Europe > 🇸🇪 Sweden
The city by city Car or no Car advice for Sweden can be broken down into three similar questions - do you need a car in Sweden; is it worth it (based on costs), and ultimately - should you rent one? (a balance of the two).🚆 🚌⛴️ Do we need to rent a car in Sweden?
These scores are based on the quality of public transport and other travel options. If these are good enough to see the main points of interest, then you don’t need to rent a car.
💰💶💳 Is it worth hiring a car in Sweden?
These scores reflect the practical factors that affect whether renting a car is convenient, good value, and stress-free.
🏙️ Main Cities in Sweden
| CITY | IATA | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Gothenburg | GOT | |
| Malmö | MMX | |
| Stockholm | ARN |
🚗 Should you rent a car in Sweden? Sweden offers vast forests, stylish cities, and archipelagos that stretch to the horizon. Whether you should rent a car in Sweden depends on how far you want to explore beyond the main cities — and whether you’re drawn more to fika culture or fjords and forests.
🚆 When You Might Not Need a Car in Sweden
Excellent Public Transport
Sweden’s rail network is reliable and far-reaching. You can take fast trains between Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö, while regional trains open up areas like Dalarna and Östersund. Stockholm’s metro system (Tunnelbana) is clean, frequent, and even doubles as an underground art gallery.
City Breaks Are Car-Free Friendly
In Stockholm, Gothenburg, and Malmö, trams, buses, and ferries make it easy to get around. Parking is limited and expensive in central areas, and most attractions are walkable.
🚘 Why Renting a Car Makes Sense
Road Trip Heaven
If you want to explore Swedish Lapland, chase the Northern Lights, or meander through Småland’s lakes and forests, a rental car gives you complete freedom. The E4 and E45 highways open up the entire country north to south.
Coastal & Archipelago Adventures
A car makes it easier to reach coastal gems like Marstrand, Österlen, or the High Coast (Höga Kusten), where public transport can be sparse.
🚢 Ferries & Island Hopping
Gotland and Öland are popular island escapes accessible by ferry; both allow car access. However, Stockholm’s inner archipelago is better explored without a car — regular passenger ferries connect the islands conveniently.
🛣️ Practical Driving Tips
- Sweden drives on the right-hand side 🇸🇪
- Winter tyres are mandatory from December to March
- Wildlife like elk and deer can appear suddenly, especially in rural areas
- Many parking zones in cities require payment via mobile apps
💡 Car Rental Suggestions
Renting at Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) or Gothenburg Landvetter Airport (GOT) provides the easiest access to major road networks. For long trips north, consider a vehicle with all-wheel drive.
🧭 Conclusion
So — should you rent a car in Sweden?
✅ Yes, if you’re planning a scenic journey through Lapland, rural Småland, or the High Coast.
🚫 No, if you’re visiting only the major cities or relying on Sweden’s excellent rail network.
Car or No Car Rating: 🚙🏔️ Mostly Yes — especially for forest escapes, wild north adventures, and island road trips.
🚗 ✅ ❌ Summary Table
This summary brings together taxis*, how much you really need a car, whether it’s worth it,
driver options, local driving rules, and an overall recommendation.
*Taxis act as a hybrid between private cars and public transport, so they aren’t counted in the overall public-transport or non-car scores. 🚕
