When it comes to traveling from London to Uppsala, the journey is surprisingly straightforward, especially with a number of direct flight options available. I’ve always loved traveling to Uppsala—its historical charm, picturesque streets, and cultural landmarks make it a perfect destination for a getaway. The best part? Getting there couldn’t be easier, thanks to the efficient flight routes connecting London to Sweden’s academic heart.
In this post, I’ll share with you my personal experience flying from London to Uppsala, the best airlines that offer direct flights, and a few tips on booking your ticket to ensure you get the most value for your trip. So, let’s dive into everything you need to know about flying from London to Uppsala.
1. Ryanair: Budget-Friendly and Convenient
Departure Airport: London Stansted (STN)
Arrival Airport: Stockholm Västerås Airport (VST)
Flight Duration: 2 hours
Frequency: Daily flights, typically in the morning or afternoon
Airline: Ryanair
Price Range: €20-€100 one way (depending on booking time)
Booking Platform: Skyscanner or Ryanair’s Official Site
Experience:
As someone who loves exploring on a budget, Ryanair is often my go-to choice when flying from London to Uppsala. Though the flight lands at Stockholm Västerås Airport, which is located about 1.5 hours by train from Uppsala, the price and convenience make it totally worth it. I appreciate how quick and simple the process is. The flight itself is direct, meaning I don’t have to deal with any layovers or connecting flights. From the moment I board, I know it’s going to be a smooth and efficient journey—just what I need when I’m trying to save time and money.
The onboard experience with Ryanair is pretty straightforward. It’s a low-cost carrier, so don’t expect frills or luxuries. That said, I’ve always found their staff to be friendly and professional, and I’ve never had issues with the flight timing or boarding. The seats are basic but sufficient for the short two-hour flight. The cabin may feel a little cramped, but it’s something I’ve come to expect from budget airlines, and for the price, I can’t complain.
For those willing to spend a bit more, Ryanair does offer additional services like extra legroom, priority boarding, and pre-booked food or drinks. However, I usually opt for the basic seat and bring my own snacks. As long as you pack light and are okay with a no-frills experience, Ryanair offers incredible value. I’ve snagged one-way tickets as low as €20 in the past, and if you’re flexible with your dates and book early enough, you can score even better deals.
Traveler Reviews:
Reviews from other passengers on Ryanair are pretty consistent. Most people highlight its affordability and efficiency. While the lack of in-flight entertainment, complimentary meals, and drinks may bother some, most passengers agree that it’s a solid option for a short journey. The quick turnaround between flights is another positive feature—Ryanair prides itself on operating fast and efficient flights, which is ideal for those looking to maximize their time in Sweden.
Booking Tip: To get the best possible price, I recommend booking several weeks in advance. Ryanair’s prices fluctuate a lot, and the earlier you book, the cheaper the ticket. If you’re unsure about your dates, using Skyscanner to compare prices across different booking platforms is a great idea. Skyscanner will show you a range of options and provide a link to book directly through Ryanair, ensuring you get the lowest price possible.
2. SAS (Scandinavian Airlines): Comfort and Service with a Touch of Luxury
Departure Airport: London Heathrow (LHR)
Arrival Airport: Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN)
Flight Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Frequency: 5-6 times per week
Airline: Scandinavian Airlines (SAS)
Price Range: €70-€150 one way
Booking Platform: SAS Official Site or Expedia
If you’re after a direct flight to Stockholm with a little more comfort and an elevated travel experience, SAS is an excellent choice. As a full-service airline, it offers a refined travel experience without the budget airline drawbacks. I’ve flown with SAS several times, and I always appreciate the consistent quality they provide. The flight departs from London Heathrow, which is a little farther from my home compared to Gatwick, but I’ve found that the additional convenience of a premium flight is absolutely worth the extra travel time to the airport.
SAS offers an exceptional onboard experience. Unlike budget airlines, where comfort can sometimes be an afterthought, SAS prioritizes passenger comfort and service. The seating is spacious and well-maintained, with ample legroom, which is particularly important for longer flights like this one. I find the cabin crew’s service to be very attentive and courteous, and they are always ready to assist with any requests.
In terms of food and beverage options, SAS stands out with their Scandinavian-inspired meals. If you’re flying during a mealtime, they often offer a selection of fresh, locally inspired dishes. The flavors are authentic and provide a taste of Sweden long before you touch down in Stockholm. For those with dietary restrictions, SAS is very accommodating, offering vegetarian, gluten-free, and other special meal options upon request.
SAS also offers in-flight entertainment, which I particularly appreciate on longer flights. I often find myself immersed in a good movie or TV show during the 2 hours and 15 minutes to Stockholm, making the time pass much quicker. For those who prefer to work, the airline offers a Wi-Fi option, which is great for staying connected.
Once you land at Stockholm Arlanda Airport, it’s a simple matter of catching a train to Uppsala, which takes about 20 minutes. The convenience of this connection makes it easy to transition from the airport to your final destination. In total, the journey from London to Uppsala takes around 2.5 hours, which is relatively short and makes for an efficient trip.
Traveler Reviews:
Many passengers commend SAS for its comfort and in-flight service. The seats are generally praised for their comfort, especially in comparison to low-cost carriers. Passengers also highlight the courteous and efficient crew, with many saying that the overall experience is more relaxed and pleasant. The fewer delays reported in reviews are also a big plus for SAS.
Booking Tip: While SAS tickets tend to be a little pricier than budget airlines like Ryanair, the extra comfort makes it worthwhile, especially for those traveling longer distances or seeking a more pleasant journey. For the best deals, I suggest checking SAS’s official website or using Expedia to take advantage of promotions or discounts. Booking early often yields the most affordable fares, especially if you’re traveling during peak seasons.
3. Norwegian Air Shuttle: Affordable with Modern Touches
Departure Airport: London Gatwick (LGW)
Arrival Airport: Stockholm Arlanda Airport (ARN)
Flight Duration: 2 hours 15 minutes
Frequency: Daily flights
Airline: Norwegian Air Shuttle
Price Range: €30-€100 one way
Booking Platform: Norwegian Air Official Website or Kiwi.com
Norwegian Air Shuttle is a modern and affordable airline, and it’s one of my personal favorites for traveling between London and Stockholm. The airline operates a direct flight route from London Gatwick to Stockholm Arlanda, making it a great option for those heading to Uppsala. I love flying with Norwegian for the modern amenities they offer onboard. Their Wi-Fi, entertainment system, and comfortable seats make the journey more pleasant, even for a short flight.
Norwegian also provides several seating options, from basic economy to premium seats with extra legroom, which can be useful if you’re looking for more comfort. They have a great reputation for offering a no-frills experience with a touch of Scandinavian design and hospitality.
One of the best features of Norwegian is their competitive pricing. If you book in advance, you can snag very affordable fares, sometimes as low as €30 for a one-way ticket. This makes Norwegian a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers. Similar to SAS, once you land at Stockholm Arlanda, the train to Uppsala is straightforward and easy to navigate.
Traveler Reviews:
Reviews for Norwegian are generally positive, with many passengers highlighting the clean, modern aircraft and friendly crew. Some passengers have mentioned that while the airline offers affordable flights, the services (like food and drinks) are quite basic, unless you pay extra. But for the price, it’s a solid option.
Booking Tip: For budget flights, check out Kiwi.com, which aggregates prices from different booking platforms to give you the best deals. Booking early is key for securing the lowest prices.
Booking Tips for Your London to Uppsala Flight
Now that I’ve shared my experiences with these airlines, here are a few additional tips for booking your flight from London to Uppsala:
1. Use Price Comparison Sites
Websites like Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Momondo are my go-to for comparing flight prices across various airlines. This helps me find the best deals quickly.
2. Book in Advance
Flights to Sweden are generally more expensive the closer you get to the departure date, so I recommend booking your tickets at least 3-4 weeks in advance for the best rates.
3. Consider Train Options from Stockholm
While direct flights to Uppsala are relatively quick, most flights from London land at Stockholm Arlanda or Stockholm Västerås Airport. From either airport, you can take a fast train to Uppsala. Trains run frequently, and the journey takes about 20-30 minutes.
4. Check for Special Promotions
Don’t forget to check for airline promotions, especially during off-peak seasons. Both SAS and Norwegian frequently offer discounts for early bookings, so keeping an eye on their websites or signing up for newsletters can be a great way to save money.
I hope this guide helps you plan your trip from London to Uppsala! Whether you’re looking for budget options or more comfort, these direct flights will get you to Uppsala in no time. Once you arrive, the rich history and beautiful surroundings of Uppsala are waiting for you to explore.
