Trains in Sweden are fast, run on time and are normally a cheaper alternative to flying. Trains between cities are operated by SJ and their website has all the relevant information you might need in English. X2000 trains offer the fastest service between cities (taking three hours between Stockholm and Göteborg) but also the most expensive. Intercity and regional trains can take up to twice as long for a route but also cost a lot less.

It is possible to book tickets and check timetables on line or in railway stations. The further in advance you book the tickets, the better the price will be. For advance reservations, look for ‘Just Nu’ tickets (confusingly titled since this translates to ‘Now’ tickets). These operate in a similar way to Apex fares – only a limited number are available at a reduced rate and once they’ve gone, they’ve gone. With your ticket reservation, you also receive a seat number. Seats can be booked up to 90 days in advance and berths on night sleepers several months in advance and seat reservations are compulsory on X2000 (you can’t just leap on board).

‘Sista Minuten’ – last minute – tickets offer great value if you are aged under 26, a student or a pensioner. As the name implies, they can only be bought within 24 hours of departure so you need flexibility with your travel plans but they will be sold at reduced rates.

There are a variety of other ticket types and first class tickets can be only marginally more expensive than second class so always compare fares. If you plan to travel regularly by train, there are also a variety of cards and passes available – check out the website.

Seating is always comfortable and roomy but first class is likely to offer more perks (a light meal included, more personal space, internet connection and so on). Also consider travelling overnight if your journey is a long one - sleeper carriages are available on certain long distance routes and offer a good value way to travel. Some trains even include a cinema carriage for evening entertainment.

There is also a long distance private line which is run primarily for tourists – the Inlandsbanen which runs from Mora in Dalarna to Gällivare in Norrland. While it is not a particularly efficient way of getting from A to B, it is an experience and if you have time to spare might be worth considering. Look at www.inlandsbanan.se for more details.