Getting Around Gothenburg
Gothenburg is served by a comprehensive public transport network operated by Västtrafik, which includes trams, buses, commuter trains, and ferries. The city is highly walkable, particularly in the central areas, and public transport can be fairly slow for longer distances across the city, so it is worth planning routes in advance using online journey planners or the Västtrafik app.
The Tram Network
Gothenburg's tram network is the largest light rail system in Scandinavia. The network consists of 12 lines (numbered 1 to 11 and 13), and almost all lines pass through Brunnsparken, the main tram hub, which is just one stop or a two-minute walk from the central train station. Trams run approximately every 8–10 minutes during the day and twice per hour at night, with less frequent service at weekends. Not all lines operate through the night.
The trams run on tracks that are generally separated from normal car traffic in central areas, making them one of the fastest ways to move around the city centre. Trams are also an excellent way to see Gothenburg, as they run above ground at a comfortable pace.
Buses and Express Services
Buses complement the tram network and cover areas beyond the tram lines. Some express bus routes are considerably faster than regular services, which can be helpful if you need to cross longer distances. Västtrafik operates these services, and journey planning tools can help identify the quickest routes, including suggestions to walk a short distance to alternative stops if it saves time.
Commuter Trains
Gothenburg has a commuter railway operated by Västtrafik with an hourly schedule on most lines. Regional trains are included in the Västtrafik pay-per-ride ticket system.
Ferries
Ferries operate as part of the public transport system. The Paddan boats, which depart from Kungsportsplatsen, offer a pleasant way to see the city and are considered among the best sightseeing options alongside trams.
Ticket Options and Payment
Västtrafik operates a unified ticketing system for all public transport within Gothenburg and the wider region.
- Day tickets: One-day (24-hour) passes cost 120 kr and three-day (72-hour) passes cost 240 kr for travel within Gothenburg's zone A, which includes the archipelago. These cards are charged with ticket information and can be purchased at Västtrafik service centres, Seven-Eleven, Pressbyrån shops, and other retailers.
- Single tickets: Daytime single tickets cost 41 kr for adults within the city zone (or 34 kr via the app). Tickets can be purchased at 7-Eleven, Västtrafik customer service centres (Tidpunkten), Pressbyrån shops, from blue ticket machines on trams (accepting coins or credit cards), online, or via the Västtrafik To Go smartphone app.
- Period tickets: 30-day and 365-day tickets can be loaded onto a Västtrafik card.
- Contactless payment: Within zone A, you can tap a contactless card reader to purchase a single ticket for immediate travel.
Travelling without a valid ticket can result in a fine of 1,500 kr if checked by a ticket controller. The only method of payment for airport shuttle tickets is by credit card.
Mobile App
The Västtrafik To Go smartphone app (available for iOS and Android) allows you to buy single tickets, day tickets, and period tickets. It functions as a complete journey planner and can suggest when walking or cycling might be a better alternative to public transport. Note that purchasing tickets via the app requires a Swedish credit card; otherwise, tickets can be bought online through the website.
Walking
The city centre is walkable, and many key attractions and transport hubs are within reasonable walking distance of each other. Brunnsparken (the main tram hub) is a two-minute walk from Gothenburg Central Station, and the city block west of the station contains many additional facilities.
Taxis and Ride-Hailing
Taxis are available but relatively expensive. Rides to the city centre typically cost between 520 and 560 kr and take about 25 minutes. It is advisable to arrange a fixed fare before entering a taxi.
Getting from Landvetter Airport to the City
Gothenburg's main airport, Landvetter Airport, is located 25 km southeast of the city centre. Several transport options are available:
- Flygbussarna bus: A dedicated airport shuttle service runs every 15–20 minutes and takes approximately 20–35 minutes to reach the city. The cost is 119 kr one way (238 kr return) if purchased online, or 139 kr one way (249 kr return) if purchased on the coach. Tickets can only be paid for by credit card. The shuttle stops at several locations, with the final stop at Nils Ericson Bus Terminal, which is adjacent to the Central Train Station. Free Wi-Fi is available on board.
- Flixbus: An alternative coach service that may offer varying prices depending on dynamic pricing. Service is less frequent than Flygbussarna but can reach other nearby cities.
- Taxi: Taxis take approximately 25 minutes and cost between 520 and 560 kr. Arrange a fixed fare in advance.
- Car rental: Most major car rental companies operate from facilities opposite the airport exit.
Landvetter Airport has basic facilities including two coffee shops, burger fast food, and a newsagent on the public side, plus cafés, restaurants, bars, gift shops, and duty-free shops on the air-side. Foreign exchange services are available, and free Wi-Fi is provided, though charging stations and power sockets are limited. Two hotels are located near the terminal.
Practical Tips
- Västtrafik has removed maps from most tram stops, so it is wise to download a map in advance or use the Västtrafik website and app for route planning.
- Google Maps can be useful for suggesting walking alternatives that save time, as the Västtrafik planner does not prioritise walking shortcuts.
- Inside the central area, trams are generally rapid due to separated tracks; cross-city journeys via public transport can be slower and may take up to an hour for longer distances.
- Parking in Gothenburg is difficult and expensive, with rates varying between 7 zones and reaching as high as 30 kr per hour. Free parking is rarely available without a Gothenburg City Card.