Historic university city north of Stockholm with Scandinavia's largest cathedral and Sweden's oldest university.

About Uppsala

Uppsala is one of Scandinavia\'s most historically significant cities, home to the oldest university in the Nordic countries (founded 1477) and the seat of the Archbishop of Sweden. The city is dominated by the twin spires of Uppsala Cathedral (Domkyrkan) — the largest church in Scandinavia — and the pink Uppsala Castle on the hill above, built by Gustav Vasa in the 16th century.

The university permeates every aspect of city life. The Carolina Rediviva library houses the Codex Argenteus (Silver Bible), a 6th-century Gothic manuscript. The Gustavianum museum occupies the former university main building with its distinctive anatomical theater dome. Student nations (social clubs dating to the 17th century) host open pubs and events that welcome visitors.

Old Uppsala (Gamla Uppsala), 5 km north of the city center, is one of Sweden\'s most important archaeological sites. Three large burial mounds from the 5th-6th century mark what was once the center of Swedish pagan worship and royal power. The small Gamla Uppsala Museum explains the site\'s Viking-age significance. The city also serves as a gateway to the scenic lakeside areas of Uppland province.

Nearby Landmarks

Uppsala Cathedral Uppsala Castle Carolina Rediviva Gamla Uppsala Linnaeus Garden

Transport Options

Taxi

Cost 500-600 SEK ($48-58)
Time 25-35 minutes

Follow "Taxi" signs at arrivals. Queue at official taxi stand. Metered fares, no need to negotiate.

Rideshare (Grab/Uber)

Cost 400-500 SEK ($38-48)
Time 25-35 minutes

Arrivals level

Step-by-Step Directions

Take UL bus 801 from the bus stops outside the terminals directly to Uppsala city center. Buses run frequently throughout the day.

Quick Comparison

Option Cost Time Best For
Taxi 500-600 SEK ($48-58) 25-35 minutes Convenience, groups, heavy luggage
Rideshare 400-500 SEK ($38-48) 25-35 minutes Budget-conscious, app users

Good to Know

Late Night Transport

The last train from Arlanda to Uppsala departs around midnight. After that, a taxi costs SEK 400-600. Uppsala is a student city with active nightlife, so returning taxis from Uppsala to Arlanda are available late. For overnight stays, the city has hotels near the train station. Arlanda hotel options are also available for early flights.

Luggage Tips

Trains to Uppsala have luggage racks. Uppsala Central Station has luggage lockers. The city center is compact and mostly flat, making it walkable with luggage. The walk from the train station to the Cathedral area is about 10 minutes along the Fyris River — an easy stroll even with bags.

Accessibility

Arlanda station and Uppsala Central Station are fully wheelchair accessible. Uppsala's city center is flat and well-paved, making it one of Sweden's most wheelchair-navigable historic cities. The Cathedral and Castle have accessible entrances. Uppsala City buses are low-floor. Gamla Uppsala archaeological site has gravel paths that may challenge wheelchairs.