Transport and infrastructure

After riding on a train, reading the news on your laptop and arriving on schedule, it’s easy to see where your tax money goes in Sweden. With some of the safest, cleanest and most punctual transportation in the world, you can get nearly anywhere in Sweden on time — even without a car.

Public transport

Trains, trams and buses, like Swedes themselves, are almost always on time. In most parts of Sweden, you can search a journey planner for any stop or address online and receive several detailed travel alternatives, including changeovers, with minute-by-minute precision. It’s because of these consistent timetables that so many people are able to use public transport and still keep their daily schedules. In addition, public transport is clean, well planned and expanding.

An extensive rail system makes it possible, and practical, to commute to work. Sweden’s domestic rail system is among the most environmentally friendly in the world — run exclusively on electricity produced from water power and other renewable resources. On a per-person basis, carbon dioxide emissions produced by a trip from Stockholm to Gothenburg (478 km) is equivalent to the same emissions produced by just three milliliters of gasoline.

Swedish rail (SJ)

Roads

Sweden is a fairly large country with an extensive road network. The seasonal climate requires specific maintenance, especially during the winter when roads are snowplowed regularly and all major highways are de-iced to minimize accidents. All vehicles in Sweden are required to have winter tires when weather demands between December 1 and March 31.

Find out more about the Swedish road system at the Swedish Transport Administration

Telecom, broadband and TV

High-speed broadband is available in nearly every part of Sweden. Both fiber optic and wireless networks are expanded to provide more and more Swedes with broadband connection. A lot of Swedes use a fixed phone line in their homes in addition to their cell phone and internet connection.

In Sweden each person owning a TV must pay an annual TV license fee. This system of funding ensures the continuation of a quality public service TV and radio broadcast without commercial interruption.

Read more about the TV license fee

Wireless networks

As one of the earliest countries to have widespread use of cell phones, mobile networks cover most of Sweden, even far from any major city. Of course, for the country that’s home to Ericsson, this may come as no surprise. Even in tunnels, subways and other “hidden spots” the signal is often strong.

Sweden also has one of Europe’s lowest average rates and fees for cell phone service. For those who don’t yet have a Swedish social security number and are unable to sign a long-term contract, prepaid SIM cards can be purchased from any cell phone vendor or local kiosk.

Mail and post offices

The Swedish postal system is generally very reliable. Postal services are integrated into various grocery stores, kiosks and other shops. This means that you don’t have to travel far to send or receive mail, and in urban areas, opening hours are often longer than at the central post office locations. Wherever you happen to be, just look for the blue postbox for local mail, or the yellow postbox for domestic and international services.

Read more about the Swedish post (Posten)