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.

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

For up-to-date information about events, road work etcetera that might affect traffic in Gothenburg, see Trafikgoteborg.se (or their Facebook page) and Trafiken.nu (both in Swedish). You can also download the traffic app for Android and iPhone.

Luggage storage

At the central station, and in the shopping centre Nordstan next to the station, you will find luggage lockers. Check their websites for updated opening hours and prices.

Tickets

In Gothenburg, trams, buses and boats are always included in your public transport ticket/card. All tickets and travelling cards can be purchased at any of the public transport operator Västtrafik’s sales outlets, or in the app To Go. The outlets are recognised by their blue flags and façade décor. Most of them are kiosks like Pressbyrån and 7-Eleven, or grocery stores.

More information about the tourist and visitors card is available at vasttrafik.se.

Single tickets

A single ticket is available from 35 SEK and can be purchased in the app Västtrafik To Go. If you do want to buy your ticket on board the following applies:

• You can travel with your payment card in zone A: Gothenburg, Mölndal, Partille and Öckerö. Simply tap your card for the card readers on board to purchase your ticket. Read more at vasttrafik.se.
• On the southern archipelago boats (boats from the stop Saltholmen and Stenpiren): Pay in cash or by card to the staff on board.
• On the river boats: Pay the staff on board. They only accept cards, not cash.

More information about single tickets at vasttrafik.se.

Apps and services

Västtrafik To Go

Västtrafik To Go makes it easier than ever to buy tickets right on you smartphone. You can buy both peroid and single tickets. For more information regarding available payment methods, see vasttrafik.se.

The app is free and available for Android and iPhone.  

Reseplaneraren (Travel Planner)

With the app Reseplaneraren you can easily look up routes, departures and schedules for trams, buses, boats and trains.

– Reseplaneraren as a web app at vasttrafik.se.

Cykelstaden (Bike route planner)

The bike route planner is available in Swedish and English and includes maps, bike rental stations and basic service stations etcetera. The app is mainly icon-based and easy to use.

– Cykelstaden for iOS (iPhone)
– Cykelstaden for Android
– Bike route planer as a web app at trafiken.nu

Parkering Göteborg (Parking in Gothenburg)

The app Parkering Göteborg can be used at the visitor parking lots that are marked with Göteborgs Stads (the city of Gothenburg’s) parking company. With Parkering Göteborg you can pay for your parking via your phone, find parking and start and end your parking in the app.

The app is free and is available for Android and Iphone.

Maps

Below you’ll find a map of the Gothenburg city centre, complete with landmarks and parking garages. Perfect to print and bring with you or download in your phone. If you’re looking for maps of the public transport system, you can find them at the Västtrafik website here.

Detailed map over the city centre