Service is different in all countries. Compared to a country like Japan, Sweden’s train service isn’t that good maybe. The trains are very often late, or delayed by snow, accidents or because of waiting for other slower moving vehicles on the tracks.  However, to compensate for that the train companies compensate their travelers with the following system.

If you are delayed and have to wait more than 60 min but less than 2 hours then you either get compensated with 25% of the value of the ticket or 50% of the value of the ticket in vouchers. More than 2 hours delayed and the amount you receive back is more. If miss your connecting train or buss you will almost always receive compensation, eg. be allowed to take the next train, buss or if the last one has already gone be given a taxi.

However, many a time have the trains been severely delayed and announcements been made over the loud speakers without a single apology been made to the passengers. This is a issue of the culture of service in Sweden.

Swedish train delays have been a subject of discussion this past year, and there has recently been a lot more pressure put on the train companies to redo/rebuild the tracks so that there won’t be as many problems in the future. An investment which will hopefully be better for the environment as well.

In general it is fairly easy to travel between places in Sweden by train and can even be enjoyable if everything goes according to plan.

Many lines have been made to go straight past the big airports as well, for example Arlanda (Big International Airport for Stockholm) and a line straight to Copenhagen’s Airport right past Malmö central station, making even flying easier.

The biggest train company has a special point system going for it’s members (no charge to become or stay a member). For every Swedish crown you spend you receive a point which then adds up in your account. After saving up certain amounts you can buy food in the restaurant car or buy tickets for other trips, buy souvenirs or pay for hotels with your points. A great system, especially for those who travel often.