The Arlanda Express is due to get a big upgrade, with the operator A-Train AB ordering new trains from Stadler Rail.
Stadler FLIRT in Arlanda Express colours – Image, Stadler
Stadler Rail is to supply seven FLIRT trains with an option for a further train.
The trains will be produced at Stadler’s site in the Rhine Valley SG and will run between Arlanda Airport and Stockholm Central Station from the end of 2029.
Introducing the Stadler FLIRT to the Arlanda Express will increase seating capacity by 50%.
Customisations for the Arlanda Express trains include Nordic styling, which is characterised by bright and open spaces as well as comfortable seating and modern furnishings. These design elements are continued in the trains to enhance the travel experience. There are also different seating areas, such as lounge sofa seats for group travellers or signature seating areas for a quiet and relaxing journey.
Inside the Arlanda Express Stadler FLIRT – Image, Stadler Rail
The 165 metre long trainset will be almost double the length of the current trains (The Alstom Coradia X3), will offer 323 seats with barrier-free access, with wheelchair spaces, large luggage stacks with maximum capacity to store big travel suitcases and hand luggage as well as a clearly visible customer service counter.
Luggage storage inside Arlanda Express Stadler FLIRT – Image, Stadler Rail
The trains will have a maximum speed of 200 km/h, whilst the doors will have two different entrance heights (1150 mm and 760 mm) to cater for special platform conditions.
In Quotes
Peter Spuhler, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Stadlers, said:
“The order shows once again how flexibly and individually our FLIRT can be adapted to specific customer requirements – whether in terms of technology or design. We are delighted that A-Train AB has placed its trust in us and look forward to supplying vehicles for the prestigious Arlanda Express line for the first time. The fact that we can also maintain the trains for 15 years shows that we also stand for top quality in this area”
Magnus Zetterberg, CEO of A-Train AB.
“With this investment, we continue to deliver top-class customer service to our travelers, with modern, quiet, and punctual trains. We see a clear increase in leisure travelers choosing to travel with Arlanda express, and the increased capacity makes it possible to welcome even more. Furthermore, I would like to thank Stadler for supporting our vision of redefining travel to and from the airport, and enabling us to make the unexpected happen”
A Premium Train for a Premium Service
Arlanda Express is a premium service, with a three to six train an hour frequency between Arlanda Terminals and Stockholm Central Station. But you are paying for that privilege, with a single 340SEK for a one-way ticket (£26.33/US$35.70/€31.38) – although to be fair, group rates do make this better value.
As noted, currently these use the Alstom Cordia X3 trains, originally built by Alstom Washwood Heath (Birmingham) between 1998 and 1999, with a full refresh occurring in 2010. These trains seat 140 in their normal configuration, with a total of seven delivered to A-Train.
When I used the trains in 2017, they were in a high-quality condition, but I was paying for speed and convenience as opposed to saving money.
An Arlanda Express train arriving at Terminal 5, Arlanda Airport.
Introducing the Stadler FLIRT on these routes in a very custom configuration should provide a good passenger experience for those who choose to use it as their method of getting between Stockholm and Arlanda Airport… at a price.
Others may consider catching the local SL train, which has a lower frequency (every half hour) and takes 38 minutes, coming in at a less eye-watering 190SEK (£14.72/US19.97€17.52), which also offers access to 120 minutes of local services.
Or catch a coach. Vy Bus4You, Vy Flygbussarna, and Flixbus offer connections from Arlanda Airport to Stockholm.
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I am more often finding the Arlanda Express trains filled close to the brim for my runs to and from the airport, so the additional capacity adds sound good to me. What I am concerned about is even more price hikes. As it is now with its prices, except when road traffic is bad or I am in a big rush, I am usually considering alternatives.