Private car transfer from Oslo to Stockholm

Although crossing the Swedish border is like driving into an oil painting, the breathtaking scenery will exhaust your eyes. Stop at the charming city of Orebro, home to a contrasting majestic castle, or Drottningholm Palace before you continue your journey through the fragrant pine tree-lined roads to Sweden's capital's bustling lanes.

The picturesque yet extensive drive from Oslo to Stockholm can leave you feeling drained. But with the most comfortable and convenient mode of transportation, you can arrive at your hotel ready to explore Sweden's historical lanes. We created this comprehensive guide to ensure you find a travel method on this route to suit your travel needs and preferences!

Early Stockholm

Nordic tribes and even Vikings have inhabited Stockholm's surrounding area as far back as the Stone Age. However, Birger Jarl was the first to mention Stockholm as a city in 1252. By the end of the century, Stockholm had become the nation's largest center and the home of the royal residence.

After numerous sieges, most notably with the Danes, Gustav I Vasa liberated the city in 1523. Afterward, Sweden became a European superpower. Its empire stretched to continental Europe and modern-day Russia by the 17th century.

Locals had to rebuild the town after a devastating fire in the 18th century. But thanks to Sweden's neutrality during World War II, the city escaped destruction from Allied or Axis air raids.

Modern Stockholm

Today, Stockholm is one of Europe's most innovative cities. Modern ways of life and continuous looking to the future seem to be embedded in the psyches of locals and officials. Sweden's capital is one of the world's most sustainable centers, where cycle lanes run side by side with a vast public transport network and urban green spaces nestled between contemporary buildings.

Stockholm's support of sustainability also includes the preservation of the historical quarter. The jet-black cobbled stone lanes flowing through the multicolored old town are the most picture-perfect setting along the city's 15 islands. Chic cafes and stylish restaurants line the stunning walkways where you'll find the spiritual home of Fika, Sweden's beloved coffee customs.

• Language: Swedish
• Currency: Swedish krona (SEK)
• Climate: humid continental
• Time zone: GMT+1
• Plug types: C and F
• Fun fact: The Stockholm Metro is the world’s longest art gallery!

Both have different exchange rates for US dollars. So do your homework and learn the tipping cultures before you arrive so you don't overspend.

Travel back in time

You don't need to track down the Delorean from Back to the Future to travel back in time when traveling from Oslo to Stockholm. You only need to make sure the mode of transport stops at towns seemingly trapped in a time warp en route.

Vastra Fagelviks Church's unspoiled surroundings look untouched by the 21st century, and the ancient town of Vasteras, first inhabited by the Vikings, waits to be uncovered. But Sigtuna, a medieval village home to 20 runestones dating back over a millennium, is the most alluring of the lot!

Pack the essentials

Travel essentials differ from region to region. But warm clothing and rain gear are vital due to the Scandinavian humid continental climate and harsh winters.

Pack a light bag with extra items such as umbrellas, rain ponchos, hats, and gloves, even if it's sunny when you leave Norway. Check the weather before traveling, but note that conditions in this region can change in the blink of an eye!

After booking a seat online, you can travel to Oslo Airport via the FLY2 train in the direction of Oslo Lufthavn. Once you land in Sweden, you'll catch the Arlanda Express every 15 minutes to reach the city center.

• Cheapest flight price: $54 (€49)
• Average flight price: $84.50 (€77)
• Average overall duration: 3.5-4 hours
• Direct flights: 6+ daily

Buses from Oslo to Stockholm

The bus is a cheap way to travel from Oslo to Stockholm. It's the most affordable travel method, so it's often the preferred mode of transport for backpackers in Europe. However, it's the least comfortable and most extensive journey.

Flixbus, Infobus, and Bus4You operate services on this route. Direct buses travel from Oslo Bus Terminal to Stockholm City Terminal. But you can also opt for an indirect carriage stopping at Gothenburg to break up the excessive duration.

• Cheapest bus ticket: $27.50 (€25)
• Average bus ticket: $59.50 (€54)
• Quickest bus duration: 7 hours and 25 minutes
• Longest bus duration: 7 hours and 40 minutes
• First bus departure: 6:15 AM
• Last bus departure: 11:59 PM

The train from Oslo to Stockholm

The train is the most scenic way to travel from Oslo to Stockholm. SJ trains cruise along the Scandinavian countryside that cars can't access. Carriages are comfortable and come with modern conveniences such as restrooms, wifi, and catering facilities.

The journey is straightforward. After buying a ticket online through SJ, you'll ride from Oslo Central Train Station to Stockholm Central Train Station without interruptions. Remember to book at least a month before departing for a cheap seat!

• Cheapest train ticket: $39.50 (€36)
• Average train ticket: $80 (€73)
• Quickest train duration: 5 hours and 16 minutes
• Longest train duration: 5 hours and 51 minutes
• First train departure: 5:56 AM
• Last train departure: 4:52 PM

Daytrip from Oslo to Stockholm

Daytrip is the most comfortable and convenient travel option from Oslo to Stockholm. A private door-to-door service can collect you at your hotel in Norway and drop you off at your new one in Sweden in 6 hours and 20 minutes. You'll sit in a clean, quiet vehicle for the entire duration with the thermostat set to your liking while admiring the mesmerizing scenery unfold.

Daytrip is also the most amusing way to transfer from Oslo to Stockholm. You can explore lavish UNESCO-listed landmarks like the Drottningholm Palace or wander the Tom Tits Experiment, a permanent museum housing 450 experiments. You won't need to worry about connecting schedules or finding a spot to store your bags, as your professional driver will wait outside with your luggage safely stored in the trunk!

• Seats from: $161 (€147)
• English-speaking driver
• Clean, sanitized, smoke-free vehicle
• Help with luggage
• Equipped for kids, pets, groups, or those with limited mobility
• 24/7 customer support
• Free cancellation 24 hours before departing

The ship is remarkably well preserved and displayed in a specially designed building. The museum also offers fascinating exhibits about the ship's construction, the maritime history of Sweden, and life during the 1600s. It's a must-see for anyone interested in the sea or stunning historical artifacts.

Relax in Kungsträdgården

Kungstradgarden is the perfect place to recharge after a jam-packed day of sightseeing. This urban oasis is a stone's throw from the capital's busy avenues but offers ample space to kick back with your feet up with locals. Over 200 events occur throughout the year here, so there's likely to be something when you're in town.

If you need help reenergizing, head to one of the countless cafes surrounding the setting for a daily dose of caffeine. Before you leave, don't forget to head down to the metro station to admire Stockholm's most beautiful station.

Roam through Skansen

Believe it or not, Skansen is the oldest open-air museum worldwide! Inside, you'll discover a zoo, farmsteads, gardens, and educational events. The setting covers various topics, so it's the ideal place to start your Stockholm adventure when traveling as a family.

The fun begins before you even arrive at Skansen. That's because you can board a quick ferry at Strandvagen and jump off at Allmanna Grand less than 10 minutes later after appreciating the stunning views overlooking Nybroviken Bay.

Relive ABBA's hits

The ABBA Museum is a fun and interactive experience for Swedish pop fans. Located on Djurgarden, the showroom takes you through the band's history, showcasing their costumes and memorabilia. You can even step into virtual performances!

It's a lively tribute to one of the nation's most famous musical exports and provides a fascinating insight into the world of pop music. But if your travel buddy thinks they know more about the group than you, challenge them to the ABBA Quiz while inside!

Traveling in the spring will save you some hard-earned cash. Hotels and tour operators offer significant discounts from April to May and mid-September to October. However, the weather can be hit and miss during this period, making it a risk if you're searching for the sun's rays!