How to Travel to Sweden on a Budget

Sweden may not be an incredibly cheap destination but compared to nearby Norway and Denmark it’s reliably affordable. Campers in the north can easily spend under 30kr per day and those with a car can explore a truly spectacular landscape.

If traveling to Sweden on a budget is a priority, plan your trip slightly either side of peak season. That’ll save you on accommodation costs and make room in your budget for sensational Sami-led local wildlife tours.

Flights

There are a number of airlines that offer non-stop flights to Sweden from various locations across the US including Boston (BOS), Denver (DEN), New York City (JFK), Washington DC (IAD), and Chicago (ORD). Book your flight at least 3 weeks before departure in order to get below average prices. You can also save money by booking your flight during the off-season.

Once you’ve booked your cheap flights to Sweden, you’ll be able to explore the country’s famous landmarks and attractions such as the Vasa Museum which houses a preserved Swedish warship from the 17th century, Drottningholm Palace, Kalmar Castle, Skansen, Visby’s pretty cobblestone streets and ruined Gothic churches, and Stockholm’s numerous scenic canals. Other top sights in the capital include the Nobel Museum, which honors all of mankind’s remarkable inventions and discoveries.

Traveling around Sweden is not expensive at all, especially if you use the country’s extensive public transport system which covers the entire country. You can also buy a Stockholm Card, which lets you travel for free throughout the city and access 80 attractions for a low price. Other cheap ways to get around are by bus and train.

Getting to Sweden by car is also a great option and can be especially budget-friendly if you share the driving with another person. Renting a car in advance will also guarantee you the best possible rate. Lastly, you should make sure your bank back home allows fee-free international withdrawals as this will save you a lot of money.

In terms of accommodation, hostels are a good choice and can be found all over the country. Many of them offer discounts for youth, student, and senior travelers. It is also worth purchasing an ISIC card before you leave the country in order to take advantage of these money-saving deals. If you don’t want to stay in hotels, renting a campervan is another way to travel on a budget and see the country at your own pace. Campervans are not only cheaper than hotel rooms, but they also provide you with the freedom to roam around in any part of the country.

Accommodation

Accommodation is one of the biggest expenses for travelers. If you want to keep your Sweden travel budget low, stay in hostels and Airbnbs. They are cheaper than hotels, and you’ll meet fellow travellers in the process. For example, in Stockholm you can book Sheraton Stockholm Hotel from 153 euros per night. Also, avoid staying in big cities and try to find a place outside of the city. Eat cheaply by choosing local supermarkets for your groceries. You can also save by packing a picnic lunch. Don’t forget to pack your own water. It is best to get a reusable water bottle so that you can refill it at the tap and fountains.

You can also save money by skipping the alcoholic beverages. Sweden has very high taxes on alcohol and many Swedes prefer to drink at home. If you really must buy alcohol, visit Systembolaget, the state-run liquor store. You can find deals on beer and wine here.

If you’re planning to take a bus tour of Sweden, it’s best to book well in advance to get the best prices. Private bus companies like Flixbus and Nettbuss offer competitive rates. They also provide a seating plan so that you can reserve your seat ahead of time.

Trains are a good option for getting around, but they can be pricey, even with a pass. If you’re willing to plan ahead, the government-owned rail firm SJ offers good deals on tickets from Stockholm and Gothenburg to other cities.

For longer journeys, you can also use the country’s network of ferries. Some of these are small and serve the local islands, while others are large cruise-ship-type vessels that connect major towns. Passenger ferries are often cheaper than trains, but they’re also less comfortable. Carry cash on your trip, as not all places accept credit cards. Also, make sure that you’ve activated fee-free international withdrawals at your bank before you leave for Sweden. This can save you a lot of money when you’re travelling abroad. Finally, consider purchasing a Swedish SIM card to avoid the roaming fees. You can get a SIM for as little as $17 per month, which is very affordable.

Food

Sweden’s reputation for expensive travel scares many people off the idea of visiting. But with a little research, planning, and budgeting it is absolutely possible to see Sweden on a shoestring! This guide will show you how.

Typically accommodation takes up the biggest chunk of travel costs in any country, and this is true in Sweden. However, a good tip is to book your hostel or hotel well in advance, and especially when travelling during peak season, it is much cheaper than booking last minute. If you are able to stay in a long term rental then this is even better value, and it’s worth researching options in the areas that suit your preferences (e.g. touristic Gamla Stan, the quaint Norrmalm neighborhood or a trendy area near one of the many bars and cafes in Sodermalm).

Food is another big expense in Sweden, but again, it doesn’t have to be as costly as you might think. It is easy to eat healthily in Sweden, and there are plenty of cheap restaurants in the major cities where you can get some delicious local fare. It is also a great idea to stock up on snacks and drinks before you leave home, and to purchase a refillable water bottle to carry with you, as this will save money in the long run!

One of the best things to do to save on food is to pack your own lunch, and this is a very common practice in Sweden. Buying a sandwich or bringing along a thermos of soup can help to keep your food budget down, and it is very convenient for travellers as you can stop at a picnic area whenever the mood strikes! It is also a good idea to check out supermarkets like Hemkop and ICA for half-prepared meals, ready-made sandwiches, and healthy snacks.

The last but certainly not least cost to consider is transport. Train and bus tickets can be surprisingly affordable if you plan ahead, buy them in advance online or at the station, and avoid traveling during rush hour. You can often find some really great deals by looking on Tradera, and you should always try to book at least 90 days in advance for the cheapest fares.

Activities

The Nordic country of Sweden has an enticing array of activities and experiences to offer visitors, but it often gets overlooked because of high prices. In reality, however, Sweden is actually a very budget-friendly destination. You can eat well and see great architecture for less than the cost of most European cities, plus the region is home to the Northern Lights, gorgeous islands, medieval cities, a growing foodie scene, incredible hiking, and more.

If you plan ahead and book your train or bus tickets early, they are surprisingly inexpensive. For example, you can visit Stockholm for just over $100 on the train, or you could spend $300 visiting several other Swedish cities and regions by bus. Just make sure to use a site that offers seat reservations and e-tickets, as this will save you time. In terms of transportation, many people recommend using a private company like Flixbus or Nettbus for longer trips – these are very comfortable and fast buses that rival the trains in most other countries.

Stockholm’s waterfront capital offers free admission to several museums and galleries, and its public squares are bursting with beautiful, historic architecture. For more low-cost fun, stroll over to the Royal Palace, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and official residence of Sweden’s monarchy. The Changing of the Guard ceremony is especially colorful and impressive.

A trip to Malmo can be even cheaper, thanks to its free city tours and a fantastic modern public transit system that doubles as an art gallery (many stations feature vast mosaics or vivid paintings). Stroll over the Count Wachtmeister’s Palace baroque gardens, known to locals as Grevagarden, or take the bus out to one of Malmo’s favorite bathing spots, Western Harbor.

For outdoor adventurers, the 440-kilometer King’s Trail in northern Sweden is one of the best long-distance hikes in the world. Or, explore the 400-year-old Sami market in Jokkmokk, a town that is home to the indigenous people of northern Sweden. The pristine landscape of Sweden is also ideal for kayaking, a pursuit that will allow you to admire the stunning vistas and awe-inspiring waterfalls of the wilderness.