Train

SJ, Västtrafik, Öresundståget, Tågab, NSB and MTR Express are running frequent services to and from the central station in Gothenburg, connecting the city with the Scandinavian capitals Stockholm, Oslo and Copenhagen. The journey times are just under 4 hours from Oslo, around 3 hours from Stockholm and 3,5 hours from Copenhagen. The trains from Denmark stop at Copenhagen international airport, making it a convenient option to fly there and catch the train to Gothenburg.

There are apps that make it easier to plan and book train trips across Europe, here are two of them.

Loco2 (for iPhone and Android)
Rail Planner (for iPhone and Android)

Take the train to Gothenburg

Sweden is a beautiful country and the modern, easy-to-use and eco-friendly railway system makes taking the train to Gothenburg a really good option to flying.

Bus

The bus terminal Nils Ericssonterminalen is serviced by long distance and express bus companies like Flixbus, Nettbus and Bus4you. You can easily get travel to Gothenburg from major cities in Sweden and Scandinavia. The journey time is around 3,5 hours from Oslo, 6,5 hours from Stockholm, 3,5 hours from Malmö and 5 hours from Copenhagen.  Travel by bus in West Sweden with public transport company Västtrafik.

Fly

The international airport Landvetter (GOT) is located 20 kilometres south-east of the city centre and you can easilty travel from various destinations in Europe and the world.

Airport transfer

It’s easy to get to and from the airport with the shuttle bus service Flygbussarna and the journey time is between 25 and 30 minutes. Buses leave from right outside the terminal building and the final stop is the main bus station Nils Ericssonterminalen in central Gothenburg.  Taxi or rental cars are also available at the airport.

When you arrive by car

The European highway routes E6, E20 and E45 pass through Gothenburg, making it easy to arrive by car. Swedish roads are toll free, with the exception of congestion charge in Gothenburg and Stockholm.  The charge is applicable to all cars, driving in/out or through Gothenburg on weekdays and the car-owner is automatically invoiced. There are plenty of parking spaces in Gothenburg.

Traffic information

For up-to-date information about events, roadwork etcetera, please see Trafikgoteborg.se and Trafiken.nu (both in Swedish). You can also download the traffic app for Android and iPhone.

Good things to know when driving in Sweden

  • Swedish roads are toll free (except congestion charge in Gothenburg and Stockholm).
  • Drive on the right-hand side of the road.
  • The speed limit is shown in kilometres per hour.
  • Head lights should be used at all times.
  • Winter tyres must be used on wintery roads (snow, ice, slush or frost) and are required by law between December and March.
  • Avoid alcohol completely if you’re driving – Sweden has strict laws against drunk-driving.
  • An average litre of gas is about 15 SEK.
  • When driving in the countryside, be careful at dusk and dawn not to hit elks, deer and other game sometimes crossing the road.

More information about driving in winter conditions

The International Drivers Association’s guide to driving in Sweden

Credit: Kjell Holmner

Ferry or cruise

Stena Line is running direct ferry routes Fredrikshavn–Gothenburg and Kiel–Gothenburg. The ferry terminal for Denmark (Fredrikshavn) is located at Masthuggstorget, near the city centre. The ferries to Germany (Kiel) leave from the terminal in Klippan, a little further out in the harbour.

 More information about ferries at Stena Line.

Many large cruise ships stop in Gothenburg and central quays like Amerikahamnen make it possible to get to the city centre with ease. The outer harbour is further away, but shuttle buses are available at the quays.

When you arrive with a leisure boat

Sailors and leisure boat guests can choose between two harbours – the centrally located Lilla Bommen harbour right by the Gothenburg Opera – and one in Långedrag further out in the harbour inlet. Långedrag is the perfect option for easy access to the islands in the southern archipelago, but the city centre is still just a tram ride away. The archipelago and the whole west coast have plenty of guest harbours too.

Guest harbours in Gothenburg

Dock in the city centre, stay for a night in the tranquil area of Långedrag or visit the idyllic islands in the archipelago. Here’s where to stay when you bring your boat to Gothenburg.

VITAL INFORMATION: Please observe that it is illegal to buy sex in Sweden. If you buy sex, you are committing a crime which may lead to a prison sentence. Göteborg & Co is an organisation against purchases of human beings and human trafficking. Read more at the Swedish Gender Equality Agency (Jämställdhetsmyndigheten).