Taxi in Sweden: How to use the transport services
- Damian Brzeski
- 17 hours ago
- 8 min read
Wondering how to get around Sweden when the schedules don’t fit your plans? Taxis are a convenient option, but in a country where every company plays by its own rules, it’s easy to get lost.
Learn how not to overpay, what to look for before getting in the car and which apps really pay off. This guide to Swedish taxis is more than just a list of companies – it’s a way to travel without stress.
What are taxis like in Sweden?
If you picture a taxi as an old yellow sedan with a flashing "TAXI" visor, then Sweden may surprise you. Taxis in Sweden are modern, clean and well-marked vehicles that look more like premium cars than stereotypical movie fares.
Taxis are most easily recognized by their yellow license plates and the clearly marked "TAXI" sign on the roof. Most of them are modern hybrids or electrics, which fits in perfectly with the Scandinavian spirit and concern for the environment.
In larger cities such as Stockholm , Gothenburg , and Malmö , there are several established networks, including Taxi Stockholm , Taxi Kurir , and Sverigetaxi (formerly known as Taxi 020 ). Each offers mobile apps, card payment options, different vehicle classes, and fixed prices for certain routes.
Sweden is a country with a liberalized transport market, which means that each company sets its own rates . That's why it's important to take a look at Taxipärm before getting in the car - a special information sticker with an approximate price for a 10 km ride in 15 minutes.
In summary: Taxis in Sweden are a convenient and modern form of transport , but before you hit the road – make sure you know exactly who you are travelling with and how much you will pay. Because although the quality is high, prices can vary a lot!
Vehicle classes and additional amenities
In Sweden, choosing a taxi is not just about whether you order a ride via an app or catch a car from a taxi rank. Here, you have a whole range of options, tailored to your needs and travel style.
Vehicle Class Choice: Micro to Premium
Want to get around the city quickly and cheaply? Choose Micro or Economy class. Do you prefer luxury and comfort? Business or Premium with additional amenities are waiting for you. Both classic companies like Taxi Stockholm and carriers like Uber or Bolt offer different levels of comfort and prices.
Interestingly, these options often affect not only the car model, but also the quality of service or waiting time. Choose consciously, depending on the occasion and budget.
Minibuses for groups and families
Are you traveling more? No problem. Many companies offer Maxi taxis , minivans and minibuses , ideal for families or groups of friends with luggage. Such vehicles are available, for example, during a transfer from Arlanda Airport or when booking through platforms such as Kiwitaxi .
It’s worth booking them in advance, especially during the tourist season. Just remember that a larger vehicle usually means a higher transfer price .
Child seats and other safety options
If you are travelling with children, make sure they are properly secured. In most companies, you can order a child seat when booking – just provide the age and weight of the child.
Even if the law allows short journeys without a car seat, it is worth ensuring safe driving .
Some taxis in Sweden are also adapted to transport disabled people or those travelling with animals – just indicate this well in advance when booking. As you can see, communication with the driver and precise definition of needs are key to a comfortable journey.
Pricing system and fares
If you have an image in your head of a fixed taxi tariff with a set rate for the entire country – forget about it in Sweden. Here, each company plays by its own rules. The market is denationalized , which means that taxi prices can vary significantly even on the same route. That's why it's worth knowing what to expect and where to look so as not to overpay.
How does the taxi pricing system work in Sweden?
The price of a ride is made up of several factors: the initial fee, the cost per kilometre and the waiting time fee. There are also additional fees, such as for airport pick-up or night rides. There is no single rate – it all depends on the company. Therefore, it is worth comparing offers before getting into a taxi.
Tariff four and dynamic charging
Have you heard of the " fourth tariff "? This may be a higher rate applied, for example, on weekends, holidays, or for longer routes. Unfortunately, there is no uniform definition - each company has a different interpretation. Therefore, it is best to ask the driver what this name means and when it is used.
Apps like Uber and Bolt , on the other hand, use dynamic pricing. During peak times or when demand is high, prices go up. Sometimes a lot. Always check the cost before confirming a ride to avoid an unpleasant surprise.
Taxipärm - where to check prices and routes
You don't have to guess how much you'll pay. In every licensed car you'll find Taxipärm - a special sticker on the side rear window. It shows an approximate price for a 10 km / 15 minute route. It's a quick way to assess whether the price is out of this world.
Card payment and fare receipt
In Sweden, you can practically forget about cash. Payment by card – and increasingly also via an app – is the norm. After the ride, always ask for a receipt from the taximeter . You will find all the data on it: car registration, duration of the trip, driver's license number and, of course, the total fare. It is not only a formality, but also a safeguard in case of a complaint or loss of something.
Types of taxi services in Sweden
A taxi in Sweden is not just a classic ride around town. You can choose from a whole range of services tailored to different scenarios: from a quick ride from a café to your hotel, to a transfer from Arlanda Airport in the middle of a winter storm. Okay, maybe without the storm ;)
City taxis and local rides
You can easily find city taxis on the streets of Stockholm , Malmo , Gothenburg and smaller cities. You can order them via an app, call them or simply hail them from a taxi rank. They operate 24 hours a day, and the biggest players, such as Taxi Stockholm , Taxi Kurir or Taxi Malmo , provide solid quality and local route knowledge.
This is the perfect solution when you don't want to mess around with timetables or when you simply want comfort. Especially in the evening or after a long day of sightseeing.
Airport transfer as a popular form of transport
Transfers in Sweden , especially airport transfers, are a huge topic. They are most often used by tourists arriving at Stockholm-Arlanda Airport . Taxis are available at the terminals, but be careful – additional airport fees apply there.
That's why many travelers decide to book in advance with Kiwitaxi or Shuttle Direct. Such a sweden airport transfer usually means a known price in advance, a "meet and greet" service and zero stress.
Booking a Taxi in Advance – When is It Worth It?
During rush hour, during holidays or big events in the city, booking in advance is a real game changer. You have a guaranteed ride, often a choice of vehicle and peace of mind.
Especially if you have a morning flight or a strict schedule.
In addition, there are personalized options, such as transporting a pet or choosing a child seat. You can set all of this at the booking stage via the app or website. Comfort, predictability and... fewer nerves.
The most popular taxi companies in Sweden
There is no shortage of proven carriers in Swedish cities who take care of the comfort, punctuality and safety of passengers. Below is a short presentation of the leaders whose cars you can easily spot on the streets of Stockholm , Gothenburg or Malmo .
Taxi Stockholm – the leader in the capital
Taxi Stockholm is a true classic. They have a strong brand, vast experience and one of the best booking systems in the country. They are a leader not only in terms of the number of trips, but also in their sustainable approach to the environment – the fleet is increasingly based on electric and hybrid cars.
The Taxi Stockholm app lets you book a ride in advance, choose the vehicle class and pay cashlessly. For the more demanding, there are the " Maxi Taxi " and " Business " options. And if you have a longer transfer planned, it is worth considering their fixed rates.
Taxi Kurir – a nationwide network
Taxi Kurir is a real logistic combine. They are present not only in most Swedish cities, but also in Norway and Denmark. An ideal option if you are planning a longer trip and want to use one, familiar application.
They offer fixed prices , in-app payments and real-time vehicle tracking. Plus a wide selection of vehicles and services for individuals, businesses and public customers.
Taxi 020 (Sverigetaxi) – available everywhere
Do you know Taxi 020 ? Now it's Sverigetaxi – and although they've changed their name, they're still the largest carrier in the country. You'll recognize them by their distinctive yellow cars, which ply from Lapland to Malmo.
Their strong point is a large fleet and ease of use . In the app you can quickly book a ride, pay and check the route. They offer competitive prices and environmentally friendly options.
Uber in Stockholm – an alternative to traditional taxis
If you are a fan of modern solutions and mobile applications, you probably know Uber . It operates in Stockholm , Malmo and Gothenburg . They offer budget options (UberX) as well as more comfortable ones (Uber Black, Uber Green).
Uber can be cheaper outside peak hours, but watch out for dynamic pricing during peak demand. Plus, you can track your driver live and pay cashlessly through the app.
Airport Transfers in Sweden
If you’re planning to fly to Sweden, it’s worth arranging your airport transfer in advance. Especially if you’re landing at a busy hub like Arlanda Airport – the main international gateway to the country and one of the most popular starting points for travel around Sweden.
Arlanda Airport – main arrival point
At Arlanda you will find designated taxi ranks right outside the terminals. You can take a taxi there, but remember: the airport tax is added to the price, which may affect the transfer price .
It is worth comparing offers from different companies in advance or using the online booking option.
Kiwitaxi, UniTaxi and Shuttle Direct - transfer companies
If you value peace of mind and like to have everything planned, consider booking with Kiwitaxi . This is a popular company specializing in airport transfers in Sweden . Fixed prices, professional drivers and a "meet and greet" service mean you can relax at the airport.
Similar services are offered by Shuttle Direct and partly by UniTaxi – especially in larger cities. Online booking, various vehicle classes and predictable costs – what more could you want?
Additional options: waiting, stops, transporting animals
Most good companies, such as Taxi Stockholm , Taxi Kurir or Taxi Göteborg , offer a flexible approach: you can add stops along the way , register a pet or indicate that you need time to collect your luggage .
If your flight is delayed, don't panic. Some companies include a few minutes of waiting in the price, especially if you book in advance.
Finally, a pro tip: the experience with Kiwitaxi is often very positive according to travelers' opinions. Comfort, transparency and the possibility of contact with the driver are a game changer for many, especially after a long flight.
Access from Stockholm city centre and port cities
From the centre of Stockholm and other large cities, you can easily order a taxi to the ferry terminals – this is a popular service for people planning a further journey to Poland.
Ferries to Sweden depart:
from Świnoujście to Ystad or Trelleborg ,
from Gdansk to Nynäshamn (near Stockholm),
from Gdynia to Karlskrona .
Many taxi companies offer transfers to or from these ports – just provide the appropriate address when booking. This is especially convenient for those traveling with luggage or children.
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