Stockholm Arlanda Airport is Sweden’s main international hub and a common transit point for travellers connecting across Europe and beyond. If you have a layover here, you’ll find a solid mix of food, shopping, and places to rest, plus easy transport into the city if time allows. Here are nine practical things to do during a layover at Stockholm Arlanda Airport.
1. Enjoy a meal
Start your layover with a meal or snack. Arlanda offers a wide range of options, from Swedish and Scandinavian fare to Italian, Asian, and fast food, alongside plenty of cafés and fika spots for coffee and pastries. Travellers looking to try something local can look for open-faced sandwiches, meatballs, gravlax, or cinnamon buns. Well-known airport dining options include Pontus in the Air (Swedish brasserie-style dishes), O’Learys (casual pub food), and Max Burgers (a popular Swedish fast-food chain). Hours vary by terminal and time of day, so late-night options may be limited.
2. Relax in a lounge
Are you looking for a comfortable environment to pass your layover? You can head to an airport lounge. No longer bastions of only First and Business-Class flyers, a few lounges here offer pay-to-enter access for any traveller, no matter your flight class or airline. A single fee usually includes food and drinks, WiFi, news and TV, and comfortable seating for a few hours. Prebook a lounge pass or use your lounge membership program to gain entry. [ read more ]
3. Shop
Shopping at Arlanda covers the basics—snacks, travel essentials, books, electronics, and duty-free—along with a good selection of Scandinavian brands. Worth a browse are Designtorget for Swedish design gifts, Sweshop for local souvenirs and food gifts that reflect Nordic heritage, and Lakrids & Lakritsroten for gourmet liquorice popular in Sweden and Germany. Several fashion brands, including ÆRA Fashion Women & Men and & Other Stories, offer Nordic-style clothing and accessories. Duty-free stores focus heavily on cosmetics, alcohol, and Swedish sweets, which make easy last-minute souvenirs.
4. Visit the sauna and gym
Some airport hotels have wellness facilities worth knowing about if you want a break from the terminals. Clarion Hotel Arlanda Airport Terminal has a gym, sauna, and outdoor pool, and Radisson Blu Airport Terminal Hotel includes a fitness centre as part of its on-site amenities for guests. Access for non-hotel guests and current pricing can change, so check with the hotel directly before planning around a day pass or walk-in use.
5. Get your hair done
Need a quick refresh before your next flight? Flygfrisören operates as a full-service hair salon, offering haircuts and styling for travellers on the go. Availability depends on staffing and opening hours.
6. Get Married
If you’re looking for something truly out of the ordinary, you can actually get married at Stockholm Arlanda Airport. The airport offers civil wedding ceremonies in a private VIP lounge, where you and up to seven guests can be joined by a booked officiant, enjoy a small celebration and even head straight to your honeymoon from the gate. Swedavia lists two main options: a “wedding the day before departure” package (about SEK 11 995) and a “wedding on the day of departure” package (about SEK 15 995) — both include exclusive use of a private VIP room and a bottle of champagne or non-alcoholic alternative.
Practical tip: This isn’t a last-minute thing — all packages and officiants generally need to be arranged well before your layover date, so contact Airport VIP services to confirm availability and details.
7. Go sightseeing
If you have a layover of 7-8+ hours or more, heading into Stockholm can be a realistic option. The Arlanda Express train is the fastest way to reach the city centre, with frequent departures and a travel time of about 20 minutes. Buses and taxis are also available but take longer.
Once downtown, stroll over to Old Town (Gamla Stan), the historic city center that is known for its unique, colourful architecture and winding alleyways. Walk along Strandvagen, a fancy avenue with high-end shops that line the picturesque harbour. The Vasa Museum is well worth the slight trek to see a 17th-century ship that is nearly wholly restored after sinking on its maiden voyage. Art fans will appreciate a visit to the Moderna Museet.
However you spend your layover, plan plenty of time to make it back to the airport and clear Security before your next flight. Visit Tripadvisor for more things to do in Stockholm.
8. WiFi
Stockholm Arlanda Airport provides free Wi-Fi for up to about 3 hours after you sign in — a valid email is typically required. If you need more time or data, the network offers paid access options.
9. Sleep
Sleeping during a layover is possible, especially if you’re flexible. Seating and benches are scattered throughout the terminals, with SkyCity often cited by travellers as one of the more comfortable areas to rest. The airport can feel cool overnight, so an extra layer is useful. [ read more ]
For proper rest, several hotels are directly connected to the terminals. A few more hotels are within a short drive of the airport, including a 747 Jumbo Jet-turned-hostel! See our Stockholm Arlanda Airport Guide for details. [ read more ]
Updated 15 December 2025
These are just a few things to do on a layover at Arlanda Airport. Visit our Stockholm Arlanda Airport Guide for more information about more services and facilities available, such as food, WiFi, mobile charging, luggage storage, nearby airport hotels, and much more.