Getting to Umeå

Being honest, the first time I came to Umeå, I hadn't a clue what I was doing.  I knew SAS flew to Umeå so I went to there website, chose from "Dublin" to "Umeå" and went with the selection it came up with... this cost me over 320 euro.  When I fly back in August, my flights will cost me 125 euro, still flying with SAS; only this time I know what i'm doing!  So here is a little bit of advice...

Whatever you do, do not book flights directly from your home destination to Umeå.  Always book your flights to Stockholm first.  The reason being is that once you fly into Stockholm, then you can get a student fare from Stockholm to Umeå.  You have the choice of getting to Umeå from Stockholm via plane, train or bus. Personally I think you're crazy if you go for any other option than via plane as most options cost the same.  Just make sure you choose the "Student" fare when you go to any of the airline websites.  On last check those flying from Stockholm are: SAS, Malmo Aviation and Norwegian.

I know for many Europeans, an option to fly into Stockholm may be with an airline from my own nation, Ryanair.  However unless the difference in flights is HUGE (and yes the huge deserves capitals) then I would advise against flying with Ryanair for your flight over.  There are two reasons why.  Firstly, luggage! Ryanair will only allow you fly with 15kg.  If you can manage to move a semesters worth of clothes and belongings in 15kg, then fair play to you!  Most other airline will allow you 20kg and my experience with SAS is that they will usually allow you a few kilograms over if you smile and explain that you are moving to Sweden for the year!  Secondly, if you get a Ryanair flight, you will arrive at Skavsta or Vasteras airport which are both around 60-80 minutes outside Stockholm.  So you must get a bus to Stockholm centre and then either the train or another bus to Arlanda or Bromma airport, which are the two airports that fly to Umeå.  So whatever money you may save might be lost on all the transfers and paying for extra baggage!

I'd love to say my experiences travelling to Umeå have always been pleasant but unfortunately not.  The last time I flew to Sweden I was stuck on the runway of Dublin's airport for 8 hours... That't me above, keeping the spirits up :)

Hopefully you'll have a more pleasant journey if you are coming to Umeå!

Brian