SJ AB

Swedish state-owned passenger train operator From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

SJ is the primary passenger train operator in Sweden. A wholly state-owned company operated for-profit under market conditions, SJ operates various services across Sweden. SJ's operations include high-speed trains, intercity trains, night trains, and regional trains, with some services extending into Denmark, Norway and Germany.[5][6]

Founded1 January 2001
Quick facts Company type, Industry ...
SJ AB
Company typeState-owned Aktiebolag
IndustryRail transport
PredecessorSwedish State Railways
Founded1 January 2001
HeadquartersVasagatan 10, ,
Area served
Key people
Jonas Abrahamsson (CEO)
Revenue1.055 billion SEK[1] (2025)
14.517 Billion SEK [2] (2025)
OwnerGovernment of Sweden[3]
Number of employees
Total approx. 7100
Götalandståg approx. 800
Stockholmståg approx. 1 800
SJ Norge approx. 400
Krösa approx. 320[4] (2025)
SubsidiariesSJ Götalandståg
SJ Stockholmståg
SJ Norge
SJ Norrlandståg
SJ Krösa
SJ Öresund AB (not active)
AJ Mälardalen AB (not active)
Websitesj.se (Sweden)
sj.no (Norway)
Close

SJ traces its roots back to 1856,[7] however was established in its current form as a passenger train operator (SJ AB) in 2001, following the restructuring of Statens Järnvägar, the former government agency responsible for the Swedish railways.[8] SJ AB also has subsidiaries such as SJ Götalandståg, SJ Stockholmståg, and SJ Krösa, which operate procured regional services in various parts of Sweden. Since 2020 SJ Norge has operated regional services in Norway on behalf Jernbanedirektoratet. In 2025, SJ carried almost 1.5 million passengers in august 2025.[9]

Overview

SJ AB was formed in 2001, following the restructuring of Statens Järnvägar. This restructuring divided the agency into six separate state-owned limited companies, including SJ for passenger trains, Green Cargo for freight, and Jernhusen for railway buildings. SJ's operations fall broadly into subsidised and unsubsidised services. The unsubsidised services ran until the 2011 monopoly. The subsidised trains are awarded through competitive bids. However, some trains fall in between these categories, since public transit agencies can pay SJ to allow transit pass holders access to SJ's trains.

SJ received a government bailout a few years after its creation, but has since had profit margins of up to ten percent. All train operators in Sweden pay low track access charges to the track authority, Trafikverket.

Rolling stock

Current

X2 (X 2000)

The X2 trains (operated by SJ as X 2000) launched in 1990, and are used for higher-speed services and have a top speed of 200 km/h (125 mph). Built in Sweden by Kalmar Verkstad, later ADtranz, they feature tilting technology to reduce the effects of high-speed turns. These trains serve several routes, including Stockholm–Gothenburg (Västra Stambanan) and Stockholm–Malmö (Södra Stambanan). They have also previously served the Stockholm–Sundsvall, Stockholm–Strömstad, Stockholm–Oslo, and Stockholm–Östersund–(Duved) lines, with seasonal services on some of these routes. Currently, 36 X2 sets are in operation.[10] Since 2021 the X2 fleet has been undergoing refurbishment, due for completion in 2026.[11]

X55 (SJ 3000)

The X55 (operated by SJ as SJ 3000) is an electric multiple unit built by Bombardier introduced in 2012. It has a top speed of 200 km/h and serves various routes, often north of Stockholm, including Stockholm-Östersund-(Duved) (Mittbanan-Norra Stambanan), Stockholm-Uddevalla (Västra Stambanan and Bohusbanan), Stockholm-Gothenburg, Stockholm-Sundsvall-Umeå (Ostkustbanan, Botniabanan), Gothenburg-Malmö (Västkustbanan), Stockholm-Oslo, Stockholm-Karlstad (Västra Stambanan and Värmlandsbanan/Kongsvingerbanen), and Stockholm-Falun/Mora (Dalabanan).[12]

X40

The X40 is a variant of the french Coradia Duplex double-decker electric multiple unit built by Alstom used for regional services, launched in 2006. It typically serves shorter routes such as Stockholm Central–Gävle Central. These trains are typically used for services that do not travel longer than 4 hours, with some exceptions like the Coast to Coast (Gothenburg-Kalmar) and Stockholm-Gothenburg via Västerås. The X40 has no catering service, and is mostly composed of second-class seating, with a small first class section, although the seats do not differ between first and second. The only exception being more legroom on refurbished units. All 27 three-car units are currently undergoing refurbishment by VR FleetCare in Oulu, due to be complete in 2027. With options to refurbish two-car units later.[13]

Rc-hauled Trains

Many InterCity services are often operated using Rc-hauled trains, which are paired with various carriages, such as the SJ B7, or other first class, second class, and sleeper carriages. The Rc-hauled trains often also feature an onboard bistro car.[14]

Future

Alstom Zefiro Express (X250)

25 high-speed Zefiro Express high-speed trains (SJ X250), scheduled to enter service in 2027, will operate on routes including Stockholm–Malmö, Stockholm–Gothenburg, and be certified for cross-border services to Denmark and Norway. The trains, with a top speed of 250 km/h, and are designed to handle running at temperatures of -40 degrees. The contract, valued at SEK 7 billion (EUR 630 million), was awarded to Bombardier (now part of Alstom) by SJ in 2021. The trains are constructed in China and finalised at the Alstom plant in Hennigsdorf, Germany. The first units started testing in 2026 in Germany, and are expected to enter service in December 2027 on the according to Petter Essén, Head of Strategic Planning at SJ.[15][16][17]

CAF Civity Nordic (X45)

25 CAF Civity Nordic (SJ X45), scheduled to enter service in 2027, will operate on regional routes including Stockholm-Västerås-Örebro-Skövde-Gothenburg, Linköping-Norrköping-Stockholm-Arlanda-Uppsala-Gävle-Ljusdal and Kalmar-Gothenburg. The trains are designed for cold weather conditions in Sweden, and can operate with a top speed of 200 km/h. The contract, valued at EUR 300 million, was awarded to CAF by SJ in 2022, the first units were expected to arrive in Sweden for testing in 2025 and enter revenue service in 2026. The project is as of April 2026 running one year behind schedule and will be delivered in autumn 2027.[18][19]

Summary table 2021[20]

More information Image, Type ...
Image Type Class In fleet On order Usage Notes
Electric locomotive SJ Rc6 109 Night-train, Intercity, Regional SJ units painted black, Trafikverket night train units painted in red and silver.
Electric multiple unit SJ X2 36 (Complete sets) High-speed (X 2000) Under refurbishment. Trains with a black front are refurbished trains.
Electric multiple unit SJ X55 20 High-speed (SJ 3000) Used on high-speed lines to northern Sweden (Sundsvall and Umeå), Karlstad, Oslo and Borås from Stockholm, as well as Gothenburg-Malmö.
Electric multiple unit SJ X40 42 (15 two car units, 27 three car units) Regional The X40 trainsets come in both 2-car and 3-car variations. 27 X40 trainsets (3 car variation) are being refurbished. SJ has the option to refurbish the 15 (or 16?) X40 2 car trainsets.
Electric multiple unit SJ X250 25 High-speed Expected to enter revenue service in 2027 on the Stockholm–Gothenburg corridor.
Electric multiple unit SJ X45 25 Regional Expected to enter revenue service in 2027 on the Stockholm–Västerås and Linköping–Gävle corridors
Close

Services

Sleeper services - SJ Nattåg

The SJ overnight train services (Swedish: SJ Nattåg) are Rc locomotive-hauled trains with both sleeper wagons as well as standard wagons. All services except for the Stockholm-Malmö route have a bistro wagon.[21]
As of 2022 SJ has in collaboration with DSB and RDC begun to operate night train services between Sweden and Germany through Denmark. Three different locomotives are used due to compatibility issues with the electrification and signaling systems between the three countries.
Within Sweden SJ Rc locomotives are used, and in Denmark DSB EA locomotives are used, and in Germany DB 101 locomotives are used.[22]
The night-trains operate on the following lines:

More information Trains for Norrland, Route ...
Trains for Norrland
RouteTrain numberCalling at
Umeå C or Duved to
Stockholm C or Gothenburg C
60/64/67/69/70/71/72/73/74/77/79Duved portion:
Åre, Undersåker, Järpen, Krokom, Östersund C, Bräcke, Ånge, Sundsvall C
Umeå portion:
Umeå Östra, Nordmaling, Örnsköldsvik C, Kramfors, Härnösand, Sundsvall C
The two portions divide/attach at Sundsvall Central.
Stockholm portion (all stops set-down only):
Hudiksvall, Söderhamn, Gävle C, Uppsala C, Arlanda C
Gothenburg portion (all stops set-down only):
Örebro C, Hallsberg, Skövde C, Herrljunga
Main Line South
RouteTrain numberCalling at
Malmö C to Stockholm C1/2Hässleholm, Alvesta, Nässjö C, Linköping C, Norrköping C
SJ EuroNight
RouteTrain numberCalling at
Stockholm C to Berlin Hbf345/346Stockholm C, Norrköping C, Linköping C, Nässjö C, Alvesta, Hässleholm, Lund C, Malmö C, Copenhagen Airport, Padborg, Hamburg Hbf, Berlin Hbf
Stops within Sweden are pick-up only if the train starts from Stockholm
Close

SJ InterCity

The InterCity services are Rc-hauled trains with standard-seating carriages in both first and second class. There is always a bistro car available in the trainset.[23]

Lines with InterCity service:

More information Dalarna, Route ...
Dalarna
RoutetpdCalling atStock
Stockholm C to Mora via Borlänge C2Arlanda C (pickup only), Uppsala C (pickup only), Sala, Avesta Krylbo, Hedemora, Säter, Borlänge C, Djurås, Gagnef, Insjön, Leksand, Tällberg, Rättvik, MoraRc6
Stockholm C to Falun C via Borlänge C2Arlanda C (pickup only), Uppsala C (pickup only), Sala, Avesta Krylbo, Hedemora, Säter, Borlänge C
Main Line North
RoutetpdCalling atStock
Stockholm C to Östersund C and Duved2Arlanda C (pickup only), Uppsala C (pickup only), Gävle C, Bollnäs, Järvsö, Ljusdal, Ånge, Bräcke, Östersund C, Krokom, Järpen, Undersåker, Åre, DuvedRc6 or X55
Värmland and Norway
RoutetpdCalling atStock
Stockholm C to Karlstad C and Oslo S3Södertälje South, Katrineholm, Hallsberg, Degerfors, Kristinehamn, Karlstad C, Arvika, KongsvingerRc6 or X55
RoutetphCalling atStock
East Coast Line / South Main Line
Gävle C to Linköping C1Tierp, Uppsala C, Arlanda C, Stockholm C, Flemingsberg, Södertälje South, Norrköping C
Limited InterCity service Ljusdal - Linköping and Sundsvall-Linköping
X40
Close

SJ Regional

Most of the SJ Regional network was concentrated in the area around lake Mälaren. Operated with either Rc-hauled trainsets, X12/X14 or X40 EMUs. These trains have no catering on board. The X40 is equipped with free 4G WiFi. Both first and second-class are usually offered.[24] Most of this network has been incorporated into the new Mälartåg franchise, although some services remain outside of it.

In Feb 2026, Västtrafik, Hallandstrafiken and Jönköpings Länstrafik awarded SJ an 11-year contract to continue operating the Västtågen regional train system from 12 December 2027.[25]

Routes listed below are the satellite routes which are not subject to franchising.

More information Route, tph ...
SJ Regionaltåg
RoutetphCalling atStock
Stockholm C to Hallsberg
and Gothenburg C via Västerås
2Sundbyberg, Bålsta, Enköping, Västerås C, Köping, Arboga, Örebro C, Örebro South, Kumla, Hallsberg, Laxå, Töreboda, Skövde C, Falköping C, Herrljunga, Vårgårda, AlingsåsX40
Gothenburg C to
Karlstad C via Åmål
1tp2hTrollhättan, Öxnered, Mellerud, Åmål, Säffle, Grums, KilX52
Gothenburg C to
Kalmar C
4tpdBorås C, Limmared, Hestra, Gnosjö, Värnamo, Alvesta, Växjö, Lessebo, Emmaboda, NybroRc6
Close

Franchised operations

SJ operate a couple of regional rail franchises held by public transport authorities around the country. The most significant of these are Mälartåg and Västtågen serving the Mälaren valley and the region of West Götaland respectively. SJ AB also started operating the Öresundståg franchise for the 2020 timetable, taking over from Transdev. But due to serious inconsistencies between partners the contract will be terminated as of December 2022 where Transdev will take over again.

MTR took over the Mälartåg contract in December 2021.

More information Västtågen, Route ...
Västtågen
RoutetphCalling atStock
Gothenburg C to Töreboda2Alingsås, Vårgårda, Herrljunga, Floby, Falköping C, Stenstorp, Skövde C
some trains extend to Töreboda
Some trains originate/terminate at Nässjö reversing at Falköping C
X52
Nässjö C to Skövde C or Gothenburg C2Forserum, Tenhult, Huskvarna, Jönköping C, Bankeryd, Habo, Mullsjö, Sandhem, Falköping C
Some through services to Gothenburg (see above)
X52
Gothenburg C to Uddevalla and Strömstad2Ytterby, Kode, Stora Höga, Stenugnsund, Svenshögen, Ljungskile, Uddevalla East, Uddevalla C, Munkedal, Dingle, Hällevadsholm, Rabbalshede, Tanum, Överby, SkeeX11/X12/X14/X52
Uddevalla C to Borås C via Herrljunga2Öxnered, Vänersborg C, Vargön, Grästorp, Vara, Vedum, Herrljunga, Ljung, Torpåkra, Mollaryd, Borgstend, Fristad, Viskafors
Services continue to Varberg (see below).
X11/X12/X14
Borås C to Varberg2Viskafors, Fritsla, Kinna, Assberg, Skene, Berghem, Björketorp, Horred, Veddige, Derome, ToftaX11/X12/X14
Gothenburg commuter rail
RoutetphCalling atStock
Gothenburg C to Alingsås2Sävenäs, Partille, Jonsered, Aspen, Aspedalen, Stenkullen, Floda, Norsesund, Västra Bodarna AlingsåsX12/X61
Gothenburg C to Älvängen2Gamlestaden, Surte, Bohus, Nödinge, Nol, ÄlvängenX12/X61
Gothenburg C to Kungsbacka2Mölndal Central, Kållered, Lindome, Anneberg, [Kungsbacka] Hede, KungsbackaX12/X61
Close

The stretch Malmö Central to Copenhagen Central is operated 50/50 alongside Danish State Railways (DSB) and Copenhagen to Østerport/Nivå by DSB only.

The initial contract for the Mälartåg franchise states that the operator may use their own fleet [of X12, X40 and X50 stock] until the delivery of ER1 Stadler Dosto 200 EMUs is completed. The Upptåget franchise will be merged into Mälartåg onwards from the 2022 timetable, meaning that services from Gävle gain additional stations inherited from the termination of the Upptåget franchise.

SJ higher speed trains

SJ higher speed trains (Swedish: SJ Snabbtåg) are X2 or X55 trains operating on the main routes in Sweden. The trains are equipped with WiFi and have a bistro.[26]

More information West Coast, Route ...
West Coast
RoutetphCalling atStock
Gothenburg C to Copenhagen H10Varberg, Halmstad C, Helsingborg C, Lund C, Malmö C, Copenhagen AirportX55
East Coast
RoutetphCalling atStock
Stockholm C to Sundsvall C
and Umeå C
1tp2hArlanda C (pickup only), Uppsala C (pickup only), Gävle C, Söderhamn, Hudiksvall, Sundsvall C, Härnösand, Kramfors, Örnsköldsvik C, Umeå East, Umeå C
Some trains originate/terminate at Sundsvall on weekends
X55
Main Line North
RoutetphCalling atStock
Stockholm C to Östersund C and Duved via Gävle C and Bollnäs1tp2hArlanda C (pickup only), Uppsala C (pickup only), Gävle C, Ockelbo, Bollnäs, Järvsö, Ljusdal, Ånge, Bräcke, Östersund C, Undersåker, Åre, DuvedX55 or Rc6
Main Line West
RoutetphCalling atStock
Stockholm C to Gothenburg C
(not all services stop at all stations)
1tp2hSödertälje South, Katrineholm, Hallsberg, Skövde C, HerrljungaX2
Stockholm C to Trollhättan
limited service
1tpdSödertälje South, Katrineholm, Hallsberg, Skövde C, Herrljunga, GothenburgX2
Borås C to Stockholm C
limited service
2tpdHerrljunga C, Falköping C, Skövde C, Hallsberg CX55
Main Line South
RoutetpdCalling atStock
Stockholm C to Malmö C14Södertälje South, Katrineholm, Norrköping C, Linköping C, Nässjö C, Alvesta, Hässleholm, Eslöv, LundX2
Stockholm C to Jönköping C
limited service
1Södertälje South, Katrineholm, Norrköping C, Linköping C, Nässjö CX2
Värmland
RoutetpdCalling atStock
Stockholm C to Karlstad C or Oslo S1 (Karlstad)
4 (Oslo)
Södertälje South, Katrineholm, Hallsberg, Degerfors, Kristinehamn, (Karlstad, Arvika, Lillestrøm)X2, X55, or Rc6
(the latter two operate to Oslo)
Close

Stops at Arlanda and Uppsala are for boarding northbound or alighting southbound respectively, although passengers with railcards are exempted from this rule. Some services do also allow both boarding and alighting at Arlanda and Uppsala respectively.

SJ Norge

On 7 June 2020, SJ Norge (trading as SJ NORD)[27] commenced operating services on the Trøndelag Commuter Rail, as well as the Meråker, Røros, Rauma, Nordland, the Saltpendel Line and the Dovre Regional Line under a 10-year contract with the Norwegian Railway Directorate.[28][29]

SJ operates trains owned by Norske Tog (Norwegian Trains) and these are:

  • Class 76 or Stadler FLIRT Bio-Modes (hybrid electric EMUs) as well as Di - 4 diesel-electric locomotives and Class 92 Duewag DMUs
  • EL18 electric locomotives, Class 93 Bombardier Talent DMUs, and Class 73 ADtranz EMUs.

The rail routes SJ Norge operate are:

  • Steinkjer – Trondheim Central
  • Steinkjer – Lerkendal/Trondheim Outskirts
  • Steinkjer – Lundamo
  • Steinkjer – Melhus
  • Lerkendal/Trondheim Outskirts – Trondheim Central
  • Trondheim Central – Heimdal
  • Trondheim Central – Melhus
  • Trondheim Central – Lundamo
  • Trondheim Central – Røros
  • Trondheim Central – Stjørdal/Værnes Airport
  • Heimdal – Storlien (interchange with Norrtåg toward Östersund
  • Trondheim Central – Bodø
  • Trondheim Central – Mo i Rana
  • Trondheim Central – Oslo Central
  • Rotvoll – Røros
  • Rotvoll – Støren
  • Steinkjer – Støren
  • Røros – Hamar
  • Saltenpendelen

Ticketing

Ticket prices on SJ trains vary, similarly to airfares, with the lowest prices typically available when booking ahead.[30] SJ offers different ticket categories, such as non-rebookable and refundable tickets, each with varying levels of flexibility. Additionally, there are certain discounts for seniors, students, youths, and families.[31]

In September 2023, SJ removed its ticket machines from stations.[32] The machines were phased out due to a decline in customer usage and the machines' reliance on older technology.[33] SJ directs passengers to purchase tickets via their website, the SJ app, or through authorised agents. It is not possible to buy tickets on board SJ's trains.[34] Additionally, since September 2009, passengers are required to carry an identity document while traveling on SJ trains.[35]

See also

References

Related Articles

Wikiwand AI