1252. Along with being Sweden’s largest city, during the union of Kalmar, it was a major trading port. Around 1497 the city swapped hands between the Swedish and Danes, but in 1520 King Christian II had over one hundred Swedish novels executed to reinforce his authority.
Stockholm has a modern and well integrated public transport network consisting of trains, trams, metros, buses, ferry boats and taxis. Bus and rail services are owned by the Stockholm County Council with numerous contractors in charge of maintaining and operating the service. The ferry boat and airport public transport links are handled by other companies. Together, Stockholm’s public transport network is an efficient and relatively cheap way to get you around the city and to the airport.
Train
Stockholm has a modern and well integrated public transport network consisting of trains, trams, metros, buses, ferry boats and taxis. Bus and rail services are owned by the Stockholm County Council with numerous contractors in charge of maintaining and operating the service. The ferry boat and airport public transport links are handled by other companies. Together, Stockholm’s public transport network is an efficient and relatively cheap way to get you around the city and to the airport.
Tram
Three regular tram lines exist with one tourism tram. Together they cover key points within Stockholm’s inner city. Trams are of varying ages but are all very efficient. Established in 1877, the tram network grew substantially to cover much of the city and neighbourhoods. In 1946 the network reached its peak, but from the 1950s onwards some of its routes were incorporated into the metro network. Trams are a relatively cheap form of exploring the city and avoiding traffic.
Metro
Stockholm metro consists of seven lines designated by a colour and number. The blue line operates metro 10 and 11, with a total of 20 metro stations. The red line consists of 36 stations and hosts two lines 13 and 14. Lastly the green line, with 49 stations, consists of lines 17, 18 and 19. Together these metro lines carry commuters from the suburbs of the city to work, covering a total area of 108 km. The system is also famous for its art, with many stations displaying paintings, sculptures, mosaics and so forth.
Bus
Stockholm is exceptionally well covered with bus routes, which makes them particularly useful for getting around. Currently there are three bus lines available; the service bus line, suburban bus lines and the inner-city bus lines. The blue buses take people from central Stockholm into the suburbs, linking with major transport hubs along the way. Blue buses also provide suburb to suburb connections. Red buses are known as regular buses, these take you around the city stopping at key points along the way. Buses are elderly and disability friendly. They can either be boarded at a bus stop or hailed down at some locations.
Taxi
Taxis in Stockholm are either yellow in colour or black, both versions have a taxi sign upon their roof. Taxis can be pre-booked or picked-up at one of the numerous taxi ranks spread out throughout the city. Taxi ranks can be found at major transport hubs, the airport or within central Stockholm. Taxis are metered, although we recommend discussing your journey with the driver and gaining an estimated cost before setting off.
Ferry
There are a number of ferry boat routes within Stockholm. These routes connect parts of the Stockholm archipelago, with some running all year. Currently there are four ferry boat lines; Slussen to Skeppsholmen and Allmänna grand, Frihamnen to Nybroplan, Tappström to Klara Mälarstrand, and lastly Klara Mälarstrand to Kungsholmstorg via Riddarholmen and Söder Mälarstrand.