Guide to Stockholm Arlanda Airport Lounges
Stockholm Arlanda Airport is the largest airport in Sweden, with over 25 million passengers passing through its gates every year. With such a high volume of travellers, it's no surprise that the airport houses many lounges to let passengers unwind before flights. Lounges offer a range of amenities, such as comfortable seating, complimentary food and drinks, and even shower facilities. In this article, we'll introduce all Stockholm Arlanda Airport lounges. Read the article and find your favourite one.
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Stockholm Arlanda Airport
Stockholm Arlanda Airport is Sweden's largest and busiest airport, serving millions of passengers each year. Located 37 kilometres north of Stockholm, Arlanda provides easy access to the city and surrounding areas through various transportation options. Arlanda has six airport lounges.
The airport is the primary hub for Scandinavian Airlines (SAS). With four terminals, Arlanda Airport offers a range of amenities, including restaurants, cafes, duty-free shops, and lounges. The airport also boasts a range of services, from free Wi-Fi to prayer rooms and a medical centre.
SkyCity is the commercial area between Terminals 4 and 5 on the landside. It is the heart of Arlanda Airport. Skycity is full of restaurants, bars, shops and even hotels. Arlanda C railway station is located in the Skycity.
Terminal Layout
To avoid any confusion, it's a good idea to research your departure gate in advance. Arlanda can be confusing, so knowing your terminal and gate will help you locate your lounge quickly. The gate numbering at Arlanda has changed, and the majority of the gates now have a prefix letter to find them more easily.
Stockholm Arlanda Airport has four terminals. The separated small Terminal 2 in the south is used mainly by oneworld and SkyTeam airlines. Other airlines use Terminals 3, 4 and 5, linked on the airside. Walking from end to end takes about 20 minutes.
All terminal buildings are connected. Walking between Terminals 3, 4 and 5 on the airside is possible. However, no walkable airside connection exists between Terminal 2 and Terminals 3, 4 or 5. To move from Terminal 2 to another terminal, you need to exit the security area or take an airside bus to reach the other terminals:
| Bus | Terminal 2 | Middle Stop | Terminal 5 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Schengen | Gate 61C | Transfer Gate T11 | Gate F5 |
| Non-Schengen | Gate 70 | Gate D24 | Gate F1 |
If you are departing from Terminal 3, 4 or 5, you can easily access lounges in Terminal 4 and 5. Terminal 2 is more isolated, so basically, you are restricted to the services in Terminal 2 only. All the lounges are in the Schengen area, so you must clear your passport control after a lounge visit if you fly to a non-Schengen destination.
Lounges
There are six lounges at Stockholm Arlanda Airport.
| Lounge | Terminal | Location | Target Group |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pearl Lounge T5 (review) | 5 | Near Gate E1 | Priority Pass LoungeKey Diners Club Eurocard |
| Pearl Lounge C37 (review) | 4 | Near Gate C37 | Priority Pass LoungeKey Diners Club Eurocard |
| Pearl Lounge T2 | 2 | Near Gate 85 | Priority Pass LoungeKey Diners Club Eurocard |
| SAS Lounge | 5 | Near Gate E1 | SAS premium customers | SAS Gold Lounge | 5 | Near Gate E1 | Eurobonus Gold / Diamond members Star Alliance Gold members |
| American Express Lounge by Pontus Frithiof | 5 | Between Piers E and F | Amex Platinum / Centurion cardholders |
Confirming the exact access terms from your lounge membership provider is essential.
All the lounges are in the Schengen area on the airside.
Pearl Lounge T5
Pearl Lounge T5 is maintained by Menzies Aviation. It is located in Terminal 5 near Gate E1. You need to take an elevator or stairs up to the 4th floor.
Pearl Lounge T5 was previously called Norrsken Lounge.
The lounge is open for passengers who belong to Priority Pass or LoungeKey Programs. There are discounted prices for many credit card holders. You can also buy single lounge access from Lounge Pass.
This lounge serves only cold snacks, hot soup and drinks.
Pearl Lounge T5 is the best lounge for travellers departing from Terminal 5 without access to SAS or American Express Lounges.
Pearl Lounge C37
Pearls Lounge C37is also maintained by Menzies Aviation. It is located in Terminal 4 near Gate C37. You need to walk the stairs up or take an elevator straight to the lounge. If you choose to take the stairs, you will find a metal-framed door with a big letter M and the text "lounge" written on it. It would be best to push the door to enter the lounge.
Pearl Lounge C37 is open for passengers who are members of Priority Pass or LoungeKey Programs. There are discounted prices for Diners Club and Eurocard cardholders.
This serves only cold snacks and drinks. During our last visit, the lounge had no license to serve alcoholic drinks. Even the old coffee machine in the lounge was somehow broken.
Pearl Lounge C37 is the best option for travellers departing from Terminal 4. It is usually quieter than the lounges in Terminal 5. Also, passengers flying out of Terminal 5 can visit Pearl Lounge C37, but you need to reserve 10 minutes more to reach your gate.
Pearl Lounge T2
Like the other Pearl Lounges, this lounge is also maintained by Menzies Aviation. It is located in Terminal 2 after the security check. Near Gate 87, you need to go a floor up to reach the lounge.
Pearl Lounge T2 is open for passengers with a Priority Pass or LoungeKey Programs membership. There are discounted prices for Diners Club and Eurocard cardholders. You can also buy single lounge access from Lounge Pass.
Catering in Pearl Lounges contains mainly cold dishes and drinks.
Pearl Lounge T2 is the only practical option for passengers flying out from Terminal 2 of Stockholm Arlanda Airport because there is no walkable airside access from Terminal 2 to the other lounges located in Terminals 4 and 5.
Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) Lounges
SAS Lounges are maintained by Scandinavian Airlines. They are located in Terminal 5 near Gate E1. You need to take the stairs or elevator up to the fourth floor. The lounges are just next to Pearl Lounge on the left.
The lounge area is divided into two parts. The ordinary SAS Lounge is meant for Plus and Business class passengers, and the SAS Gold Lounge is for Star Alliance Gold and Diamond members. Plus class is the SAS's best class in regional routes. SAS has Business Class only on long-haul flights.
SAS Lounge is open to travellers in Scandinavian airlines' First, Business or Plus classes. Other Star Alliance airlines may invite premium passengers to this lounge. SAS sells inexpensive lounge passes for their economy passengers.
SAS Lounges serve warm food and drinks. The selection is probably the best when compared to the other Stockholm-Arlanda Lounges.
SAS Lounge and SAS Gold Lounge are some of the best lounges at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, but you need an invitation from the airline. Lounge membership cards are not accepted.
American Express Lounge by Pontus Frithiof
American Express Platinum and Centurion members can enjoy the exclusive American Express Lounge in Terminal 5. It is located between Piers E and F at the Marketplace on the second floor. The lounge offers a refined Scandinavian atmosphere and a wide selection of delicious food and drinks, which makes it one the best lounge choices in Stockholm.
The lounge offers breakfast from 5:00 am to 11:00 am, followed by lunch and dinner service until 7:30 pm. Please note that the kitchen stops taking food orders at 7:00 pm.
Centurion members can bring two guests, while Platinum members can bring one.
American Express Lounge On-the-Go
American Express offers its Nordic members lounge-on-the-go service at Arlanda airport. You can fetch breakfast or snack packets from La Girafe Arlanda restaurant. The restaurant is located on the Marketplace between Piers E and F. It is on the departure level and almost at the same location as American Express Lounge. The stairs to the American Express Lounge are opposite.
How to Access Stockholm-Arlanda Business Lounges
Premium Customers
If you are flying in First, Business or Plus class, the airline will invite you complementarily to a lounge. Follow the instructions provided by the airline.
Amex Platinum / Centurion Cardholders
We advise Amex Platinum and Centurion cardholders to visit the American Express Lounge by Pontus Frithiof at the Marketplace. Amex lounges are known for their superior quality.
Lounge Members
People who are members of lounge programs should head to the nearest Pearl Lounge. These lounges are not as good as SAS Lounges or Amex Lounge. The lounge at Gate C37 is quieter than the lounge near Gate E1.
Other Passengers
If you are flying with SAS, you can buy lounge access to SAS Lounge. It costs about 30 euros.
Another option is to buy a visit to one of Pearl Lounges from Lounge Pass which sells affordable lounge passes to airport lounges worldwide. If the plans change, the lounge voucher can be cancelled.
Opening Times
Airport lounges in Stockholm Arlanda Airport close surprisingly early. We were surprised that Amex Lounge closed at 19:30 and Pearl Lounge in Terminal 5 at 9 pm. If you are flying out from Arlanda late in the evening, it is most probable that your favourite lounge is no longer open. It would be best if you took note of this in your itinerary not to arrive at the lounge door disappointed.
SAS Lounges make an exception because their schedules are tight to SAS' flight schedules.
Best Lounge at Stockholm Arlanda-Airport
We believe the American Express Lounge by Pontus Frithiof and the SAS Gold Lounge are the best airport lounges. Unfortunately, getting into them isn't always easy.
The SAS Gold Lounge is a classic, top-notch airport lounge with a buffet offering a wide range of drinks and hot food. It also provides other relaxation services. For SAS premium customers, it's the obvious choice. The Amex lounge is also a great option for travellers who appreciate quality.
Common Questions
- How many lounges are there at Stockholm Arlanda Airport?
- There are six lounges.
- Can I walk between Terminals 3, 4 and 5 on the airside?
- Yes, you can. It takes about 20 minutes.
- Can I walk from Terminal 2 to other terminals on the airside
- No, that is impossible. It would help if you took an airside bus.
- Which lounges at Stockholm-Arlanda accept Priority Pass?
- All Pearl Lounges accept Priority Pass membership.
- Which lounges at Stockholm-Arlanda accept LoungeKey?
- All Pearl Lounges accept LoungeKey membership.
- What is the difference between SAS Lounge and SAS Gold Lounge?
- SAS Lounge is meant for Plus and Business Class passengers. SAS Gold Lounge is intended for Eurobonus Gold and Diamond members.
- How can I get into SAS Lounges?
- You need an invitation from the airline.
- Where can I buy a single-entry lounge pass?
- You can buy a single lounge access to Pearl Lounges on Lounge Pass.
- Who can visit the American Express Lounge by Pontus Frithiof?
- American Express Lounge by Pontus Frithiof is meant for American Express Platinum and Centurion members.
- What is the best lounge at Stockholm Arlanda Airport?
- SAS Gold Lounge is perhaps the best if you want a traditional lounge.
Bottom Line
Stockholm Arlanda Airport has many airport lounges. None are in the non-Schengen area, so travellers must clear their passport control if the flight destination is outside the Schengen zone after the visit. All the lounges are on the airside,e so there is no need to clear the security anymore.
Selecting the most suitable lounge depends on which terminal you are departing from. Fortunately, moving between Terminals 3, 4 and 5 is fast. Terminal 2 is more isolated. We advise you to choose a lounge where you can easily reach your gate after the visit.
Do you fly often via Stockholm-Arlanda Airport? Which lounge is your favourite? Comment below!
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