Sweden Information
Joined: 21 Oct 2006
Posts: 18
Home Country: sweden
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 Posted: Thu Nov 02, 2006 2:51 am Post subject: GETTING AROUND IN SWEDEN |
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GETTING AROUND IN SWEDEN
AIR
The domestic airlines in Sweden offer quick, comfortable and safe transport from Malmö in the south to Kiruna in the north. You have a bird's eye view over the entire length of the country for around three hours. Because of the size of Sweden, it is almost like flying between the seasons.
There are a number of airlines that, taken together, cover the majority of the country. SAS is the largest domestic operator at Sweden's major airports. Most domestic flights depart from Arlanda, north of Stockholm, where you can fly directly to virtually all of Sweden's inland airports.
Travelling from Arlanda to Stockholm is possible either by the rapid transit Arlanda Express train, Airport buses, commuter train or taxi. You will also find most of the established car rental firms at Arlanda.
Other airports close to Stockholm are Bromma, Skavsta-Nyköping and Västerås. All these airports have airport buses and taxis.
You should check in at the airport in good time prior to your departure due to increased safety controls. Always check with your airline as to the time required before checking in. Times vary due to the amount of passengers at different times of the day.
The policy for most airlines is for checking in to be completed 15 minutes prior to departure, i.e. when the gate closes. Some airlines allow passengers carrying hand baggage only to go directly to the gate. Domestic tickets are purchased either directly from the relevant airline (via sales points or via the Internet) or from travel agents.
RAIL
Sweden has a highly efficient rail network spanning the entire country. Visitors travel smoothly and comfortably across the countryside on some of Europe’s most modern trains. First and second-class cars are available.
On longer trips, couchettes and sleeping cars facilities are provided, such as the Nordpilen (the Northern Arrow which runs from Göteborg to Östersund/Storlien and back). Long distance trains generally have a buffet car (non-smoking).
As an extension to the railway network, buses operate on a frequent basis as a link to smaller cities and villages. These buses can be booked in connection with your railway ticket.
The Swedish rail network is operated by a few major train operators; SJ, Tågkompaniet, BK Tåg, LINX, Connex and Inlandsbanan.
General information, timetables, prices etc is easily available at ResPlus website. Link to the right.
Booking from outside Sweden is easily made through :
Sweden Booking
Ph. +46 498 20 33 80
Fax +46 498 20 33 90
info@swedenbooking.com
The Swedish high-speed train X 2000, travels at up to 200 km/hour (125 mph) on all major routes and offers the highest standards of comfort, with radio and music channels outlets at all seats. In full-fare business class you will be served a meal at your seat, and in second class you have access to a Bistro car, where hot or cold meals are available.
The X 2000 is currently operating on the following routes:
*Stockholm-Malmö-Copenhagen (via the Öresund bridge)
*Stockholm-Gothenburg
*Stockholm-Jönköping
*Stockholm-Sundsvall-Härnösand
*Stockholm-Gävle
*Gothenburg-Malmö-Copenhagen ( via the Öresund bridge)
*Oslo – Gothenburg (Linx Highspeed trains,via the Öresund bridge)
*Oslo –Stockholm (via Karlstad) (Linx Highspeed trains)
Other destinations are covered by frequent services with different train types: Some with bistro or trolley service, family cars with a children’s play corner and cars with specially adapted seats, for the disable.
CAR
Using your own car in Sweden means a holiday of freedom. Free to drive where your fancy takes you discovering a wealth of exciting things along the way.
Sweden offers drivers a well-maintained network of roads and motorways. It is possible to drive the entire length of Sweden from south to north. There are no tolls (except when crossing the Öresund Bridge), and traffic jams are rare. The roads are usually in excellent condition, with easy-to-read traffic signs.
Driving off the main highways is easy if you feel like discovering Sweden in your own way. Most Swedish roads are suitable for motor homes and caravans. If you decide to rent a car in Sweden there are a number of car rental firms to choose from.
Along the roadside the naturally beautiful countryside offers both natural and prepared roadside stops.
Sweden's traffic regulations differ from other countries, and you should observe the following. In Sweden the law states that you must be visible at all times. For this reason, you must always have at least dipped-beam headlights. Regardless of where you sit in a vehicle you must wear a seat belt. All children up to the age of seven must ride in a car safety-seat.
Everybody knows that drinking and driving is a bad combination, and in Sweden the alcohol limit for drink-driving is 0.2 grams per litre of blood.
BUS
Travel by bus in Sweden is inexpensive and hassle-free. There is an excellent network of express services between the larger towns and cities in south and central Sweden, and between Stockholm and towns in the north.
The largest bus operator is Swebus Express, which has 300 destinations throughout the country. Children under 6 travel free, if accompanied by an adult, while young people under 25, students with a valid student card (CSN, SFS or ISIC) and senior citizens receive a 20% discount. For more information contact Swebus ph; +46 -8-50 30 94 00, or visit their website at http://www.swebusexpress.se/
URBAN TRANSPORTATION
Swedes uses their public transportation frequently.
There are various types of coupons accordning to each city's bus, metro or tram system. These are usually bought in kiosks or information centres. If not using coupons - be prepared to pay in cash in smaller bills.
TAXIS
Taxis in Sweden transport you quickly and comfortably to your destination. A large number of taxi firms, both large and small, transport taxi customers around Sweden.
Depending on where you are on your travels you can either call and book a taxi via taxi booking services, go to a taxi rank or hail a taxi out on the street.
The Swedish taxi industry has been deregulated. Some companies have fixed prices but they can vary depending on the time of day and if it is the weekend. For this reason, it is recommended that you confirm the taxi fare before setting off. Credit cards are usually accepted. In line with the Swedish National Road Administration's regulations, the taxi driver must have all price information clearly visible both inside and outside of the vehicle.
Swedish taxi drivers are highly skilled. Gaining a taxi driver licence requires that the driver is both skilled at driving and suitable for the job and he or she must meet a number of medical requirements. A licence is issued by the Swedish National Road Administration which is then examined by the County Administrative Board to see if the applicant is suitable to hold a licence for prosecuting professional taxi services.
Airport cabs have fixed prices throughout Sweden. A price database is available on their website where you can obtain prices for shared air taxis or own air taxi to and from more than 3,000 places in Sweden.
COASTAL FERRIES
Sweden has an abundance of experiences of nature for all occasions and tastes, from extreme adventures to utter peace in the wilderness. The long coast line (3,218 kilometers) is probably one reason to why sailing is a very popular free time activity.
The archipelagos in Sweden are unique and the Swedes have a particularly intimate and loving relationship to their treasured nature. The archipelagos embrace a wide range of ecosystem and plant and animal biotopes. The natural beauty, the distinctive cultural heritage and the variety of landscapes make them very valuable for outdoor activities and recreation.
CANALS
Göta Canal with its 58 locks and 47 bridges, runs from Mem/Söderköping on the Baltic Sea to Sjötorp at Lake Vänern. Together with other canals it helps create “Sweden's Blue Ribbon” and connects Stockholm and Gothenburg by water.
The Göta Canal offers many different experiences. But lockage is without a doubt one of the best.
There are several passanger boats trafficing the canal or you can hire a boat and experience the trip on your own. Just take your time and remember that the lockkeepers know what to do and are always there to help you. |
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