Åre Östersund Airport

Imagine your Scandinavian adventure beginning not in a bustling metropolis, but on a picturesque island in the middle of a lake, surrounded by majestic mountains. Åre Östersund Airport is a cosy air gateway to the world of winter sports and the pristine wilderness of the Jämtland region. It is from here that thousands of travellers set off annually to conquer the slopes of the famous Åre resort or enjoy the serenity of the northern forests. Here, Swedish practicality meets the atmosphere of true mountain hospitality.

Airport Features and Advantages

Åre Östersund Airport stands out among other Swedish aviation hubs for its unique combination of functionality and atmosphere. Here are a few reasons why travellers appreciate this transport node:

• Direct access to ski slopes. This is the main hub for winter sports enthusiasts heading to the Åre resort. Logistics are meticulously planned: airport transfer bus schedules are often synchronised with the arrival of major flights, allowing you to reach the slopes as quickly and comfortably as possible.
• Scenic location. The airport is located on the island of Frösön. Upon approach for landing, passengers are treated to breathtaking views of Lake Storsjön and snow-capped mountain peaks. It is one of the most beautiful landing spots in Scandinavia.
• Compactness and speed ("Smooth travel"). Thanks to the terminal's small size, the time required for all formalities is kept to a minimum. Long queues for security checks or baggage claim are rare here, which is especially valuable when travelling with bulky sports equipment.
• Environmental responsibility. Like other airports in the Swedavia group, Åre Östersund actively implements "green" technologies, striving for zero carbon dioxide emissions from its own operations, which is crucial for preserving the region's unique nature.

• Official Website: www.swedavia.se/are-ostersund
• Information Service Phone: +46 (0)10-109 56 00
• Airport Address: Flygplatsvägen, 832 96 Frösön, Sweden
• Email: To contact the airport, it is recommended to use the contact forms available on the official website.
• Social Media: News and updates are published on the official social media pages of the operator, Swedavia.
• Lost Luggage Information: If your luggage has been lost or damaged, you must contact your airline's baggage tracing service directly. Contact details for the handling company can be found on the airport website.
• Passenger Support Service: Support can be obtained via the information service phone or through the feedback form on the airport's official website.

Åre Östersund Airport (OSD) is located approximately 11 kilometres west of Östersund and 94 kilometres from the popular ski resort of Åre. Thanks to its convenient location, there are several ways to reach the terminal from the city, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your schedule and budget.

Public Transport: Bus (Flygbuss)
The most economical and popular way to get to the airport is to use the dedicated shuttle bus (Flygbuss). Its schedule is closely linked to flight arrival and departure times, making it very convenient. The journey from Östersund Central Station takes about 15-20 minutes. The approximate ticket price for an adult is around 110-130 Swedish Kronor (SEK). Tickets can be purchased online, via the mobile app, or directly from the driver. This is an excellent choice for solo travellers and those travelling light.

Taxi and Private Transfer
For those who value comfort and are travelling with a lot of luggage or family, a taxi is the ideal solution. The trip from the city centre to the airport will take about 15 minutes. The cost will be significantly higher than the bus, approximately 350–500 Swedish Kronor (SEK) depending on the company and time of day. It is recommended to confirm the fare when booking. Several local taxi companies serve the airport. You can also pre-book a private transfer, which is particularly convenient for trips to the Åre resort.

Car Rental
If you plan to actively explore the Jämtland region, renting a car is the best option. There are desks for several major rental companies (Avis, Hertz, Europcar) at Åre Östersund Airport. It is recommended to book a vehicle in advance, especially during the peak tourist season (winter and summer), to guarantee the availability of the desired car class. This provides maximum freedom of movement throughout Sweden.

Airport Parking
For those arriving at the airport in their own or a rented vehicle, various parking options are provided. There are zones for short-term parking (pick-up or drop-off) and long-term parking for those leaving their car for the duration of their trip. The cost depends on the parking duration. You can book a spot and view current rates on the airport's official website.

Åre Östersund Airport consists of one compact passenger terminal that handles both domestic and international flights. Due to its small size, the airport is very convenient for passengers — it is virtually impossible to get lost here, and all necessary zones are within walking distance of each other.

The terminal layout is extremely simple. Upon entering, you immediately find yourself in the public area, where check-in counters and self-service kiosks are located. After check-in, passengers proceed to the security control area, which leads into a small but cosy departure lounge. Arrivals and departures are located in the same building, making navigation intuitively clear. Signs are in Swedish and English, so orienting yourself is easy.

Since there is only one terminal, the issue of transferring between terminals is not relevant — all operations are concentrated in a single space. Check-in and security procedures at Östersund airport usually proceed very quickly, especially compared to major hubs. On average, all formalities take no more than 20-30 minutes. Nevertheless, it is recommended to arrive at the airport approximately 1.5-2 hours before an international flight and 1 hour before a domestic one, especially during the peak ski season when passenger traffic increases significantly.

For comfortable navigation, simply follow the standard signs for "Check-in", "Security Control", and "Gates". After passing security, you will immediately find yourself at the boarding gates. The waiting hall is small, but it has everything necessary for a comfortable wait for your flight. The main tip is not to worry about complex maps or long walks, as the main advantage of Åre Östersund Airport is its simplicity and efficiency.

The history of Åre Östersund Airport (OSD) begins in 1958, when it was opened on the island of Frösön, near the city of Östersund. Initially, the airfield had a military purpose and served as a base for the F 4 Frösön air flotilla of the Sweden Air Force. However, it soon became obvious that the Jämtland region also needed a civil air harbour, and the airport began accepting its first commercial flights.

A key factor in the airport's development was the growing popularity of the Åre ski resort, located approximately 90 kilometres away. With the increase in tourist flow, especially during the winter season, the airport began to play a crucial role in the transport accessibility of the region. It is this connection with the country's main ski centre that is reflected in its modern name — Åre Östersund. In the 1990s and 2000s, with the growth of charter programmes from the UK, Germany, and Scandinavia, the airport underwent several stages of modernisation.

Significant reconstructions were aimed at expanding the passenger terminal and lengthening the runway, which allowed for the reception of larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320. The airport has repeatedly become the main air gateway for major international sports competitions, including the World Championships in biathlon and alpine skiing, which also stimulated its development and infrastructure modernisation.

An interesting fact: despite its predominantly civil status today, the airport retains military significance. Some units of the Swedish Air Force are still based here, and nearby is the aviation museum "Jämtlands Flyg- och Lottamuseum", dedicated to the history of the F 4 flotilla. This makes Åre Östersund Airport a unique site where civil aviation and military history continue to coexist side by side.

Åre Östersund Airport (OSD), despite its compact size, provides passengers with all key services for a comfortable wait before departure. In the terminal, you will find a restaurant and café where you can have a full meal or drink a cup of coffee. For those wishing to buy souvenirs or travel goods, a Duty Free shop is available. Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the airport, and charging points and USB ports for gadgets are located in the waiting lounges.

For passenger convenience, ATMs are installed in the terminal. There may not be currency exchange bureaus at the airport, so it is recommended to arrange currency exchange in advance. Business travellers can use conference rooms for meetings. Although there are no traditional business lounges at the airport, you can book a VIP service for a faster and more private passage through pre-flight procedures.

The airport is fully adapted for the needs of passengers with reduced mobility — special assistance is available for them upon prior request via the airline. Families with small children can use the mother and child rooms, equipped with changing tables. In case of feeling unwell, please contact airport staff for first aid.

There are no hotels within the airport building itself, but many accommodation options can easily be found in the city of Östersund, which is located nearby. Hotels can be reached by shuttle bus or taxi.

Åre Östersund Airport (OSD) is a small regional airport, so the choice of dining establishments here is quite compact. The main opportunities for snacks and full meals are concentrated in one café-restaurant that serves the majority of passengers.

The main establishment is located in the departure area, after passing security control (airside). Here, travellers can relax while waiting for their flight. In the public area before control (landside), the choice is usually limited to a small kiosk or vending machines with drinks and snacks, so it is better to plan your main meal once inside the secure zone.

The menu in the main café offers a standard set of dishes for Scandinavian airports. For a quick snack, fresh sandwiches, salads, yoghurts, and, of course, traditional Swedish pastries are excellent choices. Be sure to take the opportunity to have a fika — a Swedish coffee break — and try the famous cinnamon bun (kanelbulle). If you are looking for a more substantial lunch, a "dish of the day" (dagens rätt) and other hot options, such as soups or pasta, are usually offered.

Regarding special dietary needs, vegetarian sandwiches or salads are generally available. However, please note that choices for vegans, as well as gluten-free or Halal dishes, may be extremely limited. If you have strict dietary requirements, it is recommended to bring food with you. The price range is average or above average, which is typical for airports in Sweden.

The restaurant's opening hours are directly linked to the flight schedule: it opens some time before the first departure and closes after the last aircraft departs. Thus, you will always have the opportunity to have a snack, regardless of the time of your flight.

To ensure your journey through Åre Östersund Airport goes smoothly, make use of our tips. Although it is a small regional airport, it is better to arrive well in advance — at least 2 hours before departure. This will give you enough time to go through all pre-flight formalities without rushing. If possible, use online check-in for your flight to save time. If you need to check in luggage, use your airline's check-in counters.

Passing through security control at Östersund airport is usually quick. Remember the standard rules: all liquids in hand luggage must be in containers of no more than 100 ml and packed in a transparent bag. Laptops, tablets, and other large electronics must be removed from your bag and placed in a separate tray. To speed up the process, prepare these items in advance.

When choosing a seat on the plane, consider your preferences. Window seats will give you the opportunity to enjoy breathtaking views of the mountains and Lake Storsjön during takeoff or landing. If freedom of movement and extra legroom are more important to you, choose an aisle seat.

Passengers travelling in transit should pay attention to the "Connecting Flights" signs. The airport is compact, so transferring will not take much time. Customs control is mandatory only for passengers arriving from countries outside the Schengen Area. If you are flying within Sweden or another Schengen country, you will not need to pass through it.

To save money, check in for your flight online, book your transfer to the city in advance, and bring light snacks permitted for carriage with you. It is also worth comparing prices in Duty-Free shops — sometimes it is more profitable to make purchases in the city itself. In case of a flight delay, first contact your airline representative for information. Remember that on flights operated by European carriers, your rights are protected by EU regulations, which may provide for the provision of food, drinks, and even accommodation depending on the length of the delay.