How Long Does It Take to Fly to Sweden?
Quick Answer
8–11 hours from the US East Coast on a direct flight. From the West Coast, expect 10–13 hours nonstop or 13–18 hours with a connection.
Typical Duration
Quick Answer
A direct flight from the US to Sweden takes 8–11 hours eastbound and 9–12 hours westbound (return flights are longer due to headwinds). Most flights land at Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN) or Gothenburg Landvetter Airport (GOT). From Europe, flights to Sweden take just 1–3 hours.
Flight Times by Departure City
| Departure City | Destination | Nonstop Time | With 1 Stop |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York (JFK/EWR) | Stockholm (ARN) | 8–8.5 hours | 11–14 hours |
| Chicago (ORD) | Stockholm (ARN) | 9–9.5 hours | 12–15 hours |
| Miami (MIA) | Stockholm (ARN) | 10.5–11 hours | 13–16 hours |
| Los Angeles (LAX) | Stockholm (ARN) | 11–12 hours | 14–18 hours |
| San Francisco (SFO) | Stockholm (ARN) | 10.5–11.5 hours | 14–17 hours |
| Washington, DC (IAD) | Stockholm (ARN) | 8.5–9 hours | 12–15 hours |
| London (LHR) | Stockholm (ARN) | 2.5 hours | N/A |
| Paris (CDG) | Stockholm (ARN) | 2.5–3 hours | N/A |
| Toronto (YYZ) | Stockholm (ARN) | 8–8.5 hours | 11–14 hours |
Airlines with Direct Flights
Several airlines operate nonstop service between the US and Sweden:
- SAS (Scandinavian Airlines) — Direct flights from New York (EWR), Chicago (ORD), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), and San Francisco (SFO) to Stockholm and Copenhagen
- United Airlines — Nonstop from Newark (EWR) to Stockholm seasonally
- Norse Atlantic Airways — Budget long-haul from New York (JFK) to Stockholm (ARN)
- Delta Air Lines — Seasonal nonstop from New York (JFK) to Stockholm
Common Connection Cities
When a direct flight is unavailable, the most common layover points include:
| Connection City | Added Travel Time | Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| London (LHR) | 3–5 hours | British Airways, SAS |
| Amsterdam (AMS) | 3–5 hours | KLM |
| Copenhagen (CPH) | 2–4 hours | SAS |
| Reykjavik (KEF) | 3–5 hours | Icelandair |
| Helsinki (HEL) | 3–5 hours | Finnair |
| Frankfurt (FRA) | 3–5 hours | Lufthansa |
Factors That Affect Flight Time
Jet Stream
The North Atlantic jet stream has a significant impact on flight duration. Eastbound flights (US to Sweden) benefit from tailwinds and are typically 1–1.5 hours shorter than the return westbound leg.
Season
Summer (June–August) offers the most nonstop route options. During winter months, some direct routes are suspended, and weather-related delays become more common across Northern Europe.
Airport Choice in Sweden
Stockholm Arlanda (ARN) receives the vast majority of international flights. Gothenburg Landvetter (GOT) has limited international connections, mostly from European hubs. If the final destination is southern Sweden (Malmö), flying into Copenhagen (CPH) and crossing the Øresund Bridge by train (35 minutes) is often faster.
Tips for Booking
- Book 2–3 months ahead for the best fares on transatlantic routes
- Tuesday and Wednesday departures typically offer lower prices
- Consider Copenhagen connections — SAS operates high-frequency CPH–ARN shuttle flights (1 hour 15 minutes)
- Overnight flights eastbound arrive in the morning Swedish time, making the most of the first day