Train

SJ, Öresundstågen, MTRX, Västtrafik, Tågab and Vy trains (formerly NSB/Tågkompaniet) 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.

SJ Train – trains run by SJ, Öresundståget, Tågab and others.

MTRX – trains run by MTRX (Stockholm-Gothenburg)

Öresundståg – trains runs by Öresundstågen (Copenhagen-Gothenburg)

Västtrafik – local trains Västtågen

Vy – trains run by Vy (Oslo-Gothenburg)

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

Rail Europe (formerly Loco2), for iPhone and Android.
Eurail/Interrail Rail Planner, for iPhone and Android.

Bus

The bus terminal Nils Ericssonterminalen is serviced by long distance and express bus companies like Flixbus and Vybuss. 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.

When you arrive by car

The European highway routes E6, E20 and E45 pass through Gothenburg, making it easy to arrive by car.

Traffic information and parking

For updated information on events, road works, and other factors that may affect traffic and travel routes, please visit trafiken.nu/goteborg (information in Swedish) or Google Maps.

Gothenburg offers plenty of parking options, including parking garages and street parking. Read more and find parking on parkeringgoteborg.se or in the app Parkering Göteborg (available for iPhone and Android).

Charging electric vehicles in Gothenburg

Gothenburg’s parking facilities provide many visitors parking spaces where you can charge your electric vehicle. The easiest way to find charging stations is through the Parkering Göteborg app (available for iPhone and Android). In the app, charging-enabled parking spots are marked with a green power plug icon on the map. To charge your vehicle, select “I want to charge” in the parking card section of the app, where you pay for both parking and charging.

In addition to Parkering Göteborg’s chargers, several other providers have installed public charging stations. You can view all registered public charging stations in Gothenburg on the Göteborg Energi charging map service. Hotels that offer charging facilities for their guests provide information about this on their websites.

Congestion tax

Central Gothenburg applies a congestion tax for all cars on weekdays, and the fee is automatically debited by the Swedish Transport Agency. Please visit transportstyrelsen.se for information on amounts, operating hours, and payment stations in Gothenburg.

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.
  • 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

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 Vy 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.

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.

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).