How to take your bike on the train in Sweden
Taking your bike on the train opens up many opportunities to discover Sweden in a sustainable way. Many regional and commuter trains allow bikes on board, often at no extra cost, while long-distance trains have stricter rules and require a folded or dismantled bike in a bag. The number of bicycle spaces is limited and subject to availability, so choose off-peak times and plan your journey in advance. Pre-booking is required on some routes. Here is a summary that we hope will help you in your planning.
Quick guide
Regional trains: Often yes, subject to availability. Usually free of charge.
Mälartåg: 6 bicycle spaces per double-decker train.
Öresund trains: Max 6 bikes per trolley, placed in trolley with bike symbol.
On-board trains: Maximum 6 bikes per train set.
The Krösa trains: Maximum 9 bikes per train set, not allowed on certain routes.
Trains in Bergslagen: Max 6 bikes in double-decker buses.
Inlandsbanan/Tågab: Kristinehamn-Mora: subject to availability (SEK 60). Mora-Gällivare: advance booking (SEK 100).
Västtåg/Västtrafik: Bicycle in marked trolley, maximum dimensions 190×70 cm, strapped in.
X-traffic: One bicycle per person (max 25 kg), fee SEK 30, subject to availability.
By region
Skåne
- On-board trains: 6 bicycles per train set (often double coupled).
- Öresund trains: 6 bicycles per train set. Runs to Gothenburg, Kalmar and Karlskrona, among others.
- No cost within Sweden (but a ticket is required to Copenhagen).
- Tip: Avoid rush hour on Malmö-Helsingborg and Malmö-Ystad. Easier to get a seat Malmö-Trelleborg, Malmö-Höör and via Teckomatorp.
Småland
- The Krösa trains: Free bike on almost all routes. Exceptions:
- Kalmar-Linköping (non-bicycle)
- Västervik-Linköping (not cycling)
- Värnamo-Borås (non-bicycle)
- Electrified lines: 6 bikes/train.
- Diesel trains: 2 bikes/train.
- Tickets must be purchased in advance in Kronoberg County.
Halland
- Bicycles are allowed on Öresund trains, Pågatåg, Krösatåg and Västtåg.
- No charge within Halland.
Västra Götaland
- Västtåg commuter trains (Alingsås, Kungsbacka, Älvängen)6 bicycles/train set. Not allowed Alingsås-Gothenburg in rush hour.
- Regional West trains: 2 bikes/departure.
- Kinnekulletåget (Göteborg-Mariestad): 2 bicycles, possibly an extra one with its own straps.
- Non-bicycle Borås-Värnamo.
- There is no charge.
Ostergotland
- Östgötapendeln6 bikes per train. Not allowed during Vätternrundan.
- Krösatåg from Linköping: No bikes towards Västervik, Vimmerby and Kalmar.
Varmland
- Värmlandstrafiken trains: Max 2 bikes/train. Routes Karlstad-Torsby, Karlstad-Charlottenberg, Karlstad-Kristinehamn/Degerfors/Örebro.
- Traffic less frequent in the north, more frequent around Karlstad.
- Tågab: 2 bicycles, loaded in wagon no 13. Drive Gothenburg-Mora via Karlstad.
Bergslagen
- Train in Bergslagen: 2 bikes/train. Sometimes there is no bicycle space at all. Packing straps are recommended.
- Inlandsbanan: Bicycles allowed only in summer, must be pre-booked. 1 departure/day.
Mälardalen & Uppland
- Mälartåg: 2-6 bicycles in Flexvagn. Serves cities around Lake Mälaren, Stockholm-Uppsala, Gävle, Örebro, Hallsberg, Linköping, Norrköping, among others.
- Approximately 10 departures/day, more on some routes.
Stockholm
- Commuter train: Bicycles allowed outside peak hours (whole weekends). Minimum 2 bikes/train set.
- No boarding/disembarking by bicycle at Stockholm City and Arlanda.
Norrland
- X-trains (Gävle-Ljusdal, Gävle-Sundsvall): 2 bikes/train. Rather sparse traffic.
- Norrtåg (four northernmost counties)3 bikes/train on all routes. Some departures/day.
The Nature Conservation Association in Lund has made a survey with detailed railway maps of northern and southern Sweden showing where you can take your bike on the train. The maps give an overview of the routes that allow bicycles and the density of train traffic on these lines.
Source: Lund Nature Conservation Association