Stockholm Västerås Airport

Stockholm Västerås Airport Visiting Hours, Tickets, and Travel Guide

Date: 14/06/2025

Introduction

Stockholm Västerås Airport (IATA: VST), located just 5 kilometers east of Västerås city center and approximately 110 kilometers west of Stockholm, serves as an accessible gateway to both regional and international destinations. Established in 1931 as a Swedish Air Force base, it has evolved into a multifaceted civil aviation hub, offering low-cost carrier flights, extensive general aviation activities, and vital emergency operations. Its modern yet compact terminal ensures a seamless travel experience, especially for budget-conscious travelers and aviation enthusiasts. Additionally, the airport provides convenient access to the rich cultural and historical heritage of the Västerås and Västmanland region, including landmarks such as Anundshög, Västerås Cathedral, and Sala Silver Mine.

This comprehensive guide covers essential information for visitors: airport visiting hours, ticketing, transportation options, facilities, and nearby attractions. For the latest details, consult the official Stockholm Västerås Airport website and local tourism resources (Wikipedia, TripXL, airports.city).

Introduction
About Stockholm Västerås Airport
Historical Evolution and Strategic Transformation
Visiting Hours and Ticket Information
Airlines and Destinations
Transportation Options
Airport Facilities and Accessibility
Shopping, Dining, and Waiting Areas
Passenger Services and Amenities
Accommodation
Practical Travel Tips
Nearby Attractions and Historical Sites
Special Events and Community Engagement
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Conclusion
References

About Stockholm Västerås Airport

Also known as Västerås Airport or Hässlö Flygplats (IATA: VST, ICAO: ESOW), Stockholm Västerås Airport is an important regional hub for civil and general aviation. Originally a military base, it now serves commercial flights (primarily low-cost carriers), general aviation, flight training, and emergency operations. Its proximity to Västerås and convenient access to the Stockholm region make it a vital resource for both locals and visitors.

Historical Evolution and Strategic Transformation

Founded in 1931 as a military airbase for the Swedish Air Force’s 1st Flying Corps (later Västmanland Wing, F1 Hässlö), the airport was central to Sweden’s national defense throughout much of the 20th century (Wikipedia). After the military’s departure in the 1970s, the airport transitioned to civil aviation, with its first regular civilian flights commencing in 1976 via SAS to Copenhagen. Since then, it has adapted to shifting aviation trends, balancing commercial service, general aviation, and contingency operations (Wikipedia).

Visiting Hours and Ticket Information

Visiting Hours:
The passenger terminal is generally open daily from 05:00 to 23:00, accommodating both scheduled flights and general aviation. For the most up-to-date hours, consult the official airport website or your airline.

Ticket Purchase:
Tickets for scheduled flights (primarily Ryanair) should be purchased online via airline websites or trusted booking platforms. The airport does not offer a traditional ticket counter for walk-in purchases. For flight training or general aviation, contact operators or flight schools directly.

Airlines and Destinations

Stockholm Västerås Airport mainly serves low-cost international flights, with Ryanair connecting passengers to major European cities. The airport also supports a vibrant general aviation community, including flight training, private flights, and air taxi services.

Transportation Options

Bus: Flygbussarna operates direct coaches from Stockholm Central Station to Västerås Airport (approx. 90 minutes).
Local Bus: City buses connect the airport with Västerås Central Station every 15 minutes from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm (routesnorth.com).
Train: From Västerås Central Station, direct trains to Stockholm Central Station take about one hour.
Taxi: Taxis are available outside the terminal; fares to Västerås city center are about SEK 200–300, and to Stockholm over SEK 1,200 (thoroughlytravel.com).
Car Rental: Avis, Hertz, and Europcar have desks in arrivals; both short- and long-term parking are available (exit45travels.com).
Shuttle and Private Transfers: Pre-booked services are available for groups or families traveling further afield (thoroughlytravel.com).

Airport Facilities and Accessibility

Terminal Layout and Accessibility

The terminal is compact and modern, with arrivals and departures in the same building. It features ramps, elevators, and accessible restrooms, catering to passengers with reduced mobility (airports.city).

Check-in and Security

Check-in counters and self-service kiosks (primarily for Ryanair) are located near the entrance. Security checks are generally efficient, but arrive at least 90 minutes before departure, especially during busy travel periods (thoroughlytravel.com).

Shopping, Dining, and Waiting Areas

Duty-Free and Retail: Duty-free shop with Swedish specialties, spirits, cosmetics, and travel essentials (airports.city).
Food and Beverage: Café and snack bar offer Swedish pastries, sandwiches, salads, coffee, and grab-and-go items, with vegetarian and gluten-free options.
Waiting Areas: Comfortable seating, natural light, free high-speed Wi-Fi, and charging stations are available. Although there is no formal business lounge, the terminal is designed for comfort (airports.city).

Passenger Services and Amenities

Information Desk: Multilingual (Swedish/English) support for flight info, transport, and tourist queries (airports.city).
Connectivity: Free Wi-Fi and charging points throughout.
Luggage: Free trolleys available; no left-luggage lockers.
Family Facilities: Baby changing stations, a small children’s play area, and high chairs in the café.
Accessibility: Wheelchair assistance and priority boarding are offered; notify your airline in advance.

Accommodation

Nearby hotel choices include the Steam Hotel (luxury, lakeside), Comfort Inn Västerås, and Sure Hotel by Best Western Esplanade. Many offer shuttle services; booking in advance is recommended during peak travel times (exit45travels.com).

Practical Travel Tips

Arrive at least 90 minutes before departure, particularly in summer.
Purchase bus tickets inside the terminal for convenient city access.
Bring snacks/entertainment due to limited food options.
Use available Wi-Fi and charging points.
Notify your airline if special assistance is needed.

Nearby Attractions and Historical Sites

Anundshög

Sweden’s largest burial mound, dating to the Iron Age, surrounded by stone ships and standing stones.
Open year-round, peak hours 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (summer); free entry; guided tours available seasonally.

Västerås Cathedral

Gothic cathedral from the 13th century, a city centerpiece.
Open Monday–Saturday 10:00 AM–5:00 PM; Sunday services may affect hours; entry is free.

Sala Silver Mine

Historic mine 50 km from Västerås, open April–October, daily 10:00 AM–4:00 PM.
Guided tours (about 1 hour); adult tickets SEK 150 (€14); discounts for children/seniors.

Other Attractions

Lake Mälaren for scenic walks and boat tours.
Västerås Art Museum and Old Town for cultural exploration.

Special Events and Community Engagement

The airport regularly hosts public aviation fairs and flying festivals that attract enthusiasts, families, and aspiring pilots. These events foster community engagement and promote local aviation culture (TripXL).

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What are the terminal opening hours?
A: 05:00–23:00 daily; check the official website for updates.

Q: How do I buy flight tickets?
A: Purchase directly via airline websites (like Ryanair) or travel agencies.

Q: Which airlines operate at the airport?
A: Ryanair is the main carrier, with additional seasonal charter flights.

Q: What are the main transportation options?
A: Flygbussarna, local buses, trains, taxis, car rentals, and private shuttle services.

Q: Are there facilities for reduced mobility?
A: Yes; ramps, elevators, accessible restrooms, and assistance are available.

Q: How do I reach Stockholm from the airport?
A: Bus to Västerås Central Station, then train to Stockholm; taxi and private transfer also available.

Q: Is Wi-Fi available?
A: Yes, free throughout the terminal.

Conclusion

Stockholm Västerås Airport provides a streamlined, accessible, and pleasant travel experience. Its strategic location, community engagement, and proximity to both Västerås and Stockholm make it ideal for budget travelers, aviation enthusiasts, and anyone seeking to explore Sweden’s rich history. For the latest information, always consult the official airport website and trusted travel resources such as TripXL and airports.city.

Plan ahead, make use of available travel apps like Audiala, and enjoy both your journey and the broader Västmanland region!