What to expect when you rent a car at SJU
Stockholm Arlanda Airport (airport code ARN, sometimes called SJU) has rental desks in the main terminal building on the ground floor, between the baggage claim area and the exit. You'll find the major companies — Hertz, Avis, Budget, Europcar, and Sixt — all within walking distance of each other. The process is straightforward: collect your luggage, walk to the rental area, show your driver's license and passport, sign the rental agreement, and drive away. Most people complete the whole transaction in 15 to 20 minutes.
The rental desks stay open during all flight arrivals, which means they adjust their hours based on the airport's schedule rather than keeping fixed times. If you're arriving on a late flight, staff will still be there. If you're picking up a car before an early morning flight, you'll need to book a pre-arranged pickup the night before — the desks don't open early enough for same-day morning rentals.
Key Takeaways
- Rental desks are on the ground floor of the main terminal between baggage claim and the exit, and stay open for all arriving flights.
- You need a valid driver's license from your home country, your passport, and a credit card in your name to complete the rental.
- Booking online before you arrive usually costs less than renting at the desk, and you can often add insurance or decline it before pickup.
- The rental car return area is clearly marked on the airport approach road; you drop the car, leave the keys, and walk to the terminal.
- Petrol stations near the airport charge more than those further away, so fill up before returning the car if you want to avoid extra fees.
Documents you need to bring
You must have your original driver's license from your home country. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is not required in Sweden, but some rental companies ask to see one alongside your national license — it doesn't hurt to have one if you're renting from a smaller company. Your passport is mandatory for identification. All three documents should be in your name and should match the credit card you use to pay.
If you're renting under someone else's credit card (a family member or employer paying for the car), bring a letter from the cardholder authorizing the rental in your name, plus a copy of their ID. Some companies will refuse this arrangement, so call ahead and confirm. The person whose name is on the credit card may also need to be present at pickup, depending on the company's policy.
Booking online versus renting at the desk
Booking online before you arrive is almost always cheaper than walking up to the desk. Online rates are typically 20 to 40 percent lower because the company knows demand in advance and can manage inventory. You also lock in the price — if rates go up between now and your arrival, you pay what you booked. At the desk, you pay the current rate, which can be higher.
When you book online, you choose your insurance coverage before pickup. You can decline the rental company's collision damage waiver (CDW) if your personal car insurance or credit card covers rental cars abroad — many do, but check your policy first. You can also add extras like a GPS unit, child seat, or additional driver. At the desk, these decisions happen under time pressure while other customers wait behind you, and the staff member may push you toward expensive add-ons.
If you book online and your plans change, most companies let you cancel free of charge up to 24 or 48 hours before pickup. Check the terms when you book. If you show up at the desk without a reservation, you may find the car type you want is not available, or you may pay a walk-up premium.
Insurance and damage coverage
Every rental company in Sweden requires you to have collision damage coverage — you cannot rent without it. The company's own CDW typically costs 12 to 20 euros per day. Before you accept this charge, check whether your personal car insurance covers rental cars, and whether your credit card issuer covers rentals abroad. Many premium credit cards do. If either covers you, bring the policy document or card benefits guide to the desk and decline the company's CDW.
CDW covers damage to the rental car from collisions, but it usually has a deductible — you pay the first 500 to 1500 euros of any claim. Some companies offer a "zero deductible" or "super CDW" option for an extra 5 to 10 euros per day, which removes your personal liability. This is worth considering if you're unfamiliar with Swedish roads or driving on the left side of the road is new to you.
Theft coverage is separate from collision coverage. Most companies include basic theft protection, but it may have a high deductible. Read the rental agreement carefully — it will list what is and is not covered. Take photos of the car's exterior and interior before you drive away, and report any existing damage to the staff member on the spot so you're not charged for it later.
Fuel and return procedures
Most rental cars at Arlanda come with a full tank. You are expected to return the car with a full tank. If you don't, the company will refill it and charge you a premium — typically 1.5 to 2 times the local petrol price, plus a service fee. The nearest petrol stations to the airport are on the E4 highway heading north and south; these charge more than stations further away. Plan to fill up at a station away from the airport before you return the car.
The car return area is on the airport approach road, clearly marked with signs. You drive into the lot, park in a designated space, leave the keys in the car or hand them to the attendant, and walk to the terminal. The company will inspect the car after you leave and email you a damage report within a few days. If there are no issues, you'll see no further charges. If there is damage, the report will detail it and the cost.
Driving in Sweden from Arlanda
Swedish roads are well-maintained and clearly marked. Speed limits are 50 km/h in built-up areas, 70 km/h on rural roads, and 110 km/h on motorways unless otherwise posted. Headlights must be on at all times, even during the day. Seatbelts are mandatory for all passengers. Drink-driving laws are strict — the legal limit is 0.02 percent blood alcohol, which is lower than most countries, so do not drink and drive.
Winter driving (November to March) requires winter tyres by law. If you're renting during this period, the car will come with winter tyres already fitted. Roads are salted and maintained, but snow and ice can still be present. If you're unfamiliar with winter driving, consider booking a car with winter experience features or asking the rental company for information on road conditions.
Tolls on Swedish motorways are electronic and automatic — the rental company's system will charge your credit card for any tolls you incur. There are no toll booths; cameras read your number plate. The company will send you an itemized bill after you return the car.
Common issues and how to avoid them
The most frequent problem is returning the car with less than a full tank and being charged inflated petrol prices. Avoid this by filling up at a regular petrol station 20 to 30 minutes before you return the car. The second most common issue is damage discovered after return that the customer didn't report at pickup. Protect yourself by photographing the car's condition before you drive away and pointing out any marks or dents to the staff member.
Some customers book a smaller car to save money, then find it's too cramped for luggage or passengers. If you're traveling with more than two people or have large suitcases, book a mid-size sedan or compact SUV — the price difference is usually small, and you'll be more comfortable. If you realize at pickup that the car is wrong for your needs, ask the desk whether they can upgrade you; availability varies, but it's worth asking.
Parking in Stockholm city center can be expensive and complicated. If you're staying in the city, consider using public transport instead of renting a car, or rent only for day trips outside the city. If you do rent for city use, book a smaller car — parking spaces are tight, and you'll pay less for parking permits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I rent a car if I'm under 25?
Yes, but most companies charge an extra young driver fee (typically 15 to 25 euros per day) for drivers under 25. Some companies have a minimum age of 21; others require 25. Check the company's policy when you book. You'll still need a valid license and passport.
What happens if I damage the car and don't report it?
The company will discover the damage during their post-return inspection and send you a bill for repairs. If you reported the damage at pickup, it's documented and you're not charged. If you didn't report it, the company assumes you caused it and charges you, even if you didn't. Always report existing damage before you drive away.
Can I pick up the car the night before my flight and return it after I land?
You can pick up the night before if you book a pre-arranged pickup — call the company in advance. For return, you can drop the car anytime the return lot is open, which is 24 hours. If you return after your flight lands, you'll be charged for an extra day, so plan accordingly.
Do I need an International Driving Permit to rent a car in Sweden?
No, your national driver's license is sufficient. An IDP is not required by Swedish law or by most rental companies, though some smaller companies may ask to see one alongside your national license. It doesn't hurt to have one, but it's not necessary.
What if the petrol gauge is broken when I pick up the car?
Report it to the staff member when ready and ask them to note it on your rental agreement. Take a photo of the gauge and the note. When you return the car, the company cannot charge you for an incomplete tank if the gauge was faulty at pickup — the note protects you.