How to Get to Abisko, Sweden

If you’re planning a trip to Abisko, Sweden, you’ve probably already noticed one thing: It’s very remote. And that’s exactly why people love it so much!

Located far above the Arctic Circle, Abisko sits on the edge of Lake Torneträsk, surrounded by mountains, big skies, and some of the best hiking and northern lights conditions in the world. Getting here takes a little planning but it’s absolutely straightforward once you understand your options.

Here’s our ultimate travel guide and our best tips on How to Get to Abisko Sweden.

Where Is Abisko?

Abisko is located in northern Sweden, about 100 km west of Kiruna and 85 km east of Narvik. It’s connected by one main road (the E10), a railway line, and is accessible by car, taxi, train, bus, or air + transfer depending on the time of year you plan to visit. 

Arrive by Train (The most sustainable way)

For many visitors, this is the most memorable way to reach Abisko.

There is a direct overnight train from Stockholm to Abisko that takes approximately 18 hours. You board in the evening from Stockholm Central or Arlanda Airport and wake up above the Arctic Circle. It’s comfortable, scenic, and significantly lowers your carbon footprint compared to flying. This is why it’s our recommended way of travel! 

It’s important to note that Abisko has two train stations. One is called Abisko Turiststation and the other Abisko Ö (Abisko Östra)

If you’re staying at:

• Abisko Hostel (Kalle Jons väg 9)
• Abisko Panorama House (Kalle Jons väg 9)
• Lovely House in Abisko (Kalle Jons väg 13)
• or any other hotel, hostel or guesthouse in the village

You need to get off at Abisko Ö.

If you are staying at STF Abisko Turststation, you need to get off at Abisko Turiststation. 

You can also take the same train from Narvik and Riksgränsen. Tickets typically become available about 90 days in advance and you can purchase them here. It’s important to note that in winter, delays can happen due to extreme cold and then parts of the route may be replaced by bus. 

Walking from Abisko Ö to one of our properties

The walk is short and simple:

• Exit the platform and walk down the stairs to the road below the railway.
• Turn left and follow the main road toward the E10 and Lake Torneträsk.
• Turn right onto Kalle Jons väg.
• Continue past Abisko Guesthouse (left) and Abisko School (right).

You’ll see signs for Abisko Hostel on the left.

• Abisko Panorama House is on the top floor of Kalle Jons väg 9.
• Abisko Hostel is on the lower level with the entry behind the house.
• Continue around the bend for the yellow house at Kalle Jons väg 13 for the Lovely House.

The walk is approximately 400-500 meters and takes approximately 5 minutes at a relaxed pace.

In winter, rolling luggage through snow can be slow and many guests prefer backpacks.

Fly to Kiruna

Most international travelers fly into the airport in Stockholm called Arlanda (ARN) and then take a short domestic flight to Kiruna Airport (KRN). From Arlanda Airport, the flight to Kiruna takes about 1.5 hours. Airlines operating this route include Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) and Norwegian Air.

Here you have several options for the final 100 km to Abisko:

Rental Car – Flexible and easy. Ideal if you want freedom to explore and perfect for spring, summer and early autumn travellers. There are several car rental companies operating from Kiruna Airport. Please make sure to prebook this before your arrival. See below for driving directions from Kiruna. Perk for Accommodation in Abisko guests: All our properties include spacious parking, making us a great choice for guests planning to rent a car during their visit.

Taxi – The most direct and quickest way to reach Abisko from the airport is via taxi. This is especially true in the autumn when public and private transfers are limited. This can be pre-booked with TAXI Kiruna at [email protected] and costs approximately 2,500 SEK/direction. 

Train + Taxi or public transportation – There are usually two daily train connections between Kiruna and Abisko. If you plan to take the train after you have arrived at the airport, you’ll need to take a taxi to Kiruna Station. If you are already staying in Kiruna you can take the free shuttle that takes you to the train station instead. 

Local Bus (Seasonal) – Bus 91 operates between Kiruna and Abisko (primarily April–September). You can find the time table here. 

Airport Transfer (Winter Only) – Between December and March, many guests book transfers with Visit Abisko, the only fully licensed and insured bus company operating within Abisko National Park. Please note that they only service one flight per day so you’ll need to match your arrival with their transfer schedule. They usually service flights arriving or departing between 13:30 – 14:15. 

Drive from Kiruna to Abisko

The drive from Kiruna to Abisko takes 1.5 – 2 hours depending on weather. After landing at Kiruna Airport, follow the signs toward the E10 highway. You’ll join the E10 heading west toward Narvik and Abisko. Once on the E10, simply stay on this road for the duration of the journey.

The drive quickly leaves the airport surroundings behind and opens into classic Arctic wilderness. Depending on the time of year, you may see reindeer grazing along the roadside, snow-covered forests stretching to the horizon, or autumn colours glowing under dramatic skies. This stretch of road is known for its beauty and pretty vast landscapes. 

From Kiruna (airport or city center):

• Follow the E10 west toward Narvik and Abisko.
• Stay on the E10 the entire way.
• When you reach Abisko, turn left onto Kalle Jons väg by the gas station and the grocery store called Godisfabriken.

If you pass STF Abisko Turiststation or reach Björkliden, you’ve gone too far.

From there:

• Take the first left to remain on Kalle Jons väg.
• Drive past Abisko Guesthouse (left) and Abisko School (right).
• You’ll see signs for Abisko Hostel.

Parking is free for all guests staying at Abisko Hostel, Abisko Panorama House and the Lovely House in Abisko.

Drive from Narvik, Norway

Driving from Narvik to Abisko is one of the most scenic border crossings in Scandinavia. The route winds through dramatic fjord landscapes before gradually transitioning into the wide-open Arctic wilderness of Swedish Lapland. In winter, the contrast between the deep blue fjords, snow-covered peaks, and frozen lakes makes this journey especially memorable.

The distance from Narvik to Abisko is approximately 85 km (53 miles), and the drive typically takes between 1 and 1.5 hours, depending on road and weather conditions. During winter months, allow extra time and always check conditions before departure, as mountain weather can change quickly and the road between Narvik and Abisko can close suddenly. Please visit Trafikverket for live updates.

From Narvik:

• Follow the E10 east toward Sweden and Abisko.
• Stay on the road that goes around the Rombaksfjord to avoid the toll bridge (Rombaksveien).
  If you prefer using the toll bridge, take the E6 north until it intersects with the E10.

When you arrive in the village, turn right onto Kalle Jons väg near the gas station and the grocery store Godisfabriken. From there, follow the same final directions outlined above.

Important Winter Driving Information

Arctic conditions are no joke. During winter, roads can become snow-covered or icy, and visibility may change quickly due to wind and snowfall. Winter tyres are mandatory in Sweden during the winter season.

While the route between Kiruna and Abisko does not cross the same mountain pass as the Narvik route, conditions can still shift rapidly. We strongly recommend checking live road updates before departure via Trafikverket’s traffic information service.

If you’re not comfortable driving in winter conditions, private transfers and train connections are excellent alternatives.

Always check live road updates via Trafikverket before departure:
https://www.trafikverket.se/trafikinformation/vag/

Which Option Is Best?

That all depends on your travel style and budget. But one thing is clear: the journey to Abisko is part of the experience no matter which way you choose to get here. Abisko may look remote on a map but in reality, it’s surprisingly accessible as long as you make the proper plan. 

When you finally get to see the landscape open up and the mountains rise around Lake Torneträsk, you’ll begin to understand why Abisko is considered one of the most remarkable destinations in the Arctic.