Swedish travelers are expressing frustration over the high cost of train tickets, with prices for a one-way trip to Gothenburg reaching over 1000 SEK. The dynamic pricing model used by SJ, which adjusts prices based on demand, is under scrutiny. Critics argue that while trains are generally cheaper than flights on busy routes, the high prices deter travelers, pushing them towards flying. SJ defends the model, stating it allows for a range of ticket prices and prevents empty trains.
Skyrocketing Train Ticket Prices: A Growing Concern in Sweden
Skyrocketing Train Ticket Prices: A Growing Concern in Sweden
A one-way trip to Gothenburg can cost over 1000 SEK. Many find train prices unreasonable. – "It's too expensive," says travel journalist Per J Andersson.
We've all been there. Spontaneously trying to book a train to Gothenburg, Malmö, or maybe Sundsvall – but it's so expensive. And prices only rise as the departure date approaches.
The reason for such price fluctuations is SJ's dynamic pricing, driven by demand.
A model now common worldwide.
– "It has to do with SJ adopting dynamic pricing a couple of decades ago, meaning if it's heavily booked and demand is high, prices go up. The advantage is avoiding empty trains. It guides travelers to choose certain departures based on price," says Per J Andersson, travel journalist at Vagabond.
Criticism: "Too Expensive"
The pricing model makes some popular routes and departures very expensive, especially if booked close to departure when few seats remain.
Fridays, Sundays, holiday weeks, and festive seasons are particularly costly, according to Per J Andersson. Uncomfortable times and weekdays can be cheaper.
– The price of a one-way ticket between Stockholm and Gothenburg can vary from 200 SEK if booked early to over 1000 SEK if booked late.
Per J Andersson criticizes the high prices, although he notes that generally, it's cheaper to travel by train than fly on Sweden's busiest routes, according to a KTH study.
– "It should be cheaper to travel by train. It's environmentally friendly and practical. Trains should be profitable, but some lines should be able to run at a loss. Many other countries with successful train services do this. Otherwise, people find it too expensive, get frustrated, and choose to fly instead. And we already have some subsidized lines, like the night trains to Hamburg and Norrland."
SJ: "More Can Travel"
SJ defends the dynamic pricing model on P1 Morgon.
– "We have dynamic pricing to offer tickets in various price ranges so more wallets can afford train tickets. If you book early and find trains that aren't in high demand, you can travel at lower prices," says SJ's press communicator Peter Kraméus to Ekot, who first reported on the high prices.
The advantage is being able to travel at short notice and avoiding empty trains, according to SJ.
– "There will be a ticket available tomorrow if you need to travel then, even if it's more expensive. If we had fixed prices, tickets would have sold out long in advance," he says.